Animas 'Sports day' event. Do it.

Last year I had the pleasure of attending the Animas Sports Day event held at Loughborough University, to blog on behalf of Shoot Up or Put Up, who were busy doing other less exercisey things.  Bonus.  The event is for those over 18 and sporting (no pun intended) a pain in the backside disease called Type 1 Diabetes. 

Exercise can be one of the most challenging elements of type 1 diabetes.  For some, it makes their blood sugars skyrocket, while others are left plummeting to the depths of a nasty hypo before even having left the gym.    We all know exercise is fantastic for everyone, everywhere.  You have to have lived under a rock to think otherwise. But the challenge is especially great for people with diabetes.  On top of all the benefits like improved blood sugar control, increased insulin sensitivity and circulation benefits, it is also an excellent way to keep your weight in check, something I have struggled with for years.  But managing blood sugars during exercise is no simple task, which is where Animas come in.

Well guess what, even though you may feel the blood sugars you have during exercise are totally random, they aren't.  Not even close.  There is science behind all of it and this weekend tells you all about that, without needing your own Degree in Physiology and Endocrinology.  This weekend gave me the footing I needed to grab diabetes by the horns (yes, it is cow-shaped) and give it a right good seeing to.

Oh, and the weekend is freakin' fun.

As someone who has managed to overcome many of my exercise (and weight) demons by taking part in this weekend, I urge you to go.  And I don't just mean those who love their sport and are already super-svelte and exercising regularly; this weekend would also benefit those who struggle with weight, managing blood sugars and are lacking in confidence about where the heck to start.  In fact in my opinion, we are the ones who need the biggest 'leg up'.

The time has come to register, so contact sportsday@its.jnj.com for more details and to reserve your space.  If all goes to plan, I will even be there myself talking about the challenges of weight loss and diabetes which, thanks to this weekend, are now a lot less challenging.

The best news is that newcomers are also being treated with priority which is great news as the spaces are normally filled by those who have come to learn what a superb weekend it is.  So take them up on it! If you are free on the 10th, 11th and 12th of May 2013, come and join in! 

If you fancy seeing how last year's event went, check it out below:

AP (off for a speed jog, because I can)