Diabetic rider

I have a son with T1.   We have had the odd problem with hypos when out cycling together.  And they are solved by recognising the problem, dealing with it by taking fast and slow acting carbs, and resting.  It isn't a race, so it doesn't matter if you stop.

As he has got better at managing his blood sugar, it has happened less.

As someone without diabetes, it has been really illuminating in the past when I have bonked on a long ride.  Bonking is the same process as a hypo. 

I'm a type 1 diabetic of 20 years and its only really in the past few years I've taken exercise seriously (running and cycling). Going from no exercise to to half marathons and regular 60+ mile rides in the space of 3 years.

One thing you will learn is every diabetic will tell you something different, this is because each treatment for diabetes is individual and the strategies for coping with exercise have to be tailored to suit how you manage your condition. You will only learn what this is by trial and error.

Speak to your diabetes specialist nurse. Most in my experience want you to be active, and know plenty of other diabetics who are just like you and will say what works for them.

As you get fitter your needs will change, my management strategy is completely different to what it was 6 months ago, I expect it will change again.

Try not to think in distances, think in time and effort, hitting an unexpected hill in what I thought was an easy ride has ruined and completely destroyed me after my sugars dropped. Keep testing, its the only way you'll know what your sugars are doing, only takes a minute to stop and test, even better if you plan in a cafe stop. Some nurses have a stack of meters to hand out, ask them for the smallest they have. I used to use a TRUEone, before I went over to an insluin pump I know use the meter conected to my pump, it's not much bigger.

When it does all go wrong and sugars drop, stop, treat and most importantly wait. you might feel OK but the same rules as driving apply, maybe even do a second test after 20/30 minutes, just to check its all OK. This can be extremely hard to do when you just want to press on but as you work out your strategy this will happen rarely.  

Watch out for keytones, if you have a more than a trace you can cause real damage to your body by excessing while having keytones. Similarly you don't want to run your sugars to high when your riding, the high BG means your body is not working at its full potential and your sight and concentration are affected not good out on the bike.

Best of luck, you'll feel great and it will help your control no end. 

maybe get an alert bracelet with your medical history on it just in case you do have a wobble.

I don't carry one, the preferred advice if you find a suspected diabetic, or any one by the side of the road unconscious is to call an ambulance and let them treat, I have heard horror stories of well meaning members of the public giving diabetics insulin injections or trying force sweets down an unconscious persons mouth. though I'm sure this is very rare. 

I've also got a bit upset out on a group ride where my sugars have dropped and another rider has referred to me having a wobble. It takes a lot of prep on my side to be able to go out and ride and sometimes it just goes wrong, and when it does my body just can't dig that little bit deeper like I would like it to I'm just as frustrated.

No offence taken though! 

 

I’ve been a Type 1 diabetic for 28 years, prior to things falling apart I was a nationally ranked school aged middle distance runner.  Certainly easier to maintain blood sugars, and take test kits on a bike then when running.

The majority of specialists (regardless of where you live on the planet it would appear) actually have no idea what the key to consistent exercise with diabetes actually is.  Regardless of how well you maintain your blood sugar during exercise, you need to ensure you have access to high glycemic index carbs immediately after.  During the next few weeks if you look at the pros in the TDF, as soon as they finish they’ll eat a meal containing white rice, to actually generate an insulin response.  This is to replenish the glycogen in their muscles.  If you can’t find a way of replicating this you will train OK for 3-4 days, and then once you’ve leeched all the glycogen from your muscles you will struggle to ride around the block.

Novo-Nordisk also support a team of middle aged type 2 diabetics in the US.  These guys will probably provide some useful strategies.  Best of luck.

maybe get an alert bracelet with your medical history on it just in case you do have a wobble. 

I'm type 1. best advice is be prepared.  take glucose of some form with you and your meter, 

its alot of trial and error, your glucose needs can change throughout the day so experiment with it. i dont need much in the morning but need plenty in the evening.

YOU WILL BE FINE, the exercise will help you control things better

I'm Type 1 and have been for 32 years, 20 of which I've been riding seriously (and not so seriously).

I don't find that it affects me too much in terms of blood sugar levels provided that I do actually eat and have a decent breakfast of some sorts before I head out.  I'll generally reduce my insulin intake that morning but I guess you don't need to worry about that.

When riding I'll avoid very sugary things such as jelly babies and will eat Clif bars which are nice, malt loaf, bananas etc. I don't find that drinking energy drink has much of a negative effect either but I usually only have that on the longer rides (more than 50 miles).

People have mentioned Team Type 1 but their marketing isn't directed at health care professionals in the Uk as none of the diabetes specialists I've been to see have ever heard of them.  And most are shocked that a person can even ride for 50 miles!

I would give you the same advice, google for team novo nordisk. All riders have diabetes condition. Proof that it is possible. 

There is a  Pro Continental team sponsored by Novo Nordisk  and who have received  wildcard entries for a few World Tour events- all of their riders have diabetes. There is info on diabetes and sport on their website http://www.teamnovonordisk.com/