Advice for cycling diabetic.

[flyluis]

Howsit!

 

I got diagnosed with diabetes last week, just wanna know if there are any diabetics out there that can give me some advise on food, drinks and whatever.

 

Thanks guys.

[Tumbleweed]

What type of diabetes do you have?

 

There are some tips on this cycling team's site: http://www.teamtype1.org/

Edited July 11, 2012 by Tumbleweed

[V12man]

http://thethirstthatchangedmylife.blogspot.com/

 

Local diabetic cyclist's blog.

[TopFuel]

On foods, try to go for anything that has a low GI (Glycaemic index) and watch out for sugar in many things that you would necessarily consider. And also, your type is quite important, and if type 2, can be controlled through diet and exercise alone.

[flymango]

Sorry to hear about your condition, but it's really something that can be managed from day-to-day (hour-to-hour!!) with the right attitude and knowledge. Get to understand your condition well by educating yourself and from counselling. How you respond to your condition and exercise is largely a function of knowledge. Believe me, after 18 years as a Type I I'm still learning. Are you Type I or Type II? Are you overweight, underweight or ideal weight? What medical aid are you on? How old are you? If you can, get a Continuous Glucose Monitor if your medical plan covers it. It's what my heart desires at the moment following a very tough learning of my condition during Sani2C this year.

[V12man]

And check your PM.

[flyluis]

Thanks guys. I'm type 1. In good condition, always cycled and ran. Just one of those unlucky guys that got it. Will look into the forums and all the advise you give me.

 

Really appreciated!!!

 

Thanks!

[HandH]

Eish, k@k one dude, I got it 10 years ago. My pancreas packed up & left the building.

In the beginning its moobee hard to try & regulate it, My advice (from my doc...seriaaas cyclist)

6 small meals a day, plent low gi foods out there, test very often to see what food does what.

Watch out for the lows, sometimes u wanna eat everything u see when it happens, DONT!!

Get a good insulin, I use Novomix pens,30 units morning, 30 at night (as prescribed) much better control on them.

When cycling, it gets tough... eat before a ride, dont eat, inject, dont inject (I always battle) but you will get to know what to do

eventually. I Always, always use 32GI in my bottles, Doc says never ride on water alone even 20k's

& keep a pack of Energade jellies & a Snacker in my saddlebag

Good luck dude, It's not so bad.

[Dustbug]

Having been in a situation out on a race needing to help a diabetic rider out on a race in an inaccessible area please mark the back of your race board with a permanent marker with the neccessary numbers and your condition. if you get into trouble at least the other guys can help you if they know what is going on or what the problem may be. those emergency contact arm band goodies are of little use to other riders when out in the field.

use 32GI as a drink I know a few diabetic riders and they all swear by it.

Enjoy your riding

[Azonic]

Speak to Spud...

[akneethling]

Lso. Monitor your blood glucose 1-2 days after you ride.

[flymango]

Wow. Lots to add and endorse.

 

Rule #1. ALWAYS have enough carbs with you when you ride - no matter how short or long!!! The risk of hypo's can be life-threatening.

 

ALWAYS have your blood glucose monitor kit and short-acting insulin with you when you ride - no matter how short or long your ride. Otherwise its a guessing game and you WILL get into trouble. Believe me. Been there on the high- and low-side. Too often.

 

Blood glucose levels can change within MINUTES!! Not 1 - 2 days. Believe it!!Monitor religiously BEFORE you ride. Otherwise it's hit-and-run. >16 = don't ride. 10 - 16 = inject a few units if you use immediate-acting insulin like Humalog. My rule of thumb is 1 unit for each count above 10. 6 - 10 and you are good to go. < 6 and you should have a carb before you start.

 

32Gi is king. Sip during a ride longer than 2 hours and you will be amazed. It is expensive but see it as an investment in your sport. Get the tubs @ +- R230.

 

Wear your Medic Alert bracelet. Speaks for you when you can't.

 

If you're on a basal bolus insulin regime, reduce your basal before a long race or during a stage race. By "how much" is trial and error.

 

Good luck and keep us posted. It will be frustrating but is doable with the right state of mind and correct knowledge of your body and condition.

Edited July 11, 2012 by flymango

[HandH]

Slight Hijack but on topic...

About 6 years ago, I got a bug that caused me to throw up plenty.

No one ever told me that after you throw up twice you should see someone. Something

about your electrolites freaking out. Any way, I was sick for 2 days, & then woke up 2 days later in ICU

Blood sugar count was 74...

so ya I was a bit dead but they fixed me.

Anyone else had a moobie experience?

 

Edit: Not Intended to freak OP out, just curious..

Edited July 12, 2012 by HandH

[flymango]

74!! That's extreme. Highest I ever had was about 24. Fealt like death. Lowest was 1.9. That was scary and it happens so quickly. Hypos much more dangerous than hypers, but over time hypers are the killer from complications.

[GeoFro]

Great Thread !! - I've been on the hub for a year and this is my first post !!. been a diabetic for 28 Years now and have managed to race cars, climb Mt Kenya and Kili and run marathons/ride MTB - CRAZY but achievable with a little management/effort ,, GI 32 or SportMax works well - make sure that you rehydrate post ride as well - dehydration and resultant kidney issues can be a problem (for non-diabetics as well). Have you considered pump therapy - I changed to a pump 18 months ago and the overall management and control is way better than I could achieve for 26 years on 4 injections/day - Good luck and NEVER give up !!

[Jakkals77]

I've been a diabetic for 29 years and all going well. I started mountain biking in February this year and my control of my blood sugars have always been good.

 

Lately I’m having issues with my blood sugar dropping very low about 20 minutes into a race. It’s as if my body gets a shock from the excercise and just drops significantly. I test before the race and aim to have my blood sugar level at around 10 to allow for the potential drop in blood sugar due to the exercise.

 

I’m eating oats and muesli an hour before each ride with half a oats bar every hour on the hour during the race, but lately 20min after the ride starts it hits 1.2 and I just can’t get my blood sugar level back by taking these energy gel packets.

 

I drink 32GI and it really helps, but what do you guys eat before a race and during the race to help you maintain your blood sugar levels above 6 and what are you blood sugar reading an hour after a race?