I went to a diabetic class today and it pretty much sounds like everything I take on my canoe trips is bad for me. High sugar, high fat, high carbs, or high sodium. I suppose I could just try to live off fish but you can never count on that. Does anyone have experience doing diabetic menus and have some pointers they want to share? Thanks Tony.

I don't have a wealth of knowledge for you, and I'm not diabetic, but last year I took a trip with a friend who is.

We made some minor menu changes in that we cut down on the amount of pasta we ate (normally that is the vast majority of what we eat up there) and added some more things like foil wrapped tuna to the menu.

But we ran the menu by his doctor and basically the doctor said that he will be getting so much exercise while paddling up there that the carb-heavy menu shouldn't be a factor for the week.

Of course, my friend's diabetes isn't real severe at this stage.

I agree with SetTheHook. As long as you incorporated complex carbohydrates like pasta, potatoes, etc. you should be fine because of all the exercise you will be getting and thus, burning off all the sugars that are contained in them. For the most part, people will have a much higher metabolic rate while out camping as opposed to their daily jobs. Try to eliminate the candy from your trail mix and other snacks that you would normally eat. Nuts are a great source of protein and calories. For most people with Type II diabetes (adult onset) their blood sugar will be better controlled with regular exercise, which you will be getting out of necessity in bwca. Trust me, I'm a doctor...

Tony I was an insulin dependent diabetic and have taken two week long trips (one to Quetico and one to the BWCA) and an taking another this summer. Although there are a lot of carbs and sugars the exercise burns it off. I have only once ran high sugars using my normal insulin amounts. I have also had two low blood sugar reactions. The best advice I would give is to monitor more frequently. I stay away from the fruit drinks and bring in my own Crystal Lite. But I was fine on the meals.

marc.....how did you store your insulin while you were in the bwca?
my son and i are planning a trip the last of may this year...if anyone reading this has a suggestion i would appreciate it..we will be in the woods (so to speak) for five or six days...thanks

The most important goal for insulin, is to keep it cool. OUT of the SUN. An open bottle that is kept cool should be good for at least 30 days. Also consider having a back up stored separately for emergencies. My longest trip was 22 days.

I put mine in a small thermos. It holds the temperature and helps protect it from getting banged around. I put it in a food bag that stays cool through evaporation by dunking in the lake a couple of times a day. I always carry two sets of insulin just in case something happens.