Blood Sugar Bonk!

[Superbob]

Are there other type 2 diabetics here who exercise both for diabetes management and heart health?

This afternoon, I went on an extra-long hike with my dog. Halfway out, I realized I had eaten a lunch too light on energy food/good carbs. I got rather shaky and barely made it back home. My blood sugar was way low (for me) -- in the 70s. I quickly had a glass of cranberry juice, orange slices, and half a peanut butter sandwich and am starting to feel better.

I was wondering if any of you regular exercisers ever have this problem, and if you have a high-energy snack that you carry along with you. I need to start packing a snack, always, on my hikes. Just not sure what might be best. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Trinityheart8891]

Bob,

I dont have diabetes, but I am prone to sugar crashes, especially when I drink alot of coffee and dont eat right, admittedly I usually do this stuff to myself so my crashes are usually my own fault. I usually reach for peanut M&Ms, snack mix, or a clif bar when I have a crash, these are all easily accessable, and easily carried if I need to. I usually throw a clif bar, or gensoy bar in my purse when I intend to go out all day. the thing about these choices is that they have both "quick" sugar and some protein to last, I find if I eat too much quick sugar I have problems, oatmeal type things like most "granola" bars cause me the most issues (I dont know why, but my mom's the same way, I think oats are a quick carb)

ok, I went off on a tangeant here, hope this helps

Morgan, 21

 

[Superbob]

Morgan,

Thanks for your good suggestions. I think "trail mix" snacks and granola bars may be a good bet for me. I bet M&Ms would be a quick fix, too, but the trouble is, if I was in possession of M&Ms I would eat them and not save them for a sugar bonk.

Cheers,

 

[Cooker]

Bob.....first of all don't do that again You need to take better care of yourself....that sounds kind of funny coming from a chimp who had pizza, salad and birthday cake and ice cream tonight

Anyway.....I have a friend I hiked with 10 years ago and he carried apples and some dark chocolate (said dark was more durable to carry) I know he is a diabetic, what type I don't know.

Maybe you could hang a little keg around Sadie's neck with some juice in it, I am sure she wouldn't mind

 

[Superbob]

Bob.....first of all don't do that again You need to take better care of yourself....that sounds kind of funny coming from a chimp who had pizza, salad and birthday cake and ice cream tonight

Anyway.....I have a friend I hiked with 10 years ago and he carried apples and some dark chocolate (said dark was more durable to carry) I know he is a diabetic, what type I don't know.

Maybe you could hang a little keg around Sadie's neck with some juice in it, I am sure she wouldn't mind

I hate to say it, but The Chimp is right. I ate just a salmon cup and half an apple for lunch, then proceeded on the hike. I know better than that; surely I do. I must. First, I need more energy food before the exercise. And second I need to carry some emergency vittles. The keg of juice for Sadie to carry sounds good. I bet I've got dozens of snack ideas in handouts from my diabetes management classes of a few years ago; I've just been too lazy to look them up. Thanks for the ideas and the concern. I was just neighborhood walking but I could have been out on a trail somewhere.

 

[Superbob]

Well, of course, now that I've checked my files, I find I have TONS of info. Things to carry along on an outdoor jaunt to bring blood sugar up quickly include such carbs as fresh fruit, fruit juice, dried fruit, glucose tablets, and hard candies. About 15 grams of carbs should usually do the trick.
If not, take another 15.

And it says here to get a medical ID bracelet. As shaky as I felt on the last leg of my hike today, I am thinking that is advice I should take.

 

[Wise]

Bob, I'm glad to hear you're feeling better, and that Cooker has gotten you all straightened out by now.

My uncle, who is younger than me, was diagnosed with diabetes at age 21. He's now age 43, I think. He's been told he's a possible candidate for a pancreas transplant. Have you ever heard of this? It doesn't sound like a good option except in extreme cases; His sugar runs ridiculously high no matter how good he is. Just can't control it. He's had several heart attacks with a lot of damage resulting. For that reason, if I understand correctly, he shouldn't have the transplant (since it's not recommended for people with heart disease). I'm concerned about him.

I say all that because I'm seeing first hand how mean diabetes can become. Take care of yourself, our friend and a friend to many.

p.s. ...sorry I didn't intend to hijack your thread, it just happened before I knew it.

 

[Cooker]

And it says here to get a medical ID bracelet. As shaky as I felt on the last leg of my hike today, I am thinking that is advice I should take.

You don't have a bracelet or necklace?!?!?! Not a good thing....Not a good example from a Super Hero ........GET ONE!!

 

[DebbyA]

It looks like you've found the information you need. I'm sure you know that you need to hydrate for hikes and long walks even in winter? I envy you that mountain scenery!

