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Disconnecting from the insulin pump when going swimminig

• Anonymous ORIGINAL POSTER
  Disconnecting from the insulin pump when going swimminig - Posted by Anonymous

  I usually do not go in the water because I am concerned about disconnecting from the insulin pump. can i disconnect and go in the water for a long period of time?
• Samuel Grossman, BS Pharm, Pharm.D, CDE PROFESSIONAL
  Answered 7/16/2014 by Samuel Grossman, BS Pharm, Pharm.D, CDE

  Pump manufacturers allow patients to disconnect from an insulin pump when they go swimming. You should review the recommendations by your pump manufacturer. In my experience, patients were able to disconnect for up to 2 hours while they swam. It's important to do a fingerstick before you disconnect, and when you return to shore or get out of the pool to reconnect your pump right away. Also, consult with your provider about what to do if your blood sugar is high or low before or after swimming. You may need to eat a snack before swimming or add a bolus after you reconnect your pump, depending on how intensively and how long you swam.