Arrival in Svalbard

The cold takes hold

Stepping off the plane in Longyearbyen, where the temperature is minus 15 degrees Celsius, is both a cold and exhilarating experience. The cold quickly seeps through to the skin, making it essential to be prepared with the right clothing. The warm jacket and winter boots need to be within reach so they can quickly be put on to combat the harsh climate.

Packing in the Icy warehouse

Packing the sled took place in a large, icy warehouse in the middle of Longyearbyen. It was a swift but very cold process that required efficiency. The handmade pouch for the insulin pens was placed over the innermost wool layer. Although it had only been briefly tested, it fit surprisingly well and close to the body, providing a sense of security in the cold climate.



The expedition begins: A challenge for both body and blood Sugar

The next day, we were dropped off approximately 10 km east of Longyearbyen, where Nordenskjöld Land National Park begins. My Libre sensor was activated, and my phone was set to alert for hypoglycemia. The insulin was securely placed on the innermost wool layer, covered by two more wool layers and a shell jacket. My blood sugar was stable, but I knew that the strenuous physical activity of pulling the sled over snow and ice would significantly impact it.

Insulin considerations: Finding the balance

At the first meal during lunch, I faced significant considerations regarding the amount of insulin. I decided to take 6 units for a REAL MEAL, even though my blood sugar was around 4. Unfortunately, the 6 units were not enough despite the hard work, and my blood sugar rose throughout the day, reaching about 22 by the evening. The evening meal also contained many carbohydrates, requiring more units of insulin to bring the blood sugar down. It worked, but it resulted in me needing to take glucose later to avoid low blood sugar during the night. Luckily, I was awake every few hours for polar bear watch, which gave me a better understanding of how physical activity affects insulin needs in the cold. A bit of learning by doing, I must admit.

Preparations: Ensuring blood sugar in Eextreme cold

I was well-prepared for the challenges ahead. I had brought a large amount of glucose, approximately 24 packs, a pack of coarse rye bread, vacuum-packed in portions of two slices, 20 muesli bars, and two large bags of candy. I had distributed these supplies in my shell jacket for easy access, but at -20 to -25 degrees Celsius, it became a challenge to retrieve them. Even in the front pocket, everything was frozen solid, and it was difficult to work without gloves without risking frostbite. When I finally managed to get the glucose, bread, or candy out, they were all frozen. Two slices of frozen rye bread were not exactly a pleasure to eat, and the candy resembled ice cubes. The glucose was slightly more manageable, but still frozen.

Insulin administration in the cold: A successful solution

During midday meals, it was surprisingly easy to retrieve a Novorapid pen and take the necessary units. Both accessing the stomach and keeping the pen warm in my hand worked well. My insulin pouch, which I wore on my stomach, was always within reach and easy to access, proving to be a perfect solution. Evening meals were often eaten in the sleeping bag, where it was also easy to take insulin, and the few extra degrees in the tent gave me a bit more time for needle changes.

Conclusion: Successful insulin management in extreme cold

My conclusion is that it was surprisingly easy to manage insulin in the very cold temperatures. By storing the insulin close to my body in a pouch, it worked exactly as it should, and it turned out to be the right solution compared to storing it in a box on the sled. Power banks and solar panels were sufficient to keep my phone charged.

Blood sugar was not optimal during the trip, with significant fluctuations due to the high level of physical activity, the cold, and the large amount of carbohydrates in the freeze-dried food. However, the experience provided me with valuable insights into how to adjust insulin management under extreme conditions.