I am 20 years old and am in my third year of college. I just recently got diagnosed with type 1 diabetes about 5 months ago. I just got on the pump a couple weeks ago as well... I have always wanted to travel and see a lot of different countries or go hiking with friends or backpacking through Europe. I feel like since I am diabetic I can't do this as well anymore... It really bums me out to feel like diabetes is holding me back from a lot of activities I would love to do with my friends and family. Do any of you travel a lot or go places for a semi-long period of time?

I really do not want to feel like my new condition is holding me back from dreams that I want to accomplish when I graduate from college/grad school. I know that there are type one diabetics who run marathons or participate in triathlons and stuff, how do they do it??? (not that I want to run a marathon... but I know that if they can do that, I should be able to travel and hike, right - how?) Any advice or experience with how to accomplish goals like these...? It would mean a lot to me to hear what other people have to say! Thank you!



<br><br>[<i>This Message was Edited on 04/22/2009</i>]

[This Message was Edited on 04/22/2009]

I don't think it has to stop you from anything, although you'd have to plan ahead. I taught in the Aleutian Islands where you had to get to the school by boat, for 3 years when I was in my 20's, I can't even remember now how I got my insulin supplies, but I must have somehow. My boyfriend and I lived in houses with no running water or electricity for 5 years, before we got married and built our home, I don't remember how I kept my insulin cool, but I must have. I haven't traveled alot, went to WDW for 3 weeks, but that's not really traveling. There's a type 1 who mushes the Iditarod sled dog race, those conditions are brutal on a healthy person, but he's finished the race. It will hold you back if you let it and I think with planning you should be able to do anything. Take sugar on the hike, in case your BS goes low.

Hi there. You can definitely do those things you want to do, but you may have to prepare a little and take precautions. You sound discouraged, almost defeated even. Don't ever give up on your dreams because your dreams and mindset can and will fuel your ability to perform. If there's one thing I've learned in life, it's that "if your dream is big enough, the facts don't matter". Stay positive and believe in yourself. You can do it!!!! I'm sorry if this sounds too preachy. I'm just trying to give encouragment. What do you think about your "condition"? Warmest regards, BHN.

Yea, I feel a little discouraged sometimes but I think that is just because I do not really know where to start... I am really cautious and monitor my diabetes really well, I guess I am just not sure how I would do that as well while traveling. I am curious how I would get my insulin supplies and how to keep it all cold and everything.. I also was diagnosed with Celiac Disease a couple months ago, so I am wondering what I would eat and how to get a hold of foods without gluten in them. I know there are ways, because I know I am most definitely not the only one out there that has these "conditions" and others do go out and travel I'm sure! Like I said, I guess I just really do not know where to start. Another part of it is the cost it takes to travel. Money is a big part of it, and sometimes I just think how expensive it would be to travel, so I sort of let that bog me down sometimes too...


I am sure it will be a lot more smooth as time goes on. It is already pretty smooth for me I guess... I catch on to things very well and have learned to adapt. I know I am really blessed to have healthcare and everything that I do. Overall, I deal with it all fine. There are of course times when I am bummed out because of everything, but it could be worse!