The World Health Organisation has designated today (April 7th, 2016) as Diabetes Awareness day. To mark the day and continue the work already undertaken from the GAA’s Health and Community department, the following information on TYPE 1 Diabetes has been developed in collaboration with Diabetes Ireland.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition unrelated to lifestyle but lifestyle behaviours do impact on Type 1 diabetes management because a person with Type 1 diabetes must daily inject insulin.  Most of the children/ young adults with diabetes will have Type 1 diabetes. Older club members will most likely have Type 2 diabetes (which is linked to lifestyle behaviours). The information below is only relevant for Type 1 diabetes.

All coaches should be aware of health conditions of persons they coach. This can be best done by a simple tick of a box for health conditions on your club membership registration form. A tick warrants further clarification. Seediabetes.ie for general information on diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes and sport participation

For Type 1 diabetes, a coach needs to know that the child/adult makes adjustments for activity by either taking less insulin or taking extra carbohydrates. Failure to do so can result in an increased risk that the child/adult will have a low blood glucose level (HYPO) which affects performance and require the child/adult to take corrective actions.

Some people with Type 1 diabetes will carry some glucose pastilles in their sock and use them during hard or long matches. Others may opt to have their own fluid bottle which contains a glucose drink to replenish their glucose levels during a match/training. These actions should be accommodated.  

The coach needs to be aware of the signs of a low blood glucose level (called HYPO or LOW) in case the child does not recognise them. Symptoms differ from person to person but generally are the same for each HYPO they experience and may include any of the following:

SweatingFeeling cold and sweatyBlurred visionShakiness and tremblingFeeling hungryNoticeable change in temperamentPallor or palenessVagueness or confusionLack of concentration

The coach should ask the child/parent/adult what their usual signs are and what action they would normally do to correct the HYPO. On the field, the coach should be aware that any unexpected poor performance, unusual behaviour and pallor may indicate a low glucose level.

If a HYPO occurs, normally the child/adult would confirm a HYPO by doing a blood glucose test and taking quick acting glucose (4-5 glucose based tablets/pastilles or 150 mls drink). However, there are many children/people who will have very mild Hypo’s and opt to take the glucose and continue the activity without testing.  A Hypo need not disrupt play. Few people with diabetes can avoid HYPOs. Most people who strive for good blood glucose control experience HYPO’s more often than those who are less motivated.

During practice or match, if a coach sees the child/adult acting strange – vague, lack of co-ordination or the child/adult asks to stop playing, the coach should allow this and ensure the child/adult can get to their test kit/glucose supplies or aid them by giving them 4-5 glucose tablets/fruit pastilles or glass of juice or regular drink (not diet variety). It would be good practice to always have glucose tablets or Lucozade tablets or drink in the First aid kit.

Dublin star Kevin Nolan is an ambassador for Diabetes Ireland – read more about his experiences here. 

This information was prepared in consultation with Dr. Anna Clarke, Health Promotion and Research Manager, with Diabetes Ireland - an official GAA charity in 2015.

For more information visit diabetes.ie or call the Diabetes Helpline on 1850 909 909