The Best Way to Carry Glucose When Exercising

Exercising is great for health, mood, energy—but for people managing blood sugar (e.g. with diabetes or prone to hypoglycemia), it adds an extra layer of logistics. One of the most important things? Having fast-acting glucose always within reach. Because when glucose drops, seconds matter.

Why Carrying Glucose the Right Way Matters

• Accessibility: You want whatever you use to be reachable without stopping or digging through big bags.

• Safety: Fast-acting glucose needs to be taken quickly—again, “seconds matter.”

• Comfort & Fit: If the carrier moves too much (bounces, shifts) you'll avoid using it, or worse, it could irritate skin, pull at tubing, etc.

• Discreetness & Practicality: A slim pack in a sports bra, or something flat/flush with your waist, is ideal.

What to Carry

• Fast-acting glucose (e.g. gels, powder, melts, or tablets) with known dose (often ~15 g).

• A backup, since one may be lost or forgotten.

• ID + info (medical ID, hypo plan) in case someone has to help you.

• If you use insulin pumps or CGMs, think about carrying tubing or backup parts.

Where to Carry It (For Adults & Kids)

Some good spots to stash glucose:

• Waist belts (running belts/SPIbelts)

• Fanny packs or waist packs

• Sports bras (with small pockets)

• Pockets (jogging pants, shorts)

• Bra straps or special pockets in tops

• For kids: waist bands that don’t bounce, or pockets sewn into their gear

Featured Products + Recommendations

Here are some top gear picks from Sugar Medical, for both adults and kids, plus glucose-packs that work well.

• Adult SPIbelt w/ Pass‑Through Hole: This is a great waist belt sized for adults. Has a reinforced pass-through hole (for tubing or cords) so it works nicely if you have a pump or CGM. Flat but roomy enough for glucose packs + essentials.

• Kids Diabetic SPIbelt w/ Pass‑Through Hole: Smaller, more kid-friendly. Lower profile, less bulk, still has the pass-through for medical tubing. Good for children or teens who need something that moves with them but doesn’t bounce too much.

Must-Have Diabetes Gear: SPIbelt + Glucose SOS

• The Diabetic SPIbelt  has a flat expandable pocket that fits things like fast-acting glucose, devices, tubing, etc. The pocket expands to about 6.5" × 3" × 2", and the belts fit waist sizes around 25-47 in. 

• Sugar Medical carries Glucose SOS Packets, which are slim, instant glucose powder packs (~15g each) that are preservative-free, no artificial flavors, etc. They are designed to fit in your pocket or carry case. 
  

Tips for Choosing What Works for You

• Test it in practice before relying on it in intense exercise or race/competition: walk/run with the belt/pouch + glucose. See how it feels. Does it bounce? Does it shift?

• Secure closure (zippers, snaps) is important — you don’t want your glucose falling out.

• Flat / low profile carriers are often better, especially for things like sports bras or for people who have pumps/tubing.

• Have more than one location: wearing one belt + one stash in a pocket or sports bra or even in shoes or sock (if safe) can be lifesaving.

• Check access speed: Can you pull the glucose out quickly with one hand? That matters.

Example of Putting It All Together

Here’s a typical setup for an adult doing a 10-mile run, or a kid doing a long practice:

• Sports bra pocket or internal bra pocket: one Glucose SOS Packet (slim, fast powder) + maybe one glucose melt.

• Waist belt (SPIbelt or pocket belt): phone, ID, extra glucose (one more packet or melt), maybe a gel, water bottle, pepper spray or keys.

• For children: adjust belt size to waist, avoid too much bounce, maybe tuck one glucose melt into a shoe or sock pocket (if safe and allowed) as backup.

Carrying glucose during exercise isn’t just about having it—it’s about having it when you need it. A well-designed belt (like SPIbelt) + slim, fast-acting glucose (SOS packets) that fit in flat pockets (sports bra, waistband, etc.) is a winning combo.