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Best fast acting glucose whilst exercising (Cycling or running)

Zinadane

Well-Known Member
Messages
330
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Dislikes
High and low sugar levels!
My preferred is ‘Lift’ fast acting chews (10 in a tube, 3.7g each)
Dissolve in your mouth which is great and probably the fastest into the bloodstream.
However, tricky to open and consume whilst continuing to cycle.
Also, once you have a part consumed tube, the remainder will start to rattle around and break into pieces.
Is there anything better though?
 
I’ve always used Dextro tablets. One tablet conveniently raises my my BGs by 1mmol/L, so it’s easy to predict how many I’ll need.
 
SamJB said:
I’ve always used Dextro tablets. One tablet conveniently raises my my BGs by 1mmol/L, so it’s easy to predict how many I’ll need.
Click to expand...
I gave up Dextrose in preference of Lift some years ago because of the paper wrapping.
Once a pack was opened the tablets either went soggy or rock hard depending where they were "stored".

My preference is definitely Lift but I agree the rattle in the plastic tube is annoying when exercising. I think it is just a bug I bear - no worse than the water sloshing in my Camelbak.
 
I use jelly beans when on long runs or cycling as can store in a pouch and grab a few to suck on if I feel I need the extra glucose.
 
I know what you mean about the Dextro ones in the paper. Bad memories of needing some when out and finding the ones that had been sitting in my bag too long were hard as rocks but having to crunch through them anyway!
With Lift, I buy the pots of 50 to refill the smaller tubes I carry, and top the tube up before going out to avoid the rattling of a half empty tube.
 
Have you thought of full fat diluted vimto in a drinks bottle?
 
Juicyj said:
I use jelly beans when on long runs or cycling as can store in a pouch and grab a few to suck on if I feel I need the extra glucose.
Click to expand...
I've never tried jelly beans.
What's the carb count?
Probably less efficient than lift glucose tabs, not sure?
 
Zinadane said:
I've never tried jelly beans.
What's the carb count?
Probably less efficient than lift glucose tabs, not sure?
Click to expand...
5 Jelly beans are around 14g of carb, personally I prefer them as glucotabs are very dry and difficult to swallow and beans area easier to consume, also different flavours which is a great distraction when running, stops me from over thinking !!
 
I use old fashioned and cheap sugar cubes, only problem is when you forget they are in your pocket in a small clear plastic bag when you go through security at Gatwick and they think you have drugs in your pocket!!! The security guard did roar with laughter when I told her what they were to be fair!!
They are great because they don't melt and also some pubs/restaurants give you free sugar cubes if you order a coffee!!
5g glucose per square and work fast especially if you place under the tongue or just suck them!!

Sent from my Pixel 7a using Diabetes Forum mobile app
 
I go for sour snakes and sour cola bottles (jelly sweets), they aren't as carb rich as something like a Dextrose tablet but they are easy to eat (and keep breathing) and as they are slightly sour I can keep eating them at the end of a long ride. I decant them into a plastic bag which I take with me, which makes it easier to open and get the sweets from.

I also take Skittles for a quick hit, though much easier to eat while not riding as the packets are a pain and they become quite hard to chew & breath at the same time (they also go very very hard in the winter, so not ideal).

My ultimate fallback is Kendal mintcake, if I feel nauseous for whatever reason, but need to get some carbs in this works as the peppermint makes it bearable. It's also 99% carbs so good bang for your (volume/weight) buck.
 
I just chew the super hard Dextrose. Not the end of the world!
 
Guess I rely on Dextrose for general control. I get through a packet every week or so for exercise or hypo avoidance, so they never go soggy or dry.
 
SamJB said:
Guess I rely on Dextrose for general control. I get through a packet every week or so for exercise or hypo avoidance, so they never go soggy or dry.
Click to expand...
If you are getting through so many Dextrose, you probably want to review your insulin dose. That is a lot of Dextrose to get through suggesting your insulin dose is too high. Have you done a basal test recently?
 
It’s mostly through exercise, but you’re right, I probably do need to review my basal. I’m DIY closed-looping and I’m not really sure how to do it.
 
SamJB said:
It’s mostly through exercise, but you’re right, I probably do need to review my basal. I’m DIY closed-looping and I’m not really sure how to do it.
Click to expand...
Sounds like the perfect title for a new thread!
 
Yeah, I also refill from the larger tubs. Pretty sure you can refill the smaller tube to 11 tabs (supplied with 10). Total is then 40g carb.
 
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