K. Rennemann from Betheln asks: I'm 58 years old and have had type 1 diabetes for a year and a half. I've been doing sport since I was a child, football until I was 45, then road cycling and mountain biking. My blood sugar level fluctuates greatly after cycling. Are there any special recovery rules for diabetics? Which drinks are suitable during and after training? Karlfried Rennemann, Betheln
The expert advises: Type 1 diabetes develops in adulthood as a result of self-destructive processes against the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. This results in an insulin deficiency that can only be treated with insulin therapy. Like insulin, sport, especially endurance sport, improves the transport of glucose from the blood into the cells and can therefore reduce the need for insulin. In general, type 1 diabetics should observe the following rules when doing endurance sports:
1. Be careful with strong fluctuations in blood sugar levels, they are unfavourable and can cause damage to blood vessels.
2. Before starting regular exercise, you should have your heart, blood pressure, eyes and kidneys checked and there should be no late diabetic damage.
3. Only exercise when your blood sugar level is balanced, so be sure to measure it before every workout.
4. If your initial blood glucose level is below 250 mg/dl, exercise will cause a significant drop in blood glucose; if it is above 270 mg/dl, you should not exercise under any circumstances.
5. Late hypoglycaemia can occur after training, so an additional intake of carbohydrates in the evening (20-30 grams) is recommended.
6. Mineral water and unsweetened teas are suitable sports drinks for diabetics. If fruit juice spritzers are used, then only very diluted. Alcohol is taboo!
