Beats, Bands & Blood Sugars: The T1D Festival Survival Guide
Music festivals are all about good vibes, great music and unforgettable memories. If you have Type 1 Diabetes there’s a little more planning involved to make sure you can enjoy every moment without stress. Whether you’re heading to Glastonbury, Reading or Leeds, or a local weekend fest- here’s your guide to staying safe, prepared and fully in the festival spirit!
1. Packing Like a Pro- Your Diabetes Festival Kit
Festivals mean long days, unpredictable weather and lots of walking, so you need to be prepared. Here’s what should be in your festival survival kit:
Insulin & Pump Supplies- Take more than you think you’ll need in case of breakages or delays getting home
Glucose Meter/ CGM & Backup Batteries- Festival phone charging stations can be hit or miss, so bring a battery pack for your devices
Hypo Treatments- Fast-acting sugar like glucose tablets, jelly babies or juice boxes. Keep extras in different pockets/bags
Long-Lasting Carbs- Cereal bars, nuts or oatcakes can help keep your levels steady.
Medical ID- A bracelet or phone wallpaper stating you have Type 1 Diabetes can be a lifesaver
Frio Bags- If it’s a hot festival, these cooling bags will keep your insulin safe
2. Security & Entry: Getting Through Without Hassle
Most festivals have medical policies that allow you to bring in necessary diabetes supplies, even if they’re usually restricted (like juice or needles). To make security stress-free:
Check the festival’s medical policy online- Many have an accessibility team who can help.
Bring a doctor’s note- Not always needed, but handy if security questions your kit.
Use a clear bag- It makes explaining your supplies much easier
Know where the medical tents are- Just in case!
3. Food, Drink & Blood Sugar Control
Festival food is unpredictable- there might be loads of food trucks or just overpriced chips. Keep your levels steady with these tips:
Check food stalls in advance- Some festivals list vendors online so you can plan carb counting.
Stay hydrated- Dehydration can mess with blood sugar, so drink lots of water (yes, even when you’re busy dancing).
Alcohol & Diabetes- If you’re drinking, pace yourself and always eat something to avoid late-night hypos. Carry extra snacks for when food stalls close!
4. Dancing, Walking & Managing Exercise Levels
Festivals mean loads of movement, which can affect your blood sugar:
Test regularly- Dancing for hours or trekking between stages can cause unexpected dips.
Don’t ignore warnings- If your CGM alarms mid-mosh pit, step out and check your levels
Plan hypo spots- Find chill areas where you can sit if you need to treat a low.
5. Sleeping (or Trying To) with Type 1
If you’re camping, nighttime diabetes management needs extra planning:
Keep snacks & sugar nearby- No one wants to stumble around a tent at 3 AM in search of food.
Backup power for CGMs & pumps- Portable chargers are a must.
Think about temperature- Hot nights can affect insulin, so keep it in a Frio bag, but not directly on ice.
6. Have Fun & Don’t Let Diabetes Hold You Back!
Festivals are all about enjoying the moment. With a bit of planning, Type 1 Diabetes doesn’t have to stop you from making the most of it. Let your mates know what to do in an emergency, keep your kit stocked and most importantly- dance like nobody’s watching!
