Slam Dunk Tips for Attending Sports Events with Diabetes

Are you attending your favorite team’s game in a large venue? Here are tips to keep your eye on the ball and your blood sugar.

Whether you like supporting your favorite major league baseball team, your state’s college football team, or your hometown’s local sports teams, having a chronic condition like type 2 diabetes shouldn’t keep you on the sidelines.

As someone with type 2 diabetes for over 20 years, I have attended my share of sporting events. I love watching the Atlanta Braves play, especially in the cooler months. Their teams have played well recently, even winning the World Series in 2021.

I love watching college football, especially the Georgia Bulldogs, and have always wanted to attend a game. However, the thought of 100,000 people in such a tight space makes me nervous, so I try to catch them on television. I still like to watch football in person, so I try to support my local high school team whenever possible.

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Know before you go

One thing all my trips have in common is that I’ll be taking my diabetes supplies with me. Over time, my process has streamlined, and as security protocols have continued to evolve, so has my way of doing things.

Here’s a quick rundown of everything I take when I go to a sporting event or leave the house:

• Insulin: The medication comes in different forms, but I use an insulin pen.
• Continuous glucose monitor (CGM): I use a phone app to track my blood sugar levels on my CGM.
• Emergency contact list: This emergency info is stored on my phone.
• Medical bracelets or tags: I’ve recently started using medical bracelets just in case of an emergency.
• Snacks or candy for lows: Glucose tablets work well for my lows, too.

One of my best things was switching from insulin syringes to insulin pens. Carrying a vial and syringe in a cooler was bulky and sometimes required extra scrutiny when going through security.

Getting into the venue

We’re all used to going through security checkpoints at the airport, and it’s no different to watch your favorite team. However, some venues allow those with medical conditions to go through special screening lines.

If your venue offers this (you can call ahead to ask if it does), locate it as soon as you enter the admittance area to avoid potential delays or questions regarding your supplies.

Frankly, I’ve never had anyone question anything I’ve brought into a stadium regarding my type 2 diabetes supplies. But you could get stopped if you carry a cooler or a large bag, which is not allowed in some venues.

However, according to the American Diabetes Association, federal law allows you to access your diabetes supplies and safely store them. If security questions you, tell them that you have type 2 diabetes. That should alleviate any further questions.

Blood sugar control and concessions

When I get inside the venue to watch my favorite team, one of the first things I do is scope out the concession stands. I love a good stadium brat and a plate of nachos, so I like to see what’s offered and how much it costs before deciding. Here are a few tips once it’s time to watch the game, or what I call the ABCs of being a spectator:

‘A’ is for applause

Who doesn’t love being swept up doing the wave in a large crowd of people? What about singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game?” That’s another fan favorite.

But all these activities have one thing in common: They can raise your blood sugar. If your blood glucose increases when you get excited, you may want to supplement your insulin to help bring it back down.

‘B’ is for brats and beer

Stadium food is notorious for being salty and unhealthy, but if you have to have a brat or something else, try to get the smallest size offered. The same goes for having a beer. Generally, people with type 2 diabetes should avoid drinking alcohol, but if you want to enjoy a cold one, ask your medical team if it’s advisable since alcohol might not mix well with your insulin.

‘C’ is for control

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have had type 2 diabetes for a long time, having good control over your blood glucose levels is crucial to feeling well and keeping complications from type 2 diabetes at bay.

Takeaway

If you like watching sporting events but haven’t ventured out because of a medical condition, it’s time to get back in the game. Following the above tips can get you off the sidelines and let you enjoy everything live sporting events offer, so don’t forget to wave.