Hi Folks - great thread. Type1 diagnosed 3 yrs ago. Playing at Triathlon and have done a few marathons.
I find the same happens after a long endurance race. I recently ran Chicago marathon and for a week afterwards my blood sugars were elevated, not dramatically, but certainly a bit higher than normal. The main cause of this is inflammation & stress on the body which increases the amount of cortisol & other stress hormones being released as they help to reduce inflammation. This floods the muscles it with glucose (from liver), to supply an immediate energy source to aid recovery. Also, its worth noting that Cortisol also suppresses the immune system which can cause an increased susceptibility to colds and other illnesses. I've found that a good way to minimize the impacts of this are to take a good Omega-3 Fish Oil supplement to help reduce inflammation, and take a combination of an Immune Boosting Multi-Vitamin Supplement and high dose Vitamin C to help the immune system. Its worth considering doing same during high mileage training weeks before the race.
Wrt to weight gain, Cortisol is a definite driver of fat storage , even in non-diabetics - primarily by driving hyperinsulinemia. Overall for weight management minimizing insulin levels as much as possible are a good thing, through both reduction in stress (mental & physical) and through use of appropriate nutrition as outlined by Vinnie. High levels of insulin are BAD. The last thing we want to becomes is insulin resistant & Type1 diabetics. I'm not going to kick off the Ketogenic debate again - but I've definitely seen huge benefits in from a low(er) carb nutrient dense way of eating. Better recovery, stable weight, good energy levels & improved cholesterol profile.
I find the same happens after a long endurance race. I recently ran Chicago marathon and for a week afterwards my blood sugars were elevated, not dramatically, but certainly a bit higher than normal. The main cause of this is inflammation & stress on the body which increases the amount of cortisol & other stress hormones being released as they help to reduce inflammation. This floods the muscles it with glucose (from liver), to supply an immediate energy source to aid recovery. Also, its worth noting that Cortisol also suppresses the immune system which can cause an increased susceptibility to colds and other illnesses. I've found that a good way to minimize the impacts of this are to take a good Omega-3 Fish Oil supplement to help reduce inflammation, and take a combination of an Immune Boosting Multi-Vitamin Supplement and high dose Vitamin C to help the immune system. Its worth considering doing same during high mileage training weeks before the race.
Wrt to weight gain, Cortisol is a definite driver of fat storage , even in non-diabetics - primarily by driving hyperinsulinemia. Overall for weight management minimizing insulin levels as much as possible are a good thing, through both reduction in stress (mental & physical) and through use of appropriate nutrition as outlined by Vinnie. High levels of insulin are BAD. The last thing we want to becomes is insulin resistant & Type1 diabetics. I'm not going to kick off the Ketogenic debate again - but I've definitely seen huge benefits in from a low(er) carb nutrient dense way of eating. Better recovery, stable weight, good energy levels & improved cholesterol profile.