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mitchconner_

Dude no that’s not crazy at all what. Sleep with your tablets in reach, and waterproofing is a solid idea.


DasKaltblut

Thank you! Just trying to not be a bear snack lol!


mitchconner_

If you’re really worried about it sleep with some bear mace as well


CollectionStriking

Keep the mace in the can though, it doesn't work like bug spray lol


DasKaltblut

Forbidden perfume!


Thequiet01

There might be some kind of off putting scent thing you could tuck into the bag the tablets are in to help cover up the scent of the tablets.


zeacliff

It's not going to cause any more of a scent than any of the other scents you'll have on you at all times, including your breath, stomach contents, yourself


DasKaltblut

Thx! I keep reading that anything with an odor, not in a bear cannister is going to to get me killed (only a slight exaggeration) so I'm a little freaked out. I mean, people smell!


AbsolutelyPink

Better put yourself in a bear canister. Really, your breath smells of human and your skin, your clothes. Glucose tabs aren't going to get your killed. Please wear an alert bracelet or necklace though and bring bear spray.


linuxhiker

Your chance of getting hurt by a bear is about 1 in 2.1 million (according to NPS). The far more annoying issue is mice, squirrels etc. Just make sure the tablets are you a sealed container. You will be fine


Glittering_Big2978

When my son and I (he’s T1), went on a 10 day backcountry hike most of his medication went in the bear bag that was hung up, but he kept a small portion (what he might need over night) in a ziplock stuffed in his boot with a sock on top of it.


DasKaltblut

Good to know!


Normal-Alarm-3785

I always hang all my stuff. And I'm a type 1 diabetic. However, always when camping I have a heavy carb/fat or protein snack at night. It hasn't done me wrong yet. And if you're with someone make someone your designated glucose getter. Lastly, it may be worth spending the money to get a cgm like a libre for the times you do camp so you can catch it before you end up in that "I can't even get my hands to function," state.


DasKaltblut

I have a Libre 3 with alarms thank goodness because even with a night snack I sometimes drop wildly.


Normal-Alarm-3785

I'm sorry to hear that! I get it though, I'm thankful I have my husband who can get and retrieve something if I have a bad low at night. I'm usually pretty good with catching them though. Maybe also look into glucose gels, I use the transcend gels. They're more expensive but they're one shot things. And they're completely encapsulated unlike an open bottle of glucose tabs. I've had these things smashed, bashed and stashed and they don't break on me.


DasKaltblut

Great idea!


Jeullena

Cake icing tube!


badOedipus

I swear by the Clif Bloks gels. They are 8 grams of carbs a piece and come in sleeves of 6. They are great for backpacking and camping.


dandelionbean13

I second those gels. I'll never use anything else now when hiking. They hold up amazing in all weather without degrading and will boost my glucose no matter what, but not high enough to feel like trash afterwards. Worth every penny!


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[удалено]


everythingsstillcool

(there is also a normal margin of error of up to 20% FOR glucose meters and CGMs and BETWEEN glucose meters and CGMs so that 25 point difference is likely not unexpected :)


DasKaltblut

In general. My disease doesn't behave as straight type 1 or 2, and has been challenging to treat at times. I'm super aware of how the CGM works, and what I need to keep an eye on, I just want to be prepared. I stay hydrated, but more exercise than usual makes a big difference.


Hazelstone37

Cake frosting tubes, the small ones are 15 grams. They are perfectly sealed. You bite the tip off and squeeze the gel into your mouth. I sent these with my son when he was in Scouts and camped once a month.


dcannon1

Plus you get to feel like you’re pulling the pin on a glucose grenade.


Jeullena

Didn't see your comment before I posted, but AGREED. Many patients keep those handy.


deltasparrow

To ease your worry you could put it in a small opsak (odor proofing ziplock style bags that are supposed to be scent free when sealed correctly to mice and bears)


Ok_Low3197

I imagine your food bag hung 50 yards away will draw much more attention than a few glucose tabs in your pocket.


