Electrolytes for diabetics

[Jules1980]

Hi All 

I need help choosing an electrolyte mix that can be used by diabetics? Any suggestions please?

[dave303e]

There are a fewf sugar free electrolytes available. 

Revive

High5 does a 0 sugar fizzy tablets

Dischem will definitely have options for you

 

[Jules1980]

Aah thank you. Appreciate it. 

[ChrisF]

2 hours ago, Jules1980 said:

Hi All 

I need help choosing an electrolyte mix that can be used by diabetics? Any suggestions please?

 

Jules please consider speaking to a specialist on this topic.

 

Panorama dietitians https://www.facebook.com/PanoramaDietitians/ actually has a lady that did her masters in "nutrition for diabetics in sport".

 

Our FIRST discussion was about my medical history:

- Type 1 or 2 ?

- Medication ?

- HBA1C ?

- Any other medical issues that may be related to my diabetis ?

 

We then started working through a "complete document" .... it was eye opening to see how each of these parameters impacts the food and electrolyte options.

 

Add in the individuals type of sport, intensity, duration of each session, the rest of their pre and post ride meals .... 

 

 

The result of all of this for ME:

- start with a good breakfast (very specific options in terms of low GI, yada yada ...) {fasting ride start NOT a good option for us)

- 1st hour on the bike only water.

- then I get to choose between my "gummy berry juice" OR energy bar.   Less than 3 hour rides it would be juice only, as it have enough "food" AND "electrolytes".  Longer rides I would add in an energy bar.

- RECOVERY MEAL !!  For a healthy person this is important as part of the recovery process, especially when doing stage racing.  For a diabetic it is very important to ensure as smooth as possible of a sugar curve .... Especially as you can end up hungry later and then over eating, so the correct recovery meal really needs to be part and parcel of the days planning.

 

 

SEEING how she checked my medical stats before confirming what and how much, I really recommend you speak to a specialist.

 

 

Long term feedback of her "recipe" -

. Training for and doing a 3-day MTB stage race - my HBA1C climbed 0,4 for that period.

. Doing the Rapha (500km in one 1 week) end of December I was doing a lot more distance and time in the saddle than normally, thus also using more "gummy berry juice" in a short time .... jip, my HBA1C increased by 0,7.  (my doctor knows I cycle, and was happy with this).

. Having another HBA1C done in a few weeks .... I expect it to drop again, as I have been doing less longer rides during this period, while remaining active with other sports.  Going to be interesting to see .....

 

 

 

PS - No need for any fancy brand labels.  I was totally surprised when she recommended two products that are available in any normal shop.  (as these could potentially be dangerous to somebody with diabetis that is not under control I will refrain from giving product details)

 

PPS - My "juice" is BOTH food and electrolytes.  Which means it needs to form part of the race food planning, which can be tricky diabetics.

 

 

[Jules1980]

Hi There 

Thanks for all that information. I am currently looking at visiting a dietitian and getting some help with this. Thank you. That was awesome information. 

[ChrisF]

Jules the good news is that there ARE solutions 👍👍