For Diabetes

Completed the OCBC cycling event :)

2010-03-09T01:58:00.000-08:00

I completed the OCBC cycling event in a time of 1hr 15 min, blood sugars on that day was quite well maintained. I had a blood sugar reading of 10.6 mmol/L before the race, after cycling 40km, my blood sugar reading was 8.5 mmol/L. Hydration and taking snacks during the race was essential. Will aim to do better the next event and also train harder, cheers.

Marco

OCBC Cycle 2010

2010-03-05T19:25:00.000-08:00

Will be taking part in the OCBC Cycle 2010. My Bib number is 3296, will do my best in the 40 km challenge, cheers :)

Completed the Standard Chartered Half Marathon !

2009-12-13T20:43:00.000-08:00

I completed the Standard Chartered Half Marathon with a timing of 2:20:39. Enjoyed the run, learnt about the importance of hydration and eating while running, will aim to do better in future runs. Cheers.

Running the Standard Chartered Half Marathon 06 Dec 09

2009-12-03T06:20:00.000-08:00

I will be running the Standard Chartered Half Marathon, have taken part in this event for 4 years now, will be there to enjoy the atmosphere and the run too, will do my best, cheers.

Interesting MTV, Pretty Catchy !

2009-08-14T10:35:00.000-07:00

Pretty catchy MTV. Cyclists will enjoy it, cheers.

Armstrong and Phil Southerland can do it for their diseases, so can i ?

2009-07-26T07:42:00.001-07:00

Here is a video by Armstrong, it is something to dream about, Dream on.

Marco

Inspiration For Diabetics

2009-07-12T02:16:00.000-07:00

Another member of Team Type 1 sharing her life on Diabetes. Pretty inspiring. You can view her story from this link too, http://www.newson6.com/Global/category.asp?C=121535&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=3810337

Cheers.

Founder of Team Type 1 sharing his Life with Diabetes

2009-07-08T07:45:00.000-07:00

Here's a video by Phil Southerland, Founder of Team Type 1, sharing his life with Diabetes. Cheers.

Marco

Cool Nike Video, by Lance Armstrong

2009-06-29T20:31:00.001-07:00

Demand Media Video -- powered by demandmedia.com

Singapore Bay Run 2009

2009-06-17T20:08:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,

I will be taking part in the Singapore Bay Run on 16 Aug 2009. This will be my first Army Half Marathon, and i will be taking part in the 21 km. Let's finish it well.

Did A Long Distance Ride After A 2 Month layoff from Injury

2009-05-31T07:51:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed a bike ride with Team Midpoint on Friday evening 29/05/09. Completed a total distance of 93.56 Km. My Blood Sugar Readings are as follows.

Time Sugar Reading (mmol/L) Food taken
1815 6.4 mmol/L Sambal Fried Rice, 15 Units of Novorapid
1925 4.7 mmol/L Half a packet of Mango Juice and 1 slice of Bread with Cheese
2035 3.0 mmol/L 1 packet of fruit juice, 3 slices of crackers, 1 can of 100 Plus
2130 3.9 mmol/L Half a Packet of Ribena, 3 slices of crackers
2215 7.9 mmol/L Finished the remaining half packet of Ribena, 1 Banana
2320 6.3 mmol/L 1 Snickers Bar, 10 Units of Lantus
0115 7.1 mmol/L 1 Power Gel
0235 5.1 mmol/L 1 Slice of Bread with cheese

Lesson learnt that evening; really need to cut down my insulin, and rest a while before riding on after experiencing a Hypoglycaemia.

Thanks Team Midpoint for staying with me to finish my ride. Cheers.

Marco

A Good Experience From A Run

2009-05-25T07:57:00.000-07:00

Was supposed to take part in the Saucony Passion Run Yesterday Morning, as i just recovered from an iliotibial band Injury, I decided not to run.

But I was there to support my Friends who gave me support on a Venture to see people with Diabetes doing a run together to Create Awareness for Diabetes.

Thanks Bayer for their support. They sent a group of staff working in Bayer to take part in the run too. Some of them took part in 10 km run for the first time. It is a pretty good start. It is a great sight to see people with Diabetes and without Diabetes doing a run together and finishing it.

Hope to be able to join more Run events with Bayer Staff. Cheers.

