Let’s face it, running with an insulin pump attached is no fun at all. (unless, of course you’re sportin’ a pod or you’re on MDI... then you should be good to go!) I’m talking about us poor suckers with tubed pumps. If you’re a jogger or trail runner, like me, then you know that anything in the pockets of your running shorts is annoying.
My usual solution is to wear a running vest. Stash the pump in one of the vests side pockets, feed the tubing up through a small hole I’ve cut in the arm pit of my shirt, feed the tubing back down to the infusion site, and re-connect.
Sound cumbersome and destructive? Yep, it sure is.
This post is more of a rant about a ‘holistic’ approach to running as a type one.
Also, it’s a way to express my yearning for a lifestyle that so many non-diabetic runners get to experience.
So, why disconnect entirely?
1. First of all, my “short run” is considered anything around 5k (3.1 mi) or less, and during runs that short, I usually drop my temp basal down to -90% for the half hour and begin this temp basal about 15 minutes before my run starts Practically no dose going in when I start out!.
Most of us tubed pump wearers disconnect before having a shower, or swimming, and the effects on the basal are negligible, with extremely minimal risk of going into DKA. I know I can finish my short run, like a 5k in under 30 minutes, so in reality, my short run is no different than taking a long shower, or running out into the waves for a surf.
2. Secondly. I’m burning so much glucose during a run this short and this fast, and insulin is the LAST thing I need dropping blood glucose.
3. Thirdly, I’m pre-loaded. With both glucose and a little bit of insulin. I would take a very small dose (about half a unit) with the energy gel I eat about 10 minutes before beginning my run. I probably have enough insulin on board in my cells to carry me a lot longer than my disconnected 30 minutes… (although there will be a deficiency down the road)
4. Fourthly. Running is an incredibly freeing activity. The less equipment and gear you have to carry, the more liberating the experience is. I am already wearing ear buds, I have my phone in my hand (the source of music for my earbuds, as well as my necessary CGM)
Since I’m opting for no running vest here, I also have a car key, and an emergency energy gel stashed in the zip pocket of my shorts. I’d say I’m at my max capacity!!! (ok, not really max, but I just don’t want to carry any more accessories)
Freedom.
It’s such a rare feeling for us diabetics tethered to a device 24/7. I long for this freedom as much as I enjoy just running on trails. The combination of these two things is pure joy!
The fresh air, the sun, the outdoors, enjoy the sunset, and maybe, (if I’m lucky) I’ll get to see some wildlife too!
The breathing, the pace, the cadence, finding that sweet spot between a sustainable speed and conserving energy for the endurance. You know… the things runners think about.
Oh and the next song on the playlist, which has the best beat for running my downhill pace!
Post Run.... this is important
I realize I’m on borrowed time after running on less than what a temp basal would supply, so there’s going to be a deficiency I need to make up for. Even with normal to low blood sugar in post run, I need to re-stock the system.
Here’s what I take:
2 units …if low (60-80 mg/dl)
3 units …if normal (80-140 mg/dl)
4 units …if high (160-200 mg/dl)
NOTE: (these doses work for me, and probably won’t work for everyone else)
And finally, I always expect some instability in the couple hours post cool down. I need to watch my BG’s closely for the next few hours, expecting lows, and highs.