I started walking outside a few weeks ago-the first time since I started my pump in January, and with lots of hills and stairs. I had been doing really well with not having lows and then I unexpectedly had a low the other day when I went out-52 and I didn’t really feel it which is not normal for me. I already cut my rates in half an hour before through at least an hour after I exercise, and I checked my blood sugar before I went (135), and grabbed a cookie (bad I know…) on my way out the door. I was just wondering what other people might do to prepare for something like this when your outdoors and not at the gym. Take something with you or anything? Just curious. I really don’t like the idea of having to experience that again. Appreciate any insight people might be able to give.
Thanks.
Not unexpected in my experience. When i exercise (50 mins of cardio 3-4 days/week) my TDD insulin does goes down 10-20 units/day. I’ve exercised at noon and had low BGs following that nights dinner that I covered normally I tried an experiment where i exercised 50 mins every other day for 3 weeks then looked at my numbers. I didn’t change my diet but did put the pump on a 50% reduced basal rate an hour before and for 2 hours after. I quickly learned i did not need as much insulin to cover the evening meal as i had previously. All of my other numbers were also down I lost a rew pounds and feel better than ever. I run outdoors and make sure my BG is at least 140 before i go, and keep glucose tabs with me, and a banana in the car for the ride home. If i go out at 140, I come back at 80 and dropping. I eat the banana and by dinner I’m right at 80-90. Perfect!
Thanks for the replies. I guess I should probably just stop being so stubborn and start packing something with me. It’s been a learning curve with the pump…so different from injections when it comes to exercise. I think it’s better, but I’m not 100% convinced. Trial and error is what it takes I guess. Thanks again.
Hello Tia …we had a Siamese cat called TIA ( short for Tia Maria… I used to love this liquor prior to type 1 diabetes diagnoses , oh well long time ago now ) . I did marathons , now into 1/2’s as a walker and ofcourse I have to train …I can so identify with your comments . I do put my basal on 45 percent , when the training gets over 1 hour …and yes always carry fast acting glucose …DEX 4 for me . I also wear Medtronic’s Glucose Monetoring( sp ??) System quite regularly .
Just another observation …the temp is quite high presently , where I live …and I am considering putting my basal in the " summer mode " … I require less insulin in warm weather ( over 85 degrees ) compared to below 10 degrees …so be it .
Probably a banana or half will serve you better, than a cookie to sustain your BG’s in the normal range .
My advise : Keep on walking kiddo 
Less insulin in warm weather-interesting, I’ve never paid attention to anything like that, I guess I will now. I know the cookie was a bad choice, lol, it was just convenient and kind of an after thought. I’ve grown to make much better choices then that usually I’ve been wondering about the possibility of doing marathons/half marathons lately, so it’s nice to know you’ve done them…but I suppose that’s a whole different discussion. Thanks for the input.
I would take a cookie or a small snack with you because exercise does tend to lower blood sugar. You’re doing good hun.