cyclists with T2 diabetes
BIRDIEBL8
Posts: 155 Member
Good morning all! I could use some advice from any cyclists with T2 diabetes as I new to the whole blood sugar issues. I've had a "bonk" or 2 in the past after a long day of cycling but now I seem to crash after 30 minutes or so. Apparently I need to fuel up differently and could use some suggestions. ( wasn't sure where to post this but as a bike lover will go from here)
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Btw I have a Trek 3700 that I ride everywhere, work, store, the woods - you name it but looking to get a touring bike this year for the long rides.0
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I only check first thing in the am and not on meds as I do pretty well w/ diet & exercise. I've heard that you can get false readings during exercise. As far as snacks it's usually some fruit, gorp & a pb sandwich. I have almonds or a turkey sandwich post ride. (Don't see dr till feb & she doesn't bike lol)0
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I agree with Snow in that you should start tracking your BG levels if this is a problem. (I'm also T2, btw.) Consider taking your meter with you and testing when this happens to see how low you are going. It might be low BG but it might be a more normal "bonk" that even non-diabetics can get when glycogen stores (and whatever else matters) get too low.
I usually only bonk when I'm doing longer rides, maybe 2+ hours or so, but this, of course, also depends on speed, hills, and other factors that might effect the intensity. But I never ride without some kind of nutritional support because, as a T2, you never know when it might hit. And, on longer ride days, I definitely need to up my carb intake a bit as I typically eat lower carb.
I find small intake on a regular basis works better for me than waiting to bonk and then feeling the need to stuff. That can set off a roller-coaster. For example, I might have a banana after an hour of riding, then an ounce or so of nuts after the second hour, etc. And if I'm riding for multiple hours, I'll carry some Powerade or something like that instead of just drinking water.
Hope that gives you some ideas.0 -
Thanks- will try to eat more during my ride, instead of waiting till nearing the end!0
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Would energy gels help?0
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I don't know about the energy gels, never have tried one. Will check out the label next time I'm at the sports store.0
