T1 diabetic on a pump looking for advice...

So I am a type 1 diabetic on an insulin pump. I've adjusted my basal rate to compensate for being so active, and have to turn my pump off when I'm exercizing. However, I'm still getting low. Just looking for advise from other pumpers on what they do. I hate to start out too high, but I also hate to take glucose tabs while I'm exercising....don't want to waste my calories! Help!

How about asking your diabetic team or doctor this question?  Rather than risk getting it wrong?

im not a diabetic but my best friend is and she has type one as well... she has been a very active person in the past and has had that frustration. ill ask her about it and reply tomorrow for ya :)

i'm in the not-diabetic-but-best-friend-is-type-1 group.  i know my friend has a hard time stabilizing her sugar levels when she's active, and often goes down to very low and then back up to high after being active. 

i know you don't want to waste the calories, but isn't having a stable blood sugar more important than extra calories?  what do you do for exercise?  can you bring juice with you when you work out and drink as you need?

and yeah, checking with a doctor is a good idea, if it's an option.

I've had the same problem... here's my system :)

Test your blood sugar an hour before you start exercising.  If it's in the 140-220 range, set your basal at 60-80%.  If it's 100-140, set it at 40-60%, and if it's under 100 then stop your pump for the half hour before you exercise.

While exercising, "they" say to leave your basal around 50%, but I always have to leave it off, too.  Test frequently (every 10-15 mins) and have gatorade on hand.  Gatorade is great- rehydrates better than juice because you need 8oz for 15g of carbs. 

It's actually best NOT to leave your pump off... sometimes mine ends up being off for 2-3 hours, and even though my blood sugar is fine, I get ketones.  You might notice that dropping your basal beforehand means that you can leave a low one running while you work out.  Good luck!

gi-jane:  I have asked my diabetes educator, but she tells me it's a trial and error thing. Let me tell you, getting low is no fun, so getting advice from others who have been there done that can't hurt!

belleadele: Thanks so much for the tips! I will definatly try it tomorrow!!

My daughter is a type 1 diabetic also on an insulin pump.  She's only 11 but is very active and soccer presents a problem with lows.  Our endo tells us NEVER turn off your pump for exercise as the insulin you receive now will affect your numbers in 1 1/2 to 2 hours.  The advice to give yourself a temporary basal an hour to an hour and one half before exercise is what our doctor recommends.  The temporary rate should run at least until you are finished exercising.  You may even have to run it up to two hours after you exercise depending on the intensity of the exercise.  Unfortunately, this part is trial and error.  Keep a log about your temporary rate, the duration, the length of exercise and the intensity.  This info will give you and your doctor good info on which to base future temporary basal rates and duration.  I know every endo is different.  It is imperative that you find an excellent doctor.  Ask around your town.  Talk to other type 1s.  I suggest you touch base with your doctor before trying anything new with temp basal rates as they should have a wealth of knowledge to help you circumvent any pitfalls.