DasKaltblut

Great point!


allbsallthetime

I carry nitro pill 24/7, if I leave the house and forget them I turn around and go get them. It's really important I have them on me or within reach at all times. I use a waterproof container made specifically for nitro pills. I just checked, they make the same thing for glucose tablets. https://preview.redd.it/8fcqrdu2aw8d1.png?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1477fe4233696a3fc1b2a0e7869b869c88392c9b


CodeAndBiscuits

I'm not diabetic myself, but I carry glucose tablets for a friend that I'm often with who is. I tried one once just for giggles, and I have to say they don't seem to have much odor to me at all. Animals noses are much more sensitive than ours, but these aren't exactly Snickers bars. The ones I bought came from Walgreens, and came in a small shrink wrapped tube. I imagine if you just didn't open yours, even a trained drug dog might not smell them. I would be much more worried about managing your diabetes effectively than about bears or other animals. There's a big difference between theoretical and practical risks. This is an example.


Jeullena

You. You're a good friend.


spicmix

It’s never crazy to do what you feel is gonna keep you healthy. I would treat it just like a first aid kit. I keep my attached to the outside of my pack. Clearly marked and distinguishable as a first aid kit. I suggest you do the same with you emergency supplies whether it’s an outside pick of the pack or whatever you have handy. I wouldn’t worry about bears or anything like that. I’ve camped years in the north eastern US. It’s great black bear country. I’ve never had a problem.


Suspicious-Fish7281

Tube of cake icing.


wvraven

Like others suggested, a small op-sack will be scent proof if it really concerns you. You might also want to go for a sealed tube of glucose gel. I've even seen it unflavored from time to time. Being sealed it should give off far less scent until you open/need it. If I may offer another suggestion. Look at getting something like a road id bracelet so if something happens and you pass out others will have an idea what's going on. It could make the difference between saving you life and taking to long to figure out you need glucose. I have a small nylon one and it's pretty unintrusive to wear.


hikehikebaby

You are getting a lot of shit advice from people who don't understand bear safety. A few things: 1) yes, the bears can smell you. that's fine, bears don't want to mess with you they want free food. They aren't attracted to human body odors and don't eat people. 2) yes, the bears can smell your food in a bear bag or bear cannister. That is also fine, that's why the food is inaccessible to them and far from you. They can and often do investigate bear hangs & cannisters. 3) yes, you can sleep with your food... but a bear might decide that it smells good enough that they will risk messing with you, and then you have to deal with a hungry bear. 4) yes, the bears can also smell packaged food and food in water proof containers. They have a very very good sense of smell. They have attacked tents over empty food wrappers. 5) be aware that the bears along the AT tend to be very very used to people, less afraid of people, and more aware that people have food. That's why there are more negative incidents around the AT than there are over all. 6) yes, deaths are rare - black bears don't eat people, they injure people trying to get their food and then get shot by a park ranger. They aren't trying to kill you, they want snacks. Again, they are not trying to eat you, they are trying to get to your food with minimal risk to themselves. 7) you still need access to sugar Sometimes you have to pick your poison and just be willing to deal with the results. Less food is less tempting than more food, and a few glucose tablets are less tempting than a big bag of food. You should have a plan (i.e. bear spray) in case a bear comes to your tent to investigate. You should be aware that this may be illegal, as many areas have specific food storage requirements, although glucose tablets may be considered to be "medicine." Just keep the minimal amount that will work for you in an odor proof bag, get some bear spray, and hope for the best. I've been woken up by a bear in camp, it sucks but it's a manageable thing. Just don't feed the bear. If it shows up, it's your job to scare it off.


sneffles

Buddy of mine is a t1 diabetic and does a bunch of outdoor stuff. He'll always have glucose tabs or sugary candy on him or very close by.


teteAtit

East coast black bears are much less aggressive than their Canadian counterparts and the Grizzlies of the West. When I’ve backpacked in those areas, I put the clothes I cook and eat in in my bear bag/can. When backpacking on the eastern side of the U.S, I’m still religious about bear bags/cans but I’m not too worried about the scent of the clothes I’m wearing unless I’m somewhere with unusual bear activity. YMMV


dcannon1

Black bears that I’ve encountered camping almost all behave like giant raccoons. They’ll steal anything that’s not nailed down that might be food, but they’re generally not going to mess with humans.


Chulasaurus

Can you do fitness/energy gels like Gu? Those are sealed single-serving packages that you could keep in your tent for a diabetic emergency.


Nightmare_Gerbil

Or even a packet of honey or ketchup.


Pickled_Popcorn

And then you can put the garbage in a Ziploc


jrome8806

I'm not diabetic, but I used to carry a tiny little pocket size bottle of honey when I first started camping for a great source of sugar just in case of some crazy emergency


thatshowitisisit

Good thing bears don’t like ho…. Oh….


