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Tips for People with Diabetes from Dexcom U Athletes
The views expressed in this article are the speakers’ own and are not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your provider regarding your individual health needs.
According to a recent survey, 1 in 5 adults with Type 1 diabetes stopped participating in a sport or other physical activity because of their diagnosis, and two-thirds felt achieving their goals would be easier without diabetes.*
We launched Dexcom U in 2022 as the first NIL (name, image, likeness) program for athletes with diabetes to show how they achieve their goals despite their diagnosis, and we are thrilled to grow the program in 2023. This season, we are proud to introduce 20 athletes across 10 different sports from all over the country. They will serve as ambassadors, mentors, and examples of how a diabetes diagnosis doesn’t have to limit you from achieving your athletic goals and dreams.
But athletes with diabetes do face unique challenges, so we asked the Dexcom U class of 2023 to share some practical tips about how to manage diabetes when engaging in sports, working out, or just being active in general.
Practical tips for athletes with diabetes
How can athletes with diabetes stay hydrated while working out or playing sports?
Staying hydrated is vital when you are an athlete, and even more so when you are an athlete with diabetes. Warrior and Clemson cheerleader Ava D. recommends, “It sounds cliché, but drink your water… managing diabetes is tough, but add in dehydration and that’s when crazy things can happen. So, drink your water and stay hydrated.” Keep this top of mind and work with your coaches to ensure they have opportunities to drink enough water, especially during warm weather and hard workouts.
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What are some ways to help prevent high or low glucose levels while playing sports?
Planning ahead helps immensely while you play sports with diabetes, no matter what level you are at. Dexcom U athlete Bryce F. plays baseball for Towson and recommends athletes “learn how to be proactive, how to anticipate what’s going to happen before it does happen and get ahead of the curve with either your highs or your lows.”
Warrior Jessica W., a softball player from Providence, Rhode Island, adds, “Something that’s really helped me a lot is pre-bolusing for my meals. So not waiting until I’m eating to take my insulin, but taking it about 5, 10, 15 minutes before I start eating kind of helps reduce the spike of my glucose levels.”
And remember your snacks! Warrior Jaxon D., who plays golf for Oklahoma, shared, “I check my numbers on my Dexcom CGM every three holes. My favorite low snack I always keep in my golf bag is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. So, my best piece of advice is always have a low snack that you like around you at all times.”
No matter what sport you play, planning ahead can ensure you spend more time in range while performing your best.
How can parents support a young child with diabetes who wants to get into sports?
Having a child with diabetes who wants to play sports can seem like a daunting prospect, particularly for those newly diagnosed. That said, playing sports is a great way for children with diabetes to feel like the disease does not hold them back, especially if they are passionate about sports or exercise.
Providence softball player and Jessica W. suggests that “for younger kids with diabetes who are looking to further their journey, if it’s in sports or in anything else, is just to not let it define you. Diabetes is a part of you, but it’s not who you are.”
Dexcom U baseball player Bryce F. also shared his perspective: “To experience sport while having diabetes at a young age is an important thing. It teaches you a lot, but to be able to enjoy the pleasures of it is very worth all the struggle that it takes.” One of the ways that parents can feel more comfortable with their child participating in sports is through the Dexcom Follow app.† The Follow app allows parents and coaches to keep an eye on the athlete’s glucose levels while they exercise or play sports.†
This video from our partners at non-profit organization JDRF discusses some specifics around children with diabetes playing sports.
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How can athletes get the most out of their Dexcom CGM?
Dexcom is committed to helping athletes with diabetes excel in the sports they love by providing the most accurate CGM1 available.
Warrior Dante V. who plays football for Springfield, suggests, “A tip I have for athletes living with diabetes is to take note of trends in your glucose levels using your Dexcom CGM ‡, including what kind of foods and exercise affect your glucose levels. Keeping notes of those trends can help your decision-making, help you stay healthy and help you perform at your highest level in whatever sport you play.”
Your activities off the field are also important to consider in managing your diabetes as an athlete. Yale lacrosse player Bri C. says she knows everyone’s diabetes is completely different, but for her, “eating lots of protein, getting lots of sleep, making sure I’m staying hydrated and getting in a routine is probably the easiest way that I can manage my diabetes from a holistic perspective.” Dexcom CGM can help you track your glucose levels in real-time without fingersticks** and gives you the data to help manage your diabetes, no matter the sport.
**If your glucose alerts and readings from the Dexcom CGM system do not match symptoms or expectations, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions.
What can coaches do to help support athletes with diabetes?
For coaches without prior experience with diabetes, it can be challenging to know how best to support an athlete with diabetes.
Dexcom U Warrior Madison M. who runs track in North Carolina, says, “One tip I would give to a coach who has an athlete with diabetes on their team is to be open to new things. The athlete with diabetes is going through a lot and it’s good to have a support system behind them. Things can change quickly, and that flexibility is greatly appreciated.” Coaches and teammates are often the closest to an athlete with diabetes, and educating these people about your diabetes management can be extremely helpful.
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More confidence for athletes with diabetes
Whether you play sports at a collegiate level, professional level or just in your backyard, having confidence in your diabetes management will help you perform at your best. Dexcom G7 is the most accurate1 CGM, with features that help you manage your glucose levels as you focus on the joy of playing sports.
Want to be a Dexcom Warrior?
Share your experience living with diabetes with your circle and the diabetes community. Help in spreading the message about how your diabetes diagnosis doesn’t or didn’t stop you from achieving your goals. If you’re interested in joining the team, sign up to become a Dexcom Warrior and make sure to state your interest to join “Dexcom U” within the sign-up form. We look forward to hearing from you and learning about your diabetes journey.
Get started on Dexcom CGM
If you are living with diabetes and not using CGM, talk to your doctor about Dexcom CGM. We can help you get started with a free benefits check. Click the button below to send us some basic information.
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Smart devices sold separetly
Smart devices sold separetly
*Dexcom, Data on File, 2022 (T1 Aspirations & Physical Activity research, dQ&A Market Research Inc., September 2022) †Separate Dexcom Follow app and internet connection required. Users should always confirm readings on the Dexcom [G6 or G7] app or receiver before making treatment decisions. Smart devices sold separately. For a list of compatible devices, visit dexcom.com/compatibility.
1 Dexcom Data on File, 2022
BRIEF SAFETY STATEMENT: Failure to use the Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring System and its components according to the instructions for use provided with your device and available at https://www.dexcom.com/safety-information and to properly consider all indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and cautions in those instructions for use may result in you missing a severe hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) occurrence and/or making a treatment decision that may result in injury. If your glucose alerts and readings from the Dexcom CGM do not match symptoms, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions. Seek medical advice and attention when appropriate, including for any medical emergency.
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