KEY TAKEAWAYS Athletes with diabetes present with challenges that need to be addressed.
If there is a determined athlete and a solid plan for training and diabetes management, there is no reason diabetes needs to prevent these athletes from achieving great feats.
Athletes with diabetes are often more prepared than other athletes on the course or field. By necessity, they have to think through variables and anticipate potential needs more carefully than others.
Preparation and planning are key to the success of athletes with diabetes. Each athlete should have an individual diabetes management plan for training and competition that includes prevention and treatment strategies. It is also advisable to have a diabetes management kit that includes emergency plans, medications, and items to treat hypoglycemia if needed.
Managing an athlete with diabetes demands a team approach and necessitates excellent communication between members of the team. The team includes medical professionals (endocrinologist, CDEs, and others) who are involved in the athlete’s diabetes care, pertinent members of the coaching and training staff, the sports dietitian, and, most importantly, the athlete. The better the communication, the better the outcome.
Every athlete with diabetes has unique needs. Understanding the underlying science will provide valuable insights, but for best results, there must also be an understanding of each athlete’s individual blood glucose response to exercise. Flexible treatment is key to success!