Blood Sugar
06-18-16, 06:41 PM
#1
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Blood Sugar
One thing completely overlooked in this discussion is the level of blood sugar in the cyclists blood. This is what powers the muscles, and thereby the bicycle. A human on a bicycle can not be expected to rocket up to highway speed within 5 seconds of a light turning green. It's a matter of physiology, and while the motorists poison the bicyclists by pumping carbon monoxide in their faces, the cyclst has to maintain 22 mile per hour on the equivalent of a quarter of a horsepower.
As for blood sugar; many people are aware that exercise can prevent or control, type 2 diabetes. With the epidemic of that malady currently in progress, is it not difficult to understand why so many people are turning to cycling?
The cost of health care is offset by encoraging more people to cycle. Many more people would wish to take-up cycling, but thet would like some sort of assurance that they won't be mowed down from behind... I shopuld pause here and concede that I feel it is the cyclists duty to watch where he/she is going, and look left and right at crosswalks and other intersections... There is NO requirement for cyclists to have rear-view mirrors, and God still doesn't put eyes in the back of peoples heads... Everyone needs to watch where-they-are-going ! A cyclist can start to run a red light, and then in an instant, second-guess himself, swerve, and stop safely next to a fire hydrant on the cross street... But YOU can't do that with your car! it's physically impossible...
Back to blood sugar which I meant to discuss; Low blood sugar, hypoglycemia, can cause a cyclist to become delerious. This could be the result of ultra endurance cycling, more than 20 miles of cycling, ( some would say 60 miles ). Many sports beverage manufacturers claim their product will raise blood sugar. But again, sugar, or too much sugar, is bad for you. That beverage is meant for people who ride more than 20 miles a day, or run more than 5 miles a day, if you sit and drink it on your couch, it's probably worse than beer and pretzels.
(NOTE: This writer is NOT a physician, and if you think you have a problem with blood sugar, you should see an actual physician and ask him to check your A1C level.)
My 2¢
As for blood sugar; many people are aware that exercise can prevent or control, type 2 diabetes. With the epidemic of that malady currently in progress, is it not difficult to understand why so many people are turning to cycling?
The cost of health care is offset by encoraging more people to cycle. Many more people would wish to take-up cycling, but thet would like some sort of assurance that they won't be mowed down from behind... I shopuld pause here and concede that I feel it is the cyclists duty to watch where he/she is going, and look left and right at crosswalks and other intersections... There is NO requirement for cyclists to have rear-view mirrors, and God still doesn't put eyes in the back of peoples heads... Everyone needs to watch where-they-are-going ! A cyclist can start to run a red light, and then in an instant, second-guess himself, swerve, and stop safely next to a fire hydrant on the cross street... But YOU can't do that with your car! it's physically impossible...
Back to blood sugar which I meant to discuss; Low blood sugar, hypoglycemia, can cause a cyclist to become delerious. This could be the result of ultra endurance cycling, more than 20 miles of cycling, ( some would say 60 miles ). Many sports beverage manufacturers claim their product will raise blood sugar. But again, sugar, or too much sugar, is bad for you. That beverage is meant for people who ride more than 20 miles a day, or run more than 5 miles a day, if you sit and drink it on your couch, it's probably worse than beer and pretzels.
(NOTE: This writer is NOT a physician, and if you think you have a problem with blood sugar, you should see an actual physician and ask him to check your A1C level.)
My 2¢
06-18-16, 07:49 PM
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But again, sugar, or too much sugar, is bad for you.
For years I have said that refined sugar should be controlled like nicotine and alcohol. My opinion is that refined sugar is a legal drug in this country.
06-18-16, 08:02 PM
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I blame it for our obesity epidemic. Sugar is in everything: bread, peanut butter, ketchup, etc. And, the stuff where you expect sugars like cakes and soft drinks are saturated with the stuff. You have to read labels to consciously avoid it and keep it out of your diet. Most people do not.
06-18-16, 08:02 PM
#4
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One thing completely overlooked in this discussion is the level of blood sugar in the cyclists blood. This is what powers the muscles, and thereby the bicycle. A human on a bicycle can not be expected to rocket up to highway speed within 5 seconds of a light turning green. It's a matter of physiology, and while the motorists poison the bicyclists by pumping carbon monoxide in their faces, the cyclst has to maintain 22 mile per hour on the equivalent of a quarter of a horsepower.
As for blood sugar; many people are aware that exercise can prevent or control, type 2 diabetes. With the epidemic of that malady currently in progress, is it not difficult to understand why so many people are turning to cycling?
