 | Hello DiabetesSisters! Here's wishing you all a very happy month of December filled with family, friends and sugar free egg nog (well, on second thought, that would be gross--perhaps we can splurge for the regular stuff this time!) So take a break from the hustle and bustle, sit back and enjoy your December Newsletter from DiabetesSisters!  This month in our DS Sister Spotlight we have chosen to share the story of Bianca Jacobs, a Type 1 "Figure" Bodybuilder. Different from regular bodybuilding (we'll leave that to the guys!) figure bodybuilding is a more toned down version of bodybuilding that focuses on muscle line and muscle tone. Read on to see how Bianca manages to keep a great physique and successfully manage her diabetes at the same time!
Competing in Figure bodybuilding at the NGA NOPI World Bodybuilding and Figure Championship was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. Arriving at the Gwinnet Center in Duluth, GA on September 6th 2009, I was confident and proud just to have made it there. There were two opportunities to be on stage. After the first session, the two piece pre-judging show, I decided I absolutely had no chance of winning or even placing. The ladies were all so lean and cut. I competed in two divisions, the Masters (age 40 and over), and Novice. During the afternoon break before the evening show, while going through all the emotions of having lost in my opinion, I changed my attitude and decided that I actually was a winner. I had chosen to compete in January and this was the culmination of a journey of self discovery and triumph. I succeeded in being disciplined, and I conquered my fears against the unknown of how it would affect my glucose levels, not to mention being on stage in a bikini!! How could I gain muscle tone while becoming leaner at the same time? Could I keep the diet with type 1 diabetes? Could I successfully monitor and control my glucose levels without having a serious low blood sugar incident? This was my biggest concern since I live alone. I also do not wear a pump since I successfully brought down my sugar levels within a 3 month period after diagnosis and have maintained an A1C at 5.6 for over three years now. I have been weight training consistently for 4 years after being introduced to it as a teenager and training off and on in my 20's. I knew it was the 'secret' to youth since it fights the effects of losing muscle tone and bone density as you age. As life would have it, now in my 40's, it would help me keep better glucose control since I was diagnosed at age 37. Not to mention a side additional caveat of feeling better than ever along with better muscle tone since my early 20's. It's surely a win-win. As I trained for contest day I made sure I tested 7-10 times a day. In preparing to compete my diet consisted of approximately 40% complex carbs, 40% protein, and 20% 'good' fats (such as almonds, flax oil and a lot of salmon) and lots of water. This break down is higher in protein and lower in fat than what you hear about in the main stream nutritional media. Higher protein and lower fat consumption, for me was key to growing and maintaining muscle mass while losing body fat. One of my biggest lessons was coming to the realization of how much fat we as a society eat. Also, experiencing, not just reading about how our sensitivity to insulin is affected by our fat consumption along with our percent body fat. I went down to a 16% body fat and that was high for contest purposes. I had to decrease my slow acting insulin almost weekly toward the end as the more frequent lows sugars directed me to do so. While I only had one scary low around 36 one evening, most of my 'lows' are in the 50's. Between January and September I decreased my slow acting insulin by 45% and my sensitivity to Novolog increased. While my body told me I needed less insulin, I was eating MORE frequently (as a good diabetic should regardless) even while on a diet of 1600-1800 calories per day as I approached contest day. After the contest, I started eating a bit more 'normal' and stopped watching my fat and caloric intake to gain a few pounds back. Within ONE week I had to increase my slow acting insulin by 60% to offset my stubborn high sugars, the effects of the higher fat content I was now consuming. The big lesson here is obvious for those women that are having trouble keeping their sugars low. Eliminating (bad) fats and keeping carbs low to moderate was my key to good glucose control and losing weight. When I was called to accept 4th place on that stage, I was truly shocked. While on break, I had decided I was going back and enjoying the experience since I was a winner in my mind already. It became my own personal victory celebration. No one there had the added stressors and risks that come with type 1 diabetes. My chosen attitude must have shown. I believe that in life we get what we focus on. If we focus on the 'difficulties' and obstacles that come with diabetes and become bitter, we will struggle and bring to realization a poor quality of life. However, if we focus on the blessings that have come because of diabetes, that is what we get, more and more blessings. My experiences, the new friends and stronger family relationships, and lifestyle changes that have improved my life, all of these are blessings. If you can't see the blessings it's because you are not looking to create them. Just like I decided I was a winner regardless of the outcome, it all boils down to making a decision to take control and see and live in the blessings. Decide today to do whatever it takes to enjoy the ride!! I'm looking for sponsors to compete in 2009 again. Does anyone want to join me?? (big smile)Ö Gratefully, Bianca (If you'd like to contact Bianca you may do so at bjcfp@yahoo.com) December's Nutrition Tip of the Month comes from Lyndsay Riffe, RD, CDE. 12 healthy habits to use, to avoid the post-holiday blues!!! The average weight gain from Thanksgiving to New Years is 5 lbs! Click Here for 12 tips to move you thru December in preparation for a healthy 2009. "Isolation is a dream killer." -- Barbara Sher No matter how long you have had diabetes-- one year or forty years-- every one of us needs a SISTER to lean on from time to time. This Holiday Season, we want to express our gratitude for your continued involvement with and support of DiabetesSisters. We, as an organization, have taken many bold leaps of faith over the last year in pursuit of our mission of creating unity and empowerment among women with diabetes. Now, we invite you to take a bold step forward with us, your DiabetesSisters, by making a gracious donation to an organization that has renewed the hope of women with diabetes around the world. What makes DiabetesSisters different? While there are many organizations dedicated to finding a cure for diabetes, DiabetesSisters is the only organization devoted to living happy, healthy lives with diabetes and devoted to the specific needs of women with diabetes. In fact, our current offerings include --a Women's Forum to find answers to your questions and words of encouragement from other women with diabetes, one-on-one partnership through the Diabetes Buddy Program, advice from diabetes professionals who are living with diabetes through our Ask the Experts column, a free Medication and Appointment Reminder Program, Weekly Blogs from women with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes as well as an expectant mother, and the Sweet Treats Boutique filled with items to nourish the spirit of women with diabetes. In 2009, we will move forward with many more exciting plans-- including our First Annual DiabetesSisters Weekend Retreat. May this Holiday Season remind us that every day is a gift to be lived in gratitude. Click Here to make a donation today to the cause that has made a difference in your life! Have a great December everyone! In DiabetesSisterhood, The DiabetesSisters Team | |
