I have a hereditary auto-immune disease known as type 1 diabetes that I have been managing since I was 11yrs old. If you meet me in person or see me at the games you may notice me wearing a patch on my arm and a device on my kilt. No, that device is not a pager (though I do often wear a pager with my work as a clinical Registered Dietitian). That device is an insulin pump and that patch on my arm is a continuous glucose monitoring device. I use these tools 24/7 to help manage my blood sugars and live a relatively normal and healthy life.

Having diabetes is about management, especially for physical activity like the Highland Game events for both training and competing. Diabetes management for an athletic competition like the Highland Games starts likely a week in advance to make sure the timing of inserting these sensors is correct so they will be functioning during competition. I also make sure my bag is packed with fast-sugar snacks, multiple types of fast-acting insulin (that will need to be kept cool), extra pump supplies, a glucometer, Baqsimi (Glucagon nasal powder in case I were to pass out from a low blood sugar), foods of different macronutrient compositions, and water.

Having diabetes does not mean I can’t or shouldn’t be active (in fact, just the opposite). It does mean I need to know what to do for a wide range of scenarios, and meticulously make sure I have everything I need to deal with the highs and lows of my blood sugar, as well as competition so I can safely get out there and throw far!

Amarissa Hawker Handy.