Sunt Diabetes

This year the Championships for Riders with Diabetes is past! Participation in this event, now in its fourth edition in 2009, counts among its ranks many athletes Cycling & Diabetes.

It all started Saturday, July 25 with the stand of the association Cycling Diabetes & NPO in the square in Urbino, set up to provide information on diabetes mellitus and our activities: breaking down the ignorance that is crucial to diabetes runs around in society, to create a future without prejudices and a better prevention and awareness. In the afternoon there was a meeting between all participants in the Championship Trophy Changing Diabetes: this year we were 41, almost all regions of Italy, a really good success, especially if you think that everything was created in 2005 by agreement in less than 10 friends! During the meeting were presented the technical details of the race, and information specific to diabetes, but above all there was the possibility reunited with old friends and learn about the many new arrivals! A good meal in the evening then concluded with the usual attention due to gluten for those who had celiac disease: this year there were three, me, Diego, and Dr. Broad. After dinner we are spread a little 'gadgets and gifts, such as apples offered by Sergio, then we cyclists we wrap made from the arms of Morpheus, enjoying a long night's sleep in anticipation of the race! Too bad that some rooms were a bit 'hard to reach, and that many have suffered from the heat and mosquitoes, including me ...

Sunday, July 26 episode was the alarm clock at 6 am or earlier. Immediately after a hearty breakfast to fuel power, each with their own adjustments to therapy and insulin: tricks matured with experience and advice of friends. Then we found ourselves cycling with diabetes in the beautiful historic center of Urbino: a really nice big group, all with the same mesh Cycling Diabetes & identify where, as having a positive message. Among us, a tandem that of David and Michela. It's time to get on the grid in the middle of 2400 to other bikes, including pictures, where waste is also superstitious rituals to relieve nervousness and tension of departure for the slightly behind schedule. But then, finally, here! Here we go! Even the announcer talks about seeing us go and diabetes!

Panichi and Michela David Sisani in tandem on the Monte Nerone

The pace of the race proves to be supported from the beginning ... Until you reach the Monte Nero, the protagonist of the large fund Straducale: more than 13 km climb out! Each with his own hand can reach the top and to overcome hills, perhaps reserving a little 'forces to observe the beautiful scenery that surrounded us. Too bad for my recurring and excessive caution in making the descent, because of which I lost many positions. Then I met a few mishap: sometimes cramps, nearly choking when trying to swallow something that went awry, the heat of summer makes me suffer so much ... With a lot of effort in each short leg or tear up next turned out to be terrible.

The blood glucose for all cyclists with diabetes has been a key variable in the race: who went into hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia in people ... The most important thing is to convey the message to all people with diabetes that is quite possible, also take part in cycling races harder: we have given the testimony that you just have a good self-control and always travel with a blood glucose meter and insulin on hand, so they can better manage. During the race I managed to keep blood glucose levels of excellent, thanks to the adjustments of the insulin pump and continuous glucose sensor: in only part of the race was relatively low blood sugar, which I remedied by integrating with biscuits and sugar. Read ' From Urbino the emotions of the Championship for Riders with Diabetes'