If you\u2019re a marathon runner living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), this guide will help you choose the best gear for your workouts<\/a>. Or, if you\u2019re an aspiring marathon runner or dream of joining us for the race one day, this gear list is a great place to start!<\/p>\n Low blood sugar treatments<\/p>\n If you live with a form of insulin-dependent diabetes, whether that\u2019s type 1 or type 2 diabetes, low blood sugars<\/a> are undoubtedly on your mind. Even the most well-trained marathon runners can run into them. Lowering your basal (long-acting) insulin dose for the big day\u2014under your healthcare provider\u2019s (HCP) guidance\u2014can help prevent them, but it\u2019s always better to be prepared for lows than to assume they won\u2019t happen.<\/p>\n Our marathon team loves these low blood sugar treatments while running, and they\u2019re sure you will, too:<\/p>\n Glow Glucose Gummies: these glucose gummies are new to the diabetes space and they\u2019re taking off for a good reason. They come in a variety of flavors and easy-to-carry pouches, making them perfect for on-the-go. Razzleberry just landed, and you can also find other flavors like our limited edition Beyond Type 1 Blackberry Lemonade<\/a>, Black Raspberry, Strawberry or Mango. That\u2019s It<\/a> real fruit bars Running gels: Maurten and PowerGel have become runners\u2019 favorites. Even runners without diabetes use them to stay on top of their game during training and race days! Yes, even those with working pancreases still need a little sugar boost sometimes, just not for the same reasons people with diabetes (PWD) do.<\/p>\n Hydration helpers<\/p>\n Hydration is key to overall diabetes management, especially during an intense activity like a marathon. Water is, of course, the best solution, but what you add to it matters.\u00a0<\/p>\n Here are some methods our runners follow to quench their thirst and focus on race day:<\/p>\n Buoy hydration drops<\/a> Continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pump accessories<\/p>\n During intense exercise, your diabetes devices can be harder to keep attached or secure. Sweat, stress, bumping into random objects (or people) can all happen on marathon day. Sometimes, even while training near home.<\/p>\n That\u2019s why the Beyond Type Run team loves accessories like these to make sure they don\u2019t have to worry about their tech falling off or getting loose on race day:<\/p>\n Not Just a Patch<\/a> CGM overlay patches CGMs and insulin pumps are the key to survival for many runners with diabetes and are not to be messed with!<\/p>\n Apparel and shoes<\/p>\n Proper footwear and apparel are a must on race day, especially when you live with diabetes. It\u2019s pretty much hammered into every person with T1D since diagnosis to protect your feet!<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n When it comes to making sure that\u2019s the case, our runners love:<\/p>\n Protective socks: like Feetures or Bombas Having the right running gear matters with diabetes<\/p>\n If you live with any form of diabetes, you know better than most that preparation matters. Diabetes thrives on routine. While a marathon is probably outside that routine, you can control how you prepare: how many hours you train, how different runs affect your levels, which foods support your runs, plus which tech and supplies are must-haves versus nice-to-haves.<\/p>\n You\u2019re doing the work that will make race day less about diabetes and more about showing up and hitting your stride. It\u2019s not just about chasing that runner\u2019s high\u2014it\u2019s about finding your diabetes flow state! The right products make a huge difference. Based on what we\u2019ve heard from our runners, this is clear.<\/p>\n Disclosure: The Beyond Type Run marathon team is made possible in part through the in-kind support of That\u2019s It, Buoy Hydration, Not Just a Patch, and Casely. Beyond Type 1 retains complete, independent editorial control over all content.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\nZAP glucose tablets: these are also new to the diabetes space and are making waves. They\u2019re glucose tablets breaking the mold, with no chalky texture and a cool flavor variety, including Yuzu.
\nUncommon low snacks: glucose gummies, powders, gels and tablets are great, but our marathon runners need more than fast-acting sugar to feel at ease on race day. Some hypo snacks they\u2019re loving include:<\/p>\n
\nFruit snacks (Mott\u2019s and Welch\u2019s are favorites among the team)
\nApplesauce pouches
\nNerds gummy clusters<\/p>\n
\nUltima Mix
\nSaltstix Capsules
\nGatorade Zero
\nReLyte in watermelon lime or lemon lime<\/p>\n
\nCasely<\/a>: these phone cases can protect perhaps your most important tech of all\u2014your phone. If you manage any part of your diabetes with your cell, this is a must.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/BT1_In-Article-Image_The-NYC-Marathon-Gear-Our-Community-Swears-By_2205865776-1.jpg\")
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\nSunglasses: you have to protect your eyes with diabetes\u2014Goodr is a runner favorite
\nShorts: Janji
\nShoes: it\u2019s highly recommended to get fitted at an actual running store ahead of race day and track how many miles you put in your shoes\u2014our team recommends getting fitted at Road Runner in NYC<\/a>, but they\u2019re available in various locations across the United States (U.S.)
\nGear belt: Spibelt and FlipBelt are great for storing everything you need to feel comfortable and confident running big races like the NYC Marathon with diabetes<\/p>\n