Dewbert

Hi folks--
I'm a type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetic and I'm trying to add to my distance. Earlier this week, I rode 36 miles after work. After about 2 hours, I felt all my energy drain and I was almost instantly exhausted. I'm new to riding, but I'm guessing this is *BONKing*, right? I didn't have a blood sugar meter with me, so I don't know what my sugar was. I do, however; always carry glucose tablets and I was able to recover and finish my ride.

This weekend, I rode my first 50 mile ride and ate one or two glucose tables (4mg carb each) every hour or so, just to keep some sugar in my system. I also ate a couple of apples throughout the ride. I also stopped every so often and checked my blood sugar. It stayed within reasonable limits throughout the whole ride. Oh, also worth mentioning that I use the insulin pump and I left it in the truck for the whole ride.

So my questions:
1. Are there any type 1 diabetics who have found good/better techniques for keeping sugars stable during longer rides?

2. Are glucose tablets better/worse than the gels, energy drinks, etc. that are routinely mentioned in the cycling forums?

Thanks in advance.
Dewbert

rguysailing

Hi Dewbert,

Ive been a diabetic for 40 years and know how your bonking feels!! Been using the insulin pump for 4 years and love it. I never go riding with out my meter because it seems like my blood suger drops like a rock as soon as I begin to ride.

I wll use a temperary Basel rate and reduce it by 50% or turn it off all together. I would never leave it somewhere sence it is my life line. I like to eat dried fruit and use energy drinks when I ride. If I wait to long to correct the problem I will use the gels for quick recovery.

How long have you been a diabetic?
What has your A1C been running?
How long have you been on the pump?

Sorry for the nosey question, I'm just glad to hear of someone who strugles with the same problem I do

Thanks

Dewbert

So, I'm not the ONLY one?!?!? <grin>

I've been diabetic for almost 9 years (I'm 34, so I was a late starter).

My last A1C was just a tad over 6.

I've been on the pump since very shortly after diagnosis.

I've also lost about 70 pounds in the past year, so my diabetes is becoming much more easy to control.

Dewbert

rguysailing

Sounds like your doing a GREAT job!! Keep it up
70lbs is a lot of weight!!!!

I'm 49 and going strong. The only way to have good
control is exercise......