Debby

 

[BillCobit]

I'm not diabetic, but my I do the blood sugar bonk from time to time on long bike rides. Products like GU and Hammer Gel provide me with a temporary lift. This stuff is not health food - just a quick boost. Comes in (mostly) leak-proof foil/polyethylene unit dose packets so you can throw a few in a pocket or your glovebox. The product doesn't taste bad, although after a few long triathlons I've developed an aversion to it. It's certainly not so appealing that you'll be tempted to raid your stash.

 

[Superbob]

Appreciate all the kind thoughts and suggestions (and in Cooker's case, order ), I am finding here on this wintry-looking Saturday morning.

Bill -- thanks a lot. That's what I need -- something I can stow away and not be tempted to eat except when I need it away from home.

Debby -- it IS beautiful out here in the Blue Ridge. I think I have mentioned it before, but I think you will like Dr. Speir as your surgeon. I was tremendously impressed with him and his whole staff. Best wishes as you go forward. We lived in Nova for six years and my son and his family still live there. We drove up there and back just this week. About a 4-hour drive from here.

Wise -- I am sorry your uncle has had such a hard time with diabetes complications. Yes, diabetes can be very mean, sometimes leading to amputations, blindness, all sorts of maladies. I pray your uncle can avoid the worst. I am very fortunate that I have been able to manage it well so far (well, except for brainless moments like yesterday.

Cooker -- Old buddy, you know how it pains me to say you're right. I have seen forms to order a bracelet at the local pharmacy. Is that the best way to do it, or is there a reliable company to order it online from? (Oh and good luck with your presidential candidacy. You might have a real shot in the current field. What is your platform: A chicken in every pot? Or bananas in every fruit basket?

Again, thanks to all. I'll try to be smarter with all this from now on. I love the hikes and need the exercise, but I should "be prepared" (like a good Boy Scout -- or SuperHero.

 

[Cooker]

Appreciate all the kind thoughts and suggestions (and in Cooker's case, order ), I am finding here on this wintry-looking Saturday morning.

Bill -- thanks a lot. That's what I need -- something I can stow away and not be tempted to eat except when I need it away from home.

Debby -- it IS beautiful out here in the Blue Ridge. I think I have mentioned it before, but I think you will like Dr. Speir as your surgeon. I was tremendously impressed with him and his whole staff. Best wishes as you go forward. We lived in Nova for six years and my son and his family still live there. We drove up there and back just this week. About a 4-hour drive from here.

Wise -- I am sorry your uncle has had such a hard time with diabetes complications. Yes, diabetes can be very mean, sometimes leading to amputations, blindness, all sorts of maladies. I pray your uncle can avoid the worst. I am very fortunate that I have been able to manage it well so far (well, except for brainless moments like yesterday.

Cooker -- Old buddy, you know how it pains me to say you're right. I have seen forms to order a bracelet at the local pharmacy. Is that the best way to do it, or is there a reliable company to order it online from? (Oh and good luck with your presidential candidacy. You might have a real shot in the current field. What is your platform: A chicken in every pot? Or bananas in every fruit basket?

Again, thanks to all. I'll try to be smarter with all this from now on. I love the hikes and need the exercise, but I should "be prepared" (like a good Boy Scout -- or SuperHero.

SuperBob....Google medic alert, I think that is where I got mine......As to my platform...."No Monkey Business" And, "what this political system needs is a good dose of Prune Juice"

 

[Wise]

SuperBob....Google medic alert, I think that is where I got mine......As to my platform...."No Monkey Business" And, "what this political system needs is a good dose of Prune Juice"

Sounds like a good plan, both medically and politically!!

 

[Bina]

SuperBob can buy any kind of bracelet and have it engraved with "Diabetic", unless you want all your medical and meds info accessible, then go with the registered methods such as "Medic Alert".

 

[Superbob]

SuperBob can buy any kind of bracelet and have it engraved with "Diabetic", unless you want all your medical and meds info accessible, then go with the registered methods such as "Medic Alert".

SUPERBOB appreciates that, Bina. He (okay, me) has been going through the steps for one of the medical IDs and wondering if he really needs to engrave all his meds on there (since they are subject to change anyway). I think something simple might do (not to mention cheaper)....

 

[Cooker]

And you can spend what you want!!! When I was getting mine they had them from $40 to $400?.. I chose stainless over gold because I thought it would last longer??.and I really don?t need any more flash

 

[Superbob]

Well, Superbob went the El Cheapo route, too. 30 bucks, including shipping. (That's as opposed to several hundred bucks for glitzy ones.) I figure if the necklace is so becoming and shows off my scar so well, I can always order a flashy one to dazzle the chicks.

Thanks for the help, everyone. Now, The Chimp can get off my neck.

 

[Cooker]

Thanks for the help, everyone. Now, The Chimp can get off my neck.

What's wrong? Don't like a "monkey" on your back Sometimes I crack me up