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How It's Done: Bicycling With Diabetes
Diabetes doesn’t need to hold any cyclist back
ByIri Greco
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For a pro, training and racing are rigorous enough. Throw diabetes into the equation and it gets even harder. We asked Joe Eldridge, rider for Team Novo Nordisk, the first all-diabetic professional cycling team, for his tips on managing the challenge. Most of his common-sense advice applies to any cyclist who wants to practice smart nutrition.

What is type 1 diabetes?
It’s an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks the cells that produce its glucose-regulating hormone, insulin. Without insulin, your body can’t absorb fuel. People with diabetes must monitor their blood sugar and insulin levels continuously. It’s not as common as type 2 diabetes, a disease in which the body becomes resistant to insulin as a result of inactivity and poor diet.

Have a consistent fuel strategy
I always eat the same breakfast, so I know how my body will react and how much insulin I need to process it. Experiment to find out the food and drink combo that works for you.

Leave nothing to chance
I check blood sugar constantly. I pack food so I can eat if it’s low, and insulin for when it spikes. In a race, I will force myself to eat because you don’t get to call a time-out to adjust your blood sugar.

Know your body
Learn the signs of high or low blood sugar so you can be proactive. If my muscles cramp, say, or I have jaw pain, I know it’s getting too high. If my legs feel disconnected, it’s dropping too low.

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Fortunately, I only have to take Janmumet twice a day. I do have to be very careful on rides, though, since my glucose can drop very quickly. Knowing the symptoms is key, and I'm still learning (I was only diagnosed earlier this year.) Since fluids are so heavy, I only carry sugar free drinks or water. I use gels and bars to boost sugar when needed.
I also have type 1 diabetes and do a great deal of both road and mountain biking in the summer. I however use an insulin pump other than taking bolus injections. Are there others there that use a pump and what tricks do you use to control your blood glucose level? I drop my basal rate to 20-25% of normal and use gatorade and other sport snacks during the ride. It is pretty easy to have my blood glucose drop down where I don't have the energy needed to bike properly. Usually I'm not bonking until after 4 hours, but can always use some advice on how to bike better. Has Joe contemplated using a pump to improve overall control?