Andy Bell - Staying Fit With Type 1
Diabetes can sometimes feel like a limiting factor, but other times it can push you to achieve great things. Meet Andy Bell - fitness trainer extraordinaire and type 1 diabetic. He's in top condition, and he credits his hours at the gym to turning his diabetes management around. Andy agreed to "sit down" with me and answer a few questions about diabetes, fitness, and his personal story.
Kerri: If you’re here, you’ve got one to tell: What is your diagnosis story?
Andy Bell: I was in the 8th grade. I can look back and remember some of wha
t I was experiencing before knowing that I had diabetes. I remember being so unbelievably thirsty! I can recall being at a University of Missouri basketball game with my good friend at the time. He and I had just bought huge cokes from the concession stand. I remember drinking the entire (non-diet) soda from start to finish in one drink and then looking over and telling my friend that I was going to have to go get another one because I was still thirsty! Another similar experience was while I was playing golf that summer with my friend and his dad. The water coolers on the course that 90-degree day were all empty! I exclaimed to my friend and his dad that if I didn’t get a drink soon then I was going to drink from the pond on hole #5, green from the chemicals on the course. It somehow worked out that I would make it until I got to the end of the nine holes. I didn’t feel completing the last nine. Finally, after many instances of blurred vision, severe cramping, and wetting the bed, mom and I scheduled an appointment with my pediatrician. After checking my urine he quickly sent us to the emergency room where my sugars were reportedly tested in the 800’s. Emergency room physicians were shocked that I had not slipped into a diabetic coma. I spent the next two weeks in the hospital learning how my life was never going to be the same. It had a profound impact on me. I was deeply hurt.
Kerri: Having gone through your school years with diabetes, how did it affect your relationships, if at all?Andy Bell: I remember my friends being very supportive. While I was in the hospital after being diagnosed I had many visitors each day. People gave me flowers, cards, and balloons. I think the funniest gift that I got was a huge bag of candy that two of my close girl friends gave to me the very day that I was diagnosed! They felt pretty bad after they learned that I wasn’t actually going to be able to eat it! I still tease them about there gift to this very day!
Outside of that my relationships for the most part were very normal. I have never been shy about telling people that I am diabetic. If anything I think people respected me more for telling them about it. They could see that I was a responsible guy for taking control of such a thing and managing it successfully. My girlfriend now of about 6 months is extremely supportive and she has willingly and voluntarily learned more about what I do to retain control over this disease. She is getting more knowledgeable about recognizing things that I do for it everyday. I think that is very important for people in relationships with a person with diabetes.
Kerri: You mentioned a time in your life when diabetes management fell by the wayside. What kind of burn-out did you experience, and how/why did you turn things around?
Andy Bell: At the time of my diagnosis I had been smoking and drinking for a couple years. I was also experimenting with other drugs and I regularly smoked and even sold marijuana. When I got diabetes I didn’t want to feel different than anyone else so I continued to participate in the same unhealthy activities. I don’t even remember if I checked my sugars at all. Looking back, I think it just came down to me not caring about it. I think that I just got so used to my blood sugars fluctuating everyday that I got into the habit of feeling crappy all the time. Things probably would not have changed if it were not for two things, my family, and being introduced to weightlifting. My parents were there for me from day one and they will always be. They are the number one reason why I have even had the chance to turn things around. In combination wi
th the love and support that I got from my parents I found something in weightlifting that made me want to turn things around. In lifting weights and exercising I could do for myself and it made me feel better. I could fight this problem. It was the key in turning things around for me. I gained confidence, a better outlook on my disease, and it made me feel great! Kerri: As a personal trainer and a type 1 diabetic, how would you advise a fellow diabetic to start a fitness program?
Andy Bell: I am so glad that you asked this question. Thank you Kerri! I want everyone to see this!YOU HAVE TO FIND THE THINGS THAT ARE GOING TO MOTIVATE YOU TO CHANGE! My philosophy is simple; everyone deals with something that they have to live with everyday, diabetic or not. This can be found on the spiritual, emotional, or physical levels. WHATEVER THE CASE ….NOT EVERYONE IS GOING TO BE MOTIVATED BY THE SAME THING! I have worked with many different people and they all have something in common, something motivated them to start on a fitness program. ASK YOURSELF WHAT IT IS GOING TO TAKE FOR YOU!
