How The Athlete and Diabetes Relate To Each Other

With proper management, the diabetic can successfully compete and excel in almost any sport he or she chooses, and in fact, physical activity can be good for keeping weight in check and overall health levels at good ones. Some of the sporting world's most celebrated athletes have been diabetics. Arthur Ashe, Ty Cobb, and Joe Frazier are just three famous sports people. However, athletes with diabetes must make their coaches and other relevant personnel aware of their health status.

Athletes with diabetes compete in a wide variety of sports, including marathons, cycling, and football. What these athletes do, as should any person with diabetes wanting to compete in sports or exercise, is take responsibility for their disease. Taking responsibility means doing the following:

• Testing your blood sugar before you start playing and right after you stop
• Test every half hour while playing if the activity is intense
• If your blood sugar levels are too high, avoid playing until you have lowered them through medication
• Do not play immediately after eating.  A one-hour delay is advisable in most cases
• Wear proper-fitting shoes as diabetics tend to have poor circulation

To be successful as an athlete, even with diabetes, there must be collaboration and knowledge-sharing between your coach, doctors, and sports administrators. Because physical activities lower the amount of sugar in the blood stream, diabetic athletes should ensure that coaches know the symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Not giving people information should an emergency occur can place others in a bad position if you, one day, really do need help.

The diabetic athlete should be in tune with his or her body, recognizing every signal that it sends. Seek medical help if you feel that something is wrong; it's always better to err on the side of caution. It is a good idea to get a medic alert bracelet so that help can be given if the need arises. Getting the support of your doctor is necessary, as he or she can provide you will valuable medical information. Becoming involved with support groups can be a great source of encouragement, especially if you are an adolescent.

To learn more go to Diabetes Medication and at Juvenile Diabetes