9 posts, 5 contributors
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Stew B
DAFNE Graduate
Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital 125 posts |
I've recently started doing some modest distance cycling "Sportives", and find myself surrounded by cyclists adding various tablets to their drinking bottles or mixing powders with their drinks. On Saturday the event organisers provided energy drink at the drinks station. |
michaelj
DAFNE Graduate
South East Kent PCT 45 posts |
Although I'm not a regular heavy duty exerciser I find that Glucojuice is very handy as a glucose replacementm. It comes in 60ml bottles and each bottle is worth 14 units of carbohydrate or 1.4 portions. Presumably you could put in as many of these as you wish into your bottle and you would then know how much value you have in total and could approximately work out each drink is worth. As far as I'm aware anythig with high glucose content could be clased as "high energy" just like lucozade so it may be worth a try. At least you would know what you are taking on board. Best of luck |
JamesW
DAFNE Graduate
Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital 24 posts |
I have done a few 100 mile events and find that I prefer to leave my bidons with just water (or water and electrolyte). The fuelling will come in the form of gels or pre-determined amounts of dried fruit. I prefer this setup rather than adding powders to my drinks because I dehydrate quite quickly and I don't want to overload on carbohydrate in an attempt to get fluid in to me. |
Phil Maskell
DAFNE Graduate
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust 194 posts |
I do a lot of long distance cycling, in the early days I would have pockets full of glucose tablets and energy gels as I went hypo loads (exercise was probably a shock to the system), to counter this I then started lowering my background insulin along with my QA. This then lead to prolonged times of running at 12+, which made me feel lethargic on the bike. |
Stew B
DAFNE Graduate
Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital 125 posts |
Thanks for taking the time everyone - not sure I'm keen to go low carb Phil, but crikey, that's quite an impact! I try to get my levels fairly high (12ish) for the start of a ride, but sometimes I don't get this right and end up at 15+, which as you say can leave me feeling lethargic (which kind of defeats the object of enjoying my cycling). |
JamesW
DAFNE Graduate
Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital 24 posts |
I can only talk about Science in Sport (SiS) products but they do state what the nutritional values are, certainly on the gels. I don't have any to hand but I believe they come in at about 20g carbohydrate per pouch. The use of caffeine is aimed at giving you a boost over the last leg of the ride. I am not aware of diabetes playing a part in suitability, it comes down to how you as a person respond to caffeine. They are probably not something for every training run but you should at least try it before embarking on anything official to ensure suitability. Other non-carb products contain electrolytes which are good at preventing cramps due to loss of salts through sweating. |
Phil Maskell
DAFNE Graduate
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust 194 posts |
Yeah as James has said, to become fat adapted on the bike its been a long slow slog, training at 180-age which for me is 141bpm, very low, but its paid off. |
AMcD
DAFNE Graduate
University College Hospital, Galway 38 posts |
Stew. Your muscles will recharge by drawing glucose back into them after axercice which could explain the apparent non rise in BG levels after compensating with carbs.... keep up the good work. ... Andy |
Stew B
DAFNE Graduate
Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital 125 posts |
I really appreciate everyone's responses - lots to think about and realising that it's Not straightforward. In my youth, and many years pre-diabetes, I used to cycle race (mainly 10 and 25 mile time trials), so it comes as a bit of a trial that I can't just get on my bike and ride. On the other hand, I do like the challenge and I'm really enjoying getting the miles in. I'll be giving the suggestions a go! Thanks. |