Kerri: What kind of obstacles did you face on your quest for fitness?Andy Bell: I have, and I will continue to face obstacles in my LIFE-LONG quest for fitness. I am a fighter. Nothing can prevent me from staying active and healthy. One thing I can tell you though without a doubt is to always be prepared and to always think ahead. I also think that it is very important for people to understand we all face different obstacles. The question is, how will you handle them?
Kerri: What are your ambitions for the future?Andy Bell: I will continue to be in great shape. I will stay extremely active. I will continue to be successful. As long as I have Diabetes, I will always be representative of a person who does not let diabetes control me. I control it! I will be a role model for others to look up to and confide in.
Kerri: And, as part of the SUM standard fare, if given the chance to grab an aerial perspective of anywhere, what would you chose to fly over in your hot air balloon trip?Great question! SHOW ME THE WORLD! I am fascinated with seeing as much as I can. I just wish that everyplace was warm! I don’t like to be cold!
Thanks, Andy. Stay tuned for more from Andy Bell on his quest towards making his body a testament to good health and diabetes strength. You can find out more about Andy at his MySpace page, or through his articles at Diabetes Health and the Columbia Tribune.
Comments
This was an awesome interview! I am a serial "I don't feel like going to the gym today" offender. Finding an inner motivation is definitely what it's all about . . . that and avoiding a hellish low after the workout!
Posted by: kendra | April 12, 2007 08:51 AM
Kerri-
Good interview today!
I really enjoyed that one!!!
Makes me moremotivated to get back in the exercise routine after this baby comes!
Posted by: flmgodog | April 12, 2007 10:57 AM
Kerri,
I'm Andy's girlfriend, Brynn, and love the interview. Your questions brought out the true Andy. I'm glad that others can feel motivation from his words. I'm lucky because I get to be inspired by him everyday!
P.S. I'm a Connecticut girl too!
Posted by: Brynn Gingras | April 12, 2007 11:40 AM
Great interview! Fitness is such a worthwile persuit, even more so for us.
Posted by: Johnboy | April 12, 2007 11:44 AM
Kerri,
Thanks for choosing a fine man as Andy Bell to showcase his dedication to his health and commitment to sharing his coping mechanisms with others. He is an amazing young man that I am proud to know!
Posted by: Lily | April 12, 2007 12:31 PM
This was inspirational for us non-D's too!
Posted by: Shannon | April 12, 2007 01:25 PM
As one of Andy's good friends since before he was diagnosed, I can attest to the many challenges that he faced along his path. He is truly an inspiration to anyone that knows him.
Posted by: Aaron | April 12, 2007 01:30 PM
What a wonderful interview! Andy has always been a charasmtic young man with a loving heart. Seeing him so dedicated to healthy ideals like fitness that inspires others is uplifting to me. It is my pleasure to know him and cheer him on in his goals!
Posted by: deb | April 12, 2007 06:28 PM
Kerri,
Thank you for helping get Andy's message out. He has conquered a lot and come out on top, which was the answer to my prayers. My son's strength runs deeper than his muscles, although those look very nice!
Cindy Bell
Posted by: One Proud Momma | April 13, 2007 09:18 AM
Kerri,
Thanks for posting Andy's article and links to his other writings. As the child of a diabetic, and as one of his clients, I know how important his work is with other diabetics. I continue to draw inspiration from his dedication to fitness and health.
Posted by: Meg | April 13, 2007 04:17 PM
Andy Bell is a great role model, we all can learn a lot from him about courage and heart. I wish you many blessings on your journey to share the light of your message with diabetics and non-diabetics alike. Preach on brother Andy
Posted by: Cameron Dorr | April 13, 2007 04:57 PM
WOW, I guess it was meant to be!!! I made a bet with a friend and lost, so I'm joining a fitness club w/ her on Monday. As a diabetic for 25 years, I thought I might look for some info on getting started, and this article was the first that I've looked at. I look forward to reading all of Andy's articles!!! Thanks, and wish me luck, LOL!!!!
Posted by: Michelle Hammond | April 14, 2007 09:45 AM
Great interview! Very motivating.
Posted by: Alex | April 16, 2007 09:06 AM
Andy,
This is an awesome article! You are a fighter and an inspiration*
Posted by: Krissy | June 30, 2007 08:54 AM