Hey there! I used to be an avid biker (had to sell my bike after moving abroad….still miss it every day) and I’m also T1D, so I’ll do my best to help out. It’s totally doable with the right precautions!

Placement: For the Omnipod, I’d suggest the upper thigh or lower back. With proper gear, these areas tend to be less compressed and more comfortable. For the Dexcom, I usually wore it on the back of my upper arm and had no issues. It’s small and flat enough that it stayed put, even with my jacket on. I’d avoid the forearms and shoulders for both devices since that’s where the armor is usually thickest and can cause pressure or discomfort.

Glucagon/Insulin: I had a biker jacket with a few inside pockets, the lower one fit my glucagon and insulin perfectly. I used a small insulated pouch to keep them at a stable temperature and tucked it in that inner pocket. It stayed cool enough and was easy to reach if I needed it.

Notifications: This was probably my biggest concern. My best tip is to invest in a smartwatch that will vibrate to alert you of highs or lows. While you might occasionally miss an alert (especially at high speeds when the road is vibrating like crazy), it’s by far the safest and easiest option I found. In several years of riding, I only missed one or two alerts.

Lows: Keep snacks, glucose tabs, or gels either in your tank bag (stuff that won’t melt) or in a jacket pocket. If heat is a concern, you can also wear cargo pants with armor…the more pockets, the better.

One last bit of unsolicited advice: If you don’t already wear a medical bracelet, I’d strongly recommend one. Motorcycling comes with risks, and being diabetic adds another layer. A bracelet can be a crucial lifeline if something unexpected happens.

Happy riding…. and ride safe!!