By: Bec Harris
Dr. Charlotte Rowley from Diabetes WA looks at how elite athletes with Type 1 diabetes – like Alexander Zverev who competed in the Australian Open – prepare for competition at the highest levels.
There’s a common misconception that Type 1 diabetes has a limiting effect on a person’s life.
“With the right team around you, anything is possible, whether you have diabetes or not. And Alexander Zverev is a wonderful ambassador for that message.”
Blood Sugar
There are many precautions those living with diabetes should take, but it should never become an obstacle, said Dr. Charlotte.
“When we exercise, it means that we’re using up energy and taking more sugar out of the blood. If we are taking insulin, it means that we have a much greater risk of going too low.”
There are adjustments that need to be made when it comes to insulin and carbohydrate intake.
“It’s through trial and error that we’re going to figure out what works for each person and sport,” she said.
The Insight on Insulin
Insulin is a medication that is injected. If you have type 1 diabetes, there is a great chance you will need it.
“Insulin helps the body to use the sugar that is in the blood. Instead of just sitting in the blood, the insulin moves it into the muscles that we can then use it for energy. If we’re then exercising, we’re using that a lot more. So that’s why we have to be very cautious,” said Dr. Charlotte.
Fuel in the Car
When you are diabetic, sugar becomes the product that fuels you and can determine what you are able to accomplish in a day.
“Sugar is like the fuel in the car, but if you’ve got some faulty wiring and it needs a bit of extra help, then that’s what goes wrong in diabetes and insulin helps that work better.”
Be in Control
It is important for those who live with it to feel comfortable about their treatments.
“Make sure that you’re comfortable with your healthcare team. So that usually starts with your GP. So if you’re a bit concerned that you might be developing diabetes, for example, then we should be getting regular checkups, at least yearly, to make sure our blood sugar levels are looking okay, looking in the right range.”
From there, the people you want to discuss it with are those, such as, a dietician, diabetes educator and exercise physiologist, according to Dr. Charlotte.
“So it’s not just about knowing what to do but also putting that into action which is where people usually struggle and your health team should be able to help you to make that transition from knowledge to doing.”
Myths on Diabetes
Myth 1: Type 2 diabetes develops because you eat too much and aren’t active
“That’s a huge one that we really need to pull that down because it’s really unhelpful and it means people actually aren’t getting the best care because there’s a lot of assumptions being made about their lifestyle. So actually diabetes can happen to anyone. Yes, Type 2 diabetes usually happens more in adults.
Myth 2: If it is found later in life, it is only Type 2 diabetes
“Unfortunately, we’re seeing that trend for people actually getting diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes younger and younger. It used to be more of like an older person’s condition. Now it’s getting younger and younger, even into 20s. But conversely, we’re also seeing more and more people getting diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in adulthood, even in their 60s and 70s.”
Dr. Charlotte continued, “People can assume it’s Type 2, and when they’re not responding to treatment in the way that we expect, we realise it’s Type 1.”
She noted that although your GP is a great source of information and AI can sometimes be helpful, DiabetesWA has a helpline number. You can speak directly to a diabetes educator, such as her who can best help a person dealing with diabetes to understand what is going on and point people in the right direction.
She encouraged those needing assistance to call 1300 001 880.
Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.
Feature image: Canva
