I am fairly new to this site and its amazing! I am looking for some input/suggestions from people with type 1 diabetes on insulin pumps that run and do half marathons. I have the Omnipod system that I use, but no CGM. I am training for a half marathon right now that's in August and would like any comments/suggestions to how you keep your blood sugars up and what you take with you when/while you run! Any stories/advice anyone wants to give are greatly appreciated. I have been active now since January 2014 and this is the healthiest i have been weight wise. I do anywhere from 1-2 5k's a month and have my first 10k in 2 weeks... Please help me out and/or give me some advice :)
Hey there! Welcome to the site! I ran my first half-marathon in April and it was amazing! The whole entire experience was nothing I expected! I also don't have the CGM and I use the minimed paradigm pump. As I was training for my race I found I was taking great care of my diabetes. I was on a pretty strict schedule and diet so that helped! I went about my routine without changing any pump settings or insulin doses.
On race day, I kept my pump on and wore a SPI Running Belt that I purchased from Dick's Sporting Goods. It worked perfectly! I had my dad meet me at certain check points with my blood glucose monitor so I could check my BS and bolus accordingly. At these check points I also consumed GEL packs that I also purchased from Dicks Sporting Goods.
I think that if you stick to your regular "diabetic routine" throughout training come race day you will do great!!
Good luck!!
I am not a marathoner but I do have some suggestions you might consider. First on CGM's most folks who use an Omnipod also use a Dexcom CGM. You might ask Clare who is very active and use this combination. This is her page, she will be happy to answer any questions I am sure.
http://www.tudiabetes.org/profile/Clare195?xg_source=profiles_frien...
As for my BS (I ride a bike) so I use apple juice in small paper cartons. It works wonders and each one is worth about 50 BG points which work off quickly of course if you are exercising in the hot sun.
rick
Welcome Nicole!
You joined us at the right time! We are holding a community chat here on Wednesday about Diabetes and exercise.
http://www.tudiabetes.org/events/community-discussion-exercise-and-diabetes
Well be happy if you can make it and join us, if you don't understand how to join us, please contact me.
SC
I too am training for my first halfie, good luck Nicole. My training consists of:
Monday and Wednesdays: spin class for 30 minutes average 10 miles
Tuesdays and Thursdays: lift weights and run 3-4 miles
Fridays: spin class or rest
Saturdays: longer runs 6-8 miles
Sundays: rest or short 3 mile run.
My dilemma: I become very insulin sensitive when I work out so I completely shut down my insulin pump (Omnipod). I wear the Dexcom to keep tabs while training. However, when I'm finished, about 10-15 minutes later my BS will skyrocket; I know this is from the adrenalin and release of cortisol. I've tried temp basals 5-10 at different times throughout my training, but always seem to bottom out. I've found some relief after my workouts by blousing anywhere from 10%-30% of what my current BG reading is - this sometimes works, but more often it doesn't.
So, does anyone have any thoughts on what I can do to keep my BG from those notorious spikes?
@ Kelci: Love the SPI Running belt. I use one pouch for my CGM and the other for my Omnipod PDM.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Troy