Voices of Diabetes

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 12 years old and was forced to quit playing soccer due to its negative effects on my blood sugar (glucose). However, 9 years later, I am an exercise physiology major. I have successfully worked with my doctor to create a regimen using pump therapy to help control both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, so that I am now able to play soccer at college and participate in distance running and cycling races.

In hindsight, I wish I would have worked more closely with my doctor when I was in high school so that I could have continued to play team sports. I just wanted to let people know that, while it may take a while to get the pre-exercise routine down, it is possible to control blood sugar and stick with it!

The pump really did allow me better control when exercising. So, if you are debating it, I highly suggest it. In addition, I am about to upgrade to a new pump and continuous glucose monitor, which I hope allows for better control.

Lindsay R, 21
Forest, VA