Overcoming Challenges: My Triumph as an Athlete with Diabetes
If you do not know me a little intro:
I’m Eleonora, born in 1995 in the beautiful city of Turin, Italy. With a background in molecular biotechnology and a master’s in oncology from Vrije University of Amsterdam, I’ve dedicated my life to understanding and improving human wellbeing. I work as a consultant engineer in Pharma Amsterdam and I channel my passion for sports as a Swim Director for the Amsterdam Triathlon and Cycling Club. Living with type 1 diabetes since 1999, when I was three, and you know what, I've embraced it as a unique strength that fuels my dedication to triathlons and my quest for optimal health! My journey has led me to become a certified nutritionist and life coach, always striving to inspire and support others in their diabetes management and overall health journey.
My Mission
Diabetes is a full-time challenge, but with the right mindset and lifestyle, it can be managed effectively. My mission is to provide genuine insights and practical guidance to those living with diabetes, enhancing understanding and promoting a healthy lifestyle. By sharing my personal experiences, strategies, and the tools I've developed, I aim to inspire others to take control of their health. Combining cognitive behavioral therapies with medical treatments, my goal is to shift the focus from just insulin and glucose levels to a comprehensive approach that includes nutrition, exercise, and mental wellbeing. Together, we can create a supportive community where everyone can thrive despite the challenges of diabetes.
The Starting Line of My Journey💪
Growing up in Turin, Italy, with the majestic Alps as a backdrop, I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, thrusting me into a life of meticulous blood sugar monitoring and insulin management. Rather than seeing this as a limitation, I chose to harness the discipline diabetes management taught me, channeling it into sports, a domain where strict training regimes and continuous personal improvement are the norms.
Embracing the Triathlon Challenge
My first significant athletic milestone was participating in
the TriAmsterdam Sprint in 2022. This event was not just a test of endurance, speed,
and agility, but also a profound personal challenge to manage my diabetes under
extreme physical stress. Preparing for such an event required meticulous
planning around nutrition, training, and glucose management—integral for my
performance and essential for my health.
The preparation phase was intense; I had to balance insulin doses meticulously with my carbohydrate intake. Using a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) was crucial, allowing me to adjust my dietary intake based on real-time glucose readings. The preparation phase made me come up with 3 different strategies, Plan A waking up with 120 mg/dl, B waking up with low glucose <70 mg/dl, C waking up with high glucose >250mg/dl.
Race Day Realities
On the day of the race, managing my glucose levels was as challenging as the physical competition itself. My glucose levels were a bit high in the morning, not too much just the amount to not allow me to perfectly correct with insulin. Adjusting my insulin right before the race was critical, as this would have caused fear of hypoglycemia. What to do that as seems like there was not a right answer, knowing well that both under and over-correction could have serious consequences during the swim, cycle, and run segments.
At the end, I just went for it, I completed the triathlon with hyperglycemia that created massive lactic acid on my legs, huge tiredness and some dizziness afterwards but crossing the finish line was an emotional and physical triumph.
It was not just about completing the race but about proving to myself and to the world that living with diabetes does not define my limits. It was a moment of joy and a deep affirmation of my journey through diabetes management and athletic training.
Beyond the Finish Line🏆
Each triathlon I participate in is a new chapter in my
story, not just about competition but about breaking barriers and managing a
demanding health condition under extreme physical stress. It's about pushing
the boundaries of what's possible and learning more about my body and how it
responds to rigorous activity under the shadow of diabetes.
Inspiring Others Through My Story
Sharing my journey is not only about narrating my victories
but also about inspiring others living with diabetes to chase their dreams
without reservations. It's about demonstrating that with the right management,
support, and attitude, nothing—not even diabetes—can stop you from leading a
fulfilling, adventurous life.
"Every finish line is a new beginning," I often
say, reflecting on my experiences. It's another opportunity to push further, to
learn, and to grow. Each race shatters stereotypes about diabetes and showcases
the potential within all of us to live beyond our perceived limitations.
This is my testament to the enduring power of the human
spirit and resilience, reminding us all that the challenges we face are not
just obstacles but stepping stones to greater achievements.
For my Italian readers:
Ispirare gli altri attraverso la mia storia
Condividere il mio viaggio non è solo raccontare le mie
vittorie, ma anche ispirare gli altri che vivono con il diabete a inseguire i
loro sogni senza riserve. È dimostrare che con la giusta gestione, supporto e
atteggiamento, niente — nemmeno il diabete — può impedirti di condurre una vita
appagante e avventurosa.
"Ogni traguardo è un nuovo inizio," dico spesso,
riflettendo sulle mie esperienze. È un'altra opportunità per spingersi oltre,
per imparare e crescere. Ogni gara frantuma gli stereotipi sul diabete e mostra
il potenziale che tutti noi abbiamo di vivere oltre i nostri limiti percepiti.
Questa è la mia!
Disclaimer:
Beyond every race, even every training that can be run, bike ride, swimming etc.. there is much more. Weeks, months, maybe a years of trainings. Training not only in the sport train the mind and the body to act and react with Diabetes, to feel while pushing, to hold the pain while being aware. Every training is fully planned around nutrition and glucose management, supported by a strong mindset.
My science based method lead me from 0 to 100%. From training in 2015 once or twice a week with poor results, increasing the training amount in 2018 to an Half Ironman Triathlon competition in 2023. Today I am proud of what I have achieved, and I am proud of the method I used to discover this path.
I am not a doctor and I am not pretending to be one. I am a Molecular Biotechnology scientist and an Oncology Master graduate one. I have spent years in hospital studying and observing cell behavior, metabolism, grow and death. This made me discover the beauty of my own body and empowered myself to be my own scientist.
Everything I do is science based, as I inform myself with proved scientific articles, strongly supported by my scientific background. Tested carefully on myself, discussed with other and with specialist of the topic. Afterwards, validated with scientific results on performance, body weight and mental health.
What is my detailed therapy for diabetes, the units, and the measurements might be not yours, and you do not need to copy or try to replicate the numbers, although The Strategy for success might be similar!
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To know more about my challenges and my day to day diabetes management on Instagram
- glucofit360
- elecampagnoli
- Strava Eleonora Campagnoli
- Contact: campagnolieleonora95@gmail.com
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