Running Marathons And Other Races With Insulin-Dependent Diabetes

Updated on October 14, 2017 Stephanie Hicks moreStephanie Hicks has been a type 1 diabetic for 15 years. She manages the disease with an insulin pump, doctor visits, diet, and exercise. If you have Type 1 diabetes (insulin dependent diabetes) or know someone who does, you can appreciate how difficult it can be to stay active and train for athletic events without suffering hypoglycemia or other complications. I have had juvenile diabetes for nearly 10 years, yet my diagnosis at the surprising age of 34 did not stop me from my passion for running. Within five years, I started training for my first marathon and crossed the finish line of the Portland Marathon in 2008! I have since completed an additional six marathons, including the Boston Marathon in 2011, and numerous 1/2 marathons, 10K and 5K races. This is not to say that you should immediately start a running training program if you have a medical condition such as diabetes, unless you discuss the matter in advance with your doctor. Over many months and years of training, I have learned what works with my body running long distances.

Just six months ago, I suffered repeated hypoglycemic episodes during my runs until I visited my doctor and discovered the cause - new sites for my insulin pump caused my body to react as if I had doubled my medication! Fortunately, I figured out the issue quickly with my endocrinologist and made the necessary adjustments so I could continue training without complications. A running partner - highly recommended! For both my weekly long training runs (8-20 miles) and before a race, I plan my diabetes care at least two days ahead of time. Your diet should include plenty of slow-digesting, complex carbohydrates with healthy protein and limited fats. Drink lots of water and limit caffeine and alcohol. Get plenty of restful sleep and attempt to minimize stress, which can negatively impact glucose levels. Before you head out, plan on wearing a fuel belt during any run longer than 30 minutes to carry glucose tabs and energy gels (your safest bet is to carry these items even for shorter runs). I wear clothing with pockets so I can carry my cell phone and blood sugar meter, too.

Although I turn off my insulin pump, because medication is not usually needed as excess blood sugar is burned off during exercise, I wear the device so that I can give myself medication, if necessary, after testing or re-fueling. Training runs are not as time sensitive as races, so I take plenty of time to test blood glucose frequently - about once per hour - and make adjustments as necessary. The information I learn during my training factors into my race day plan. The night before a race, I set my alarm for at least 4 hours before I intend to rise to give me time to test blood sugar and treat hyper- or hypoglycemia. Then, the alarm is reset for at least 2 hours before the race begins. I test, then eat and plan on testing one last time about 10-15 minutes before toeing the start line of my race.

Although I have been a runner since the age of 18, more than 15 years had passed before I was diagnosed with diabetes. Being insulin dependent completely changed my training regimen. I can no longer go out for a run without careful consideration of the food and drink I have consumed recently. Complex carbohydrates, carefully tailored to a dose of insulin, with enough protein to prevent a blood sugar crash and sustain the slow release of energy over an hour or more, are required. Every diabetic will respond in their own individual manner to the types of food and amount of medication that should taken throughout training. Weight loss may occur as you prepare for an endurance race, which can require an adjustment to your medications. Of course, blood glucose levels may also vary on a daily basis based on stress, illness, sleep and even recovery from intense bouts of exercise.