Marathons are in this time of the year, and we understand if you want to give it a go even

though you have diabetes. While there is no reason why you cannot, there are still some

precautions you need to take along with some added preparations.

Whether you are suffering from type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus, there are ways to

safely go for marathons.

1. Regular runs – Going for regular runs is great for diabetics as it helps lose weight,

improves glucose metabolism and increases insulin response in type 2 diabetics.

Depending on the severity of diabetes, runs can be tailor made after consulting

your doctor.

2. Good fuel – diabetics always have a risk of hypoglycemia while undergoing

strenuous exercise for long. To prevent such complications it is mandatory to

carry energy drinks, glucose bars or other glucose supplements and replenish your

body glucose every 30-40 minutes.

3. Be prepared – while we should always hope for the best, it is certainly a good

practice to prepare for the worst. So it’s a good practice to carry your medical

papers along with the contact details of your go-to person in case of emergencies.

4. Blood tests – it is crucial to know your own body and how it reacts to exercise.

Therefore, regular blood tests are essential throughout your training period.

Knowing your blood sugar levels at different times helps your doctor ascertain

what medications to give you.

5. Patience – it is good to push your limits, but do so with caution. If you are

entering a race for the first time, complete a few short distance runs before trying

a half marathon. Train sufficiently well before you think about a full marathon.

Marathons are extremely demanding even for those who are perfectly healthy, so it will

be a huge challenge for all diabetics. But like everything else, patience, discipline and

proper know how is all it takes to cross that finish line.