There’s at least one factor, that’s for sure! Our son spent nearly 12 months messing with his blood sugar levels through sheer indifference and procrastination. Was this related to his age? My feeling as a parent is that we went through a crisis related to adolescence. And that adolescence with type 1 diabetes is even more challenging!
Supporting our child is becoming complicated, and—despite myself—it’s turning into constant monitoring.
I felt utterly helpless in the face of his attitude and its consequences. Things like chronic hyperglycemia—most often caused by poor carbohydrate counting—the fact that he delays his boluses because he hides his injections, or that he barely monitors his blood sugar levels. And above all, there’s his indifference. After several unambiguous HbA1c results, has he reached the point where he’s given up on managing his diabetes?
On the way to the gym
The lockdown gave him the chance to start weight training! We managed to find him the few dumbbells still available, and a resistance band and a chair rounded out his equipment. Every day, he worked off his energy, alone in his room.
Then he became disappointed by the lack of visible results he had been hoping for. Managing his blood sugar levels was still taking a back seat.
We encouraged him to keep up his strength training, which was also beneficial for his surfing and skateboarding sessions. But the fact is, he was missing something that would help him find his balance.
Something or someone?
For him, the coaching program was exactly what he was looking for! The gym has become his safe haven—and a constructive one at that—and something that builds his self-confidence and motivates him to improve. The on-site coach has become a positive role model in his personal development.
As a mother, I am so grateful! Franck, the coach, guides his efforts and sets clear milestones. He sets goals and suggests ways to achieve them. He has deeply shaped our son’s determination and inspired him to take an active role in his own well-being.
This commitment naturally extended to managing his blood sugar levels, so he could feel better and perform at his best. To avoid debilitating episodes of hypoglycemia. To give his body the best possible conditions.
His motivations for weight training are obviously very specific: he’s 17, a young adult, looking to gain muscle mass and develop visible muscle definition. For example, he tracks his carbohydrate intake alongside his protein intake. That works great for me!
Marion from “diab’n fit” is a fitness coach who has type 1 diabetes herself; her understanding of the challenges we face is a valuable resource that she generously shares on social media.
I’ll admit it—I needed to contribute in my own way to my Loulou’s athletic development.
Reading Marion’s guide was a special moment between mother and son.
You can download his guide for free—as many times as you like—from his website!
Marion’s experience offers a very practical look at the context and issues that affect us. It equips us—and, above all, motivates us—to overcome psychological barriers!
Marion also offers personalized support, which I’m considering because diabetes is undoubtedly another factor that warrants in-depth knowledge. And I don’t want us to miss out on her expertise in this area!
For those who might have psychological barriers to exercising, checking out Gisèle’s Instagram or Facebook account—where she’s shown boxing—will help you relax! It’s a burst of energy and a fresh perspective on your limits! Her heart rate monitor and sensor are really put to the test.
The “Beauty and Diabetes” Facebook page
The Instagram account for “Beauty and Diabetes”
So today I can say that yes, sports are the answer.
Yes, sharing is a source of motivation, and coaching is a valuable asset!
This is my perspective as the mother of a teenager with type 1 diabetes whom I’ve seen thrive thanks to weight training.
Stay strong, parents who are navigating these pivotal stages in the lives of your children with type 1 diabetes.
Thank you, Franck; thank you, Marion; thank you, Gisèle; and thank you, Teiva.
