Sponsored by Omnipod

Summer is finally here, and what better way to spend the summer than being with your loved ones. Whether it’s beach trips, waterparks, camping trips, or overseas adventures, there are plenty of activities to do when the sun is out.

For those living with type 1 diabetes or those caring for them, diabetes shouldn’t get in the way of making special memories with loved ones. With the right plan and preparation, you can have a safe summer and enjoy your everyday summer moments, simplified.

1. Plan the journey if you’re going on a holiday

Before booking any hotels, flights or activities, the first step is to talk to your doctor first and discuss your travel plans. Your doctor can suggest additional medications or supplies, if necessary, to make sure you have them handy when needed.

Depending on where you’re going, you may also need a letter, signed by your doctor, to provide detailed information on your diabetes, medications and restrictions. Remember, if you’re travelling internationally by air and you are not travelling with an Australian airline, check in advance with the airline for specific security guidelines.

You should also arrange travel insurance for you and your belongings. Make sure your health cover applies to pre-existing conditions and the places you will visit. For more information on diabetes and travel, click here to read our webpage.

Omnipod users needing a travel letter, can grab a copy for their doctor to sign during a consultation on their travel plans, and they’re good to go.

2. Staying inside when it’s too hot

Australia’s summer temperatures this year is predicted to be warmer than usual, with very minimal rainfall¹. Check weather forecast each day before you go out anywhere. Put on sunscreen with at least SPF 50, bring a hat, umbrella, handheld fan and a water bottle to keep yourself cool.

However, if the sun decides to get hotter, make sure to get inside as soon as possible. It will be more difficult for your body to adjust and cool down when the heat and humidity are too strong.

There are plenty of indoor activities that you can do during summer, check out our blog on 10 diabetes-friendly summer activities.

3. Summer-proof insulin management systems

While summer brings lots of fun, the hotter temps and time outdoors can put added stress on insulin delivery systems as most insulin pumps have operating temperature limits– which makes choosing the right one for your lifestyle very important.

If you are wearing a traditional pump, it’s still recommended to disconnect it to keep it safe and avoid losing it when swimming in the ocean. For those who prefer not to disconnect during water activities, tubeless options offer a convenient alternative.

Tubeless pumps like Omnipod 5 eliminate tubing snags making it easy to hike, swim, or enjoy any active outdoor activity. It automatically adjusts insulin every five minutes using CGM data to help prevent high and low glucose levels². Omnipod 5 is also waterproof and designed for everyday moments so you can run, hike, surf or swim without interrupting your insulin delivery from daily activities.

Top tip: When using any insulin pump in the hot Australian summers, do remember it’s important to limit direct sunlight for long durations to prevent overheating.

You can also pack a cooler pack, pack a small sharps container to dispose of any sharps used, and pack an extra cannula set change³.

4. Staying on top of your glucose levels

Your health is a number one priority, so it’s important to keep your blood glucose levels (BGLs) as close to target range as possible, based on what your GP and specialist set for you.

Your blood glucose levels can increase or decrease depending on various factors, especially during the summer period, such as:

• Food
• Alcohol
• Exercise or physical activity

When you’re out and about, make sure to keep track of the food you eat (including the time and amount of carbs), minimise alcohol consumption, and take breaks from strenuous activities.

5. Snack and hydrate

To keep yourself fuelled throughout the day, remember to pack snacks and have a water bottle handy.

It is recommended to get at least 15-30mgs of carbohydrate for every 30-60 minutes of mild to moderate intensity activities or exercise. When swimming in the ocean, don’t forget to hydrate every 15-20 minutes to maintain your fluid intake⁴.

If you need some snack ideas to bring while you’re out, things like nuts, seeds, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, turkey or ham sandwich, and cucumber or celery with hummus or avocado dips would be ideal to maintain your protein, fibre and healthy fats intake and stabilise your blood sugar.

Your GP or specialist can also recommend you particular snacks or meal plan, so make sure to consult with them to be safe!

Omnipod is designed to offer added freedom, flexibility, and ease of use for some people compared with traditional pumps or injections, making it a convenient option to consider. during summer activities.

For general information about the Omnipod 5 system, visit the official Omnipod website here: https://www.omnipod.com/en-au/simplifysummer?ctoken=701Jy00001DD0YWIA1

*The Pod has an IP28 rating for up to 7.6 metres for 60 minutes. Controller is not waterproof.

This product may not be right for you. Read the warnings before purchase.

The Omnipod 5 Automated Insulin Delivery System is a single hormone insulin delivery system intended to deliver U-100 insulin subcutaneously for the management of type 1 diabetes in persons aged 2 and older requiring insulin. Refer to the Omnipod® 5 Automated Insulin Delivery System User Guide and www.omnipod.com/en-au/what-is-omnipod/omnipod-5 for complete safety information including indications, contraindications, warnings, cautions, and instructions.

This information is general in nature and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional to determine whether an insulin pump is suitable for your individual needs.

1. Bureau of Meteorology. (2025, December 4). The Bureau issues long-range forecast for summer. https://www.bom.gov.au/news-and-media/the-bureau-issues-long-range-forecast-for-summer ↩︎
2. Insulet Corporation. (n.d.). Omnipod. https://www.omnipod.com/en-au ↩︎
3. Diabetes Australia. (n.d.). Safe summer fun. https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/blog/safe-summer-fun/ ↩︎
4. Diabetes Australia. (n.d.). Safe summer fun. https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/blog/safe-summer-fun/ ↩︎