In my first footy game post-diagnosis in March 2021, I was still using pen injections. My blood glucose levels sat between 18–22 mmol/L the entire game. I felt awful, cramping badly by the second quarter but I refused to check my levels out of embarrassment. That season was shortened due to COVID-19, and I spent most games running high.
Learning to Manage Diabetes on the Field
I wore my CGM on my upper buttock to keep it discreet and avoid it being ripped off. That location stuck, not to hide it anymore, but because it worked best.
By the 2022 season, I’d had T1D for about 18 months. I’d gained more knowledge about managing my diabetes in different situations, but I was keeping it quiet. I started using a different insulin, which helped stabilise my levels and avoid lows. I adjusted my insulin doses for game days and training and began checking my phone at quarter breaks. It wasn’t perfect, but it was progress. Check in with your team about what is best for you.
Becoming More Open and Consistent
2023 was my final season using pen injections. Like most people with diabetes know, every day is different. Some games my levels were great, others I was still high. I checked my CGM more often and asked the team runner to pass by me during games so I could get updates. My mum also received live notifications and gave me a thumbs up at breaks if I hadn’t checked myself. This gives mum some breathing space from checking my levels 3 times during the night before a footy game, win, win.
Lessons for Young Athletes & Parents: Managing Type 1 Diabetes in Sports
Trial and refinement
You’re never going to get it perfect from day one, managing your glucose levels requires trying and perfecting different things. Use training sessions to try new methods of managing your Diabetes and work with your diabetes team to find what is safe and works for you.
Consistency
Having a good set routine is going to set you up best for success. Having the same breakfast at the same time, is something I try and keep consistent every time I play a game.
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself
It’s extremely hard to live, work and play while managing an organ in your body that decided to stop working. Give yourself time to understand how you react to different situations, just be patient with yourself. It’s a 24/7 job!
Learn about your technology options
Technology has made living with Type 1 Diabetes so much easier and manage my levels consistently on the field. If you are not on technology or looking for new options, consult the pros, lean into your diabetes team or find a good diabetes educator to work out what is best for you!
