Jacob Siwicki on his history with diabetes and how it affected- but didn’t stop - him in his pursuit of playing football collegiately and later becoming a top national fitness trainer…
How did you find out about your condition? How did you and your family react to the diagnosis?
It all began during a routine doctor’s checkup when I was 5 years old. My blood sugar was pretty high, and so the doctor recommended I get my blood checked. After the results came out, I was told that I had to go to the hospital and go on shots. At such a young age, I was a little scared and nervous about what was to come, because I did not really understand what was going on.
What sports were you playing at that time?
I was not seriously playing any sports when I first got diagnosed because I was only five years of age. I played a little bit of soccer shortly after my diagnosis, and in fact, one of my coaches would not let me play because of my diagnosis. That steered me away from that sport, and I was allowed by my mom to try out football in the fifth grade. When I started playing, my parents were fully aware of diagnosis and risk playing, as it was about five years after I was diagnosed.
What issues did you have to face playing with diabetes?
So, the type of diabetes I had was juvenile diabetes, meaning that my blood sugar would range from very low to very high multiple times during the day. On normal days, I checked my blood eleven times. On game days, however, I used to check my blood twenty times. It just grew into a habit- I used to check it every quick break I had, whether that be on the sideline or in the locker room. Usually, when doing a high cardio activity or playing a high-intensity sport like football, your blood sugar will immediately drop. Sometimes, I would eat Skittles to raise my blood sugar level prior to playing. During games, however, it would be the opposite due to the adrenaline running in your body. Sometimes, I would give myself too many insulin shots during a game and have to sit out the second half, because as my adrenaline lowered throughout the game, the amount of insulin I took would drop the blood sugar to a dangerous level, and put my life at risk. Altogether, just managing it during my football games was the worst, although I kept a positive attitude about it all and kept on pushing forward.
Did you or do you currently use a pump for insulin?
Yes, I use the insulin pump, and its function is in the name. It pumps insulin into your body. Diabetics can either use the pump or take shots every day to treat their blood sugar levels. I prefer the pump over the shot, just because it is a reliable machine that makes sure the user stays safe. I also use fast-acting insulin- usually before eating food- which works shortly after the injection.
What advice do you have for others dealing with diabetes or other medical issues who want to continue being active in fitness and sports?
It is very important to keep a positive attitude throughout this whole process. While it still is a chronic health condition, there are many other worse situations in life. Yes, it is annoying, and might always be. However, if you embrace it as part of your life, it can be a unique aspect of your childhood and beyond that makes you different. The effect of having diabetes is just as concerning for the parents and loved ones of the patient as it is for the patient itself because of the toll they have to endure treating and taking care of them. However, nobody should get discouraged or quit an athletic activity just because of their diabetes. You can still play whatever sport you want, as long as you are careful about it. This doesn’t mean be reckless about your condition, but rather be mindful and understanding of the risks of your condition while following your dreams.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Do not let being diabetic take over and dictate your life. If there’s a big hurdle to climb in order to pursue your passion, just do it. There will always be a certain and lingering fear of doing any activity while being diabetic, but there is still so much to enjoyIt all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
