Business Directory

A SkateGroove Publication
Volume I Issue I

FOREWORD

In our past articles featured in Mind, Body and Roll, we focused a considerable part on the roll. This article, Life with Diabetes, acknowledges the month of November as being National Diabetes Awareness Month. We interviewed two skaters from our national SkateGroove family, who suffer from this dreaded disease and they gave us insight on how they cope with it.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that affects the hormone systems in the body. Insulin is a hormone naturally produced in the pancreas that enables the body to use sugar in food as a source of energy. People with the diabetes lack the ability to produce enough insulin or can't use it properly, resulting in an increased amount of unused carbohydrates, protein and fat in the system. Glucose then accumulates in blood, causing the sugar levels to rise and cause them to become ill.

Symptoms of Diabetes

  • Fatigue
  • Increased thirst
  • Increased urination
  • Infections and cuts that do not heal
  • Blurred vision
  • Hunger
  • Weight loss

Types of Diabetes

There are three types of Diabetes:

Type 1: Insulin-Dependent
This type is less common. The pancreas either cannot make insulin at all or cannot make enough. It usually begins in the childhood or young adult years but people at any age can get it. Insulin shots are required daily.

Type 2: Non-Insulin Dependent
This is the more common form of diabetes that runs in families. African-Americans, Hispanics and Native American decedents have a higher risk of developing this type of Diabetes. It develops slowly and is usually apparent after age 40.

Gestational Diabetes
This form of diabetes may occur during pregnancy as a result of changes in hormone levels. It usually disappears after birth but none-the-less, needs to be controlled during pregnancy. Women with gestational diabetes often develop diabetes later in life and in subsequent pregnancies.

Signs of Low Blood Sugar

  • Sweating
  • Nervousiness
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Weakness
  • Seeing spots

Living with Diabetes

The key to living with Diabetes is to keep blood sugar levels within a safe range to prevent Diabetes related complications such as eye, kidney, heart, blood vessel and nerve disease. These conditions can lead to serious disabilities or even death.

When a person is first diagnosed with the disease, he or she must make changes in their lifestyle by maintaining a daily routine to keep their blood sugar levels within "safe range". It is not 100% guaranteed that a plan will be effective throughout a diabetic's lifetime. If complications still persist, or the disease progresses, changes must be made accordingly. Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly is first and foremost. If this stops working, he or she will have to start taking medicine (for Type 2). These medications stimulate the pancreas to produce insulin, decreasing the tissues' resistance to insulin, or interfering with the absorption of carbohydrates. There are several types of medications that have been developed that either increase or decrease the body's insulin levels. Researchers are still trying to find a cure for this disease in addition to discovering new and improved medications.

If this fails, then other medications will have to be added to the treatment plan in addition to the medication already being taken. If the person becomes severely ill, has surgery, becomes pregnant or breast-feeds, insulin injections may be required. Other diseases such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol can contribute to complications as well.

Six Ways to Control Diabetes

  • Manage how you eat
  • Monitor your blood sugar levels
  • Be physically active
  • Control your weight
  • Maintain your emotional stress level
  • Abstain from drinking alcohol or smoking

Visiting the doctor frequently for check ups and keeping a daily diary of a diet and exercise regimen is essential.

Complications of Diabetes

  • Weakened immune system
  • Blurred vision or blindness
  • Kidney disease
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Blood vessel damage
  • Nerve disease
  • Foot problems
  • Gum disease
  • Hypertension
  • Nerve damage

From a Skater's Perspective

Mind, Body & Roll interviewed two skaters and best friends from Columbus, Ohio that are members of the Easy Roller Skate Club. They both have Type 2 Diabetes and were diagnosed as adults.

"Sweet Diva"
33-year old, African American Female

MBR: When were you diagnosed and what were your symptoms?
Sweet Diva: I was diagnosed in 1993. Originally, I was misdiagnosed with Type 1 by later told it was Type 2. I had flu-like symptoms, nausea, severe thirst and headaches. I thought it was the flu and started drinking a lot of sugary juices to cure my thirst. I had no idea that I was doing more harm than good by elevating my sugar level so high that I was on the borderline of going into a coma.

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MBR: What contributed to the onset of your diabetes?
Sweet Diva: Diabetes runs in my family so I was genetically predispositioned to get it. My diabetes appeared at a time in my life when I was not watching my weight. I was eating out at restaurants frequently and I gained a lot of weight. That is what triggered it.

MBR: How has diabetes affected your lifestyle?
Sweet Diva: Basically, mine is under control right now. I have not been in the hospital since 1993. Although I have to visit the doctor quarterly, my body is producing it's own Insulin. I have a diet plan but with my busy schedule, I find it difficult to stick to 100%. I've gone for hours without eating. But if I don't eat, particularly before I go skating, I may become lightheaded. My doctor told me, in addition to a good diet, skating is an excellent exercise regimen for me.

