Section 4: Medical Conditions in Sport

Diabetes

Diabetes is caused by an imbalance of glucose in the blood as a result of insulin deficiency. There are two types of diabetes:
  • Type 1 – Insulin dependent – treated by insulin replacement therapy (younger people)
  • Type 2 – Non-Insulin dependent -treated by weight loss, diet and possibly drugs

Diabetics who are participating in sport are more likely to suffer from low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) which is caused by too little food or too much exercise.

 hsc - NSFA - diabetes