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The Diabetic Cyclist

A Good Decision

8/4/2017

2 Comments

 
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It has been almost one year since I decided to go from an insulin pump to injections.  The truth was I waited a little longer than I should have to make the change because I was scared.  I was in a great spot with my insulin pump, my A1C was right where it needed to be but was making a change because of running and cycling a good idea.  

A Block Island birthday getaway with Kate made the decision for me.  After being in the ocean my insulin pump site had fallen off, luckily I was prepared and had brought two extra sites.  Each one would fail and my blood sugar would climb above 475.  A few days late I would make the switch, like anything it took sometime to get everything dialed in but man has it been worth it.  As long as I'm in range going for a spur of the moment run or bike ride is totally possible.  Before it was suspend the pump wait an hour or two and then run or ride.  When it comes to training and racing the injections have made a world of difference. 

I won't lie, my A1C is almost a full point higher because of my switch to injections.  That full point does not put me in any danger however, my health is great and my endo is happy my A1C is where it is.  For someone that is so OCD with his diabetes, how could I let that happen to my A1C.  I mean I was determined to get my A1C below 6 for so long and now I've crept away from that.  It is very simple, my quality of life has changed tremendously.  I have eliminated my below range blood sugars which were a daily occurrence before injections.  My blood sugars are in range more and I'm happier.  When my blood sugars are in range I'm a kid, I'm full of energy and I'm happy.  In turn that makes me a much better worker, fiance, and father.

I can definitely make some small tweaks to better my A1C, which I will do with the help of my endocrinologist.  As always my decision to make the change from an insulin pump too injections was one that I made with endocrinologist and nurse practitioner.  As always what works for me will not work for everyone!!  Please contact a medical professional if you are looking to make any changes to your diabetes treatment.
2 Comments
Stew
8/4/2017 09:16:13 am

Nice to find someone else who has switched back to injecting from a pump. I'm a modest-distance cyclist and just couldn't get my head round exercise preparation with the pump. Also, it reminded me 24/7 that I'm diabetic, but being T1 diabetic is fairly well down the list of things that define me. Love the blog btw.

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Mark
8/5/2017 01:42:46 am

I have found that a pump gives me more flexibility when cycling than injections. For example if I haven't planned a ride and therefore have my full morning Levemir by injection I am somewhat stuffed if someone asks me to go on a ride later in the day whereas with a pump I can simply turn down my basal rate. I used to hypo / hyper regularly on rides with injections but, fingers crossed, have had no trouble with a pump over 3 years. I guess it's different for us all and we should use what suits us best. I'm not a runner or swimmer and can see that swimming using a pump can be problematic with sites etc.

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