Sports scientist Drew Harrisberg can still remember the ‘most difficult day of his life’.
At the tender age of 22 the fit and healthy man from Sydney’s Bondi Beach began losing weight (both muscle and fat), he was constantly hungry and thirsty and felt as though he was always exhausted.
A prick of his finger confirmed Drew had Type 1 Diabetes.
Sports scientist Drew Harrisberg can still remember the ‘most difficult day of his life’
His blood glucose levels were 16 – when the normal range is around four or six – and didn’t realise how ‘complicated, serious and life-changing the condition could be’
‘I fought back tears in front of my parents. It was a dark period of time around my diagnosis,’ he told FEMAIL.
Drew’s blood glucose levels were 16 – when the normal range is around four or six – and he didn’t realise how ‘complicated, serious and life-changing the condition could be’.
The person that did know was his father Brian, 58, who has worked as an eye surgeon for 35 years – specifically in the area of diabetic eye disease.
Drew threw himself into learning about the disease and how he could use exercise and nutritious food to maintain his good health
The person that did know was his father Brian, 58, (pictured)who has worked as an eye surgeon for 35 years – specifically in the area of diabetic eye disease
‘I was sitting next to him the day he was diagnosed. It was the worst moment of my life. My face said it all. I honestly would have preferred it to be me,’ Brian said.
‘The day Drew was diagnosed with diabetes I went home and stuck one of his diabetes needles into my leg out of sympathy for the thousands of needles Drew would have to administer over his lifetime.
‘It wasn’t until I witnessed Drew turn his life around that I began to feel like myself again.’
Drew threw himself into learning about the disease and how he could use exercise and nutritious food to maintain his good health.
When it comes to what is served on the table, Drew’s meals are predominantly clean
Once he’s ready for breakfast, Drew loads up on plenty of greens and healthy fats with a plate of three eggs, avocado, sauerkraut, spinach and two pieces of paleo toast
‘Managing diabetes is like a full-time job. Fifteen finger pricks per day. Six or more injections. Planning ahead, exercising safely, always having a sugar source on you… everything is affected by diabetes,’ Fitbit ambassador Drew said.
‘I aim to walk about 3,000 steps after every meal and I like to hit a minimum of 15,000 steps for the day.
‘I eat wholefoods and avoid anything artificial or processed, I spend time in nature, soak up the sun and swim in the ocean every morning.
‘Since being diagnosed I’ve been able to achieve a 70 per cent reduction in insulin requirements simply by leading a healthy lifestyle.’
Snacking can be difficult territory for diabetics, Drew explained, adding that if he does get peckish he’ll opt for healthy treats like seeds, nuts, full-fat yogurts and berries
Lunch and dinner are vegetable-rich affairs for the sports scientist, who says that ‘you name it, I’ll eat it’ when it comes to greens
Drew’s father Brian will also play a round of golf with him to ensure he keeps his steps up.
When it comes to what is served on the table, Drew’s meals are predominantly clean.
‘If I’m hungry, I’ll eat breakfast before heading out (to exercise); otherwise, I’ll extend my fast until hunger sets in,’ Drew said previously.
Once he’s ready for breakfast, Drew loads up on plenty of greens and healthy fats with a plate of three eggs, avocado, sauerkraut, spinach and two pieces of paleo toast.
Snacking can be difficult territory for diabetics, Drew explained, adding that if he does get peckish he’ll opt for healthy treats like seeds, nuts, full-fat yogurts and berries.
Lunch and dinner are vegetable-rich affairs for the sports scientist, who says that ‘you name it, I’ll eat it’ when it comes to greens.
Drew adds a small portion of lean meat or fish to his plate, adding that he tries to keep his diet low in carbs particularly on days when he doesn’t train
Drew adds a small portion of lean meat or fish to his plate, adding that he tries to keep his diet low in carbs particularly on days when he doesn’t train.
The fitness guru credits eliminating refined sugars, gluten and all processed fats from his diet with a whole host of benefits including improved skin and hair, weight loss and ridding him of debilitating conditions like sinusitis and shin splints.
When he needs a pick me up, the online celebrity drinks tumeric lattes and cups of herbal tea.