August 26, 2001
Exercise and Sports
Question from Houston, Texas, USA:
My 18 year old son, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes six months ago, starts pre-season twice-a-day football practice this week. We know he will need to make adjustments, most likely lowering his morning NPH, checking his blood sugar before, during, and after practices, and possibly adding more carbs to his food plan. Are there any other things we should be doing pro-actively to safeguard him during this activity that means the world to him and his father (who fortunately is one of his coaches)?
Answer:
You are doing all the right things to assure good diabetes management during sports participation. Work closely with his diabetes team for assistance in making changes to insulin dosages and carb intake. You may need to make further changes as training progresses. Competition will most likely affect blood sugars differently than training and may require a different approach. Extra monitoring should assist you in seeing a pattern, predicting changes, and learning how to compensate.
Thanks to your support and your pro-active approach to diabetes management! Your son (and his father!) should have a fun football season.
DMW
