INSPIRING OTHERS WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES

Interviewing people who redefine life and its challenges is truly one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. I had the privilege to follow up on a previous interview that I had with Janine Langenhoven. Janine is a Firefighter in Port Elizabeth and in her free-time participates in CrossFit training.

CrossFit is a very challenging, high intensity form of exercise and is based on gymnastics, running, rowing and weight lifting.  Janine started competing a year ago and will compete this year, again in the eastern cape CrossFit champs.  I wanted to find out why she feels so passionate about CrossFit and how it impacts on her overall life and her diabetes management.

There are three main reasons why she enjoys CrossFit.  “So many people believe that people with diabetes cannot do extreme sport and I want to proof them wrong.”  She does not only want to proof them wrong but wants to reconfirm her belief that she can achieve anything, if she sets her mind on it.  “I hope to inspire other people with diabetes and hope to challenge them to follow their dreams and not to be defined by their diagnosis.”

The second reason for participating is to develop Grit.   CrossFit is constantly challenging me to persevere. Dr. Angela Lee Duckworth, defines Grit as “passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. Grit is having stamina. Grit is sticking with your future, day-in, day out.. Not just for the week, not just for the month, bur for years.”  Grit is a skill that is extremely important for people managing type 1 diabetes.  We need to stay mentally strong, we need to stick to our long-term goals of staying healthy, even during days when things do not go our way.  

Janine also enjoys the social aspect of CrossFit.  Being surrounded by a supportive group of people makes her stronger and serves as an inspiration.

Janine believes that  insulin pump therapy makes exercise easier. Having access to temporary basals, allows her to adjust background insulin should the need arise.  Another advantage of using her insulin pump during exercise  is t integrated sensor technology that warns her in advance of a low or high blood sugar level.  

“We cannot be defined by the bad days.  Bad days will come and go but you have to learn to get up and go again.” – says Janine.  We wish her all the best for her upcoming competition.

Posted by: Ronel Hentschel