I've been reading the forums for awhile now and thought it would be useful to have a thread where people can talk about their experiences of swimming with diabetes.
I was diagnosed with Type II last summer and started Metformin. I've had conflicting advice about diet and have found that what works best for me is low carb. I had been swimming about 1500 meters three or four times a week prior to diagnosis. As I have increased my yardage to 5000 meters five or six times a week, my blood sugar has been easier to manage (down from 196 to 105) without hypoglycemia. I am still learning about supplements.
I am very interested in other people's experiences and that you have found helpful. Thanks!
While I have no experience in this, it made me think of Steve Redgrave, the British rower, who won 5 olymic golds, despite his diabetes diagnosis. I saw a documentary on him a few years back - he is such an inspiration! :blah: Anyway - here'e a link to his website, I know you were asking about personal experiences, but thought you might find it interesting :)
www.steveredgrave.com/diabetes.html
I have type two diabetes - I was at the lab the other morning to have a blood test. The lab opens at 7:00 am. I was there about 5 minute before it opened, there was a line up of 4 people ahead of me. Two guys were having an argument about who was there first. The lab technichian came and opend the door. A 75 year old said he was first and a 90 year old said no, I am first. The 75 year old started pushing his way in but the 90 year old grabbed him and started pulling the other guy back. The 90 year wrestled with the younger guy, the younger guy said I was first I sat in my car until opening time so I am going in first.
The lab technician settled the argument and let the 90 year old go first. What a good start to a morning.
I was diagnosed two years ago next month with type II. My fasting blood glucose numbers were in the 300s and I had all the hallmark symptoms they warn you to not ignore. While scary at first, it's probably the best thing that ever happened to me. It's changed my life for the better. I've changed my diet completely, I rediscovered exercise and I lost almost 50 pounds. I stayed on Metformin for about six months until my numbers stabilized low. I now hover around 100 (fBG) in the mornings and my HgA1C is at 6 (sometimes lower). I'm fairly strict with my diet although I cheat in small portions occasionally. I try to swim or run most every day and I use guilt to get me through those days in which I'm not terribly motivated. :-) When diagnosed I was 225 pounds. At 6'1" that not terrible but I certainly can see and feel the difference now. Overall I feel better about myself. I just wish I could swim faster!
I certainly owe a lot to Masters swimming, CRUZ masters in particular, for providing me with a pool to swim, people with whom to swim and an incentive to come most every day. I've spoken with a lot of Type 2s out there that struggle to take the first step towards recovery. Squeezing yourself into a speedo when you're 50 pounds overweight isn't easy by any measure (physically or emotionally). At least with Masters, people aren't judgmental about such things. Most everyone has too many things on their mind to care much about your physical appearance!
Anyway, good luck to you. Fixing yourself isn't easy but it's well worth the effort!
I have type two diabetes - I was at the lab the other morning to have a blood test. The lab opens at 7:00 am. I was there about 5 minute before it opened, there was a line up of 4 people ahead of me. Two guys were having an argument about who was there first. The lab technichian came and opend the door. A 75 year old said he was first and a 90 year old said no, I am first. The 75 year old started pushing his way in but the 90 year old grabbed him and started pulling the other guy back. The 90 year wrestled with the younger guy, the younger guy said I was first I sat in my car until opening time so I am going in first.
The lab technician settled the argument and let the 90 year old go first. What a good start to a morning.
Hi, George. Thanks for the lab story. I fondly think about slapping on my own tourniquet and taking my own blood sample as I watch the lab move at glacial pace.
You didn't say how you are doing. So, how are you doing? Are you combining diet, exercise and/or meds? Good luck, and thanks for resurrecting the thread.
I was diagnosed two years ago next month with type II. My fasting blood glucose numbers were in the 300s and I had all the hallmark symptoms they warn you to not ignore. While scary at first, it's probably the best thing that ever happened to me. It's changed my life for the better. I've changed my diet completely, I rediscovered exercise and I lost almost 50 pounds. I stayed on Metformin for about six months until my numbers stabilized low. I now hover around 100 (fBG) in the mornings and my HgA1C is at 6 (sometimes lower). I'm fairly strict with my diet although I cheat in small portions occasionally. I try to swim or run most every day and I use guilt to get me through those days in which I'm not terribly motivated. :-) When diagnosed I was 225 pounds. At 6'1" that not terrible but I certainly can see and feel the difference now. Overall I feel better about myself. I just wish I could swim faster!
I certainly owe a lot to Masters swimming, CRUZ masters in particular, for providing me with a pool to swim, people with whom to swim and an incentive to come most every day. I've spoken with a lot of Type 2s out there that struggle to take the first step towards recovery. Squeezing yourself into a speedo when you're 50 pounds overweight isn't easy by any measure (physically or emotionally). At least with Masters, people aren't judgmental about such things. Most everyone has too many things on their mind to care much about your physical appearance!
Anyway, good luck to you. Fixing yourself isn't easy but it's well worth the effort!
Way to go BJ! Your story is exactly what I was looking for when I started the thread. After a year my numbers are nearly normal (Hgb A1c 5.9, fBG average 108). I'm still on metformin and still on a low carb diet.
I really agree with you that the diagnosis prompted me to make lifestyle changes that are really good for me. Keep up the good work!
Similar story here:
www.usms.org/features.php
Thanks, Keith, for the USMS link to Scott Nichols' story. He reported that his doctor found him to be an anomaly because of 1000 patients he was the only to use exercise as a significant adjunct to treatment. My (first) doctor didn't think exercise would make a significant difference and tried to discourage me from trying! My new doctor was unaware of any evidence that exercise could help but was willing to go slow on starting multiple additional (beyond metformin) medications until I could show her what I could do. I never had to start those other medications. Swimming and low carb have been the keys for me.
The lab here was great, results were into my doctor two days later. I have an appointment Monday to go over the results. I have not been doing exercise so expect cah cah from the doctor. It is important to exercise to keep blood sugar at bay. Hi, George. Thanks for the lab story. I fondly think about slapping on my own tourniquet and taking my own blood sample as I watch the lab move at glacial pace.
You didn't say how you are doing. So, how are you doing? Are you combining diet, exercise and/or meds? Good luck, and thanks for resurrecting the thread.
Thanks, Keith, for the USMS link to Scott Nichols' story. He reported that his doctor found him to be an anomaly because of 1000 patients he was the only to use exercise as a significant adjunct to treatment. My (first) doctor didn't think exercise would make a significant difference and tried to discourage me from trying! My new doctor was unaware of any evidence that exercise could help but was willing to go slow on starting multiple additional (beyond metformin) medications until I could show her what I could do. I never had to start those other medications. Swimming and low carb have been the keys for me.
Interesting. My father in law is diabetic and the biggest thing his doctor hassles him about is getting more exercise.
I assumed the anecdote about Scott's Dr. meant Scott was his only patient with the fortitude to change his life and start working out. I'll ask Scott for clarification on that this week.
FYI he's down to 2:45 in the 200 Free and almost broke 30 in the 50 this spring.
