Diabetes & the camino

[Gayla]

Hi everybody! I am 58 & been diabetic since age 12. Im doing the camino april of 2019. I would love any feedback on what to expect with blood sugars and insulin control. I am on a pump. I am very active, but I know the camino will be above & beyond active. Thx everyone!

 

[Mark Barnes]

I am type 2 diabetic and did the Frances starting in Pamplona Sept 20 to Nov 02,2017. I will say that eating low carb is not an easy thing on the Camino. I did not follow my diet and ate a lot of bread, pasta, beer and more bread. I ate a lot. One week after I got home I had my normal 4 month lab work and follow up with the Dr. My A1c had gone down when I was on the Camino. I have read others on this board say the same thing. I must say that I ate so much bread I was sick of bread, and I love bread. I wish you the very best.

 

[Gayla]

I am type 2 diabetic and did the Frances starting in Pamplona Sept 20 to Nov 02,2017. I will say that eating low carb is not an easy thing on the Camino. I did not follow my diet and ate a lot of bread, pasta, beer and more bread. I ate a lot. One week after I got home I had my normal 4 month lab work and follow up with the Dr. My A1c had gone down when I was on the Camino. I have read others on this board say the same thing. I must say that I ate so much bread I was sick of bread, and I love bread. I wish you the very best.

Thank you for your feedback. How were your bloodsugars during the walk?

 

[Former member 49149]

Hi everybody! I am 58 & been diabetic since age 12. Im doing the camino april of 2019. I would love any feedback on what to expect with blood sugars and insulin control. I am on a pump. I am very active, but I know the camino will be above & beyond active. Thx everyone!

Welcome, and wise of you to check this out far ahead. I have seen many responses to health questions begin with the recommendation that you talk to your own health professionals. Yes, the experience of other pilgrims with diabetes will be useful for you to hear as well. Enjoy the research!

 

[Gayla]

Welcome, and wise of you to check this out far ahead. I have seen many responses to health questions begin with the recommendation that you talk to your own health professionals. Yes, the experience of other pilgrims with diabetes will be useful for you to hear as well. Enjoy the research!

Thank you, and absolutely will be working with my Dr to be prepared.

 

[Stroller]

My blood sugars declined during my walk to the extent that night time hypos began to be common despite eating a carb heavy diet, difficult not to. So I took the decision to drop the medication that was most likely to promote hypos and had no more hypos. Always carried glucose tablets, dried fruit and muesli bars. Carried a test kit and used it regularly and to an extent ate when my meter told me to. The camino is entirely doable but know your body, test and be prepared to alter your medication. Discuss your drug regimen with your doctor and/or diabetes nurse and make sure they understand the physical effort you will be making.

I expected low blood sugars because of doing lots of training walks to test kit and break in shoes.

 

[Gayla]

My blood sugars declined during my walk to the extent that night time hypos began to be common despite eating a carb heavy diet, difficult not to. So I took the decision to drop the medication that was most likely to promote hypos and had no more hypos. Always carried glucose tablets, dried fruit and muesli bars. Carried a test kit and used it regularly and to an extent ate when my meter told me to. The camino is entirely doable but know your body, test and be prepared to alter your medication. Discuss your drug regimen with your doctor and/or diabetes nurse and make sure they understand the physical effort you will be making.

I expected low blood sugars because of doing lots of training walks to test kit and break in shoes.

Thanks for your feedback! Yes.....I am training too so am really adjusting the insulin. I love hearing everyones experiences!

 

[Stroller]

Final thought, look after your feet if your circulation is impaired blisters will take longer to heal and will be at greater risk of infection. I got no blisters and believe, despite the vast discussions here, that they are an optional extra.

 

[Nate Bissonette]

I'm Type 2, posted about this yesterday on another thread, use the Search function for lots more information from other members. Buen Camino!

 

[tpmchugh]

Hi everybody! I am 58 & been diabetic since age 12. Im doing the camino april of 2019. I would love any feedback on what to expect with blood sugars and insulin control. I am on a pump. I am very active, but I know the camino will be above & beyond active. Thx everyone!

I am type 2 and have been on the camino 5 times. Not for the first time, I forgot to take my medication but the exercise was keeping my blood sugar levels in check. Sometimes it is hard to get breakfast in the first 5 to 10 kms and metformin must be taken with food so occasionally I did forget. I am assuming you are type 1 having had it since 12 but I really dont think you will have any problems at all. Any meds you take, seal them in a tablet pouch and I mean an android/apple tablet. I fell for that one when it was recommended to me. The pouch will keep them dry. I fell into a river back in April but all my meds were bone dry along eith my neck buff. Everything else was wet

 

[Mark Barnes]

Thank you for your feedback. How were your bloodsugars during the walk?

Prior to starting would be @ 135 to 140 and during 100 to 110

 

[Gayla]

I am type 2 and have been on the camino 5 times. Not for the first time, I forgot to take my medication but the exercise was keeping my blood sugar levels in check. Sometimes it is hard to get breakfast in the first 5 to 10 kms and metformin must be taken with food so occasionally I did forget. I am assuming you are type 1 having had it since 12 but I really dont think you will have any problems at all. Any meds you take, seal them in a tablet pouch and I mean an android/apple tablet. I fell for that one when it was recommended to me. The pouch will keep them dry. I fell into a river back in April but all my meds were bone dry along eith my neck buff. Everything else was wet

Thank u for all that info!!!