Any diabetics on these boards?

[bentforlife]

I was wondering if there are any women on these boards that are diabetic? I've been a type 2 diabetic for 14 years and will finally start Lantus(insulin). I've been on oral meds for 10+ years.

I took up biking to reduce strain on my knees, to help me get in better cadiovascular condition, and to get rid of the last 30 lbs I cannot get off by just walking and weight lifting.

I'm a little concerned about having lows when I bike, I'm only up to 6-8 mile 3Xweek on the bike. I'm trying to get more time on the bike, but Marching band season(daughter) has kept me very busy. Any one with experience on this, your input would be appreciated.

Donna

[CorsairMac]

I am not diabetic but I do have SyndromeX which is an insulin intolerance. It causes major insulin fluctuations and could eventually lead to Diabetes. I'm not sure what you're looking for but for athletic "lows" I've been trying some different things that seem to be working for me to keep the insulin in balance. Since I can't eat grains or starches because of the insulin spikes - I stick with legumes - mainly kidney beans - for my complex carbs. I've also found LunaBars seem to help a lot without any spiking. Also, Alacer (Emer-Gen-C) makes an Electrolyte Mix that is sugar free and has all your electrolytes in it and tastes really good! I was just told about another product the other day - Cytomax Lite - which is low-glycemic but I haven't tried that yet. It uses Splenda which - for me - causes insulin spikes - tho the Splenda is the last ingrediant on the list so I may try it. I haven't done any long rides yet but I average about 50-60 miles a week riding which includes climbing 500-800 feet up a mountain (usually in a headwind) every afternoon and haven't had any problems either during, after or next day with riding/recovery. You might look into low-glycemic food groups - they seem to be the best for complex carbs without insulin spikes. Also, ClifBar - makers of LunaBar - tends to keep their bars sugar-free using maltodextrin instead - if you can tolerate that. The ClifBar website lists all the ingredients of their bars. I hope this helps and I would LOVE any research info you come up with. I want to do a centuary some day when I can find the right combinations.
Kathie

[doc]

There is a wonderful organization called JDRF (juvenile diabetes research foundation) which has tons of training information for diabetics. The training info has nothing to do with age. They also have several fund raising rides and walks every year. I participated in the ride in asheville north carolina this month. It was fabulous. I rode 68 miles in the smokey mountains. Gorgeous! The support for diabetics was terrific. Special lectures on managing your sugar while exercising etc. Even though their focus is type I diabetes, I am sure most of the information on training will be applicable to you. You can find them easily at jdrf.org (i think. if not they will pop up if you use a search engine) Good luck!

[CorsairMac]

Thank You So much for the website Doc. Its been tough finding info specific to exercise and insulin - ummm - irregularities. I'm anxious to give it a 'surf'.