Hiking with Diabetes

[Teepee]

Something here about the negatives of drinking coffee before breaking a fast (empty stomach) in regard to insulin levels.

Not disagreeing with anything... just makes me wonder if you're going to drink coffee, when is the appropriate time?

There seems to be some conflicting research, but it seems that caffeine increases blood sugar pre/post meals. Also cortisol and adrenaline. This will naturally increase insulin production. Adding fat and carbs to caffeinated drinks likely won't help.

It's likely why caffeine is so good pre exercise.

It's probably safe to say to take (preferably black) caffeine on an empty stomach and not with or immediately after meals. Once food has been largely digested and blood sugar has dropped, it's probably fine to have some again.

Personally, I've stuck to this for quite a while now and won't drink coffee/tea with food. On a fasting/hiking/running/excercise day when I'm not eating this is easy. On a work day, eating breakfast mid morning works well (if able)

 

[Back in Pack]

Type 2
Recently diagnosed but doing well so far as regards the obvious stuff.

I have seen the effects of chronic insulin resistance, T2 diabetes, leading to dementia and …

i completely changed my approach to nutrition. Initially using Keto and fasting I reversed my pre-diabetes.

T2 is reversible. Check out Dr Jason Fung (I am nervous of recommending medical advice but this Dr pointed me in the right direction) if you have not already and find a good nutritionist/dietician who can help you rid yourself of this insidious disease

the benefits for backpacking are as per teepee’s post. Food tastes better without the sugar, you carry high fat foods which are more caloric dense thus lighter, and eventually when you are fat adapted you do not need the snacks. I can hike all day fasted with no issues and much more energy.

 

[Jon Fong]

Type 2
Recently diagnosed but doing well so far as regards the obvious stuff.

I am not a Dr. or Nutritionist: this what has been working for me. I was diagnosed 3 years ago as a Type 2 with a A1c at 7.5. Through diet and exercise alone, I can usually stay just a hair over 6.1. In day to day life, I manage this by keeping my intake per meal to less than 50 g of carbs.
Overall, my Dr. is not recommending glucose measurements as the reading fluctuate wildly. She recommends using the A1c test as it is an integrator over a 870-120 day period.
This strategy seems to work for me, though is your A1c’s are high, it may not work for you. My philosophy during backpacking is to relax the 50 g per meal limit and here is my reasoning. After breakfast and lunch, I am hiking and burning calories. Yes, you can get a spike for 2-3 hours after eating, but that is when I am exercising anyway. It seems like the perfect timing. In general, I go calorie negative during my trips as it is difficult to carry that many calories per day. Doing this, my A1c seems to be fine. Additionally, since A1c is time integrated indicator, a 4-7 day trip should have minimal impact. Anyway, this works for me but do consult with your Dr. / Nutritionist before making any changes. My 2 cents.

 

[Odd Man]

I am not a Dr. or Nutritionist: this what has been working for me. I was diagnosed 3 years ago as a Type 2 with a A1c at 7.5. Through diet and exercise alone, I can usually stay just a hair over 6.1. In day to day life, I manage this by keeping my intake per meal to less than 50 g of carbs.
Overall, my Dr. is not recommending glucose measurements as the reading fluctuate wildly. She recommends using the A1c test as it is an integrator over a 870-120 day period.
This strategy seems to work for me, though is your A1c’s are high, it may not work for you. My philosophy during backpacking is to relax the 50 g per meal limit and here is my reasoning. After breakfast and lunch, I am hiking and burning calories. Yes, you can get a spike for 2-3 hours after eating, but that is when I am exercising anyway. It seems like the perfect timing. In general, I go calorie negative during my trips as it is difficult to carry that many calories per day. Doing this, my A1c seems to be fine. Additionally, since A1c is time integrated indicator, a 4-7 day trip should have minimal impact. Anyway, this works for me but do consult with your Dr. / Nutritionist before making any changes. My 2 cents.

Insulin spikes after heavy exercise even in fasted state or people in keto.

 

[Baldy]

Thanks folks, much appreciated.