The cost of health care is offset by encoraging more people to cycle. Many more people would wish to take-up cycling, but thet would like some sort of assurance that they won't be mowed down from behind... I shopuld pause here and concede that I feel it is the cyclists duty to watch where he/she is going, and look left and right at crosswalks and other intersections... There is NO requirement for cyclists to have rear-view mirrors, and God still doesn't put eyes in the back of peoples heads... Everyone needs to watch where-they-are-going ! A cyclist can start to run a red light, and then in an instant, second-guess himself, swerve, and stop safely next to a fire hydrant on the cross street... But YOU can't do that with your car! it's physically impossible...
Back to blood sugar which I meant to discuss; Low blood sugar, hypoglycemia, can cause a cyclist to become delerious. This could be the result of ultra endurance cycling, more than 20 miles of cycling, ( some would say 60 miles ). Many sports beverage manufacturers claim their product will raise blood sugar. But again, sugar, or too much sugar, is bad for you. That beverage is meant for people who ride more than 20 miles a day, or run more than 5 miles a day, if you sit and drink it on your couch, it's probably worse than beer and pretzels.
(NOTE: This writer is NOT a physician, and if you think you have a problem with blood sugar, you should see an actual physician and ask him to check your A1C level.)
My 2¢
As for blood sugar; many people are aware that exercise can prevent or control, type 2 diabetes. With the epidemic of that malady currently in progress, is it not difficult to understand why so many people are turning to cycling?
The cost of health care is offset by encoraging more people to cycle. Many more people would wish to take-up cycling, but thet would like some sort of assurance that they won't be mowed down from behind... I shopuld pause here and concede that I feel it is the cyclists duty to watch where he/she is going, and look left and right at crosswalks and other intersections... There is NO requirement for cyclists to have rear-view mirrors, and God still doesn't put eyes in the back of peoples heads... Everyone needs to watch where-they-are-going ! A cyclist can start to run a red light, and then in an instant, second-guess himself, swerve, and stop safely next to a fire hydrant on the cross street... But YOU can't do that with your car! it's physically impossible...
Back to blood sugar which I meant to discuss; Low blood sugar, hypoglycemia, can cause a cyclist to become delerious. This could be the result of ultra endurance cycling, more than 20 miles of cycling, ( some would say 60 miles ). Many sports beverage manufacturers claim their product will raise blood sugar. But again, sugar, or too much sugar, is bad for you. That beverage is meant for people who ride more than 20 miles a day, or run more than 5 miles a day, if you sit and drink it on your couch, it's probably worse than beer and pretzels.
(NOTE: This writer is NOT a physician, and if you think you have a problem with blood sugar, you should see an actual physician and ask him to check your A1C level.)
My 2¢
06-18-16, 09:40 PM
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I think sports drinks should only be drunk by people who are, you know, participating in sports or some kind of physical activity. Otherwise all that sugar and salt in those drinks is very bad for you. Even if it's what plants crave because it's got electrolytes.
06-18-16, 09:51 PM
#6
Cycle Year Round
We really do not need more nanny state crap. Adrenaline is a drug too, before long nanny people will decide too much Adrenaline is bad for you and prohibit you from cycling more than 5 miles in any day.
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06-18-16, 10:30 PM
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I don't know why we have a screed about sugar here in the advocacy forum. It might be more appropriate in the training and nutrition.
OTOH - everybody is different in their need to manage sugar (or not), the level of fitness, and just about every index of health, nutrition and fitness. They should be aware of their own bodies, and make any adjustments as needed (if needed). Otherwise, I'm with CB HI in thinking that we don't need nannies telling adults what they can or can't eat, especially on a forum that should be focused on bicycle/traffic issues.
OTOH - everybody is different in their need to manage sugar (or not), the level of fitness, and just about every index of health, nutrition and fitness. They should be aware of their own bodies, and make any adjustments as needed (if needed). Otherwise, I'm with CB HI in thinking that we don't need nannies telling adults what they can or can't eat, especially on a forum that should be focused on bicycle/traffic issues.
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Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
06-19-16, 12:20 AM
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I use sugar in my foods.
Everything I've read is that "diet" foods are just as fattening. No, they don't have calories, but they apparently stimulate hunger more than curbing it. Anyway, I'm not a skinny beanpole, but I can keep my weight under control, and probably prevent Type 2 diabetes through diet and exercise.
Everything I've read is that "diet" foods are just as fattening. No, they don't have calories, but they apparently stimulate hunger more than curbing it. Anyway, I'm not a skinny beanpole, but I can keep my weight under control, and probably prevent Type 2 diabetes through diet and exercise.
06-19-16, 05:08 AM
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I don't know why we have a screed about sugar here in the advocacy forum. It might be more appropriate in the training and nutrition.
