The story behind my journey as a certified personal trainer with type-1 diabetes
Discover the story behind my journey as a certified personal trainer living with type 1 diabetes. Like many others facing this condition, I struggled to find a trainer who truly understood the complexities of managing diabetes while pursuing fitness goals. With a passion for lifting weights since I was young, and a dedication to Strongman type training in my adulthood, I found myself frustrated by the lack of control over my diabetes. Determined to make a change, I embarked on a journey of self-education and empowerment.
Living with diabetes presented daily challenges, from blood glucose fluctuations to the constant need for insulin adjustments. Feeling overwhelmed and isolated, I refused to accept that this would define my life forever. Instead, I chose to become a certified personal trainer specialising in type 1 diabetes, with a mission to support others on similar journeys. I understand like nobody else what it is like to consume 3000+ calories daily while still being able to keep your glucose levels under control. It is not easy, but it is possible.
Crafting fitness plans for type 1 diabetics requires a unique understanding of the challenges we face daily - from having lows that impact your performance, to hypers that might be able to enhance your performance slightly to feeling energised when your levels are flat. Drawing from my own experience of 18-years with type-1 diabetes, I've developed strategies to optimise health, fitness, and mindset. Through trial and error, I've learned to manage blood glucose levels while pursuing ambitious fitness goals. Witnessing my own transformation, with a significant decrease in HbA1c levels, confirms that it is possible to pursue your health and fitness goals, while also dealing with type-1 diabetes.
Navigating the challenges between exercise, nutrition, and insulin demands a tailored approach. Designing meal plans that fuel performance and stabilise blood sugar levels requires careful consideration of insulin timing, carb intake, and hormonal influences. There's no one-size-fits-all solution for type 1 diabetes, but my journey proves that sustainable health and fitness are achievable.
In 2022, I achieved a significant milestone: consuming 3000 calories daily across five meals while maintaining stable blood glucose levels and pushing my limits in the gym. Now, I'm eager to share my expertise and support others in their pursuit of wellness. If you're ready to take control of your health and fitness journey, give me a follow on my socials and reach out to me to see how we can get you started.
