Hi! I’m a T1D and was in a similar place as you (A1C of 7%) in my early 20’s, right after college. It was only after researching the products out there and choosing the best ones for me that I was able to take control of my diabetes. I use an Omnipod pump which I LOVE and a Dexcom which I love even more. In my humble opinion, you will be hard pressed to live a good-quality life that isn’t overly restrictive without a Dexcom (I would say CGM but the reality is that Dexcom is the most accurate on the 2-3-player CGM market and is the best option). While you might still head low after exercise, Dexcom will let you see it and catch it before you go too far.
Temporary basal rates, or even eating 15g carbs or so, before a workout should help with the lows. I work out around 6pm (weights mostly) and running a temp basal 20% reduction 1 hr before helps a lot, as does a fruit snack. I would also recommend a temp basal reduction for 2-3 hours post-workout.
Weight training and WALKING help promote insulin sensitivity. Because walking exercises your largest muscles, and muscle contraction stimulates insulin release and glucose processing, be cautious that you’re reducing basal before and after walks and/or keeping snacks handy.
If you work out in the morning and are like me, you’ll go high not low. Again, Dexcom can show you what’s going on.
And finally, like you, I have found that eating a lower-carb diet is a silver bullet of sorts for reducing blood sugar variability. Sad, but true.
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Hi! I’m a T1D and was in a similar place as you (A1C of 7%) in my early 20’s, right after college. It was only after researching the products out there and choosing the best ones for me that I was able to take control of my diabetes. I use an Omnipod pump which I LOVE and a Dexcom which I love even more. In my humble opinion, you will be hard pressed to live a good-quality life that isn’t overly restrictive without a Dexcom (I would say CGM but the reality is that Dexcom is the most accurate on the 2-3-player CGM market and is the best option). While you might still head low after exercise, Dexcom will let you see it and catch it before you go too far.
Temporary basal rates, or even eating 15g carbs or so, before a workout should help with the lows. I work out around 6pm (weights mostly) and running a temp basal 20% reduction 1 hr before helps a lot, as does a fruit snack. I would also recommend a temp basal reduction for 2-3 hours post-workout.
Weight training and WALKING help promote insulin sensitivity. Because walking exercises your largest muscles, and muscle contraction stimulates insulin release and glucose processing, be cautious that you’re reducing basal before and after walks and/or keeping snacks handy.
If you work out in the morning and are like me, you’ll go high not low. Again, Dexcom can show you what’s going on.
And finally, like you, I have found that eating a lower-carb diet is a silver bullet of sorts for reducing blood sugar variability. Sad, but true.
Good luck! You’ve got this!