Diabetes and triathlon: Mikk Lellsaar’s experience
Diabetes and triathlon at my third start
This summer I completed my third triathlon. What makes that fact special for me, though, is that I have type 1 diabetes and have had it for nine years now.
Over those years I’ve come to understand that there is no point in staying trapped in the mindsets the illness creates; it’s better to take the reins. I’ve realized that it isn’t my diabetes that runs my life but me, and I’ve discovered that with this mentality and careful planning you can achieve anything your heart desires.
Last year I completed the Tartu Igamehe triathlon, which was a preparatory race for the Otepää 111 Tristar triathlon. This year I took on the Tartu Mill city triathlon. The positive emotions and experience from last year, together with careful preparation this year, made the Tartu city triathlon a great experience for me. Through triathlon races and training I’ve learned to listen to my body, and it shows in my athletic results, in how I feel and in how I cope with the illness. With every new challenge I become smarter, more confident and stronger, and I get my illness better under control.
What I want to say is that, in fact, everything is possible. I’ve heard far too many excuses from people with diabetes who say they can’t do sport because of it. I want to bust that myth and stress that with proper planning, and by monitoring and listening to your body, everything is possible.
It is possible to do sport with diabetes, and sport has a positive effect on coping with diabetes and on blood sugar control. Of course, I urge you to keep a close eye on your blood sugar level while exercising. For example, during the Tartu triathlon I made two stops to measure my blood sugar level with my iBGStar glucose meter. The meter is so small that it allowed quick measurements during the triathlon, without my having to slow down much from race pace.
More courage to put yourself to the test, and a sporty rest of the summer!
You can also read about what I do in the field of diabetes on the Facebook page Diatleedid.
Author: Mikk Lellsaar
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