Diabetes & sailing

[jimi]

We've just had a bit of a week when our youngest(8) has been diagnosed with diabetes... ambulance from Dartmouth to Torbay! Anybody got any tips on how to cope with a young child on a boat with a similar condition particularly when she's being sea sick.


Jim

 

[stav]

Sorry to read about your daughters condition. Don't let it stop you sailing but you will have to make allowances.

I have had diabetes for six years and still sail, single handed at times and have been down to Spain and bumped around a lot of the Channel.

Sea sickness is a big problem as it really mucks up the blood sugar levels. I always carry plenty of dextros sweets and glucos solution in case I cannot keep anything down. But, fortunately, in 23 years of sailing I have only been sick twice.

But the last time was on last years fasnet and I did have to be relived from my watch for an hour or so.

Finally you will have to build provision in to your sailing plans in case your daughter needs some attention.

I hope this gives you some confidence to carry on and take it a step at a time and I hope your daughter comes to terms with it without too much distress.

Regards Mark