Hybrid closed-loop festival crib sheet published

A new guide has been launched to help healthcare professionals support festival goers with type 1 diabetes who are using hybrid closed-loop (HCL) insulin pumps.

Drawing on her experience as a Consultant Nurse at the Diabetes Centre at North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust and an experienced Volunteer Festival Nurse, Lesley Mills has created this practical crib sheet to help prevent problems as they arise.

It offers clear advice on supporting people living with type 1 diabetes at festivals and other major events.

Festival attendees often walk six to 12 miles each day, dance for hours, stand for prolonged periods, eat irregularly and consume alcohol, so insulin requirements are expected to be lower than normal.

Increased insulin sensitivity may continue for up to 24 hours, increasing the risk of delayed and overnight hypoglycaemia.

The newly published guide outlines key questions to ask people with type 1 diabetes using HCL insulin pumps and includes guidance on hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia and blood ketones.

Healthcare professionals volunteering at festivals and major events can also use the crib sheet to better understand HCL exercise features and pump problems.

The new festival crib sheet is available here.