Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the blood glucose kinetics and physiological effects experienced by a type 1 diabetic (T1D) finisher of a 3-day, multi-stage ultra endurance triathlon consisting of a 10 km swim and 144.8 km bike (stage 1), a 275.4 km bike (stage 2), and an 84.4 km run (stage 3).
Methods
The athlete self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG) levels via fingerstick blood draw and hand-held glucometer. Researchers evaluated blood glucose kinetics via a continuous glucose monitoring device. The athlete maintained normal dietary and insulin patterns before, during and after competition daily. Weight and body composition were measured via bioelectrical impedance and select biomarkers were measured in blood.
Results
The athlete spent 73.0, 3.4, and 15.1% of during race time in a hyperglycemic state (≥130 mg dL−1) during stages 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and 0.0, 78.6, and 33.6% in a hypoglycemic state (≤80 mg dL−1). Nocturnal glycemic levels showed the athlete spent 86.1, 83.0, and 84.8% of sleep in a hyperglycemic state during nights 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and 9.0, 0.0, and 0.0% in a hypoglycemic state. From pre- to post-race, body weight (73.2 to 76.9 kg) and total body water increased (49.2–51.6 kg). In addition, there were dramatic increases in creatine kinase (271.7–9252.8 µ L−1), cortisol (137.1–270.2 pg mL−1), CRP (188.3–8046.9 ng mL−1), and aldosterone (449.1–1679.6 pg mL−1).
Conclusions
It is possible for a T1D athlete to complete a multi-stage ultraendurance triathlon and maintain glycemic control using SMBG methods. In addition, a T1D athlete participating in an ultraendurance triathlon results in substantial changes in body composition, hormones, and muscle damage.
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Abbreviations
- CGM:
-
Continuous glucose monitor
- CK:
-
Creatine kinase
- CRP:
-
C-reactive protein
- FFA:
-
Free fatty acid
- FFM:
-
Fat-free mass
- SMBG:
-
Self-monitoring of blood glucose
- T1D:
-
Type 1 diabetes
- TBW:
-
Total body water
- USG:
-
Urine specific gravity
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Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the race directors, Consuela and Trung Lively, for permitting us to collect data. In addition, we thank Fernanda De Carvalho Silva Vargas and Brittany Allman for assistance with the analysis of blood samples. Finally, thanks to Chuck Kemeny for introducing us to the race and facilitating data collection. This study was funded by the Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine at Florida State University.
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Communicated by Fabio Fischetti.
This work was supported by the Florida State University Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine.
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Bach, C.W., Baur, D.A., Hyder, W.S. et al. Blood glucose kinetics and physiological changes in a type 1 diabetic finisher of the Ultraman triathlon: a case study. Eur J Appl Physiol 117, 913–919 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-017-3575-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-017-3575-3