Be a diabetic pro.
Tips, tools, apps, books– whatever you need to improve life with diabetes.
Diabetes doesn't have to hold you back from athletic achievement. From professional athletes to weekend warriors, people with diabetes are proving that with proper management, you can excel in any sport you choose.
Pre-Training Preparation
Blood Sugar Management
-
Before Exercise
- Check blood sugar 30-60 minutes before
- Aim for starting range of 140-180 mg/dL
- Have fast-acting carbs ready
- Consider reducing pre-workout insulin
- Monitor CGM trends
-
Equipment Preparation
- Secure insulin pump/CGM
- Pack diabetes supplies
- Bring extra treatments
- Have medical ID visible
- Keep sugar sources accessible
Sport-Specific Strategies
Endurance Sports
- Distance running
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Triathlons
Key Considerations:
- Reduce basal insulin
- Fuel regularly during activity
- Monitor for delayed lows
- Stay hydrated
- Practice nutrition strategy
High-Intensity Sports
- Basketball
- Soccer
- HIIT workouts
- Sprint training
Management Tips:
- Check more frequently
- Expect possible BG rises
- Have recovery strategy
- Monitor post-exercise
- Adjust correction factors
Contact Sports
- Football
- Wrestling
- Martial Arts
- Hockey
Safety Measures:
- Use protective gear for devices
- Have removal/reconnection plan
- Communicate with coaches/refs
- Keep supplies at sidelines
- Know emergency protocols
Training Optimization
Nutrition Timing
-
Pre-Workout
- Complex carbs 2-3 hours before
- Protein with pre-workout meal
- Small snack if needed
- Hydration strategy
- Record successful meals
-
During Activity
- Fast-acting carbs as needed
- Electrolyte replacement
- Regular hydration
- Easily digestible foods
- Monitor absorption rates
-
Post-Workout
- Recovery nutrition
- Watch for delayed effects
- Replenish glycogen stores
- Adjust insulin as needed
- Track successful strategies
Competition Day
Race/Game Day Protocol
-
Night Before
- Check supplies
- Review game plan
- Prepare nutrition
- Set multiple alarms
- Pack backup devices
-
Morning Of
- Extra time for checks
- Familiar breakfast
- Arrive early
- Test equipment
- Warm up gradually
Emergency Planning
- Team awareness
- Sideline supplies
- Medical staff briefing
- Quick-access treatments
- Communication plan
Recovery Strategies
Post-Competition
- Extended monitoring
- Proper cool down
- Nutrition timing
- Sleep priority
- Active recovery
Long-term Management
- Track patterns
- Adjust strategies
- Regular assessment
- Team communication
- Continuous learning
Success Stories
Featured Athletes
Read about fellow diabetic athletes:
- Professional success stories
- Amateur achievements
- Overcoming challenges
- Training innovations
- Competition victories
Join Our Athletes' Challenge!
Next month's athletic challenge includes:
- Training log sharing
- Pre-game routine tips
- Recovery strategy exchange
- Success celebration
- Community support
Remember: Being an athlete with diabetes requires extra planning, but it also makes you more aware of your body and its needs. Use this knowledge to your advantage!
Want to connect with other athletes managing diabetes? Join our sports forum or share your athletic journey below. Together, we can push the boundaries of what's possible!