Scroll through the stats on your bike computer and see that your average wattage is right on par for an ultra-endurance race. Even your heart rate has not crossed the Zone 4 line. You reach into your jersey pocket to take in some food, gels, chews... whatever you can get your hands on. Still, your body seems to be shutting down on you. Caloric intake gets you no where, easing off the pace and focusing on breathing doesn't help either. All you crave is water. As you continue, a different type of sweat develops from your pores. At this point, vision becomes blurred and dark. It is too late to adjust and continue.
Most of us train with the intention of racing within a set guideline of numbers pertaining to our power output, heart rate, calorie intake, etc. It is a pretty easy routine to get dialed in throughout the season. Luckily, with this routine our body will typically react consistently and rarely will you be caught off-guard by any abnormalities. There is a small group of racers (however an rapidly increasing number now) that have one very important number to focus on: Blood Glucose Level.
The above scenario is an all too frequent situation that a Diabetic racer must face (more specifically a Type 1 Diabetic). Diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases in the U.S. Studies show that by 2050, 1 in 3 Americans will be diabetic if we continue to promote the "Super-Size Me" lifestyle the majority of Americans live by everyday. While these factors will most likely inflict a Type 2 disease upon most Americans, which is maintained by taking a pill to help the body utilize insulin created by the body to manage Glucose levels. The last thing we want is the future of Americans to be dependent on medications to survive. Type 2 Diabetes by definition is simply the body's inability to properly use insulin created by the pancreas to manage blood sugar levels. This type of disease is generally acquired from personal dietary habits (extreme high-sugar content intake) and genetic history. With an adjustment to dietary habits, Type 2 diabetes can be avoided and in many cases reversed through proper nutrition and exercise.
The less frequent yet more deadly version is Type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas in the body completely shuts down and can no longer produce insulin. Those affected must inject themselves with insulin through syringes, pens, or monitors with catheters attached to the body. Most injections are as frequent as eating and drinking. The most important factor pertaining to the onset of Type 1 diabetes is that it is not genetic nor is it acquired from lifestyle habits. It can happen to virtually anyone, whether a finely tuned athlete or your average Joe, and at this point there is no cure.
My wife Danielle is a Type 1 Diabetic. She was diagnosed shortly after we were married in August of 2005. Although she lives a very healthy lifestyle and is able to manage her sugar levels well, it is always a concern for her when riding and racing. Diabetic shock or coma can occur at anytime. A Diabetic shock can occur even while sleeping as the body falls below a stable blood sugar level (usually below 50). The average person maintains a stable blood sugar level between 82-110mg/dl. A Diabetic Coma can occur when a blood sugar level reaches an extremely high level.
There are plenty of great organizations that help promote awareness for Diabetes around the U.S. One group that I especially admire is Team Type 1, a U.S based cycling team whose racers are comprised of those struggling with Type 1 Diabetes. From amateur to a pro-level cycling roster, they work together to prove that this disease will not win in its effort to deter them from achieving their goals. Daniel Schneider a rider on the TT1 Elite mens cycling team wrote a short blog regarding his experience during last weekends Mead-Roubaix in Boulder, CO. Check it out by clicking on his name above. You can also check out Team Type 1 by clicking on their name above as well.
As for me, Type 2 diabetes is pretty dominant in my Native American family background. Luckily, through cycling and nutrition, I have been able to prevent the disease from affecting my life so far. But even without being formally diagnosed I have come close to experiencing some of the effects of the disease. On several occasions I have tested my blood sugar levels at times when energy levels had drastically decreased and the "shaky" feeling set in. This usually had my sugar levels down to about 58-64 mg/dl. I must say, it is a feeling unlike any type of "bonking" on the bike you will ever experience.
So next time you cruise by that aid station to stock up on some extra calories to get you through the finish, think about what it would be like to also stop and have to inject a shot of insulin just so your body could do something with those gels. Heart Rates fall back with rest and breathing, higher Watts will push you further and faster, but a BGL reading needs the most attention.
Thanks for reading and helping to spread the awareness of Diabetes.
TMP
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