Hello I'm Ailsa...
I am the main writer at the diabetic outdoors.
I am a Mountain Leader, Rock Climbing Instructor and Paddlesports Instructor based in Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. Ever since I was a little kid I have always loved the outdoors. I started climbing when I was 9 years old and eventually found my way to Scotland to make a career out of being outside and having fun.
When I was 19, I was diagnosed with diabetes, meaning I really had to rethink how I approached the activities I love. Through lots of trial and error and some really exciting hypos (including one whilst out hiking alone in Norway when a blizzard set in!), I have learnt how to look after my blood sugars while hiking, climbing, paddling, skiing and generally having fun outside.
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Through my work, I have gained an insight into the struggles that people with diabetes can have when trying a new outdoor activity and controlling their blood sugars. I have also experienced first-hand that many guides and instructors have a limited understanding of diabetes and its impact in the outdoors. I decided to put together this website to help other diabetics get the most out of their time outdoors and to help educate outdoor professionals on how best to look after their diabetic clients.
Hello I’m Katie...
I am the main editor at the diabetic outdoors.
I am currently working as an editor at Springer Nature and am based in London. Having grown up in Scotland I have always loved being outdoors, especially trail running in the mountains! I relocated to London two years ago and have thoroughly enjoyed exploring all of the natural beauty which England and specifically the South Coast has to offer.
Like Ailsa, I was also diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when I was 19 which really threw a spanner in my carefree and spontaneous approach to life and being active! As an avid runner, I found it difficult to locate any relatable information online about being outdoors with type 1 diabetes, and when I would reach out to healthcare professionals, they didn’t really know where to point me for extra information. Deciding that I didn’t want to allow diabetes to stop me doing what I love, combined with a lot of trial and error, I have since been able to run ultra-marathons and enjoy long days out in the hills whilst also keeping my blood sugars in check (most of the time!).
Since being in London I have taken on the role as a youth leader for Diabetes UK which has allowed me to realise how powerful it is to connect with other individuals living with type 1 and how sharing first hand experiences, particularly when it comes to being outdoors and being active, can be incredibly empowering and provide the confidence needed to just go for it and try something new!