BS Control for Type 1 Diabetic Golfers Who Walk

2007-01-19T18:24:00.000-08:00

Hi, this is my first blog post ever so I really don't know what I am doing. I have been a juvenile diabetic since the age of 20. I am currently 56 years of age. I am well controlled with my latest H1C being 6.1. I am an avid golfer who distains taking a cart. I prefer to walk. I use a Sun Mountain three wheel cart which is wonderful. My problem arises from being able to control my blood sugars consistently through a round of golf. I will try to get to the course with a blood sugar level somewhere in the 150 to 200 range knowing that through the course of the first nine holes that blood sugar will be reduced considerably. I am a Minimed Insulin Infusion pump wearer that does not turn the pump off while I play. In fact, I do not use temporary setting with a reduced insulin rate either.

My problem is that I generally lose anywhere from 2 to 7 strokes through the course of a round because of low blood sugar reactions that I do not catch quickly enough. When my blood sugar dips below 70, it quickly starts to effect my coordination resulting in mishit shots. I take my Accuchek Compact blood glucose meter to the course with me and check my blood sugars two or three times a round. I carry Nature Valley granola bars in my bag generally eating two during the course of a round. I also bring a 16 oz. Gatorade to the course that I sip throughout the round.

I am looking for feedback from other Type 1 diabetic golfers who walk on how they control their blood sugars through the course of a round of golf. I am a decent golfer with a handicap of 15.5. If I was able to always perfectly control my blood sugars on the course, I believe that I could quickly shave another three strokes off of that handicap.