Running with Type 1 Diabetes: Stephanie Tomko’s

Living with Type 1 diabetes requires daily planning, resilience, and adaptability. For many people managing diabetes, exercise and sport can bring unique challenges, but they can also create opportunities to build confidence and achieve incredible goals.

In this inspiring diabetes story, we share Stephanie Tomko’s journey of running long distances while managing Type 1 diabetes and the lessons she has learned along the way. and how she continues to motivate others in the diabetes community.

Inspiring Women in the Diabetes Community: Stephanie Tomko’s Story

Today, we would like to talk about inspirational women and spread awareness about these women in our community who are motivating others to live life to the fullest with diabetes.

Stephanie Tomko was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was only four years old. Today, she is a mother of two, a distance runner, and the creator of the blog “Type 1 and Running”.

Although Stephanie has been living with diabetes for 35 years she still has days where she doesn’t feel in control. She has learnt that the disease is a commitment, and even the strongest commitment can sometimes fall short. She says that it is important to remind yourself that just because you are having a bad day it doesn’t mean you weren’t trying and that you may need to regain focus tomorrow. 

Living with Type 1 Diabetes and Finding Strength Through Running

Stephanie started running in her early 30s as she has always been motivated by challenges. Anything that Stephanie has accomplished physically has always been at least partially motivated by the concept of beating diabetes and proving to herself that she can control it.

Whether you are running, walking, riding or any other physically demanding activity a person living with Type 1 diabetes has to train harder as there is more details, planning and more failure than the average athlete.

Any person with Type 1 diabetes who accomplishes a physical challenge (no matter how big) should be extremely proud of themselves. 

Running with Type 1 diabetes is not just about completing a race — it is about building confidence, learning how your body responds, and showing that diabetes does not have to stop you from reaching your goals.

What a Type 1 Diabetic Runner Needs During Long-Distance Runs

A lot of equipment is needed when going on a long run:

• CGM
• Phone
• Glucose gel
• Insulin
• Syringes
• Insulin pump

For Stephanie, the goal is not speed but to finish with stable blood sugar. Her ultimate goal is to be fit enough to run with her Dexcom CGM and pump ports showing, helping spread awareness of what a person with diabetes needs to do to complete a long-distance challenge.

Stephanie’s Tips for Running Long Distances with Type 1 Diabetes

1. Train at the same time as your race
   When training try to run at the same time that the race will be. This is because blood sugar behaves differently in the morning due to the dawn effect (release of certain hormones through the night) than it does in the afternoon. 
   
   

2. Understand your insulin needs during exercise. 

   Cut your basal a few hours before your run so that it doesn’t start falling into the second mile.

   Always follow your personal diabetes management plan and work with your healthcare team when making changes to your insulin routine.

3. Plan your nutrition before running
   If your stomach can handle food, try and eat as close to the beginning of the race as you can. If you eat too long before, your basal may already be lowered, causing blood-sugar to increase quickly. Waiting until before the race, the activity will have balanced out the carbs. 
   
   
4. Learn your CGM strategy and don’t panic
   Learn a protocol for your CGM and don’t panic. Remember you can always stop if your blood sugar is off - and there is always another race if this one doesn’t work out, use it as a learning experience. 
   
   
5. Celebrate your achievements
   Be proud of yourself no matter what happens, it isn’t easy to manage long-distance while also managing diabetes. Check out our Glucology store to find great products such as our Insulin Pump Belt or Copper Socks to aid on your long distance journey.

Finding Support Through the Type 1 Diabetes Community

Along with long-distance running Stephanie writes a blog called “Type 1 and Running” to stop feeling as though she was managing diabetes by herself.

Blogging immediately opened up an entire community of people who thought and felt the same way, understanding the struggles of living with diabetes.

The main aim of the blog is to connect with people and educate people on the struggles of managing diabetes everyday. At Glucology we support the importance of reaching out to someone and a community of people who are going through a similar situation.

Stephanie’s story is a reminder that diabetes is only one part of who you are. With preparation, support, and determination, people living with Type 1 diabetes can continue to challenge themselves, achieve their goals, and inspire others along the way.

Explore our blog for more tips and resources on diabetes management.

Disclaimer: This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or a qualified health provider with any questions about your condition. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 (US) or 000 (Australia) immediately, or visit your nearest emergency care center.