Diabetes

There are 1.4 million people with Diabetes in the UK and every year this number rises.  There are also an estimated 1,000,000 people who have Diabetes and don’t know they have it. Diabetes can affect anyone at any age although the risks increase as people get older. Demographic surveys show that certain communities are more likely to experience Diabetes, in particular the South Asian and African and Afro- Caribbean communities.

Diabetes occurs when the body is unable to make use of glucose. Glucose usually referred to as sugar can then rise to high levels in the blood. If this condition is not treated then a number of associated dangers can occur, these are heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, stroke and limb amputation. Insulin which is used to treat Diabetes was only discovered in the early 20th Century (1921), It helps to regulate the level of glucose in the blood, stopping the level from increasing to a dangerous level. Insulin enables cells to take up the amount of glucose they need to provide themselves with enough energy to function properly. Using insulin also allows any glucose left over to be stored in the liver.

There are 2 types of Diabetes:

1. In type 1 the body does not produce insulin which controls the amount of glucose in the blood. This type usually begins before the age of 40 and is treated with insulin.
2. In type 2 the body does not produce enough insulin or the amount it does produce does not work properly. This type usually affects people over the age of 40 and can be treated with correct diet and physical activity although at times may require medication.

Treatment of Diabetes

Obviously the type of treatment offered will vary depending on the type of Diabetes, however diet will play a significant part in both treatments.

Type 1 Diabetes is treated by administering insulin as well as following a described diet. If insulin could be taken orally it would solve a great many problems for players and non players with Diabetes. Unfortunately if insulin were taken orally it would be destroyed by the stomachs processes of breaking down foods for the body to use. Type 1 Diabetes is therefore treated by injection, and thanks to the strides made in medicine the process has become far less painless and intrusive. The use of an automatic insulin pump which is strapped to the user with a connection under the skin allows insulin to be administered at a controllable rate. A rent development is inhaled insulin for needle phobic’s or players with disabilities that cannot safely inject. Many very young children can now safely and confidently administer their own injections.

Frequency for injections and types of insulin is prescribed by the medical experts. The length of effect will depend on the strength of the insulin. Some players may need to self test before a game or at half time to ascertain if they require to take action. Most people average between 2 – 4 injections a day. Injections may be administered by needle or an injection pen. 

Type 2 Diabetes has had something of a reputation change recently. It was previously regarded as a ‘step down’ or the milder form but this is no longer the case. Type 2 can and is controlled by diet alone for many people and for those who need further medical action there are tablets available. Basically the tablets help the pancreas to make more insulin, increase the use of glucose while decreasing glucose production, slowing down the absorption of glucose from the intestine, stimulating insulin release from the pancreas and helping the body to use its natural insulin more efficiently. Unfortunately a specialised diet and regular exercise cannot always control the condition and injections may be necessary.

Things a coach needs to be aware of:

• Every coach will need to know if any of their players have Diabetes, with this information arrangements can be made for time to be made available for testing, injections etc. Thankfully young players are usually the most knowledgeable about their condition and will request the time to take on the type of food required. As a coach you would have to be sensitive to the need for privacy and ensure that team mates are prepared for the possibility of the required procedures. 
• Regular meals of the correct type may have implications for a coach taking a group abroad, but generally food that is low in fat and high is fibre is required.
• Taking your team for a meal or buying them snacks will have to be considered carefully and should really be planned well in advance and after consultation with the player and their parent / carer.