Diabeties and cycling

[Chiefwiggum]

Hi, I have recently been diagnosed as a type 2 diabetic, I have not got my treatment plan sorted yet and wondered how I need to approach longish cycles, up to 60 miles (100km). I guess the diabeties would explain my inability to climb hills over the last few months and why I felt very groggy after my recent rides. What type of precautions, if any do I need, how will energy drinks and bars interact with any medication I have to take? Any advice will be gratefully received.
Regards
Chief

 

[alecstilleyedye]

no personal experience, but a mate in my club has diabetes and rides club runs and even does the bishop's castle run which is 100 miles each way over a weekend, so hopefully you can carry on cycling.

i believe he has some sort of device which automatically monitors insulin levels and tops up.

pm me if you want me to give him your details if he can offer any advice (he's a friendly chap who i'm sure would want to help).

 

[Davidc]

A lot depends on the control regime. It's most difficult if you have to use insulin, and varies with the drug if you are on tablets.

It's important that you talk to the people dealing with control for you, they're the ones who know you and what's being done in your specific case.

I've been known to be diabetic for nearly 10 years and it hasn't affected my ability to exercise at all, and that's with tablet control using a mix of 2 drugs. You can ask your doctor or a specialist diabetic nurse for specific advice. Tell them the sort of exercise, how much, how long, how often. If they don't know the answer they can then refer the question to a consultant.

As alecstilleyedye says, if you are on insulin there are some clever measuring devices around now which have given users a lot more freedom than they used to have. No personal experience of them though.

 

[DaveyB1981]

I was diagnosed T2 on November last year, so I think I can identify with how you are feeling. Everything is up in the air and you are probably going through information overload!

Having just completed the Manchester 100 (miles) last weekend, I can tell you - You do start to understand things better and learn your own methods. Everyone is different.

So how are you controlled at the moment? What levels are you getting?

Feel free to PM me, especially as this is a subject close to my heart. Also, you may wanna take a look at my blog - sugarlesschronicles.blogspot.com

Dave

 

[Chiefwiggum]

Thank you for your replies, I am coming to terms with the diabeties thing and have seen a number of health care types. I will post an update when things have settled down. Dave, thanks for the PM offer I may take it up when I know a little more myself, once again thank you.
Chief

 

[DaveyB1981]

Thank you for your replies, I am coming to terms with the diabeties thing and have seen a number of health care types. I will post an update when things have settled down. Dave, thanks for the PM offer I may take it up when I know a little more myself, once again thank you.
Chief

No worries Chief - you know where I am!

Good luck.

Dave