A promotional supplement distributed on behalf of Mediaplanet, which takes sole responsibility for its contents | MEDIAPLANET
6 | Read more at www.healthawareness.co.uk
“Diabetes has taught me to stay organised with my life, which helps me to perform in a good manner within boxing.” Muhammad Ali is making history as the first British professional boxer who has type 1 diabetes. Here he discusses how he manages his condition while still training as a professional athlete.
©SIMPSON33
Diabetes is a condition, not an illness; I’m just like any other ordinary person
WRITTEN BY
Muhammad Ali Professional Boxer
1
COVID-19
How did you learn to manage your diabetes while maintaining an Olympic standard of sport? I was at a young age when I started boxing and my parents helped me control my diabetes. My mother took care of my nutrition, making sure my blood glucose levels were in a good range. I watched my mother prepare my meals and give me my medication (insulin). I learnt the ropes from an early age to help me get a better understanding of how to manage my diabetes. I also attended my regular diabetes appointments with my parents. If I had any troubles, I’d share my problems with my consultants and nurses in order to better my control.
a concern for all people with diabetes The COVID-19 pandemic is of great concern to people living with diabetes as they can be more vulnerable to the severe effects of the virus.
T
2
What does an average day look like for you? On an average day, I start by organising my meals for the day so that I’m in control of my diet, as well as sugar levels, throughout the day. I also train twice a day. In the morning, I do my boxing session, which consists of sparring and technical work. In the evening, I do my strength and conditioning session. If I’m not resting during the day, I will do my nutrition shopping or go to the local shopping mall for a walk.
WRITTEN BY
Andrew Boulton President, International Diabetes Federation
3
Do you think there’s enough awareness about diabetes? I think there is a lot of awareness raised regarding diabetes on social media as doctors are interacting with the diabetes community. There are also great sources of information and support out there, such as Diabetes UK, of which I am a proud ambassador. However, more awareness is needed to help people with diabetes – for example, in shopping malls on the labels of foods. People will be more aware of what they are consuming and how to go about taking insulin according to the food they eat.
he latest figures from The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) show that around 10% of people worldwide live with diabetes. The condition is also a leading cause of several life-threatening or debilitating complications, including blindness, heart attack, stroke, lower-limb amputation and kidney failure. IDF is highlighting three concerns for people living with diabetes during the coronavirus crisis: vulnerability, access to care, as well as physical and mental wellbeing. Protecting the vulnerable People living with diabetes – particularly those with poorly managed blood glucose levels – are more vulnerable to the severe effects of COVID-19. When people with diabetes develop a viral infection, it can be harder to treat due to fluctuations in blood glucose levels and, possibly, the presence of diabetes complications. Studies indicate that, depending on the global region, up to 50% of people with COVID-19 had diabetes. In the UK, 25% of deaths related to COVID-19 have occurred in people with diabetes1.
4
©AT T EN T I E AT T EN T I E / U N S P L AS H
What would you say to someone living with diabetes with aspirations for a career in sport? I believe diabetes is a condition and not an illness; it is about us as individuals, educating ourselves about diabetes for better control and management of the condition. As someone who lives with diabetes myself, I believe we can do any sport as long as we are controlling our diabetes in a good manner. The following is a motto I have put together to inspire and motivate other people living with diabetes: Diabetes is a condition, not an illness; I’m just like any other ordinary person. Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass by but learning to weather the storm. One day, I’d love to say I lived by diabetes.
COVID-19 demands have disrupted other vital medical supplies The restrictions put in place to fight the spread of COVID-19 in some countries have disrupted the production of vital medications and impacted supply chains. This could create shortages in some regions, leaving people with diabetes unable to get hold of essential medicines. People living with diabetes require uninterrupted access to essential medicines, supplies, technologies and care. People with type 1 diabetes, for example, require insulin to survive.
Around 10% of people worldwide live with diabetes.
Disruption to medical supplies or care can make it more difficult for people with diabetes to manage their condition and could lead to complications if not addressed. Lockdown measures can make it difficult to attend health appointments for advice on diabetes management and prevention. Furthermore, the reallocation of healthcare resources has made the situation worse. Lockdown’s impact on wellbeing of people living with diabetes Regular exercise and a balanced diet are important in managing diabetes and preventing its complications. The imposition of social distancing measures to reduce COVID-19 have reduced opportunities to exercise and made it more difficult to stick to a healthy diet. For some, the pandemic has been a considerable cause of stress. We have had reports of people with diabetes avoiding healthcare facilities for fear of contracting COVID-19. As a result, there is a concern that, down the line, many countries may see a spike in complications. Support for all It is critical that governments recognise that people with diabetes can be more vulnerable to COVID-19 – and at increased risk of dying. Measures to reduce potential exposure to the virus are of great importance. At the same time, people with diabetes need to manage a complicated condition. Access to care and supplies must be maintained to protect them from serious complications. People living with diabetes are advised to seek medical attention if they feel unwell. IDF is offering advice about precautions to take during the pandemic. Information, including guidance on how to best maintain physical and mental health can be found at www.idf.org/covid-19. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/coronavirus-deaths-diabetes-england-covid-19-a9514761.html 1
