I need to choose a pump. Only diagnosed (type 1) in December. Gearing up for April marathon.
Advice?
Omnipod?
Mini-Medtronic?
Tim,
Congrats on qualifying for Boston.
I have run 3 marathons, but did all of them prior to wearing a pump. I’ve been wearing the Omnipod for 2 years now and like it, but the pods slip off me when I exercise heavily and in warm weather (i assume because of sweat). That’s not a huge deal for me because I don’t need any insulin during heavy exercise or long-distance runs anyway. The Omnipod is great because there is no tubing and I chose it primarily because of that reason.
Having said that, if I were in your position as a “new” diabetic, I might choose one of the other pumps that you can take off during your long runs so you don’t get completed frustrated with the Omnipod or just stay on the injections and pick a pump after the marathon. You can definitely run Boston (and run it well) on injections.
Good luck with the race and your pump decision.
- Greg
Greg:
Thanks. I have heard some people say that blood sugars actually can go UP during a long run. That has not been my experience. My experience, thus far, is that I need about 15 grams of carbs every 5 miles or so to not go low. I’ve only run a long of 11. 15 this weekend. I’m a bit nervous about it. What has your experience been?
Tim,
After going on the Omnipod, I did notice my sugars going up, but that was AFTER my runs. I assume it was because I would stop my insulin during the run. When I was on injections, I would still have my long-lasting insulin working so my sugars never spiked post-run.
I think you’re right on target with the carbs/mile. I eat about the same thing, and now with the Omnipod, I actually give myself a small bolus after my runs to conteract the blood sugar spike. I guess that unfortunately there is a lot of trial and error with this.
Greg,
Thanks. You’ve been really helpful. Most of all, I sense that I don’t really need to WORRY about long runs. Now I can just dread them for normal reasons!
Hi Tim, I was diagnosed on May 6th 2008 and I am a cyclist (I run 3 times a week to open my lungs and keep a good cardio), so for me dealing with diabetes and high efforts is still new.
One thing to remember is that Insulin intake gets blocked by adrenaline (I just learned that from my endo who follows author athletes). In my case, it is important for me to keep insulin on board while I exercise and/or race in order for my carbs, which I eat throughout to give me energy. If I don’t what happens is that post effort, the adrenaline wares off and the carbs goes rushing in me and I spike. I am on a pump with Apidra and I keep it on. I also use a CGM and keep track of the trends. Before the race or exercise I usually take a good 1-2 unit of insulin and eat plenty of carbs to get me going. With the effort, the insulin and the carbs on board, I am able to pretty much keep a steady level and I find that when I do it right, those are my best days, almost back as when I wasn’t Diabetic.
I am still experimenting with this, and it doesn’t come without any risks. So use good judgement if you try that and talk to your Endo first.
This is really helpful. Makes me wonder.
Which pump?
I’m going to wait till after the Boston Marathon to go on a pump.
Weird, but I’m still in a little denial about even having diabetes. Sad but true.
T
Hi, Tim,
Sorry I’m coming into this so late, but you apparently haven’t made a choice yet, so that’s OK.
And I don’t really have any advice for you, so that’s OK, too.
I’ve run 48 marathons and 5 ultras, all with diabetes. I was diagnosed at the age of 15, and ran my first marathon at 39. I just turned 50. All but 12, I think, of my marathons were done with a pump. I’ve only used MiniMed pumps.
I don’t think which pump you use is really important, as far as your running goes. Look at all of the products and make your decision based on the features you want and the treatment you get from the local rep and support people.
Cheers,
Jerry
Thanks.
The Boston Marathon is over. Was a little rough. Sugars were fine. Stomach cramping with all the gu gels was awful. Got any advice on a more stomach friendly way to run 26.2?
Am really thinking about pumps now. hate to give up my long acting lantus but pumps would be more convenient…I guess.
Please advise.