Here are a couple other triathletes with Type 1;
http://www.diabeteshealth.com/read/2005/08/01/4152.html
http://www.diabeteshealth.com/read/2007/06/27/5287.html

And something else a came across:
http://www.insulinfactor.com/

Welcome to the site and keep us posted on your training progress.

Your doctor should be aware of new medications that could suit you better (if not... you should change!), but he might not be able to help you on your race-day electrolyte intake... If you could see a nutritionist (there might be a multidisciplinary team at your hospital), I think it could be interesting to see what he/she thinks about your situation. Even a sport physician might be able to help you as it is not very complicated. The problem is that most of them don't have any knowledge about sports except when they do one... For sure, the #1 option is for you to see an endocrinologist, but it probably costs a lot depending on where you are from. A friend of mine is into sports and as diabetes I, I will ask him what he thinks about it and tell you later. Until then, don't discourage yourself and train!

-KHAD

Yeah I know what you mean Jay. Last year I had a little plantar fascitias in my left foot and it took for ever to heal. I missed a marthon and two other little races. So I know what you mean. Good luck with your training.

Wpowers, it is always interesting to share ideas and experiences with other Type 1 diabetic triathletes and endurance athletes. I am 33 and was diagnosed three years ago. It is definitely a trial and error experience. I have done a decent amount of research online and the information I could find in books. The majority of information in print on exercise and diabetes is targeted at type 2's. The one thing I have read over and over is that everyone will respond differently and you just have to find what works for you. This is a frustrating answer if you are anything like me you are looking for something more specific. I CAN share what has worked for me and maybe it will help you out. The first thing is I started on an insulin pump a little over a year and a half ago and it has been a life saver. Previously I took Lantus at night for my basal and then Humalog to bolus with meals. With the Lantus constantly working in the background and then the affect of the exercise lowering affects I was constantly battling lows and eating all the time while I exercise. Hardly efficient for weight control and fitness. So here is what I do:

1. If I am exercising for less than an hour or so I take the pump completely off. It helps if I do this 30-60 minutes before exercise so that I don't have too much insulin in my system.
2. For the same reason I try not to eat or bolus two hours before exercise because again, it seams to prevent lows.
3. I have mounted a meter on my bike and check my BS every 30-45 minutes while I ride.
4. If I am going to run for more than an hour I take a meter with me then as well. I must admit, I have only been able to do this from experience. I know that for me if I start around 130-150 I can make it through and I just take a couple gels with me if I have systems of a low. I used to ALWAYS carry one with me.
5. To treat lows I use gels and Cliff blocks. The blocks are nice especially on the run because the are smaller increments of carbs so I can take 1 or 2 every 10-15 minutes and remain stable.
6. The last thing is to keep an eye on your BS during your recovery. Exercise can have BS lowering affects 2-3 hours afterwards. I usually leave my pump off for an additional hour and don't have any problems.

Sorry for the long post, I don't know your situation specifically, but hopefully there is something in here you find useful. If you have not already I would also check out DESA website, it does have alot of useful info. Let me know if there is anything else I can help out with. I am really still just learning myself and find it useful to share with other Type 1 Triathletes.

www.diabetes-exercise.org

I know what you mean about your Dr. not having any other patients with diabetes. My doctor kept comparing me to a volleyball player when i was training for my HIM!

I just got my pump 2 months ago so I'm still in the process of figuring out what I need to do to avoid lows, they just keep creeping up on me.

If anybody would like to share the numbers they use for Temp Basal on their pump for long workouts i think it would benefit all us diabetic endurance athletes.