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DIABETES IN ATHLETES

Being an athlete at any level provides a multitude of challenges. Long days filled with prac-
tices, film study and off-season training make dedication an important key to success. Some
athletes, however, require a little extra dedication on top of that. Frequent blood sugar checks,
counting carbohydrates and shots of insulin provide challenges in not only a diabetic’s every-
day life, but especially in the face of athletics.
Today over 29 million Americans are diabetic. Of those 29 million, 1.25 million are Type
I. In order to understand the basics of diabetes, it’s important to understand the difference
between the two major types. Type I, also commonly referred to as juvenile diabetes, is the
less common of the two. Because it happens at a younger age, type I more commonly affects
diabetic athletes that are participating at the high school and collegiate level. Type I diabet-
ics have a deficiency in insulin production, which doesn’t allow the body to use food as fuel in
the same way a non-diabetic person would. This makes self-regulation of blood glucose levels
during sporting activities almost impossible. Type II diabetics generally do produce their own
endogenous insulin, but may have trouble utilizing it due to a myriad of mechanisms.
As one might guess, athletes with type I diabetes must continue to regulate their blood
glucose levels not only while they are at home recovering, but also while the competition is
in process. They soon become the replacement system for their own pancreas, the organ that
regulates insulin and blood sugar levels. Luckily with some repetition and the proper education
this becomes almost second nature. Soon frequent blood sugar checks and a few extra bottles
of Gatorade on the bench are just another part of the game.
Exercise is recommended for all diabetics. Physical activity helps the body usher glu-
cose from food into the cells, similar to the way insulin would. This of course makes monitoring
blood sugar levels during athletics essential for diabetic athletes. As competition continues,
blood glucose must be replenished to avoid hypoglycemia, or a low blood sugar. Too much ex-
ercise without renewal of fuel in the form of blood glucose may result in confusion, weakness,
and shakiness; all signs of hypoglycemia. The combination of exercise, insulin and carbohy-
drates can be a delicate balance.
Diabetics often unnecessarily hear the word can’t. They can’t eat sweets, can’t eat pasta
and certainly can’t perform in athletics at a high level. Fortunately all of those assumptions are
untrue. Like with anything else, moderation and balance is key. The word “can’t” doesn’t need
to be part of a diabetic’s vocabulary. The ability to compete in athletics relies upon good con-
trol, frequent glucose monitoring and diligence in maintaining the proper regimen of insulin and
nutrition. Professional athletes Jay Cutler and Mark Lowe, to name a few, are prime examples
of diabetic athletes competing at the highest possible level. Diabetic athletes can continue to
compete, and they will.
With incidences of diabetes on the rise, diabetes in athletes is becoming more prevalent.
Exercise provides several benefits in the regulation of blood glucose levels, but a combination
of insulin and glucose during competition is vital for maintaining as close to a steady state as
possible. With a little extra dedication and discipline to self-regulate, diabetic athletes can
continue to succeed at the highest levels of athletic competition.
Cody Hoff, Physician Assistant
Diabetic Management

Deckerville Community Hospital

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