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A diagnosis of diabetes can be devastating, especially to young adults or teenagers who have dreams of sports stardom. While diabetes may be a disability in many ways, it doesn’t mean that you can’t pursue your dreams. People with diabetes can go on to live productive lives, with many engaging in demanding careers such as firefighting, or pursuing extreme or endurance sports such as stunt biking, racing, football, cricket, and more. We’re so used to focusing on the impact of diabetes that we often fail to take note of diabetic athletes who are out there performing. If they can do it, so can you.
Diabetes Heroes In The Sports World
In the realm of sports, numerous Olympic and international athletes have faced the challenge of diabetes but have triumphed to achieve remarkable careers. Brais Dacal, a Spanish cyclist, exemplifies this resilience, demonstrating that living with diabetes doesn’t hinder one’s ability to pursue sporting dreams. His journey serves as an inspiration to fellow diabetes patients, encouraging them to embrace an active lifestyle. The Tokyo Olympics showcased Croatian athletes Kristina Tomić and Ivan Marcelić, both living with diabetes. Kristina, a Taekwondo star, and Ivan, a water polo player, demonstrated exceptional prowess in their respective disciplines. Other notable sports stars who have excelled despite diabetes include American track sprint cyclist Mandy Marquardt, football legend Gary Mabbutt of Tottenham, New Zealand all-rounder Craig McMillan, and cricket legend Wasim Akram. Stay motivated, stay active, and explore the winning spirit even further
Before you get inspired and decide to hit the gym, field, or swimming pool, there are a few things that you need to know.
The Keys To Pursuing Athletics With Diabetes
Physical activity is essential for effectively managing diabetes, but high endurance activities can be challenging. This makes it important to take a number of precautions and follow some basic practices.
Get Your Doctor’s Approva: Consult your doctor and let them know that you are determined to pursue a particular sport so that they can help you best prepare for it with modifications to meals, insulin dosage, or medications if required.
Glucose Monitoring: If any physical activity lasts over an hour, you should check levels not just before exercise, but also during the activity so that you will know if you need to have a carb snack with fruits or fruit drinks when sugar levels are low.
Slow But Consistent: If you’re not already living an active life, start slow and gradually increase the intensity and duration of activity as you build endurance. Consistency is important, so make sure to follow a strict routine for exercise, meals, and medication as this will lower the risk of blood sugar dropping dangerously low.
Protect Your Feet: Diabetic foot disease doesn’t just threaten older patients, but can affect any diabetes patient. Make sure to wear appropriate and high-quality footwear, specifically suited to the activity you engage in. Inspect your feet carefully for any signs of blisters, ulcers, bruises, or sores daily.
Be Ready To Stop: Taking a break doesn’t mean quitting. If you experience any unusual pain, chills, headaches, or feel anxious, confused, fatigued, and like your heart is racing, make sure to take a break.
Work closely with every member of your diabetes team and engage the help of friends, as they will all play a role in helping you achieve your goals. Overcoming diabetes to pursue a sports career is a team effort, whether or not you’re engaged in solo or group sporting events.
References:
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00125-020-05183-8
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3438860/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6124849/
