blogabetes

In a couple weeks I will have the honor of speaking at a JDRF family retreat in St. Louis. Last year was my first time being involved in such a thing and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. I got the pleasure of meeting lots of kids with diabetes and their wonderful parents. This event is special to me because I was them 15 years ago. I was that kid who was living with this special disease who had extremely loving and supportive parents who were with me all the way. I love getting the opportunity to be a positive influence to these children. Hopefully I will make a lasting impression about being able live a good and normal life despite being slightly "different" than other kids. I will be speaking again this year about exercise planning for people with type 1.

This year I would like to be more prepared to discuss exercising with a pump since many people use this method. I think one good way to collect information will be to get some feedback from you guys. Since I have always been a multiple daily injection guy I really don't know much about planning and preparing for activity around a pump. What are some of the things that you do to avoid lows or highs when you're active? What are some of the major differences between exercising as a pump user versus exercising as a person who takes multiple daily injections? What are some of the best tips you would give a child or a parent of child with diabetes who utilizes the infusion method?

I realize that this is a complex issue that isn't answered with just a few questions. I plan on doing some research and trying to find out more about exercising with a pump. In the mean time though, I would appreciate any comments or suggestions you have on this subject.

Thanks for your help. -Andy