Diabetics on a Ski Adventure in the Arctic
- Considerations and Solutions

Embarking on a ski trip to the northernmost regions of the world is a dream for many adventurous souls. But when the dream confronts the harsh reality of the Arctic's relentless cold and the constant threat of encountering polar bears, it becomes clear that such an adventure requires thorough preparation – especially for diabetics.

For a person with diabetes, it's crucial to keep insulin at the right temperature. In the extreme cold of the Arctic, insulin can be destroyed and rendered unusable, which can be fatal so far from home. Therefore, here are some of the solutions I am considering for my 8-day ski adventure in this remote and challenging terrain:

1. Body-Close Insulin Protection: The most natural heat cabinet is the human body itself. By developing a holder that can sit against the body, I could potentially keep the insulin frost-free using my own body heat. The challenge is to design a holder that can withstand physical impacts during skiing and in the sleeping bag, without chafing or scraping.
   
   
   This caption is intended to convey the complexity and thoughtfulness behind the design and selection of materials for the holder.

2. Thermal Box with Heating Element: A thermal box that can regulate and maintain a constant temperature using a heating element is another solution. The technological approach requires batteries, and a critical question is how long they can last. In an environment where extra weight means more work, a balance must be found between the efficiency of the thermal box and battery life. See blogpost

3. Thermos as an Insulation Means: Finally, I am considering using a simple thermos, wrapped in my sleeping bag, to insulate the insulin from the cold during skiing. This method is low-tech and reliable, but it requires that the sleeping bag remains dry and that the thermos is sturdy enough to withstand the day's rigors.

No matter which solution I choose, testing and experimentation are essential. I plan to use a temperature logger to continuously monitor the condition of the insulin.

Another consideration is nutrition. Freeze-dried food like rice and pasta are quick carbohydrates, which is convenient in the cold, but it can unpredictably affect blood sugar, especially with the increased physical activity. How the frost and physical exertion will affect blood sugar is a variable that I must understand and manage.

Therefore, I have arranged a preparatory trip to Alta in Northern Norway in January 2024 with my family. The purpose is to test the equipment – skis, sleeping bag, and especially insulin storage. This will give me valuable insights into how best to manage my diabetes under extreme conditions and how to fully enjoy the adventure without my condition being a limitation.

By approaching these challenges with care and preparation, I hope to inspire and guide other diabetics who dream of their own Arctic adventure. And most of all, it shows that even with diabetes, there are no limits to adventure if one plans thoughtfully and creatively.