How to Train for Distance Running When You Have Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that impacts your ability to utilize glucose effectively. As a result your blood sugar will be erratic and difficult to control unless you use diet, exercise and insulin (in some cases). If you are a runner then you are in luck as running is a great way to help your body to become more efficient at managing its blood sugar levels. Not only will running help your muscles to absorb more glucose naturally, but it will also help reduce your risks for other diabetes related complications. However, as a diabetic you need to be very careful about how you manage your running workouts.

Tip #1 - Talk to Your Doctor

Before you attempt to start running distances you need to talk to your doctor. Your doctor will be able to tell you how to adjust your insulin, diet or diabetes medications to compensate for the exercise that you get from running long distances. You will also want to get a complete checkup before you start to run to make sure your body will be able to handle the grueling workouts that are related to distant running. It will be important to keep your doctor in the loop as you train for distance running and you will want them to address any physical problems that develop as you train such as blisters, pain and blood sugar issues.

Tip #2 - Keep a Journal

While most runners keep some form of running journal it is critical for diabetic distance runners to keep a journal. This journal will not only chart your diet and running workouts, but it will also chart your blood sugar levels before and after runs. This journal will be used by you and your doctor to make changes in your medications, insulin and diet, as well as to track how the running is impacting your overall health.

Tip #3 - You Will Need More Carbohydrates

Since distance running consumes so much energy you will need to increase the amount of carbohydrates that are in your diet. This may seem contrary to what you normally hear about proper nutrition for a diabetic, but since your body will become more effective using carbs and since it will be using more energy during the day, you will need extra carbs. However, you need good complex carbohydrates.

Tip #4 - Be Prepared for Emergencies

Diabetics' health can be difficult to predict and you never know when your blood sugar may drop dangerously low or spike dangerously high. This is why you need to take steps to prepare for a trailside emergency. It is a good idea to always run with a partner when you are diabetic so that if you do get into trouble someone is there to help. You will also want to bring with you your blood sugar meter, test strips, lancets and glucose pills. These emergency supplies will help you to treat your symptoms so you can stabilize your body enough to get back home.

Tip #5 - Be Aware of Changes in Your Body

Diabetics react differently to physical injuries than a regular person. A blister, for example, can turn into a serious injury because of slow healing processes normally found in diabetics. This is why it is important that you examine your body after each run and treat blisters, rashes and other injuries quickly and adequately.