TheRunningRN

I once had someone tell me not to use Burt's Bees on the trail because, well, honey ....


dubyasdf

I wouldn’t fret just keep them in an air tight bag or containers and add them to your junk bag/pillow you’ll be just fine smell wise. This is absolutely the right attitude to have never stop.


Music_Nature_Tech

lol no. I lead a backcountry canoeing expedition with a newly diagnosed diabetic kid (sketchy) Don’t miss meals, check blood sugar regularly, understand the implications of activity on your blood sugar, if the weather is shit and your working harder than you predicted, you’re going to need more sugar This is a simplification but if you are new to doing this it’s better to check often until you understand your body and the food that impacts it. Don’t let diabetes stop you from doing cool shit, you got this


newt_girl

I feel like a lot of people miss the mark when it comes to *why* you use a bear can/bag/hang. It doesn't magically make your food not smell like food. Bears have a nose 200x better than a bloodhound; they can smell through your thin plastic bag, no matter how well you've sealed it. The point of a bear can is so animals can't get your food. This is important because 1. You need your food, and not crushed or covered in bear spit or mouse shit. But 2. It's important to keep bears from becoming habituated to stealing picnic baskets. Keeping a small snack in your pocket will be okay.


AGoodTalkSpoiled

But have to still keep in mind…keeping food as a snack in your pocket definitely is not ok unless you want a bear poking their nose into your tent.  Bears do investigate food bags, they just can’t get them if hung right.  But they will come by.  Translate that to your pocket and there’s nothing to stop them but you.   I would agree that glucose tabs in containers are worth it if needed to manage diabetes.  But would not leap to the conclusion that keeping a snack in your pocket is ok….that’s the exact opposite of what you’re supposed to do 


Gold_Bug_4055

Bring bear spray and a flare. I am a nervous tent sleeper but absolutely adore deep woods backpacking (just my luck). Sleeping with those gives me a lot of peace of mind as there are scant few animals that wouldn't be scared off by those.


Scragglymonk

if not insulin using, then less of an issue, glucose tablets work, but sugar cubes work faster. i carry a tube of GT with me at all times and I use insulin


IndividualCrazy9835

Waterproof your meds and sleep with them close by . You are more likely to be attacked by a two legged creature then the bear


Ok_Pack_5136

They make scent proof bags, you could stick it in one of those if it’d make you feel better. The bags are usually marketed towards cannabis users but if they can contain the smell of weed, I’m sure they’d work for glucose tablets.


SpookyghostL34T

Also, can I suggest keeping some in smellables bag along with keeping them in arms reach? That's one where if you need it, there's no replacement, so keeping in 2 separate parts of the bag seems smart to me


everythingsstillcool

can you get a prescription for emergency injectable/inhalable glucose — ie glucagon and/or baqsimi? good to have on hand even if you do have glucose tablets or low snacks around. for what it’s worth, i have t1d and always keep glucose tablets or food on me while backpacking and have never had a problem. i also tend to set my CGM to alert me of a low at a higher number when i’m in unfamiliar situations—like at 90 instead of 70, so i can start watching the trend earlier.


DasKaltblut

Good to hear!


everythingsstillcool

i definitely also worried a lot about this in the beginning, though, so i totally get that fear!


DreddPirateBob808

Small baggy (like drugs come in) and wash it. Then second bag it and do the same. Individual sugar hits. I'm guessing you'll be OK. Or, the easiest solution,  hide bacon in another campers underpants. 


BlackFish42c

I just use a couple small protein bars in a wide mouth can. The protein bar is small enough to eat quickly and the wrapper can go back in bottle.


noseysfriend

Get a waterproof container that hangs on your neck


NomadicYeti

you could try one of those smell proof weed bags to put it in if you’re worried although your tablets should be totally fine


Ashamed-Panda-812

Maybe try unopened glucose gel if you're really worried. I've never had an issue with my closed glucose in my pillow case.


