Managing your blood sugar while exercising can be one of the biggest challenges for people with diabetes because physical activity can cause blood sugar to rise or plummet, depending on the type of exercise and the person’s body.
I came across an interesting blog post on DiabeTeens from a teen named Anna, who ran “The Pikes Peak Ascent,” an extremely difficult half marathon run. Anna, who has diabetes, chronicled her run in the post. Participants in the run have to start at an elevation of 6,300 feet above sea level then work their way up through the winding trail until they reach the finish line, which stands at 14,115 feet above sea level.
Anna’s preparation for this marathon requires not only determination, but also discipline.
There are aid stations for the runner, which provide Gatorade and water. However, Anna had to worry about potential problems, such as low blood sugars, that could occur between the aid stations. To help her be prepared, her father ran the race with her and carried plenty of sugary supplies. She particularly likes the Hammer Nutrition products Heed and Perpetuem. Heed is ideal for exercise that is less than 2 hours and Perpetuem is recommended for longer workouts or other vigorous activities.
To receive free news updates from Diabetes News Hound delivered straight to your Inbox, sign up here. If you already receive the free Alerts, spread the word by telling a friend to sign up here
