Type 1 Diabetes: “Since starting my fitness journey, my daily insulin intake has decreased.”

Hello, Sammi! Thank you so much for agreeing to share your story with the Carenity audience.

Could you start by sharing a bit about yourself?

I’m Sammi, currently 28 years old, and I’ve been living with Type 1 diabetes for 13 years. I have a 5-year-old son and a Goldendoodle named Bear. I love spending time with my family, going on walks, playing mini-golf, and being in nature. I also have a passion for fitness and taking care of my body.

Can you describe your journey with Type 1 diabetes? When were you diagnosed, and what led to your diagnosis?

I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when I was 15 years old. I was a cross-country runner and soccer player at the time. I was extremely active and healthy, so the diagnosis came as a complete shock to me. I had all the classic Type 1 symptoms—excessive thirst, frequent urination, exhaustion, and blurred vision from high blood sugars. A fall that led to a hematoma since my body wasn’t healing properly pushed me to see a doctor, and it turned out that my blood sugar was so high it couldn’t even be read on the meter at the office. It was over 500.

What treatments and tools have you found most effective for managing Type 1 diabetes? How have they shaped your daily routine?

I spent my first 12 years with Type 1 diabetes using multiple daily injections and sometimes a Dexcom continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Last year, I started using my first insulin pump, the Omnipod 5, which has made a huge difference. The automated mode allows my pump to communicate with my CGM and helps keep my blood sugar in range. It also takes away some of the mental burden of having to do maths equations in my head to calculate my insulin-to-carb ratio at each meal.

How has managing diabetes affected your daily life and mental health? Could you share some of the challenges you’ve faced and the strategies you use to cope with them?

Type 1 diabetes requires 24/7 management with no breaks. Not even sick days or sleep, diabetes doesn’t stop for anything. It can be easy to feel burnt out. Recently, I’ve opened up to the online diabetes community, which has made me feel less alone. One of the biggest challenges I faced was my relationship with food, especially after being forced to count all the carbs I am putting into my body, as well as the initial weight gain from insulin when I was 15. Now, staying active and going to the gym has helped me view food as fuel for my body.

I’ve also struggled with health insurance. After ageing out of my parents' plan, I struggled to afford my insulin and ended up in DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis), spending 4 days in the ICU. Thankfully, I now have a job with great health insurance, but this is a common struggle for many people with Type 1.

How has fitness played a role in managing your diabetes, both physically and mentally? What routines or workouts have made the most difference for you?

The gym has been one of my biggest tools for managing diabetes. It’s helped increase my insulin sensitivity and keeps my blood sugars steadier. On top of that, it relieves stress, and I feel proud and accomplished after completing a workout. I do mostly strength training, which helps build muscle and lose body fat, both of which improve insulin sensitivity. I also enjoy using the sauna for recovery, meditation, and relaxation after a session.

How do you balance fitness and managing your blood sugar levels? Have you noticed any changes in how your body responds to insulin since starting your fitness journey?

Blood sugars can be unpredictable since so many factors affect them, like sleep, mood, temperature, hormones, and activity levels. I’ve learned to listen to my body, and I’ve found that morning fasted workouts work best for me. Some workouts can spike my blood sugar due to adrenaline release, and the sauna tends to raise my blood sugar due to the high temperatures. Since starting my fitness journey, I’ve noticed my daily insulin intake has decreased, and my time in range has improved when I’m training consistently.

How has being a mum transformed your life with diabetes? How do you juggle between managing your diabetes, working out, and parenting?

Becoming a mum has definitely added more to my plate, but it’s also my motivation to take better care of myself. I can’t be the best mum if I don’t feel my best. I need to take care of myself, so I can take care of my son, and I want to show him that health is a priority.

How has the support from family, friends, and healthcare providers impacted your journey with diabetes?

Support from others is so important for managing diabetes well. I used to feel ashamed or like a burden when asking for help, but as I’ve got older, I’ve realized you’re more likely to experience burnout if you don’t accept help. It’s important to reach out for support when you need it.

What are your plans for the future, both in terms of fitness and managing your diabetes?

My fitness goal is to continue building strength and staying active for as long as I can. I’m focused on longevity and staying active as I age. In terms of diabetes, staying active will help me achieve my goals. I want to stay informed on new advancements in diabetes management and continue listening to my body to make adjustments and have the best control possible.

Do you have any advice for others with Type 1 diabetes who are looking to follow a healthier lifestyle?

I know fitness can seem scary and overwhelming when you have Type 1 diabetes, but it’s all about paying attention to your body’s patterns and learning what works best for you. It might take time and adjustments, but I promise exercise will only improve your quality of life and help you gain better control over your blood sugars. 

A big thank you to Sammi for this interview!

Don’t forget to check out her Instagram page: @type1samfit

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Take care of yourself!