Sports and diabetes can be
tricky! Each different exercise requires something different from your body and
therefore does something different to your blood sugar. It is an intricate
calculation to figure out what/when/if to eat, how much insulin to take, how
much you will play, and how all of these and other variables will affect your
body and blood sugar. Over the years, I've played many different sports,
including volleyball, hockey, track, basketball, and soccer and weight
training/conditioning for many of these sports. I can confirm it is complicated
to take all of these factors and calculate them, but from my athletic
experiences I've gained wisdom.
One of
the first things I've learned is talk to the coach(es). Keep a strong
communication with him/her because your blood sugar will most likely be
affected the most while exercising. Tell the coach exactly what you need and
always tell him/her if something is wrong or you need to take a break to
eat/drink/bolus. It can be weird or embarrassing to have to take a snack during
games, but it is necessary and nothing to be ashamed of!
Sometimes,
teammates will want to know why/what you’re eating or if they can have some. I've found that it’s usually easier to bring a “disguised” snack, like
Gatorade, a protein bar, etc. to have so that you can “blend in” with others’
snack choices. Treating a low blood sugar is nothing to be ashamed of, but it
can be easier and quicker to treat if people aren't asking questions or asking
you to share.
Third,
listen to your body! Take the time to check your blood sugar to see how your
exercise affects you and learn to interpret the signs your body gives you. It’s
no big deal if you ask your coach what exercises you’re doing that day so you
can adequately prepare; for example, I personally keep my pump on when I lift
weights, and on days that I practice volleyball I bolus for half my food before
and take my pump off.
Lastly,
make sure you have everything you need on the bench. In case of a
situation, it’s easier to have your supplies near you rather than in your bag
at the other end of the gym. Also, this can alleviate any anxiety you might
have about going low and help you to focus on giving your all at whatever
exercise you choose.
Be sure to check out the American Diabetes Association Webpage to learn more tips on how to prevent hypoglycemia while exercising or playing sports!
Good
luck in all your future athletic endeavors!
-Amelia
2016 Illinois Youth Ambassador
American Diabetes Association
