Swimming with an insulin pump requires careful preparation to maintain blood sugar control and protect your device.
This guide covers practical tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience underwater.
Can I swim with an insulin pump?
This depends on the type of insulin pump you are using.
However, we recommend that you avoid swim with an insulin pump installed unless you use a waterproof insulin pump cover.
Most insulin pumps function normally when they come into contact with water from time to time, but their water resistance varies depending on the type of pump.
The next popular insulin pumps offer different levels of water resistance:
Omnipod
Omnipod Eros, Dash, and Omnipod 5 are all confirmed to be waterproof.
If you are frequently in the water, this is the best type of insulin pump, as you don’t need to suspend insulin while swimming or showering.
You can even maintain basal speed and bolus of all normal insulin while in the water.
Your body pods are completely waterproof and can maintain optimal functionality at up to an hour of depth under water up to 25 feet (7.6 meters).
The main thing to keep in mind when swimming in an omnipod is that the longer you get underwater, the more likely the pod will peel off (continue reading the tips on how to prevent this) because water can make it more adhesive.
Tandem T-SLIM X2
The tandem T-SLIM X2 pump is “watertight” However, it is not “waterproof”. They can function at a depth of 3 feet for up to 30 minutes, but are not designed for swimming.
In tandems, if you are often close to water to avoid water damage, it is recommended to protect the pump to use a waterproof pump case.
Medtronic Minimed
Medtronic has been kept to a minimumTM The 780G system is an IPX8 device. This means it is waterproof up to 24 hours’ depths.
However, the sensors and transmitters are only water resistant to about 8 feet for 30 minutes.
This means that the entire system (pumps, tubes, sensors, etc.) is classified as splash proof rather than waterproof. We do not recommend swimming with a Medtronic pump.
How to make waterproof insulin pumps
One of the easiest ways to waterproof your insulin pump is to use a protective case.
Various companies offer waterproof pouches specifically designed for insulin pumps. These pouches are made of durable waterproof material that allow easy access and visibility while keeping water out of reach of your device.
When selecting a case, make sure it fits your specific pump model and checks for features such as safe closure and clear windows.
What if the pump is not waterproof?
Be sure to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to determine how watertight or waterproof the pump is.
You can leave the waterproof pump in place while swimming.
Using a non-waterproof insulin pump does not mean you can’t swim, nor does it mean you need to remove the infusion set and cannula to swim.
To make swimming easier, remove the tube from the insulin pump and infusion set and stop the insulin. Once you’ve come out of the water, you can re-touch them.
Be careful not to remove it from the insulin pump for a long time.
Most people recommend separating for up to 1 hour, then recatalyzed for a bolus of insulin to prevent the possibility of hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Tips for swiming by removing the insulin pump
The following strategies can help you safely remove the pump tube:
- Suspend all insulin before cutting to prevent the pump from wasting the medicine.
- Check your blood sugar level before removing the pump, and if your blood sugar level is high, check the bolus. For a while, know that you don’t have a base speed.
- Store your insulin pump in a waterproof case or a nearby bag.
- Monitor your glucose levels during activity and if your glucose starts to rise, reconnect for a bolus or get a manual injection of insulin.
- Try limiting the insulin suspension to 60 minutes unless you give it an insulin bolus along the way.
- Once you reconnect the pump, don’t forget to restart the basal insulin.
- Maintain hydration. Dehydration can exacerbate hyperglycemia, leading to insulin resistance and rapid DKA.
- I always carry hypoglycemic snacks, especially when exercising in a fever.
Should I leave the pump cut off for swimming?
This all depends on your blood sugar level, insulin sensitivity, insulin resistance, and how much activity you are doing if you are eating.
Most people only recommend cutting the insulin pump for up to 60 minutes, then reconnect and take a bolus dose of insulin.
Always monitor your blood sugar before, during and after water activity.
If basal insulin is not given through the insulin pump, you are more susceptible to DKA and hyperglycemia.
