While in the midst of making plans for this years section hike, I found out that I now have Type 2 diabetes. The hike is still on, but I am looking for advice from those that have gone before me and sucessfully hike with Type 2 Diabetes. In particular, managing bood sugar, diet on the trail, dealing with resupply, etc.
Stumps
Stumps for a good look at how one might fare you can check out gator gump’s journal 2007 then try to contact him for more insight.
Any day hiking beats a good day in the office!
Al
My husband has type II. It is under control. When he is hiking, he is able to completely discontinue his meds. The combination of losing weight and daily exercise naturally lowers his blood sugar significantly. Talk to your doctor about what you plan to do.
Ginny
I have type 2 diabetes, also under control with metformin and glyconorm, and I have also found that while hiking I do not need these meds. However, I am overweight, and when I am hiking, I do not eat on the trail, except for a few snacks like apples found along the way. I lose weight at a rapid rate, and do not lose energy. I have gone as long as two weeks like this. I don’t know how long I could do it. Probably until my weight came within normal healthy range.
Whenever I come off the trail, I eat a big meal, often about double normal for a day or two, and then I can go back to the trail, or back home. After a few days off the trail, I need to resume my medication.
I advocate a strenuous exercise regime for diabetes control, as long as you can take the wear and tear. However, if you need to take insulin, I doubt this would work as well.
GGS2
I hiked with a guy named Needles last year who did very well on the trail. I have his email address somewhere - if you’re intested, PM me.
Duffy
I have Type 1 and as others have mentioned, hiking reduces the amount of insulin I need to take significantly. During the day I look at what the activity level will be. Thus if it is a long uphill - then I adjust as I will be burning out all the sugar I take in - for the down hills, I will not be using as much energy and so I need more insulin.
Depending on your level of meds for Type II - you may want to adjust your food to include more complex carbohydrates instead of simple sugar ones as they tend to spike your blood sugar. Things like rice/pop tarts/gatorade have a high glucose component - that is why I like pasta, hummus, nuts, and Accelerade - basically things with complex carbohydrates, protein and fat.
Your evening meal will be your biggest challenge as you will be sediatary and thus not be burning out the sugars you take in. So for me - I take my normal amount of insulin at dinner time.
To cut down on the sugar/insulin spikes - I recommend to munch/nibble as you go. You will keep a steady stream of fuel into your system and keep your blood sugar more level. Definitely check your blood sugar regulary. With Type 1 I can regulate better than someone with Type 2 as I am insulin dependent.
I would not recommend you doing an Atkins/South Beach diet as your body needs to fuel to perform. Above all - do not cut back on your carbohydrate intake - you need the calories to maintain your energy stores.
Do some day hikes and weekenders before you start. This will give you an idea of how your body reacts.
Let me know if I can further help - and don’t let Type 2 restrict you.
-OBM
OregonBeerMan
My wife and I hiked the trail in 2007. She has type 1 diabetes and managed it pretty well on the trail. It certainly helped that I was always around and could tell if she was getting low, so I could tell her to eat a snack.
We have a fair amount of info about resupply and diet on our trip site: http://bltadventure.blogspot.com
I think the hardest thing for Figgy was having self control at the AYCE buffets, while the other thru-hikers stuffed their faces.
Feel free to contact us there with any specific questions.
stitch_and_figgy
Thanks for the leads - I have not had to worry about low sugars too much as I am just on metformin. I have a couple of practice hikes planned so I can test the grazing/ snacking all day routine. See you between Damascus and Erwin after Memorial Day (S-bound as the elevation profile looks a lot better that way:cheers )
stumps