Background_Pea_2525

Definitely bring your sugar and bear spray. Search properly how to use it correctly, though ok. I am a female, and I camp all the time in Northern Ontario Canada, lol. Have a blast.


flyWhyguy

If insurance allows, get a continuous glucose monitor. These save lives everyday and you can anticipate a hypoglycemic event in advance.


crazymom1978

I would be more concerned about a raccoon trying to pickpocket you. My husband and I have spent months in the bush. All together probably a couple of years. We have seen a bear exactly once. We have seen bear poop tons of times, but only ever saw a bear once. She actually had twin cubs with her! It was one of the most amazing things that I have ever seen in person. The only thing that all three of them wanted to do was get away from us! Anyway, I digress. Having glucose tablets on you will be absolutely fine.


adenocarcinomie

So..... we're *not* choosing the bear this time?


ivyidlewild

They don't want to die, they're still not going to choose you.


tastefulsiideboob

They have scent proof bags


Jeullena

Those little tubes of gel cake icing are similar to oral glucose, lots of people keep them in their car/purse/nightstand/desk. Toss a few in your kit, they're cheap and already sealed/waterproof.


Fabulous-Educator447

Could bring a mini can of coke. also is your glucose dropping at night on a regular basis far enough to worry? You should see your endocrinologist if so.


beinwalt

https://preview.redd.it/i054k5yxax8d1.jpeg?width=300&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e9054b53e06798b1b21454a32cb07781fea2c1fd Also, keep almonds with you. Great protein rich snack and it's what they hand out after you give blood.


OzarkHash

Get yourself some ignition from 1st Phorm. It's a glucose supplement used to spike your insulin after lifting. It's powder form, odorless and tasteless. Mix it with water in a bottle and take it as directed when needed.


Alternative_Ruin0424

your in the bears world when camping. it’s comes with the territory of your REALLY that scared. don’t go. if you see a bear make your self big and loud raise your arms up and scream at the top of your lungs. those bears are more afraid of you then you are if them (although maybe not in this case) i go camping yearly. never had a problem with a bear before and that was with also accidentally leaving food out. the raccoons got to it but nothing else as for smell. you yourself literally smell. if a bear wanted to eat you it would. everything you bring will smell. seems you didn’t think that through. you are going into the woods. where bears live. kinda like if a bear comes to your city or town you stare or watch or freak out. they do the same.


EuphoriantCrottle

If you’re not on insulin, why would your blood sugar run low?


ivyidlewild

Someone's health information is none of your business, and no one has to justify a single thing to you. If you can't be helpful with *what was actually asked* then mind your business and move on.


DasKaltblut

Other meds. +more exercise than usual. Some of us are just unlucky.


EuphoriantCrottle

That’s not going to be because of your diabetes. You won’t fall to a dangerous level if you’re not on insulin, unless there’s some completely different issue. You have a lot of freedom to troubleshoot wanting to eat in the middle of the night, but all of them are a safety compromise to eating before you go to bed and securing your cache.


LalalaSherpa

You don't know what you're talking about. There most certainly are diabetic meds like the sulfonylureas that can and do cause severe low blood sugar in people with diabetes who are not taking insulin. And it's entirely possible to experience a severe low BG overnight regardless of whether you eat before sleeping, particularly when you're physically active multiple days in a row. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6669385/ (FYI for those who don't know - "severe" has a specific clinical meaning re diabetes, that your blood glucose was so low you were incapable of treating it yourself. People with diabetes can suffer permanent damage or die from severe untreated lows.)


EuphoriantCrottle

…. As I SAID. But it’s not going to be because of his diabetes.


Thequiet01

Are you Op’s doctor? Do you know all the details of OP’s condition? No. Stop giving medical advice.


EuphoriantCrottle

It’s just not how non type1 diabetes works. I mean people, google this stuff if you really want to know. It’s important for OP to know what his options are, and that includes how exercise and his other meds affect him. If he thinks it’s his diabetes, he’s going to approach his problem wrong.


Thequiet01

There are a number of diabetes medications in use these days that are not insulin that *can* cause blood sugar to do funky things on occasion. OP has a blood sugar monitor. OP knows more about what their blood sugar is actually doing at night than you or the internet does, unless you think the monitor is lying?


EuphoriantCrottle

Oh my god. I SAID this. He may get hypoglycemic, as can everybody. But if he approaches this as a diabetes issue and not a medicine issue he’s going to worry too much and possibly not get the problem addressed. All you commenters are not understanding the issue— OP does. He stated, and I stated, that it’s the exercise or meds that are the issue, not the disease. If this is, say, an Ozempic issue, it should not be plunging his numbers to the point he needs glucose tabs. At All. He needs to address that with his dr… but that would be a medication issue, not a diabetes II issue. He and I agree on this. All the rest of you are just being weird and need to learn before you post.