Excelling in Sports with Type 1 Diabetes

In Episode 50 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, host Gary Scheiner spends time with former professional athlete, Gary Forbes and 12 year-old Elliot to discuss “Excelling in Sports with Type 1 Diabetes”.

They each share personal stories of their diagnoses, the challenges they faced, and how they manage their diabetes while competing at high levels in sports.

Meet Your Host and His Guest

Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES, is the award-winning author of Think Like a Pancreas as well as numerous other books that act as guides for people living with diabetes. A Certified Diabetes Care & Education, Masters-level Exercise Physiologist, and person living with type 1 diabetes since 1985, Gary was named 2014 Diabetes Educator of the Year by the American Association of Diabetes Educators. He trained at the Joslin Diabetes Center and has dedicated his career to helping others live well with diabetes through education, advocacy, and innovation.

Gary Forbes is a former pro basketball player turned entrepreneur and advocate. He now leads SOLE SURVIVORS LLC, empowering others to thrive through adversity. Living with Type 1 Diabetes, Gary has used his platform to raise awareness and inspire strength both on and off the court. Through speaking, writing, and strategic leadership, he connects the lessons of sports to life and business.

Elliot is 12 years old and has been living with type 1 diabetes for the past two years. He currently uses an open-sourced automated insulin delivery system to help him manage his diabetes both on the basketball court and on the baseball field.

What you’ll learn:

✔️Personal resilience and support systems play a key role in overcoming challenges.

✔️Using technology like CGMs and insulin pumps can enhance diabetes management.

✔️Blood sugar levels significantly affect athletic performance.

✔️Communication with coaches and teammates is essential for managing diabetes during sports.

✔️Traveling and competing can present unique challenges for athletes with diabetes.

✔️Learning from failures in diabetes management is important for growth.

✔️Understanding nutrition is vital for performance and blood sugar control.

✔️Maintaining a positive attitude and confidence is crucial for success.

Chapters

00:15 Welcome and disclaimer

01:43 Meet Gary Forbes

04:26 Meet Elliot

05:35 Diabetes management tools used by Elliot and the Garys

08:31 Were Elliot or Gary Forbes discouraged from competing in high level sports because of diabetes?

12:43 The added preparations when playing sports with type 1 diabetes

14:52 Dealing with coaches and support staff during competition

15:40 Traveling and Competing with Type 1 Diabetes

17:38 Tips to manage your glucose levels while playing sports

23:37 Learning from Failures in Diabetes Management

26:22 The Advantages of having diabetes

28:57 Advice for individuals competing in sports with type 1 Diabetes

Resources Mentioned:

The Sole Survivors

Gary Hall

Connect with Us

🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com

🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook

🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/how-to-start-the-process/ , or email [e-mail]

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Next Level Diabetes Management: Austin’s Experience with Android APS Technology

Disclaimer

The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.