The greatest cross-country skier in the whole of America is a type 1 diabetic, news that could serve as an inspiration to diabetics everywhere. Before taking on a race, 25-year old Kris Freeman has had to overcome the legislation that keeps athletes such as skiers free from drugs.
The International Olympic Committee, unfortunately, has placed insulin on a list of prohibited substances. Freeman publicly states that his condition more than negates any performance enhancing benefits he might receive from insulin. Freeman was diagnosed with diabetes during a routine blood test by a United States ski team physiologist. He was 19 when he received the news.
Overcoming the odds, he continued skiing and is now competing in the highest echelons of his sport. He takes insulin daily, using a monitor up to six times a day with a hand-held computer to work out exactly how much insulin he needs.
Before a race, Freeman will typically let his blood sugar run between 50 and 100 per cent higher than normal, because there is no way to stop. The intense effort of skiing lowers his levels. His diet and training regimen are also intensive, and on some days he consumes up to 6000 calories.
Gary Hall Jnr, an Olympic swimming medallist on numerous occasions, also has type 1 diabetes.

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