Jennifer Ordoñez, a Newsweek journalist who is also a Type 1 diabetic, reported on her experience at a triathlon training camp geared for diabetics. After reading her report, I was curious as to why hypoglycemia would cause a diabetic to fail the VO2 max test.

Nobody likes failing tests - especially when it comes to something as important as VO2 max. VO2 max is the maximum amount of oxygen a person uses while exercising at their limit for one minute. If you are in shape, your muscles will use a lot of oxygen to create energy. The prime source of energy for the body comes from blood sugar. When Jennifer took her VO2 test her blood sugar was falling and she failed. Apparently when blood sugar is falling the body puts itself into energy lockdown which compromises even conditioned athletes VO2 max.

Hypoglycemia causes muscles to fatigue quicker. Muscle fatigue is the result of inadequate oxygen availability. Prevention of hypoglycemia is one of the major objectives of adequate blood sugar when you are about to work out. By maintaining optimal blood sugar, you can assure a better level of exercise performance. I know better than to tell you what to do. But as a friendly reminder: make sure you've fueled up adequately before you hit the gym or the open road to work on your VO2 max.

I am proud to announce one of our very own contributors, Amy Tenderich, has been honored for her hard work and dedication to her site, Diabetes Mine. Amy received the 2006 LillyforLife^TM Achievement Award honoring the inspiring achievements of people who make lasting contributions to the diabetes community. There are several categories. Amy won the journalism award, which is extraordinarily cool because this is the first known instance in which a blogger was honored in this manner.

Amy started Diabetes Mine as an Internet gold mine of straight talk and encouragement for people living with diabetes. She was diagnosed with Type 1 in May 2003. She is self-professed as inquisitive and perhaps-just-a-tad overly analytical. And trust me when I tell you, she pulls it off well! One visit to her site will convince you she is a natural wordsmith.

Upon learning of her win, Amy commented, "It's magnificent to know that all the time and energy I've poured into the site is being recognized by the community it's meant to serve." On a personal note, I am inspired by her enthusiastic drive and the way she choreographs her words so eloquently. If you haven't seen Diabetes Mine yet, you'll see what I mean. Take a break from the straight-laced, white bread, diabetic experience most sites offer. Mark my words, you'll get hooked. Diabetes Mine will become your favorite habit. Congratulations Amy!