Marco

Give Thanks To Bayer for Supporting This Venture

2009-05-23T21:01:00.000-07:00

I would like to Thank Bayer for their support in doing this Venture in doing Sports and Activities together with People with Diabetes, they are a great support and help. May this Partnership continue to prosper. Cheers : )

Marco

Finished The Raw Duathlon But With Consequences…

2009-04-27T07:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I managed to complete the Raw Duathlon. I took part in the 10 km Run, 40 km Bike and 10 km Run Category, but it was a race I will never forget.

Consequence 1, I went for the Race with an Injury to my iliotibial band. I started the 1st 10 km with little issues, a little bit of pain but bearable. Completed the 10 km run in 1 hr 04 mins. Continued the 40 km Bike Ride with a little of issue, took a Power Gel during the 40 km Bike Ride and my injury started to work up… But I continued riding with cramps and a little pain to my right knee. I managed to complete the Bike League in 2 hrs 20 mins. The last 10 km Run was bad. After the 40 km Bike Ride, I could not even run at all and the pain to my knee was excruciating.

That leads to Consequence 2, I walked almost the whole 10 km, hydrating myself under the Scorching Hot Sun. I am Grateful to my friend Lawrence, who walked most of the 10 km with me, keeping a lookout for me and encouraging me. We were one of the last few in the race, walking to finish the race. In the last 300 m, another contestant ran passed me and Lawrence, I encouraged Lawrence to run with the Man to the Finish while I myself to walk and limp to the Finish Line. I ran and limped to the finish line, finishing the Race Second Last; in a time of 4 hr 35 mins.

I was in Pain. But the lesson I learnt in this race was, never go for a race with an Injury, don’t push yourself too hard, there are other races I can take part in. Finishing the Race last was disappointing, but I am glad I managed to finish the race without giving up, I will continue to race after this setback. I will improve. Cheers.

Marco

I will be Racing in the Raw Duathlon on Sunday, 26 Apr 09

2009-04-24T22:03:00.000-07:00

Pardon me for the absence; it has been a while since I updated the Blog : )

I will be taking part in the Raw Duathlon, which will be held at Changi Coast Road. It will be my first Duathlon.

Have trained for it for 2 months now, until an injury hit me, I took a 2 week break due to the injury. Am much better now, just hope to finish the Duathlon Well.

Marco

Bought A Cool New Helmet

2009-04-02T01:12:00.000-07:00

Hi, I purchased a Cool New Helmet yesterday, the Limar Pro 104 Ultra Light Helmet, check it out. The Helmet is comfortable and light, will use ot for future Rides, Cheers.

Marco

Cycled 26.6 Km to Try Out Rims

2009-03-22T09:21:00.000-07:00

I cycled a Distance of 26.6 Km to try out a Pair of Zefiro Rims which I bought from a Friend recently. I started at 1715 hrs with a Blood Sugar of 7.1 mmol/L, I took a Banana and Drank a Quarter cup of orange juice before starting my ride.

After cycling for 37 minutes 40 Seconds, covering 13.6 Km, I reached my friend’s place at Buangkok Crescent. Rested for a while, and then went for Dinner at a Resturant at Jalan Kayu. I gave myself 14 Units of Novorapid as my Blood Sugar was 11.9 mmol/L. I had a Banana Yogurt Drink, ate 2 Chicken Wings, a Share of Pork Ribs with Fries and a pieces of Fried Mushrooms. An hour later, I had a cup of Chinese Tea.

I left my Friend’s place at 2145 hrs, tested my Blood Sugar, it was 3.7 mmol/L, I immediately ate 5 Slices of Ginger Cookies, drank some water and rode home from Buangkok. I reached home at 2220 hrs, covering a total distance of 26.6 km.

Rested for 10 mins, took my blood test and it read 7.4mmol/L. Learnt a valuable lesson, should have given 10 units of Novorapid instead of 14 units, will beware of the amount of Insulin to be given during exercise.

Marco

Apology For Absence, But I Am Back

2009-03-22T08:55:00.000-07:00

I really apologize for the absence for of 2 months due to Exams and Attachments, but I am back.

Check out my Bike with a Pair of Zefiro K-52 Rims which I recently purchased from a friend. Looks Good and it also provides a smooth ride, Cheers.

