Artwork: medical caduceus.
NOTE: If you have any questions for “Ask the Doctor,” please send them to the VOICE editorial office. The only questions Dr. Wilson will be able to answer are the ones used in this column.
Wesley W. Wilson, MD has retired as an Internal Medicine practitioner at the Western Montana Clinic in Missoula, Montana. Dr. Wilson was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1956, during his second year of medical school. He remains interested and involved in diabetes education for patients and professionals.
Q: A friend of mine, who has type 1 diabetes, and is now a college freshman,
has complained bitterly that her parents never let her participate in any athletics
at all, out of fear that she would have hypos. Is this overprotective? How much
should parents of diabetic children restrict participation in sports and athletics?
A: The major diabetes magazines all regularly feature stories about successful
athletes, collegiate, Olympian, and professional, who have diabetes. People
with diabetes regularly run 26 mile marathons, climb mountains, play football,
and have babies. It is both possible and beneficial to be physically active
while living with diabetes.
I have worked at a summer camp for diabetic children, here in Montana, and I have been impressed by how well these children cope with the outdoors activities. Many times they arrive overprotected, but blossom in camp when they are able to measure (with help) their own insulin, take their own injections, and play competitive games with their peers, all of whom are insulin-using diabetics. The risk of hypoglycemia is real, and is somewhat increased by vigorous physical activity (such as sports), but that is not a reason to avoid physical activity.
There are many benefits to participating in sports, games, and other physical activities, so many that I think such must be part of any treatment program for diabetes. One of the most important benefits may be that the participant discovers that their diabetes has NOT made them so different from their friends, neighbors, and associates.
I would strongly suggest that your friend start an exercise and athletic program. She should discuss this with her doctor and diabetes educator first, of course; but once she gets moving, she will feel both physically better and better about herself.
I might add that one of the reasons I am strongly in favor of
diabetes camps for children is to allow some of the overprotected children with
the condition to interact with others with diabetes, and to understand that
they, too, can assume control of their lives. A feeling of independence is a
great motivator.