OTOH - everybody is different in their need to manage sugar (or not), the level of fitness, and just about every index of health, nutrition and fitness. They should be aware of their own bodies, and make any adjustments as needed (if needed). Otherwise, I'm with CB HI in thinking that we don't need nannies telling adults what they can or can't eat, especially on a forum that should be focused on bicycle/traffic issues.
OTOH - everybody is different in their need to manage sugar (or not), the level of fitness, and just about every index of health, nutrition and fitness. They should be aware of their own bodies, and make any adjustments as needed (if needed). Otherwise, I'm with CB HI in thinking that we don't need nannies telling adults what they can or can't eat, especially on a forum that should be focused on bicycle/traffic issues.
06-19-16, 01:12 PM
#11
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Thread Starter
I don't know why we have a screed about sugar here in the advocacy forum. It might be more appropriate in the training and nutrition.
OTOH - everybody is different in their need to manage sugar (or not), the level of fitness, and just about every index of health, nutrition and fitness. They should be aware of their own bodies, and make any adjustments as needed (if needed). Otherwise, I'm with CB HI in thinking that we don't need nannies telling adults what they can or can't eat, especially on a forum that should be focused on bicycle/traffic issues.
OTOH - everybody is different in their need to manage sugar (or not), the level of fitness, and just about every index of health, nutrition and fitness. They should be aware of their own bodies, and make any adjustments as needed (if needed). Otherwise, I'm with CB HI in thinking that we don't need nannies telling adults what they can or can't eat, especially on a forum that should be focused on bicycle/traffic issues.
Seriously, drivers have got to be careful, and leave enough room for a cyclist to collapse and sprawl on the ground...
Perhaps I didn't make that clear... I was putting this text here in order to hear your critique...
IIRC, in Germany, the law says driver must leave as much room between their car and the cyclist, as the cyclists height. The theory being that if the cyclist falls over (from the "bonk" or any other reason) the cars tires are NOT allowed to leave a mark on the cyclists head .
06-19-16, 01:25 PM
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Well, this post was copied and pasted from another editorial section... This post was aimed at informing motorists about "the Bonk".
Seriously, drivers have got to be careful, and leave enough room for a cyclist to collapse and sprawl on the ground...
Perhaps I didn't make that clear... I was putting this text here in order to hear your critique...
IIRC, in Germany, the law says driver must leave as much room between their car and the cyclist, as the cyclists height. The theory being that if the cyclist falls over (from the "bonk" or any other reason) the cars tires are NOT allowed to leave a mark on the cyclists head .
Seriously, drivers have got to be careful, and leave enough room for a cyclist to collapse and sprawl on the ground...
Perhaps I didn't make that clear... I was putting this text here in order to hear your critique...
IIRC, in Germany, the law says driver must leave as much room between their car and the cyclist, as the cyclists height. The theory being that if the cyclist falls over (from the "bonk" or any other reason) the cars tires are NOT allowed to leave a mark on the cyclists head .
But, it is an odd law as it is essentially impossible to just fall over when pedalling along. One can swerve or crash for one reason or another, but one doesn't just fall over.
I've gotten tired on long rides, but never just suddenly passed out from it.
06-19-16, 01:38 PM
#13
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Oregon has a similar law.
But, it is an odd law as it is essentially impossible to just fall over when pedalling along. One can swerve or crash for one reason or another, but one doesn't just fall over.
I've gotten tired on long rides, but never just suddenly passed out from it.
But, it is an odd law as it is essentially impossible to just fall over when pedalling along. One can swerve or crash for one reason or another, but one doesn't just fall over.
I've gotten tired on long rides, but never just suddenly passed out from it.
As for me, I "bonked" two or three times, I can't remember, I blacked out. (that was thirty years ago)
I now have a blood sugar monitor, I've had high blood sugar.
Today, I was well hydrated, and I was concentrating on lifting the *other* foot, while pushing down on each pedal, twelve miles rolled off in an hour and a half. I weigh 260 pounds.
What was odd today is that my blood sugar was the highest it's ever been post-ride... I keep a log book, I'll double check. Maybe I've been burning 1500 calories by forgetting to lift the other foot while pedaling, LOL...
06-19-16, 01:53 PM
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I've missed a clip-in or yanked a cleat before, but neither sent me down on the pavement. So far no catastrophic broken cranks, bottom brackets or pedals.
I would think the 2 foot riders would be more at risk of swerving than the 6 foot riders.
I would think the 2 foot riders would be more at risk of swerving than the 6 foot riders.
06-19-16, 02:23 PM
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Just how frequent is just falling over? talk about looking for a gnat's butt to make an issue.
06-19-16, 04:34 PM
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Well, this post was copied and pasted from another editorial section... This post was aimed at informing motorists about "the Bonk".
