Q.Age
28
Q.Where are you from?
Bangor, North Wales
Q.What do you do with your time? (Job, Pastimes, Family life etc.)
I run an online community group focused on making women feel strong and confident in their own skin. I am also a coach at UN1T in London as well as a fitness and commercial model
Q.Tell us about your diagnosis? How did you know something was wrong?
I was diagnosed at 14 years old. I lost a considerable amount of weight and after several trips to the bathroom my mum took me to hospital. My brother is also a type 1 diabetic so she knew what warning signs to look out for.
Q.Pens or Pump? Any preference?
Pens. I’m very active and have always found pens more convenient.
Q.How often do you check your blood glucose?
I’m quite an avid checker of my blood glucose levels, 6-7 times a day. I’ve always been very active and for me to gauge my best control I like to know exactly where I’m sitting
Q.Recent A1C?
136
Q.How often do you train?
I train 5-6 days a week
Q.What is your daily calorie and macro breakdown? Outline a typical day’s diet for us?
My daily expenditure is high so my normal calories sit anywhere between 3400-4000 calories a day. I aim for about 220g of protein daily, I used to obsess about numbers and macros; however I’m much more flexible with it these days.
Q.What food do you love, but messes with your blood sugar the most?
I’m a sucker for ice cream, however it always makes my control shakey for a good few hours!
Q.Current workout split?
I used to be very regimented on a push, pull leg day split; however I’ve now started to take a real interest in mobility and building an “engine”. I’m in a lucky position in London where I can train amongst some of the best trainers and studios in London. Two strong conditioning classes a week on top of a solid strength programme to follow keeps the wheels moving.
Q.Have you any body composition or performance goals over the next 12 months?
My main focus for the next 12 months is mobility, I’ve neglected it for too many years and it needs to be a priority.
Q.3 Things diabetes has taught you in life?
Diabetes has taught me to have patience, a greater understanding as to what I’m capable of when I look after myself and an appreciation of what it is to lead a healthy balanced life.
Q.Top 3 tips for managing diabetes?
Test frequently when training, less insulin less problems, pay close attention to your glucose levels in the morning and what effect the dawn phenomenon is potentially having.
Q.Biggest fitness myth dispelled?
I work closely with women and I’m a huge advocate for strength training for fat loss. The idea that women can’t train in the same way as men is not only outdated but insulting!
Q.What is the single best piece of mind-set advice you could give someone who’s been newly diagnosed with diabetes?
It will take time to adjust at first, your body will be responding in ways you didn’t think were possible. Remember you have a community of other people in the same boat as you and you are not alone. Reach out to other diabetics, you’ll be part of a community that not only looks out for each other but will go out of their way for you.
Q.Can you give a short concise review of the Diabetic Muscle and Fitness Guide and outline what was your biggest takeaway?
The book not only gives you a better understanding as to what the condition entails but most importantly it busts some of the biggest myths about Diabetes. New to training, or training for years, this book really is a must. Even if you’re a trainer and you don’t have diabetic clients it is essential you read this to get a better understanding of the condition.
Instagram: @mathewlcarter