Emma-Sue Greentree was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at 9. Now 27, she uses a Tandem t:slim pump paired with a Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitor (CGM).
Emma-Sue shared her experience of using an AID system (insulin pump with a CGM) as part of our guide to exercise and T1D.
What main sports or exercise do you do now?
Boxing! I’m an elite amateur boxer for Australia and have had over 50+ bouts in the ring. I’ve also had 2 professional fights.
How does exercise affect your BGLs? Do you notice a difference when doing different types of exercise?
Even though I’ve been boxing for 10 years, it’s still a learning experience for me. As every person with T1D knows, no day is the same!
I find with boxing I get a massive spike of adrenaline, so I’ve had to learn to remain quite calm and focused during my warm-up. After the bout I often see my BGLs jump above 10.0mmol/L and have to manage that afterwards.
When I go running, depending on if it’s a long run or a sprint session, my BGLs can go either direction.
During weightlifting training sessions, I’ve found my BGLs tend to drop.
There are so many other factors contributing to BGL spikes and drops, and often they’re factors we can’t change!
What do you to get ready before exercising?
I usually eat a snack such as a banana prior to training, to help fuel the session and avoid hypoglycaemia. I also try to stay between 8.0mmol/L and 9.0mmol/L before I start the session.
During training and bouts, I can’t wear my insulin pump, so it’s often off for 1-2 hours at a time. The intensity of the activity usually keeps my BGLs quite stable though.
How do you manage your T1D while working out?
If I do go low during a session I’ll have some lollies, such as Killer Pythons, and usually my sugars come back up.
There’s still the occasional stubborn low that sticks around and sees me finish the session early.
And what do you do after exercising?
Straight after my session I try to have a source of protein and carbohydrates, like an Up&Go Energize, to help with recovery.
Depending on the intensity of the session, I’ll put exercise mode on for the next 1-2 hours to account for any post-workout insulin sensitivity.
Do you have any advice for people with T1D who want to start exercising or do more of it?
A strong support network makes all the difference.
My coach Robbo is always questioning the beeps and sounds that come out of my pump or CGM. He also notices changes in me when my BGLs are out of range.
If my BGLs are high, he tends to say it’s like talking to a wall – I’m there but not exactly acknowledging it all. If my BGLs are low, he can see the change in my body movements, the power in my punches, and my eyes.
My partner Conor is also a massive help. He’s connected to my Dexcom so he’s forever watching the arrows when I’m at training, and will jump in and let me know what’s going on!
Any other tips to share?
I don’t believe that T1D should be something that holds you back. It’s important to put yourself and your dreams and goals first.
Don’t be scared to take a leap!
