What are the limitations imposed by diabetes on developing my eight components of fitness (strength, power, speed, aerobic capacity, muscular endurance, flexibility, agility and body composition)?

Those of us living with diabetes have only to look at the many inspirational athletes with diabetes who have achieved incredible successes in their sports — Gary Hall (Olympic gold medal swimmer); Michelle McGann (professional golfer); Chris Dudley (pro-basketball player) to name just a few. With good control, there are no limitations regarding the components of fitness which you have mentioned, only considerations.

To reach your potential, you’ll need to be disciplined regarding diabetes management. This means frequent blood glucose monitoring and patterning so that you can make appropriate adjustments in insulin, carbohydrate intake, activity, etc. Work with your diabetes team to develop and successfully apply these skills. Understand the effects of your training regimen and activities on blood sugar control.

Poorly controlled diabetes will have a detrimental impact by directly affecting many aspects of physiology. Intensive self-management on the other hand provides you with a unique understanding regarding your response to training.

DMW