Hello!

[Jerson213]

Hello everyone,

My name is Jerson and I'm a 23 year old, type 1 diabetic. I've been a diabetic for 15 years, it'll be 16 years this coming October. I've never really been open about my diabetes, so I've never discussed it with anyone, and that's why I'm here. I've never met another person with diabetes before, especially type 1. I had neglected my health from the moment I turned 16. I haven't had any problems because of the neglect, other than high blood sugars and weight gain. I've been committed to a healthier life style for the last 43 days now and I'm hoping I can befriend like minded individuals to keep me motivated. Within those 43 days I became a serious health nut and a gym addict. If there's anyone on here like that, message me! Let's get to know each other.

 

[Juicyj]

Hello @Jerson213 and welcome to the forum

Well done it sounds like you are turning this around, I myself love running but popped a muscle last weekend so resting at the moment but it really does help focus the mind as well as staying fit and helping maintain good bg levels.

 

[kitedoc]

Hi @Jerson213,
Glad to meet you and to hear that you are serious about nfitness and your diabetes control.
I am sorta at a different place in my journey but the is the beauty of this site, we all have things in common.
I was diagnosed TID in 1966 at age 13 and still kicking 51 years later.
Health-wise things are going well with only cataracts replaced and carpal tunnel/triggers finger releases needed.
In the past I have done running, swimming, canoeing, hiking as hobbies and exercise. With time and experience ( and a tad of age !) that has changed to mainly " exercising with meaning" - instead of running a track round and round a sports field and high energy activities ( where the mind can switch off because it gets bored) I for the past 20 years + walk with arm and legs weights, carry shopping and choose different ways to and fro, see acquaintances at the shops. library etc and get much better blood sugar levels and control than high energy ones. I get to run at times on the beach when kite flying but short bursts only, swim and kayak occasionally. Why?
I found with high energy activity like playing squash, the adrenaline released activated release of glucose stored in my liver. So I would end up with a high BSL say 14 to 16 mmol/l and feel rough. About 6 + hours later on, the blood sugar could plummet as my muscles depleted of their own glucose stores sucked up glucose from my blood stream and blood sugars would go down, sometimes to hypo levels. The trick was to exercise less vigorously, but maybe longer, and in my case ease back my insulin that would be acting for the next 6 to 12 hours at least by 10 to 20 %. I always carry glucose tabs just in case my blood sugar drops on a prolonged walk, though.
The other bugbear was that if my BSL was 14 mmol/l or more, (and there is science to back this), any exercise was pointless. The body seems to think I am starving and the liver makes more glucose. Exercising only made my BSLs worse and I feel really rough. Giving a correction dose of short acting insulin and waiting for the BSLS to get below 12 mmol/l and preferably below 10 before undertaking a shorter than usual activity exercise session was best.
And if my BSL at onset was below 4 mmol/l there was the risk of hypo happening along the way of some low activity rated exercise, and then I would be a danger to myself and others - with walking near roads, dropping things, losing my way. In a gym I can imagine dropping weights etc would not go down well (literally).
Needless to say wearing ID bracelets is a must, as well as good shoe wear and attention to any blisters, bruising etc of feet and toes.
With weight loss, the rule I go by is that it is diet 75% +, and 25% or less exercise, with insulin adjusted accordingly.
I hope that helps you on your journey and to let you know that my specialist welcomes his new TIDs with advice to ensure they develop a good normal age retirement plan. The modern developments in diabetes care for TIDS are that good!

 

[Diakat]

While not exactly a "gym nut" I do like weights and working out. There are some bodybuilder guys on the forum and plenty of regular exercisers.
Welcome and well done on taking control.

 

[iamdasha]

you are welcome Jerson

 

[Robinredbreast]

Hello and welcome to the forum @Jerson213