Marco

Cycled 93.2 Km

2009-01-24T01:35:00.000-08:00

I cycled with my Friend this morning (24/01/2009) and covered a total distance of 93.2 Km.

I woke up at 345 am, freshened myself up. I did a Blood Sugar Check before I cycled and it Read 7.8mmol/L. So I took a Banana and 1 piece of Biscuit and I left my house at 415 am to meet up with my friend at Siglap.

When I reached Siglap, I did a Blood Sugar Check, it read 10.0 mmol/L after I cycled 4.2 Km. When my friend arrived, we started cycling.

So we cycled for one and a half hours, and we stopped at a Gas Station in Pasir Panjang and I did a Blood Sugar check. This time it read 12.7mmol/L after cycling 35.3 Km. I thought through and it could be due to not enough hydration and I ate a little too much before I started cycling. I learnt a valuable lesson. I rested for a while, and drank more water before starting off.

We cycled on, from Jurong to Chua Chu Kang and also Lim Chu Kang. We went back to the East from Bukit Timah, to Rifle Range Road, Adam Road to Nassim Road, Botanical Gardens to Orchard. From Orchard we cycled on to City Hall. Because I needed to check my Blood Sugar, my friend brought me to a Killiney Coffee Shop in Purvis Street. So we stopped there and had a light breakfast. I did my Blood Sugar and it read 8.0mmol/L after cycling 80.5 Km. I gave myself 5 Units of Aspart (Novorapid) before having a cup of coffee, 2 slices of Kaya Butter Bread and 2 pieces of chocolate chip cookies which I brought along.

After Breakfast, I and my Friend went our separate ways. I cycled back home to the East from Nicoll Highway. I reached home after cycling another 12.7 km. When I reached home, I cleaned my Bike before checking my Blood Sugar, it read 3.9mmol/L. I immediately took a packet of Mango juice and a slice of Bread to cover my Hypoglycemia.

I cycled 93.2 Km in about 4 hours, learnt another valuable lesson on Diabetes Care. I will find ways to improve my Diabetes care. Cheers.

Marco

Registered For First Duathlon

2009-01-18T04:15:00.000-08:00

I have registered for ‘RAW DUATHLON’ organized by Athelete’s Circle.

A Duathlon consists of running, cycling and finishing off with running. The distance covered will be first Running 10 km, Cycling 40 km and ending with Running 10 km.

This is my First Duathlon and it will be held on 26 April 2009.

Doing this race with another Friend with Diabetes too, looking forward to finish the Race Well. Cheers.

Marco

Cycled 53.5 Km

2009-01-17T09:54:00.000-08:00

After finishing work at 1500 hrs yesterday (16/01/2009), I went home, took a shower and then I cycled to my Friend’s place. I decided to stay over at my Friend’s place as I usually train with my Friend on Saturday Mornings.

Before I started cycling, my Blood Sugar was 8.7mmol/L; I took a Banana before I started. I reached my Friend’s place 45 minutes later; I rode at a Speed of 29-33 km/h and covered 13.2 km. I took my Blood Sugar upon reaching his place, it read 3.2mmol/L. Immediately I took a packet of Fruit Juice and a piece of Biscuit. Before Dinner, I took my Blood Sugar again, it read 6.3mmol/L. I injected myself 10 Units of Aspart (Novorapid) before having Fried Rice for Dinner.

Before I Slept, I checked my Blood Sugar again, this time it read 9.1mmol/L, it could due to the Fried Rice I had for dinner, and at my Friend’s place I just relaxed, read the papers and watched Television. At 1130 I went to bed after injecting myself with 10 Units of Glargine (Lantus).

I woke up at 0430 hrs in the morning (17/01/2009), freshened up and then did my Blood Sugar Check. It read 7.7mmol/L, I took a packet of plain oat crackers and 3 pieces of Pineapple Tarts; drank a glass of water and then I started cycling with my Friend.

After covering an hour’s ride where we both covered a distance of 27 km at a speed of 26-34 km/h, the route we used has slopes, took this opportunity to train riding on Slopes. Enjoyed riding down the slopes at 47 km/h.

We went for Breakfast. I tested my Blood Sugar and it Read 12.0mmol/L. It could be high due to the Pineapple Tarts I took, learnt my lesson, I should not have take 3 pineapple tarts, must take note and restrain myself from sweet pastries.