"Classy J"
46-year old, Caucasian Female

MBR: What age were you diagnosed and what symptoms did you have?
Classy J: It was borderline at 18 but it did not go full blown until I was 30. I am now 46 and have lived with this disease for 15 years. I was really tired and thirsty all the time, I kept gaining weight and had no energy to exercise or skate.

MBR: Did you have difficulty adjusting to a new lifestyle?
Classy J: Yes, this lifestyle is totally different from normal. Suddenly I was consumed with monitoring my blood and watching what I ate, taking three insulin shots a day and feeling sick all the time. I was in and out of the hospital every 6 months. I've had three diabetic comas and the last one, about three or four years ago, almost killed me. I was on kidney dialysis and realized my life was nearly over at 40. I prayed for help over and over again and God said "When you are ready to do something about it, instead of giving up, I will help you!!!!"

MBR: Have you had any experiences with complications during a skating session or event? If so, how did you handle it?
Classy J: I hadn't had any incidents during a skating event until October 2001 in Detroit. I am usually conscious of making sure I eat and knowing what I need to do if I am going to skate, which you know takes a lot out of me. I was so excited to go to Detroit and was having a great time until I became extremely ill. I hadn't remembered much of what I ate that day because I was rushing to take care of the typical things we have to do before we go on skate trips. I was skating as usual and I became so hot and sweaty that I needed to sit down and felt hungry but yet had nausea all at the same time I felt myself slipping away quickly but I made it till the end. Sitting on the side feeling embarrassed and humiliated that I was getting sicker and could do anything about it, I lost consciousness for a moment and could not walk without assistance from my wonderful Easy Roller family. They were able to get me on the bus and force me to eat until I was at a point that I could function well enough to get home. That ride home was the longest ride.

I also had a skating injury when a child came up from behind me and kicked the back of my skates. I fell with my shin slamming into a wooden bench. Ouch!!!! I got a blood clot in my leg and infection that would leave because I was diabetic. I spent three weeks in the hospital and four months with a tube in my chest to administer antibiotics. The doctor was able to save my leg as I almost lost it and my life. I asked her to please help me and she said "I will help you if you help yourself but there is one condition, when your leg is better you must walk and skate again as often as you can and lose weight to lower your blood sugar and eventually get you off shots and hopefully off pills". This was in October 1999 and I have worked so hard to stay true to this program. I lost 75 lbs. and have another 65 to 70 to go. Every day is a struggle, but it is a fight I will win".

So when you see Classy J out there skating, you will look at her as a survivor of this disease who refuses to let it take her at a young age.

Message from Classy J:
If you have diabetes, please, please seek professional help it is a disease that will kill you in a minute and I still struggle day to day. "Stay In Control Of The Disease" Do Not Let It Control You!!!"

I want to say that personally I have come a long way and would love to help or share any experiences with those that are diabetic or have loved ones that are. To share with all you that if I did not have skating in my life, I would now be dead no question about it !!! I will continue to beat this disease and support fundraisers for diabetes research. The Easy Rollers have hosted several events to raise money for diabetes and there are at least four members that suffer from this disease.

On August 23, 2002, I had a stroke that they say was caused by the diabetes. I had to rebuild my left side and speech as well as slight memory loss and by the grace of God, that all has returned to me. My left leg still has some work to do but the muscles are steadily getting stronger. Skating was the only thing that made me want to fight and fight and fight. I could not imagine life without being able to skate and it was my family and friends and my skate family that kept me going. I am now thanking God that people say to me you can't even tell what you been through. It makes the fight worthwhile and I am doing great and feel healthy again. Skating is the most wonderful sport for you health and your mind.

"Many thanks to all who supported me in the skate world. To the 'Nati Skate Train (Rob, Stacey and the rest of the train), Desi, many thanks for your interest in exposing the facts about this disease. Most of all to Sweet Diva, my best fried who was by my side every step of the way. I'd also like to give a shout out to Old School and John (Columbus Finest), Mr. & Mrs. Hotwheels, Mr. Pearl, Wiggles, Jazzy J, Dimples, Professor, Sugar Ray, Skate Daddy, G-Lo, Mr. Groove & Spicy, Lady of Skate, Tall 'N Lovely, Fabulous, Dr. Dre, Platinum ad many more of the Easy Rollers that have joined us in the last year for their support of the Diabetes Walk-A-Thons.

I can't forget my family who has supported me as well. It was your love that got me through. Thanks you Queen Bee, Jam'n Ashley, Shadow Wolf, Baby T., Mr. & Mrs. Captain Kirk, my sister, nephew and DJ Matt Kirk.

Exercise and physical activity helps the body better utilize insulin. It is recommended that diabetics who do not exercise regularly, find a form of exercise they enjoy and can do regularly. All of this is just one more reason why it is important to keep skating a major part of our lives. Skating a few times per week is an excellent way to not only keep in shape, but ward off diseases such as Diabetes.

Written by: Desi

Dedicated in memory of my friend, Mr. Todd Ellicott, who lost his life when he went into a diabetic coma.

November 2002
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