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North Canton native Hannah Bukowy was just 10 years old when she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Insulin is needed to allow sugar to enter the bodys cells to produce energy. As a competitive swimmer, a sport that requires intense training, Bukowy had to become very in tune with her body, she said, in order to safely train and compete.

Now, 22, and a registered nurse at Reid Hospital in Richmond, Indiana, Bukowy holds Ohio Northern Universitys school record for the 100-meter breaststroke.

She wants kids to know diabetes does not have to hold them back from sports.

Dont let anybody tell you that you cant do sports or activities, because you can do anything, she said.

The Repository asked Bukowy how she handled growing up with Type 1 diabetes:

Q: How did having diabetes affect the way you ate?

A: The way I ate changed when I was diagnosed, but not too drastically, actually. My parents kept lots of fruits and veggies around before I was diagnosed and my mom would always cook healthy foods like whole grains, lean proteins and fruits and veggies with every meal. The only things that changed majorly were getting rid of regular sodas and eliminating regular lemonade. My mom never really bought candy or cookies before I was diagnosed. Also, we started making more salads with dinner. I am thankful that when I was diagnosed, my whole family pretty much changed eating patterns to accommodate me. On special occasions and birthdays, I was allowed to have a couple sweet treats.

Obviously what you eat has a direct effect on your blood sugars. In my teenage years, I cheated a lot on my diet because I wanted to be like my friends. Whenever I went to sleepovers, I would eat lots of chips, cookies, cakes, etc., and that didnt exactly help my blood sugar levels, and I would feel miserable because of being hyperglycemic. Today I choose carbohydrates that are whole grain and have lots of fiber, eat lean proteins and lots of fruits and veggies. And very occasionally I will treat myself and buy ice cream or make cookies but consume in moderation because its hard to cut treats out totally.

Q: How about the way you exercised?

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Swimmer proves diabetes shouldn't slow you down

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Home » How to lose weight safely » Swimmer proves diabetes shouldn't slow you down