If you have no idea what the title is about, don't worry about it. It's a Pumpers thing!

Found a post on tudiabetes.org this morning about someone wanting to fine tune their basal rates for exercise. Since this is one of my major obstacles I figured I'd share my experiences. For all those people with Diabetes out there, here's my response:

Oh the joys of temp basals. They are the main reason I got on the pump asap after I was diagnosed. I've been on the pump for 2.5yrs. Here's a run down of my workouts and what I do. My basal changes also depend on time of day of workout and time in relation to food. It's still a work in progress as I'm fine tuning to get the best numbers I can so I can perform to the best of my ability at the upcoming World Outrigger Sprint Championships in May.

6am Morning Paddle (~80min): basal drop -60% 2.5hrs prior to exercise (have a separate basal program for this so I don't have to wake up in the middle of the night to change it), NO bolus for ~45g CHO, basal back to normal ~10-20min prior to end of workout. This one is still being fine tuned as I'm coming off water just a tad higher than I'd like (~8.0)

7am Resistance Training (~110min total including 25min warmup and 25min cooldown): basal increase ~10% 45min prior to exercise (that's when I wake up), extended bolus for ~30g CHO over 1.5hrs

Afternoon paddle (70min - 3hrs depending on the day/workout): basal drop -70% (-80%if post lunch BG under 5.5) 2-2.5hrs prior to exercise, for food within 3hrs of paddle then lowered bolus for the CHO by ~50%, consume ~15gCHO/hr during paddle (sometimes less, sometimes more depending on thirst and BG numbers)

Yoga (~60min): depends on time of day and food. Usually have a snack ~30g CHO within an hour of the class and bolus for 50% of it and leave basals. If no snack then have to lower basal by ~30% about 2hrs prior.

Running (30-90min): depends on workout and food. Shorter runs, I leave my basal as is, longer than 45min I usually reduce a few hours prior by ~50% as the intensity is usually less. Interval work I leave my basals as is, LSD (long slow distance) I lower them for sure!

Cycling(any duration): lower by at least 60% a few hours prior.

All of the above are dependent on the type of workout scheduled as well as the food consumed prior (I tend to eat every 2-3hrs). My basal rates, I:C ratio and ISF have changed significantly over the past few months as my body is adapting to my training. Every body is different and even when you think you have yours figured out ... it can throw you for a loop!
My best advice is to keep a training log that includes: type of exercise, intensity, duration, food within 3 hrs of exercise, BG 2 hrs prior, BG 1hr prior, BG at start of workout, BG middle, BG end, basal change and time of change, food post exercise and bolus for it.
I know it sounds like a lot but it's a lot easier to look up what you did and what worked and what didn't when you go back to do a similar workout. I always tell myself that I'll remember but I rarely do!

If you want to know more about my training, feel free to fire me a message!

After reading that, it really sounds like I have it all figured out ... oh how I wish that were true! I'm a work in progress but just working to make every day a little better than the last.

"Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely the demonstration of their championship character." -- T. Alan Armstrong

I couldn't do all this with out the help of some key folks. Be sure to check out their links on my Sponsors page!

• Animas Canada has been my major sponsor for the past year and I look forward to the years to come as part of the Animas family.
• Dr. Sarah and Dr. Travis at Health in Hand Family Chiropractic in West Kelowna are helping to keep me aligned and healthy.
• Dr. Garvey helped me realize just how important "whole" health is and put a smile on my face every day I went to see him in Mississauga.
• Alex and the folks at Georgian Bay Fitness were always encouraging and supportive in the gym while I was back home. I look forward to training there again while I'm home in April!
• Ellen Koennecke has increase my flexibility and my core strength more than I could have ever imagined with her yoga classes. I sleep so much better after spending some time in her class.
• Sandra Mowat is one of my best friends and THE best massage therapist I've ever had. She rips me apart then helps put me back together. She is also my training partner in the gym, no matter how tired I am, she's always there to kick my butt.
• Diabetes Exercise and Sport Association for their support and encouragement.

You may not know this but all my expenses/costs/fees come out of my own pocket. I DO NOT receive any funding from the government as an athlete representing Canada. I am actively seeking assistance with my training and competition expenses. If you or your company are interested in becoming a sponsor or supporter for Leanne’s quest to become the fastest woman in the World then please don’t hesitate to contact her here for a sponsorship package and information on what she can offer in return for your support.

Old Posts ...

March:

• March 8th - Settled in and Training Hard

February:

• February 22nd

January:

• January 18th
• January 1st

December:

• December 24 - Merry Christmas ...

November:

• November 18th - The Greece Story
• For Wai Nui Year End Video Click here! (right click save target as to download file)
• November 14th

Older:

• See the Archives Page