Seriously, drivers have got to be careful, and leave enough room for a cyclist to collapse and sprawl on the ground...
Perhaps I didn't make that clear... I was putting this text here in order to hear your critique...
IIRC, in Germany, the law says driver must leave as much room between their car and the cyclist, as the cyclists height. The theory being that if the cyclist falls over (from the "bonk" or any other reason) the cars tires are NOT allowed to leave a mark on the cyclists head .
Seriously, drivers have got to be careful, and leave enough room for a cyclist to collapse and sprawl on the ground...
Perhaps I didn't make that clear... I was putting this text here in order to hear your critique...
IIRC, in Germany, the law says driver must leave as much room between their car and the cyclist, as the cyclists height. The theory being that if the cyclist falls over (from the "bonk" or any other reason) the cars tires are NOT allowed to leave a mark on the cyclists head .
I've been in accidents before that sent me hurling thru the air (on more than one occasion) and landing in the middle of the road. Sh*t happens.
06-20-16, 10:16 AM
#17
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I have my own thoughts about blood sugar, or, let me put it this way , any human limitation... We are made of flesh and bone, we are Not made of Metal, we have limitations, we do the best we can, but motorists IMHO need to be reminded of this simple fact.
A couple a human limitations:
1) If the cyclist needs a running start to get up a hill, of course he's going to be pissed if you make him stop,
2) If it's a hot day, the only air movement to cool off the cyclist is the forward motion of the bike. of course he's going to be pissed off if you make him stop,
3) On a cold day, the cyclist needs to keep moving to stay warm, he ain't gonna like it if you make him wait in a snowbank,
4) Not every cyclist can do a perfect trackstand, if he has to stop, un-cleat, and put a toe down for balance, he might crush his tsticle, and you know he ain't gonna like that , not one bit...
and 5) the aforementioned low blood sugar, and add low water/dehydration, the cyclist only has so much endurance, and can "hit the wall" just like a runner, he's just gotta keep going, if he stops he bonks, it takes full concentration and full willpower to keep moving. Maybe he's an ultra endurance cyclist, or maybe he's just a regular guy having a bad day...
I'd like to apologize for using the male pronoun in this list, feel free to replace that word with "She".
99% of motorists are okay, it's that other one percent, "what are they thinking?"
I am trying to think of a way to remind certain drivers that people are limited by the fact that they are only human...
Not that it matters much, I really suppose the message will go in one ear and out the other...
I' just trying to compose a helpful reminder to motorists, if anyone thinks they can phrase it better, please do.
A couple a human limitations:
1) If the cyclist needs a running start to get up a hill, of course he's going to be pissed if you make him stop,
2) If it's a hot day, the only air movement to cool off the cyclist is the forward motion of the bike. of course he's going to be pissed off if you make him stop,
3) On a cold day, the cyclist needs to keep moving to stay warm, he ain't gonna like it if you make him wait in a snowbank,
4) Not every cyclist can do a perfect trackstand, if he has to stop, un-cleat, and put a toe down for balance, he might crush his tsticle, and you know he ain't gonna like that , not one bit...
and 5) the aforementioned low blood sugar, and add low water/dehydration, the cyclist only has so much endurance, and can "hit the wall" just like a runner, he's just gotta keep going, if he stops he bonks, it takes full concentration and full willpower to keep moving. Maybe he's an ultra endurance cyclist, or maybe he's just a regular guy having a bad day...
I'd like to apologize for using the male pronoun in this list, feel free to replace that word with "She".
99% of motorists are okay, it's that other one percent, "what are they thinking?"
I am trying to think of a way to remind certain drivers that people are limited by the fact that they are only human...
Not that it matters much, I really suppose the message will go in one ear and out the other...
I' just trying to compose a helpful reminder to motorists, if anyone thinks they can phrase it better, please do.
06-21-16, 10:35 AM
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All the other BS words and considerations are just that.
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06-21-16, 06:31 PM
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One issue is that foods advertised as low fat are usually infused with sugar to improve the taste lost by the removal of fat. Scientists are slowly coming around to the idea that fat isn't what's making everyone fat, but the sugar which is in so much of our food. Fat, on the other hand, makes us feel full since our stomachs empty slower when they have a lot of digested fat in them.
06-22-16, 10:35 AM
#20
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One issue is that foods advertised as low fat are usually infused with sugar to improve the taste lost by the removal of fat. Scientists are slowly coming around to the idea that fat isn't what's making everyone fat, but the sugar which is in so much of our food. Fat, on the other hand, makes us feel full since our stomachs empty slower when they have a lot of digested fat in them.
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07-08-16, 02:41 PM
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07-09-16, 10:18 AM
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