Type 1 diabetic sufferers are a minority of athletes authorized to use drugs to complete events such as the Ironman triathlon last Sunday.
Unlike illegal drug dopers, Type 1 diabetics must use insulin while participating, despite it’s a banned substance by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA).
There are approximately 3.2 million Australians living with diabetes and pre-diabetes according to Diabetes Australia.
Paul Walker, a Type 1 diabetic for the last 22 years, participated in his first Ironman on Sunday, one of approximately 50 completed triathlons.
In predicting Paul’s insulin doses during the race, his preparation was “done with a lot of trial and error,” he said.
“I don’t see it so much as a disadvantage,” he said regarding his diabetes, but “I definitely do have an extra challenge that others don’t, and I look forward to crossing the line and conquering it.”
Paul’s sport dietician, Tess Griersmith, said, “the most important thing is going to be post this Ironman, to have a reflection of what didn’t work for him.”
Renza Scibilia, Diabetes Australia’s Victorian Type 1 Diabetes Program Manager said “there are precautions to take when taking part in the Ironman competitions, these would include regular checking of blood sugar levels and adjustment of medications.”
Katie Kelly, National Participation and Membership Manager of Triathlon Australia, said “our sport is an opportunity for them to compete, even with their illness, it’s certainly a great outcome for them.
“Ensuring they’re enabled the right equipment if they do need to provide themselves with a shot, particularly given the demands of what an Ironman has on an athlete.
“There would be a need for them to go through what we call a therapeutic use process…so they need to go through a fairly rigorous process to get approval to use that medication, and it’s about ensuring that they’re able to access that insulin if and when they need to on the course.”
In regards to diabetics, the fact that “they are able to still compete in such a demanding event, it really warms my heart that our sport is not a barrier for them to compete in, even with their illness,” said Katie.
The Ironman began on Sunday morning in Frankston where the triathletes completed a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and 42.2 km run, click here for a map.
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