I gave myself 6 units of Aspart(Novorapid), then I took my Breakfast which consists of 2 pieces of Roti Prata (1 plan prata and 1 egg prata) and a cup of Teh Tarik. After Breakfast, I and my friend rested for 30 minutes before going our separate ways home.

It took me 40 minutes to reach home and covered a distance of 13.3 km. I rested for a while and then took my Blood Sugar check. It read 5.2mmol/L. I covered a total distance of 53.5 km and I learnt a valuable lesson, not to eat too much with a Sugar reading of 7.7mmol/L.

Cheers.

Marco

Cycled 60.4 Km Today

2009-01-10T01:08:00.000-08:00

I cycled with 3 of my friends this morning, covering 60.4 km to make up for last week, as I didn’t train.

I woke up at 5 am to freshen up. Did my Blood Sugar Test, it read 5mmol/l. Had a snack which included a Banana and a slice of bread. After that, I went to prepare my Bike. Pumped the tires and lubricated the Gears. At 530 am, I left my house to meet my Friends.

I reached the meeting place at 550 am, waited for my Friends, did my own stretching. At 6 am they all arrived and we started riding. We cycled at speeds ranging from 29-33 km/hour. We rode from Parkway to Mountbatten, continued from Mountbatten to Suntec City. From Suntec City to Telok Blangah and into Pasir Panjang where we went into National University of Singapore (N.U.S) to do some slopes. The slopes were good training, but I need to get in shape to be able to keep up when riding on slopes. After riding in N.U.S, we decided to go to Hort Park, so we rode on the Ayer Rajah Expressway Shoulder into Alexandra Road and then made our way to Hort Park.

At Hort Park, I did a Blood Sugar check and it read 11mmol/l, and I believe it was due to the Biscuits which I consumed at Raffles Place, and not enough Hydration that caused it. I drank more water after that to hydrate myself.

After riding the outer perimeter of Hort Park, we decided to go home. To return home, we rode at Telok Blangah (the highlight of the Ride is going downslope at 46 km/h Woohoo, Thrilling), to Tanjong Pagar, Suntec City, Mountbatten, Katong and into Siglap where we had our Breakfast.

I did my Blood Sugar reading again and it read 10.5mmol/l, I really believe it’s die to not adequate hydration that have caused my sugars to be a little high, but I will learn from it.

Had a light breakfast, 2 slices of Bread with Butter and Kaya, and a cup of Coffee with evaporated milk. After breakfast, I rode home. When I reached home I rested for a 10 minutes and did another Blood Sugar Check, it read 9.2mmol/l.

Learnt that I need to hydrate more, and maybe check my Blood Sugar before having a snack. Will take note of this and implement it into my next training.

Cheers.

Marco

I Support Team Type 1

2009-01-01T08:53:00.000-08:00

I read about Team Type 1 on a magazine called ride cycling review. I started to visit their website, and began reading their Blog to find out more of their progress as a Team in the United States. It is a Team founded by 2 people with Diabetes, Phil Southerland and Joe Eldridge.

I support them in all their races, their works to find a cure for Diabetes and really hope to ride with them some day. Wish them success in all that Team Type 1 does. Cheers.

Marco

How my interest of Cycling and Running Began?

2008-12-31T05:24:00.000-08:00

Initially 1 could not cycle, and dreaded cycling. No one could actually get me on a bike and never did I think I could cycle, until Touch Diabetes Support told me about Project Discovery 4 and I will never forget how I trained myself to cycle with the help of dedicated friends and volunteers from Touch Diabetes Support.

I learnt how to cycle at the age of 21 yrs old, a little old, people will think, but I never regretted at all after that.

I participated in Project Discovery 4 with Touch Diabetes Support from 17-22 June 2004 when a team of fellow diabetics together with a group of dedicated volunteers cycled 500km from Singapore to Kuantan. The team got into Malaysia through a boat ride to Penggarang and cycled up to Kuantan with my first mountain bike in a 6-Day Event quoting ‘Riding Strong with Diabetes’.

