Swimming, beach days, lake trips, and pool parties can all be part of a healthy, active lifestyle when you’re living with diabetes. But, swimming with diabetes devices and navigating water activities can take a little extra planning. Whether you’re swimming laps, relaxing at the beach, or spending the day boating with family, understanding how your devices perform in water is essential for both safety and peace of mind.
Swimming With Diabetes Devices
If you’ve ever wondered about swimming with diabetes devices, the good news is that many modern diabetes tools are designed to handle water exposure. Still, every device has different waterproof ratings, wear times, and best practices. Here are practical tips to help you feel more confident during water activities with diabetes.
1. Know the Water Resistance Limits of Your Devices
One of the most important tips for managing diabetes equipment and swimming is understanding the difference between “water-resistant” and truly waterproof.
Many CGMs and insulin pumps are marketed as waterproof diabetes equipment, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they can handle prolonged swimming, deeper diving, or hot tubs. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for:
- Water depth limits
- Water exposure time limits
- Temperature limits (hot tubs, etc.)
In many cases, devices like Dexcom and Libre systems are designed to tolerate water exposure for a specified amount of time. Similarly, if you’re wondering if you can swim with an insulin pump, the answer depends on the model. Some pumps are waterproof, while others should be disconnected before entering the water.
2. Use Extra Adhesive Protection Before Swimming
Water, sunscreen, sweat, and chlorine can all weaken adhesives. One of the best diabetes swimming tips is to reinforce your device before extended water exposure.
A high-quality waterproof CGM patch can help secure sensors during swimming, especially during vacations or long days at the pool. Adhesive overpatches are particularly helpful for active kids, competitive swimmers, or anyone spending several hours in the water.
Personally, I prefer to use both an adhesive wipe before applying my devices, as well as an overpatch after they’re on.
- My favorite adhesive wipes (affiliate link)
- My go-to Skingrip patches (affiliate link)
When applying extra adhesive protection:
- Start with clean, dry skin
- Avoid lotions before application
- Apply patches several hours before swimming when possible
- Replace peeling patches promptly
This is especially helpful for people swimming with CGM devices regularly.
3. Plan Ahead for Blood Sugar Changes During Water Activities
Swimming can lower blood sugar quickly because it combines aerobic exercise with full-body movement. During water activities with diabetes, glucose trends may change faster than expected.
If you’re swimming with Dexcom or another CGM, monitor trends before, during, and after activity whenever possible. Some people notice delayed lows several hours after swimming, especially after intense exercise.
Also, be aware of how water impacts your CGM’s reception. If your sensor is underwater, it may not be able to send signals to your receiving device. If your CGM loses signal while submerged, remember that readings typically reconnect once you’re out of the water and within range of your receiver or smartphone.
Helpful strategies include:
- Checking glucose before entering the water
- Keeping fast-acting carbs nearby
- Taking breaks to monitor glucose trends and bring your sensor back above water
- Watching for delayed hypoglycemia later in the day
4. Consider Pump Placement and Disconnect Timing
Because pump management can be one of the trickiest parts of swimming, many people wonder if you can swim with an insulin pump?
Some pumps are designed for full water exposure, while others may need to be disconnected temporarily. If you disconnect your pump, talk with your healthcare provider about safe timing limits and strategies to avoid high blood sugars.
For those swimming with Omnipod, the tubeless design can make water activities easier since the pod stays attached during swimming and bathing. Even so, adhesive reinforcement may still help prevent accidental detachment.
No matter which system you use, always inspect infusion sites or pod placement after swimming to ensure everything remains secure.
5. Protect Devices From Heat and Sun Exposure
When discussing diabetes devices and water, it’s important not to forget about heat. Direct sunlight and high temperatures can damage insulin and electronics even if the devices themselves are water-resistant.
Avoid leaving pumps, CGMs, insulin, or receivers in direct sun or hot vehicles. Store backup supplies in insulated bags when spending long hours outdoors.
At the beach or pool:
- Keep supplies shaded
- Avoid placing devices on hot concrete
- Dry devices thoroughly after swimming
- Rinse off chlorine or saltwater if recommended by the manufacturer
Protecting your equipment from heat is just as important as protecting it from water.
6. Avoid Using Spray Sunscreens
One often-overlooked tip for swimming with diabetes devices is being careful with spray sunscreen around your CGM or insulin pump if you’re swimming outside. There’s a couple of different reasons for this.
- Spray sunscreens can leave a residue on the adhesive, making it more likely to peel, loosen, or fall off during swimming and other water activities with diabetes.
- If sunscreen gets on the outside coating of a diabetes device and is then exposed to excessive heat and sunlight, it can cause the device to crack. And, this is much more likely to happen if you’re using a spray sunscreen vs a lotion sunscreen. I’ve experienced this with both my Omnipod and Dexcom (see photos below).
If you use a CGM or pump, it’s usually best to apply lotion sunscreen around the site instead of directly over it. If you prefer spray sunscreen, spray it onto your hands first and then apply carefully around your device. This can help protect the adhesive and outside coating of the devices. And, It will improve how long your sensor or infusion set stays in place.
This is especially important for people swimming with CGM systems or using a waterproof CGM patch, since maintaining a strong seal is key during long days in the water.
7. Keep Backup Supplies Nearby
Even the best waterproof diabetes equipment can fail unexpectedly. Adhesives loosen, devices malfunction, and sensors occasionally detach during activity.
Before swimming or boating, pack a small diabetes emergency kit that includes:
- Extra CGM patches
- Backup sensors or infusion sets
- Fast-acting glucose
- Ketone strips
- Charging supplies
- Extra insulin
Being prepared helps reduce stress and allows you to enjoy swimming with more confidence.
Final Thoughts on Swimming With Diabetes Devices
Managing diabetes at the pool, beach, or lake may require extra planning, but it shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the water. With the right preparation, many people successfully manage swimming with diabetes devices every day.
Whether you’re swimming with Dexcom, exploring options for swimming with Omnipod, or figuring out the best approach to diabetes equipment and swimming, understanding your device’s capabilities can help you stay safe and active all season long.
Always follow manufacturer recommendations and work with your healthcare team to create a plan that fits your activity level and diabetes management needs.
More Warm Weather Tips for Managing Diabetes
Here’s more resources for managing diabetes in the heat:
