Having diabetes doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying sports or being an athlete. In fact, continuing to be active is one of the best things you can do if you are a diabetic.  Physical activity is a great natural way for your body to absorb glucose faster, acting as a substitute for actual injection of insulin.  A body that has a good control on the blood glucose levels will use athletics as a catalyst for healthy living. 

What is Diabetes?

Type I (Juvenile or Insulin Dependent Diabetes) is less diagnosed but more common in juveniles. The immune system keeps the pancreas from producing insulin completely. 

Type II Diabetes means that there is not enough insulin in the blood, or the cells are not capable of absorbing the insulin.  The remedy for this condition is most often a pill which will allow the body to better absorb insulin. Type II Diabetes is the most common form (90-95%) of diagnosed diabetes. 

Playing sports as a diabetic just means that you have to be more aware of your body, the signs it gives you and what you are eating and when. Your blood-sugar levels need to be monitored more closely, not just at practice or during a game but throughout the day. Keep in mind that aerobic activity can affect the body for hours after the competition is completed, and the endorphins produced act as additional insulin flowing through the bloodstream. But don't fret; today, diabetic athletes have it easier than in the past. With new forms of insulin available and other quicker ways of monitoring, playing sports while monitoring blood-sugar levels is less of a hassle than ever before. 

Helpful Hints for Diabetic Athletes

• Be in touch with your doctor, nurse and athletic trainer
• Always have your blood glucose meter with you
• Carry additional medicine, needles, glucose, etc.
• Test your pump and monitor to make sure they are working properly
• Pack your own snacks and eat a balanced diet
• Build a consistent meal plan and eating schedule including eating right before activity
• Don’t carb load, eat frequent smaller meals
• Pick a few friends on the team to be your buddies to help monitor your condition
• Make the coach and other players aware of your condition, the warning signs and how to act if needed
• Have an emergency plan
• Remember that the body is affected by not just your most recent meal but meals from days before