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Type 2 Triathlons and Diabetes

MDHalstead

MDHalstead

Well-Known Member
Messages
54
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi,

A newbie here. I am Type 2.

I have taken up training for triathlons and have raced in 3 sprints ones. I have lost over 2 stone since taking it up.

Does anyone have experience with gels or other fuels, when cycling or running?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Hi @MDHalstead and welcome to the forum!

I'm not an endurance athlete and so far in my exercise 'career' I've not done anything longer than a 5km and as such haven't needed fuel at all. Sorry I can't offer any advice on gels - I just run with a small pot of glucose tablets stuffed in my sports bra and haven't yet needed to dive into them!

Slight tangent here but I posted this thread earlier - http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/fantastic-opportunity-for-keen-exercisers.105546/ - when I went along to their last such event in May, as a newbie runner, I learned so much. The 50 participants ranged from hobby runners like me to ironman triathletes and ultrarunners.

You might find it a useful (and fun!) experience.

:)
 
Hi, since getting diagnosed back in March with T1, I have run 2 marathons, gels are a great source to boost levels, especially on the first marathon, I found my levels dropped quite rapidly around miles 10 and 22.

Just be careful with amount of insulin you inject before
 
Snapsy said:
Hi @MDHalstead and welcome to the forum!

I'm not an endurance athlete and so far in my exercise 'career' I've not done anything longer than a 5km and as such haven't needed fuel at all. Sorry I can't offer any advice on gels - I just run with a small pot of glucose tablets stuffed in my sports bra and haven't yet needed to dive into them!

Slight tangent here but I posted this thread earlier - http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/fantastic-opportunity-for-keen-exercisers.105546/ - when I went along to their last such event in May, as a newbie runner, I learned so much. The 50 participants ranged from hobby runners like me to ironman triathletes and ultrarunners.

You might find it a useful (and fun!) experience.

:)
Click to expand...

Hi thanks for your reply.

I am up to half marathons with running, and sprint triathlons. I currently use SIS or High 5 gels and drinks.
Just curious if there is a better diabetic preference :)
 
10km is my limit so never had to use any gels, etc but just wanted to say anyone who participates in a Triathlon has my utmost respect!
 
Thanks.

I am working towards standard.
Just want to make sure I refuel properly.
 
MDHalstead said:
Thanks.

I am working towards standard.
Just want to make sure I refuel properly.
Click to expand...

Hi MD,
I am T2 (now Reversed) and started where you are 6 years ago with Sprints.

I finally stopped taking the last of my DB drugs 6 months ago and now have an HbA1c of 34 and I am currently training for Ironman Wales!

During racing you should use what you are used to and I have used SIS gels and Hi 5 Gels in races, however the breakthrough for me has been Low Carb, Medium Protein, High Fat diet which has enabled me to "Reverse" my Diabetes.

Check out Dr Maffetone and The "Faster" study by Peter Defty along with the Optimising Nutrition site.

Good luck with your Triathlon ambitions you will not regret getting into this wonderful sport, do some research and make up your own mind but in my own case cutting the carbs from my daily diet helped beat my Diabetes.
 
Cheers Monty, well done on the reversal.

I will look into the study and the site
 
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