In 2006, Touch Diabetes Support organized another cycling event, this time cycling into Cherating, deeper into Kuantan. I was once again in the Team, cycling up to the designated location of Cherating from 29 May-03 June 2006 together with students Victoria Junior College in a Service Learning Project. It was a good experience as the Students and people with Diabetes partnered each other well to encourage each other to keep on paddling to reach the destination.

More details of both projects that got my interest in cycling can be found at www.diabetessupport.org.sg.

Besides cycling, running is also another interest of mine. I began running after completing my first 10km New Balance Real Run in 2005. That run was very tiring as I seldom run such distances. My legs ached; my body ached after my first run.

But after I found out the timing which I finished the run, I got this thought of always wanting to improve the timing again. My timing was not very good, if I remembered correctly; it was 1 hr 10 mins for my first 10 km run. I told myself I would train up and beat my initial timing.

That was what motivated me to get my friends to run and train with me, and I continued to join New Balance Runs and Standard Charted Half Marathons to improve in my timing and also to know where my fitness is. I spent 4 years to train my running.

Running and Cycling has always been my interest. Through this 2 endurance exercises, I learnt that it helps in my control of my Blood Sugars. I am more careful whenever I exercise to keep my Blood Sugars in good range of 5-7mmol/l, sometimes it may be a little higher than normal due to hydration and snacks on the way. I learnt a lot of my Diabetes control through cycling and running. I intend to take up swimming soon, and then I am aiming to do a Triathlon before going further to do at least one Ironman in my lifetime. Running and Riding on for Diabetes.

Marco

What Nick and I have in Common

2008-11-06T05:40:00.000-08:00

My Inspiration

2008-11-04T08:08:00.000-08:00

Diabetes and Athletes: The Triabetes Project from Andiamo Productions on Vimeo.

Triabetes II from Andiamo Productions on Vimeo.

Joe Brady Profile for Triabetes Project from Andiamo Productions on Vimeo.

Check My New Kit.

2008-10-30T18:18:00.001-07:00

Hey all. This is the new kit we've designed. Currently we have the 'I run For Diabetes' and we would be adding a 'I ride For Diabetes' as soon as we have a good number of bikers. Interested, leave us a msg and we will get back to you.

A Day of Cycling

2008-10-30T18:14:00.000-07:00

First of all, would like to thank all of you for your constant encouragement as we embarked on this new venture. It’s very heartening and motivating. Continue to support us and at anytime you have ideas that can help us in any way do drop us messages.

On the 25th of October I cycled a distance of 58 km that day.

I woke up at 1000 hrs, had a blood sugar reading of 5.3mmol/l, gave myself 12 units of Novorapid (rapid acting insulin) and had my lunch, consisting of rice, 3 of slices roast chicken, fresh cabbage, potato slices and a bowl of soup.

Before I set off at 1230 hrs, I tested my blood sugar again and it read 6.1mmol/l, so I took a slice of plain white bread before setting off to meet my friend at Harbour Front. I timed myself to see how long I would take to reach Harbour Front and after 1 hr and 15 mins I reached Harbour Front covering a distance of 22 km. I tested my blood sugar at the nearby Hawker Centre and it was 4.6mmol/l. I ordered a 100 plus and a Tahu Goreng to share with my friend.

After a 30 minutes break, my friend and I cycled to Mount Faber to try riding the slopes. My friend and I had a little problem going up the slope, but it was a good training experience. Initially, my friend and I intended to scale the slopes one more time, but due to my bike having problems, I needed to go bike shop near Mountbatten to get my bike fixed. My friend cycled with me down to Singapore Indoor Stadium before going home while I continued to ride down to Mountbatten. When I reached the shop, I covered a total of 42 km.

The owner said that he could not fix my bike as he did not have the spare parts and asked me to ride back to the shop that I bought my bike from. Heeding his advice I wasted no time and rode down to East Coast making my way down to the shop where I bought my bike.

I paddled slowly as there was a problem with my bike gears. After 30 min riding from East Coast, I reached the destination. I covered a distance of 56 km; I took a packet of fruit juice as the owner of the shop fixed my bike. After 15 mins, my bike was fixed; I then rode home from the shop.

As I reached home, my meter read a distance of 58 km covered. I cleaned my bike and had my shower before testing my blood sugar that read 6.8mmol/l. I went to get dinner after testing my blood sugar; I bought Mee Goreng and gave myself 14 Units of Novorapid before eating.

