How Cycling can help with Diabetes - RIDE, DONATE, VOLUNTEER!!!!

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Permalink Reply by David Gibbs on December 17, 2013 at 12:28pm

And if you're looking to join a team, consider joining Team RED Chicago!

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Sloan on December 17, 2013 at 3:51pm

Look at that great pic of the planning committee!

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Permalink Reply by Bill Nedza on December 20, 2013 at 8:59am

Just another bit of info: https://www.facebook.com/tdcchicago

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Permalink Reply by We all have an inner Beast... on January 14, 2014 at 5:17pm

I was just diagnosed as a diabetic on Nov 23rd, 2013 (just before Thanksgiving). I literally rolled into the VA ER with a 842 blood sugar. Diabetic ketoacidosis (sorry for the spelling). Spent 3 days in the ICE with IVs going the entire time
I have continued riding both my road and mountain bikes since then. I just have to check my BS (blood sugar) after my rides. I am on insulin shots right now and keeping an eye on my food intake. I have learned a lot about what I have to eat and what I can change. Things are looking up for me because I don't care what I have to do to keep my diabetes under control, I WILL DO IT !!! I would like to join a group of diabetic cyclists either this year or next to get an idea of how to control the nutrition aspect of a long ride. I plan on doing the North Shore Century this year (the Apple Cider Century kicked my but last year, however I learned so much about myself and what I need to do to complete all 100 miles) because it is flatter.
how can we help each other?

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Permalink Reply by JeffB on January 14, 2014 at 5:49pm

Sorry to hear that.  But your attitude is good.  I've been Type 1 for over 30 years and becoming a regular bike rider 9 years ago has been the best thing for me and my control.  I do long rides (usually solo) and have a few centuries under my belt.  Check your sugars regularly and take Clif bars or something with you.

Keep up your vigilance.  Good control will save you lots of trouble down the line.  And on a practical note in re: the riding: never go anywhere without a handy supply of quickly-digestible sugar.  Best is glucose tablets or gel, or a high-sugar juice or sports drink.  Low blood sugars can sneak up on you pretty quickly when you're working hard.  And get a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace, especially if you go out alone a lot.  And tell everyone you know about it, so they can recognize when you need help.  I don't know about you, but I tend to act like a sloppy or belligerent drunk when I'm crashing, or I just pass out.

Look into insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors.  They can help with tight control.  The latter is still relatively new, but I keep hoping we're on the cusp of developments that will lead to a closed-loop system where the monitor communicates with the pump and they act as a sort of artificial pancreas.  I think its the next big step.

We all have an inner Beast... said:

I was just diagnosed as a diabetic on Nov 23rd, 2013 (just before Thanksgiving). I literally rolled into the VA ER with a 842 blood sugar. Diabetic ketoacidosis (sorry for the spelling). Spent 3 days in the ICE with IVs going the entire time
I have continued riding both my road and mountain bikes since then. I just have to check my BS (blood sugar) after my rides. I am on insulin shots right now and keeping an eye on my food intake. I have learned a lot about what I have to eat and what I can change. Things are looking up for me because I don't care what I have to do to keep my diabetes under control, I WILL DO IT !!! I would like to join a group of diabetic cyclists either this year or next to get an idea of how to control the nutrition aspect of a long ride. I plan on doing the North Shore Century this year (the Apple Cider Century kicked my but last year, however I learned so much about myself and what I need to do to complete all 100 miles) because it is flatter.
how can we help each other?

• ▶ Reply