Question

How should a diabetic runner refuel?

HOW TO REFUEL IF YOU’RE DIABETIC

I can’t seem to find any guidelines about how diabetics should include sports drinks and energy gels and bars into their training. Usually, for a 5K like the one I’m running on Saturday, I know I can make it with just water and then I know how to achieve a balanced blood glucose level when I eat afterwards. However, when I think about the 10-miler coming up on my schedule, I’m not confident at all knowing that I could collapse due to low blood sugar or overconsumption of a drink or gel that would cause my glucose to soar. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Cathy Lanuto, Washington, DC