2 hours after dinner, I tested my blood sugar again, it was 5.9mmol/l, I ate a slice of white bread, gave myself 11 units of Lantus (24 hr Insulin) before going to bed.

I know photos of the event would be more striking and engaging and would be adding more of them and videos as well real soon. So keep fixed with us.
Marco

New Balance Run - 19th October 2008

2008-10-23T20:08:00.000-07:00

Hi, just to share a little on how I prepared myself for the New Balance Run on the 19th of October and also to share my Blood Sugar Readings to illustrate the significance of Diabetes and Exercise.

On the 17th of October, I cycled with my friends at East Coast and covered a distance of 40 km that day. On the 18th of October, I cycled to Mountbatten to send my Bicycle for servicing and also to join my friend for cycling too.

After servicing my bicycle, my friend and I cycled to East Coast and to Changi. Had a break at Changi for 30 mins, had a 100 Plus Drink and shared Carrot Cake with my friend before heading back to East Coast and then made my way home. I covered a distance of 56 km. I slept at 1130, as I need to be wake up at 0530hrs the next day.

As the 15 km New Balance starts at 0745 hrs, I took the shuttle bus from Tanah Merah that brought me to Changi Exhibition Hall. After the Warm Up I prepared myself mentally for the run to try as much to run without stopping.

Apparently that tactic always worked for me, I enjoyed the Run. Managed to run 11 km of the Track and Trail terrain of the run but started to walk at the Sand Terrain as it is pretty difficult to run on sand. I managed to finish the Run with a Time of 1 hr 39 min 42 secs. I am glad to finish the run well, next year if I run again; I am aiming to beat my timing.
Cheers.
Marco

Who?.. What?.. Why?..

2008-10-16T23:09:00.000-07:00

Hey all, I’m Marco; am a nurse currently doing an upgrading programme in Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore. Welcome to ‘I Blog For Diabetes’. This Blog offers readers insides on how I use exercise to control my blood sugars and how I live with Type 1 Diabetes everyday. It also explains about diabetes management and exercise management. This blog is not just for diabetics, what I learn about sugar control can help athletics without diabetes as well.

I am a person who enjoys football, running and cycling, and I am waiting to do my first Triathlon. I am a volunteer at Touch Diabetes Support, participated in 5 Project Discoveries which included climbing Mount Kinabalu 2 times, cycled to Kuantan 2 times and recently completed a 100 km hike and trek in Singapore in a 3 day event.

Questions will be asked, is it ok for a person with Diabetes to do such strenuous exercises? Most people will know the ill effects of poor Diabetes management. “But this doesn’t prevent me from living life to the fullest by doing sports which I like, as Diabetes is not a Barrier to me, it is a Blessing, as I can teach fellow people with Diabetes to know about the condition better and also allow the Public to know I am pretty much a normal person”.

I have had insulin dependent diabetes mellitus or Type 1 diabetes for 13 years, I have to give myself insulin injections 4 times a day and perform self blood glucose monitoring (testing my Blood Sugar) on alternate days.

I take part in 10 km, 15 km runs and half marathons every year, firstly I enjoy running and secondly, allowing the public to know that diabetes is never a barrier to me. Not only that, I cycle about 2 times per week (slowly increasing frequency) as I am a cycling fan too. I like to take challenges and push my limits a little bit.

Through exercise, I have discovered that it helps in maintaining my blood sugars, and another factor is that I require less insulin (medication) on days that I exercise. On the days when I have a marathon or train, I will reduce my insulin the night before the activity, and the following day, I will have to adjust my Insulin according to blood sugar readings. This is to prevent me from getting Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar reading).

By exemplifying my life as a person with diabetes and also like sports, I need to pay more attention to my body and limits, not to push myself over the limits; I like to do run and cycle to maintain my fitness and also have better control of diabetes. For all viewers of this blog, please do not quote me, for what I am doing is not suitable to all people, do not apply this way of treatment upon yourself or ask your friends with diabetes to go through it if they are unsure. Do seek your doctors for approval before trying to adjust your lifestyle.

If possible, I like to be a motivator to allow me to share with people; how i live with Diabetes, not as an obstruction or barrier but as a drive to enable me to live a better and fulfilling life.
Marco