6 minute read
What would you say to someone living with diabetes with aspirations for a career in sport?
“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 WRITTEN BY he manages his condition while still training as a professional athlete.
Muhammad Ali
Professional Boxer
1How 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.
2What 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.
3Do 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.
4What 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.
©AT TENTIE AT TENTIE / U N S PL AS H
©SIMPSON33
COVID-19 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 he latest figures from The Disruption to medical supplies or International Diabetes care can make it more difficult for Federation (IDF) show people with diabetes to manage that around 10% of people their condition and could lead to worldwide live with diabetes. The complications if not addressed. condition is also a leading cause of Lockdown measures can make it several life-threatening or debilitating difficult to attend health appointments complications, including blindness, for advice on diabetes management WRITTEN BY heart attack, stroke, lower-limb and prevention. Furthermore, the Andrew Boulton amputation and kidney failure. reallocation of healthcare resources has President, International Diabetes Federation
IDF is highlighting three concerns for people living with diabetes during the coronavirus crisis: vulnerability, access made the situation worse.
to care, as well as physical and mental of people living with diabetes wellbeing. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are important in managing diabetes Protecting the vulnerable and preventing its complications. People living with diabetes – The imposition of social distancing particularly those with poorly managed measures to reduce COVID-19 have blood glucose levels – are more reduced opportunities to exercise and vulnerable to the severe effects of made it more difficult to stick to a COVID-19. When people with diabetes healthy diet. develop a viral infection, it can be For some, the pandemic has been a harder to treat due to fluctuations in considerable cause of stress. We have blood glucose levels and, possibly, the had reports of people with diabetes presence of diabetes complications. avoiding healthcare facilities for fear
Studies indicate that, depending on of contracting COVID-19. As a result, the global region, up to 50% of people there is a concern that, down the line, with COVID-19 had diabetes. In the UK, many countries may see a spike in 25% of deaths related to COVID-19 have complications. occurred in people with diabetes 1 .
Lockdown’s impact on wellbeing
COVID-19 demands have disrupted It is critical that governments recognise other vital medical supplies that people with diabetes can be The restrictions put in place to fight the more vulnerable to COVID-19 – and spread of COVID-19 in some countries at increased risk of dying. Measures have disrupted the production of vital to reduce potential exposure to the medications and impacted supply virus are of great importance. At the chains. This could create shortages same time, people with diabetes need in some regions, leaving people with to manage a complicated condition. diabetes unable to get hold of essential Access to care and supplies must be medicines. maintained to protect them from
People living with diabetes require serious complications. uninterrupted access to essential People living with diabetes are medicines, supplies, technologies and advised to seek medical attention if care. People with type 1 diabetes, for they feel unwell. IDF is offering advice example, require insulin to survive. about precautions to take during the pandemic. Information, including guidance on how to best maintain
Support for all
Around 10% of people
physical and mental health can be found at www.idf.org/covid-19. worldwide live with diabetes. 1 https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/coronavirus-deaths-diabetes-england-covid-19-a9514761.html
Taking control of your diabetes
Until four years ago, I’d only ever used a typical blood glucose meter. Since I was introduced to flash glucose monitoring, I haven’t looked back. I have a sensor on the back of my upper arm that records my glucose levels continuously. I have access to a reader I can swipe over the sensor, as well as an app, meaning I can also swipe my phone over it, which then provides me with a glucose reading.
Vanessa Haydock(BCBA, MSc, BSc) The Diabetic Health Coach, FreeStyle Libre Ambassador Pages 4 and 5
