Molecular Knowledge, Athletics, and Diabetes

06/09/08 Nutrition & Exercise

Recently I was out running with a colleague. While stretching, pre-run, we discussed the changes in our bodies from the limber athletes we once were to the creaky and tight-muscled athletes we are today. I asked about my colleague’s use of supplements, especially glucosamine and fish oil, both of which are touted as a panacea for our ailment. He laughed and spoke about the inconsistency with which he has tried to incorporate both, but then offered a rather insightful observation. “You must know your body on an almost molecular level. I’m sure you are aware of changes within that most will never understand.”

His statement stayed with me during our 5K run. Just what are the implications of diabetes on sports performance?

In a way, well-controlled individuals with diabetes are much like high performing athletes; we are both forced to be uniquely in-tune with our bodies. I can ascertain that my sugar level is elevated by the tight and restricted muscles in my legs. They feel as if they are pumping molasses. The same is true for low blood sugar. For me the surrounding environment feels pressured and my patience disappears. I become almost distant from myself, to the degree that I question how I must appear based on the sound of my own voice and the response of those around me. Similarly, athletes must be aware of their breathing, pacing, exertion, form, and strategy, all while being cognizant of how their body is responding to the way they intend it to move. 

Therefore, for those of use who have diabetes and are athletes, our monitoring must be two-fold. I am particularly aware of just how efficiently I am performing throughout any cardiovascular, weightlifting, or skills-based exercise. I can easily sense how my muscle response and know if my sugar level is high, low, or just right. I imagine that this dual awareness exceeds what most athletes must consider, and may actually impair athletic performance. Thinking takes energy, and too much exertion there can steal energy. But do we really have choice?

On a few occasions I have ignored the signs on both levels and have justifiably suffered the consequences. I say justifiably because I really had no right to dismiss the information. This is the conundrum of the diabetes-laden athlete. How can you enter the flow state and still maintain control? How can we harness that heightened awareness of self, accompanied with a pronounced purpose or goal? How can we live in the moment? In short, we can’t.

Our knowledge keeps us healthy, keeps us safe, and keeps us unnaturally tethered. I see no way to escape this reality, and find no best way to fight it, because it would only amount to a battle over our best interests. The most responsible course of action then, is to use it to our advantage. We should pursue both athletic and health-oriented goals with gusto. The relationship between the two will certainly produce results exponentially superior to either one in isolation. We should be mindful of what our body reveals on both planes, and hope that the molecular discussion yields a green light, all signs screaming, “Go!”

Eric Devine, 30, has lived with type 1 diabetes since he was 12. He lives in upstate New York with his wife and two daughters where he works as a high school English teacher. Devine is an avid writer and is currently seeking publication of two Young Adult novel manuscripts.