Hiking, Climbing & Type 1 Diabetes: Managing Blood Sugar Off the Grid
- 22 hours ago
- 3 min read
Living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) doesn’t mean giving up adventure. In fact, it might just mean planning a little differently — and discovering something even more powerful along the way.
In a recent episode of the Direct Diabetes video podcast, host Madi Cheever sits down with Paul Reed, founder of Type One Outdoors, to talk about hiking, mountaineering, rock climbing, blood sugar management, and what he calls “intangible wilderness therapy.”
If you or someone you love lives with type 1 diabetes and wonders, “Can I still do that?” — this episode is your answer.
🌲 Meet Paul Reed, Founder of Type One Outdoors
Diagnosed in 1986 at age 15, Paul has lived with T1D for nearly 40 years. Instead of allowing diabetes to limit him, he built a community around thriving outdoors with it.
From backpacking and trail running to rock climbing in Joshua Tree and mountaineering in the Sierra, Paul’s mission is simple:
You can do hard things — even with diabetes.
In the episode, he shares how preparation, confidence, and the right tools make outdoor adventure not just possible — but empowering.
🏔️ How Type 1 Diabetes and Outdoor Adventure Can Work Together
One of the most powerful themes from the conversation is that diabetes doesn’t disappear in the mountains — but the burden can feel lighter. Paul explains that being outdoors provides something difficult to describe but deeply real: a mental reset.
For many people with T1D, the constant 24/7 management can feel heavy. The outdoors offers:
Improved mental clarity
Reduced stress
Renewed confidence
A reminder that your body is capable
And confidence is everything.
🔧 Top Tips for Managing Blood Sugar on Outdoor Adventures
If you’ve ever feared going low on a hike or having your pump fail miles from home, this episode delivers practical advice.
Here are some of Paul’s must-know diabetes outdoor tips:
1. Break It Down to Basics
Focus on two essentials:
What treats a low?
What treats a high?
Scale your supplies to the length of your trip.
2. Bring Backups for the Backups
Extra CGM supplies, Extra insulin, Extra fast-acting carbs, Cash — just in case.
As Madi says in the episode: bring more than you think you’ll need.
3. CGM = Game Changer
Paul emphasizes that continuous glucose monitors are one of the biggest advancements in diabetes care. Trends matter — not just snapshots.
4. Melt-Proof, Crush-Proof Hypo Snacks
Think beyond chocolate. Hard candies, Starburst, or small candy bars that won’t melt in heat are outdoor-friendly options.
🧠 Overcoming Fear of Lows While Hiking
Fear after a bad hypo is real. It can feel traumatic.
Paul suggests starting with small, manageable steps:
Set up a tent in your living room before camping
Take short local hikes before multi-day trips
Practice your backup plan
Confidence builds through repetition.
And as Paul proudly notes in the episode:
He has survived 100% of his low blood sugars in nearly 40 years.
That perspective changes everything.
🤝 Building a Type 1 Diabetes Community Outdoors
Beyond personal adventure, Type One Outdoors hosts:
Local group hikes
Rock climbing weekends
Joshua Tree camping trips
Mountaineering meetups
Educational outdoor workshops
These events bring together both type 1 and non-type 1 participants — because education matters just as much as empowerment.
🎥 Watch & Listen: Where to Follow the Podcast
You can watch and follow this video podcast episode and all future episodes on:
And wherever you get your podcasts
Why This Episode Matters for the Diabetes Community
Searches for:
“Type 1 diabetes hiking tips”
“Managing blood sugar while camping”
“Rock climbing with diabetes”
“Outdoor adventure with T1D”
are growing — because people want to live fully.
This episode shows that with preparation, mindset, and community, type 1 diabetes does not eliminate adventure. It may even deepen it.
As Paul says at the end:
Get outdoors. Discover that intangible wilderness therapy. Remove the burden of type 1 — even if just for a little while.
🎧 Don’t Miss It
If you’re living with type 1 diabetes — or love someone who is — this is an episode worth sharing.
Follow the podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts, and subscribe so you never miss a new conversation.
Adventure is still possible.
Diabetes and all.
This content is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about any questions or concerns regarding your health or treatment options.
