How I Run on Insulin
Athlete tackles diabetes on, off field
by Allen Harris
Matt Mazzara is anything but your typical high school student. Not only is he a varsity athlete on the football, baseball and basketball teams at State College Area High School, but he also is the only State College quarterback to start in a state championship game.
He does all this while managing Type 1 diabetes.
Mazzara was diagnosed with diabetes at age 7 and began participating in athletics in first grade. He has always faced the challenge of controlling his blood sugar while on the field. In fact, until this past year he was injecting himself six to eight times a day with insulin. However, he recently switched to an insulin pump that continuously feeds insulin into his body.
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Hi, my name is Amanda Laforet. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1999, at 13 years of age. The doctor was looking at my test results from two years earlier saying I did not have diabetes and that it was mono or some other illness. When I was diagnosed, my blood sugar was 984. I was in the hospital for a week.
For the past 10 years I have been on many different insulin treatments from Avandia, Glucophage, Lantus, Humalog, Humulin, and Humalog Pen to the Insulin Pump. My blood sugars had been out of control. In July of 2005 I was given the chance of a lifetime to go on the Insulin Pump. I have found more freedom to be on the pump rather then injections and pills.
I am very quiet about my diabetes and never liked to be in the social situations of having to take insulin in public. But now that I’m on the pump I have educated myself, and other’s who ask about the tubing.
Before the pump when I would exercise I had to be on a tight schedule because I wasn't able to know when to take my insulin. With the pump I am able to continue using insulin with a basal so that I can prevent high and low blood sugars.
The pump has given me confidence for a brighter future. I’m so thankful to have it. It has helped me feel better about myself. This pump has allowed me to better manage and control the insulin intake, my blood sugars, and be healthy all together.
My name is Annette Vlahos; I just found your website and want to get involved by supporting the everyday athlete who has diabetes. I was diagnosed at the age of 42 weighing 105lbs and exercising three times a day by doing mixed martial arts. Diabetes has not given me reason to quit, but encouraged me to eat right and exercise more. Now along with karate and kickboxing, sparring etc... I have added Pilates and cardio and weight training. How do I run on insulin while exercising? Eggs.
They are my best friend. While on the pump, it sustains my meal to last me throughout my long workouts, which are sometimes three hours in length. Sure, I might add other foods to help, but eggs are very helpful. I am typing this from my phone but when I get home, I will read more about your website and donate. I am an everyday athlete, living with diabetes and wanting to help others with it too.
Hi there, I'm Maggie West! I have been living with type 1 Diabetes for 3 ½ years. I have been using an insulin pump for all but three months of this time. I also use a continuous glucose monitor that helps me manage my blood sugar when I'm on the run, i.e. all the time!
As a student I spend lots of time at school and working, but being physically active and healthy is a large part of my life. I have run two half marathons since my diagnosis with diabetes, and I plan to run two more this spring. I also swim 6,000 meters a week, lift weights four times a week, and attend spin classes. I also enjoy spontaneous hikes with my chocolate lab. I hope to keep fitness a part of my life as I continue studying (I want to study Arabic and science further down the road) and travelling the world--I've seen lots of Europe and I hope to travel in Asia this year.
My pump and CGMS have made this all possible, and I look forward to the fast coming advancements to make life easier.