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Running

Brownie1993

Brownie1993

Well-Known Member
Messages
57
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Before I was diagnosed 8 months ago, I used to do a lot of running l. However since diagnosis I haven't done any... Still keeping fit though by doing 5-a-side football once/twice a week and plenty of walking.

I'm thinking of starting running again (I'm talking long distance, 5 milesish).

My concern and question is, what do other type 1s do when going on runs in terms of carrying their kit with them? I don't really want to be carrying round my kit with me while I'm running...
 
Hi Brownie. I do a 3 mile run about 3 times a week so, not as far as you. In terms of kit, I just put my glucotabs tube into the pocket in my runners belt and make sure I have my medic-alert bracelet on. I check my sugar before I run and don't run if it is under 7. I don't take my meter or insulin with me though as from experience, I feel I'm more likely to go low (hence the glucotabs) than high. Plus, I run in central London so not too far from help if I need it. Hope that helps!
 
I tend to agree with @Postitnote, I generally take glucose tabs with me and not much else. If your hypo awareness and compensation understanding is good, you shouldn't need much else.

One thing you can do to learn how your body reacts is to run a 1 mile loop and to and from your house. Leave your glucose test kit somewhere safe but easily accessible. Test your glucose at the start and end of each mile to generate a profile of what typically happens as you increase distance.
 
Ideally, you need the kit until you have enough miles under your diabetic belt to know what your BG levels do over various distances and different intensities.

I have a camelbak which I use for 8 miles + but if you take the bladder out they are a great way of having your kit etc on you for any distance.
 
Hi Brownie1993, the following website was set-up for people like yourself who have type 1 diabetes and enjoy sport, take a look and see if there's anything helpful:

http://www.runsweet.com/
 
I always take my kit with me, I'm out in the sticks and can go for a long time just seeing the odd tractor. I wear a belt not unlike a spibelt with meter, strips, pricker, glucose and ID.
I carry water in one of those hand shaped containers.
(no phone, I don't have one but it's hilly and there is often no signal in any case. I always tell my OH where I'm going and when to expect me back; occasionally he's thought I've been a bit long and set off to try and find me;) )
The site that Nigel mentioned is excellent , I've also recently found some useful tips on this site. (it's produced by Dr Sheri Colberg, a type 1 who researches into diabetes and exercise)
http://www.diabetesmotion.com/#!trial-and-error-tips/c9pg
 
Hi Brownie1993, I was diagnosed 3months ago and went running again for the first time yesterday! I ran less than you will be (5km /3miles), but took my meter and finger prick with me, in my jacket pocket and tested before, halfway through, and after my run. I may end up not taking my meter on future runs but think it's important for you to take and test the first few times you are out to understand how your body reacts to your run (as Scardoc mentioned), but also to build your own confidence in exercising again. Good luck! :)
 
I run 2 / 3 times a week. Short ones in the week (2-3mi) and longer runs at the weekend (up to 10mi) I never carry my kit with me. Not had a hypo during a run (diagnosed 13months now) if I do go low it's usually 8-10 hours after a long run. But..I am only on very small doses of insulin.
 
Hi there

Not sure I can add a lot but I never take kit with me unless I'm running more than 13 miles or so (obviously I always take glucose equivalent with me - my current pleasure is Shot Bloks). I try to do loops on long runs so that I'm never far from a newsagent should there not be enough Shot Bloks to cope - hasn't happened yet.

I do find when I'm running hard (tempo or strength run) it can send my BS frighteningly high. My worst one being after a half marathon event when it was so high the register just said HI. Took five hours to give me a non HI reading (which was then 30 something) and I felt quite frankly like death warmed up. Any thoughts or advice on that scenario very welcome...
 
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