AboutSheri Colberg, PhD Expertise I am an exercise physiologist with a PhD who specializes in diabetes. My expertise lies in answering questions about diabetes (of any type) and physical activity. I can help you if you want to begin exercise or if you're already a diabetic athlete, and I am prepared to respond to questions about physical activity to which even your diabetologist may not know the answer. I can give suggestions about changes in your diabetic medications that differing types and intensities of exercise may necessitate, but I will have to refer you to your regular health care team to get final approval to make such changes. I can also answer questions about physical fitness, exercise metabolism, prediabetes reversal, and prevention of type 2 diabetes and diabetic complications.
Experience I have both personal and professional experience in the areas of diabetes and exercise. On a personal level, I have had type 1 diabetes since 1968, and I have been an avid exerciser since I was a child. Professionally, I have been conducting clinical studies on diabetes and exercise since 1992, largely with funding from the American Diabetes Association. I am also the author of four books related to diabetes and exercise: The Diabetic Athlete (2001, but soon coming out in a 2nd edition), Diabetes-Free Kids (2005), The 7 Step Diabetes Fitness Plan (2006), and 50 Secrets of the Longest Living People with Diabetes (2007).
Organizations I am a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, a professional member of the American Diabetes Association, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Diabetes Exercise & Sports Association.
Publications I have published research and review articles in the following journals and magazines: Diabetes Care, Diabetes, Journal of Diabetes & Its Complications, Diabetes Self-Management, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, Journal of Applied Physiology, The Physician and Sportsmedicine, Journal of Clinical Investigation, International Journal of Obesity, FASEB Journal, The Diabetes Educator, Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, Clinical Exercise Physiology, Clinical Diabetes Reviews, Insulin, ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal, Biomechanics, On the Cutting Edge, Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, Microvascular Research, Drug Benefit Trends, ACSM Certified News, Diabetes Health, SportEX Health, Diabetes Focus, Diabetes In Control, dLife-For Your Diabetes Life, Pediatrics for Parents, and My TCOYD (Taking Control of Your Diabetes) Newsletter. I have also been interviewed in myriad other magazines, such as Men's Health, Men's Fitness, Diabetes Forecast, Countdown Magazine, Joe Weider's Muscle & Fitness, Health, Tidewater Parent, Barron's News, Diabetes New Day, and Newsweek International.
Education/Credentials I have an undergraduate degree (1985) from Stanford University, a Master's degree in exercise physiology (1987) from the University of California, Davis, and a Ph.D. (1992) from the University of California, Berkeley, in the same field. I also spent two years in an NIH-funded postdoctoral research position in endocrinology (studying obesity, diabetes, metabolism, and exercise) at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (1993-1994).
Awards and Honors • Fellow, American College of Sports Medicine (FACSM) - 1996
• Old Dominion University Darden College of Education Young Investigator Grant Award – 2003
• Academic Keys Who’s Who in Education – 2003-2007
• Marquis Who’s Who in America – 2004-2007
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Old Dominion University Chapter – 2004-Present
• Great Women of the 21st Century by the American Biographical Institute – 2005 Edition
• Marquis Who’s Who of American Women – Included in 2006-2008 Editions
• Marquis Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare – Included in 6th Edition, 2006-2007
• Old Dominion University Darden College of Education Largest Research Grant Award – 2006
• Old Dominion University Darden College of Education Publications Award (for greatest number) – 2006
Past/Present Clients I have consulted for numerous groups, including the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training(about candidates with diabetes), Animas Corporation (an insulin pump company), Therasense, Inc. (makers of the Freestyle blood glucose meters), Council of Healthcare Advisors, and the City of Chesapeake (Virginia) Health Department.
Expert: Sheri Colberg, PhD Date: 4/30/2008 Subject: need to see a specialist for help
Question I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 5 years ago at the age of 35. At 5'7", I weigh(ed) 138lbs, eat about like the South Beach diet (no starch or refined sugar, low-fat protien, very little dairy), run 10Ks just for fun & am very active. I have struggled these 5 years because nothing seems to help my blood sugar. I am fatigued, have no sexual desire, and get angry at the drop of a hat- not mad, but really really angry for no reason (like road rage without the car). Some weird things about my blood sugar include: any kind of exercise from walking to running at top speed for 30 minutes causes my blood sugar to rise- not drop then rise. Also, aspirin makes it go down. I can eat a huge bag of m&ms and take 3 aspirin and my blood sugar will drop within 30 minutes. I randomly make the doctors run various blood work that I think might give me the answer. My insulin level is always at 9- for five years it has been the same! Finally, I got a blood test that was different. My FSH and LH are non-existant. My FSH is < .7 and my LH is <.2 so they are VERY LOW. I had been on Depo Provera for 10 years, so I have not had a period in a long time. I stopped getting my injections so I could see if I would start up again, but no effect so far. My GYN thinks I am in menopause & wants to give me hormones, but my FSH & LH would be high, not low. I would think this is an endocrine problem, but I do not want to go to a regular endocrinologist as they will only prescribe metformin and send me on my way as usual. Who should I see to be sure this isn't something more serious? Are the two even connected?
Answer Melanie,
There are endocrinologists who specialize in diabetes, and just straight endos, which is the type you should probably see. The aspirin is interesting; it does lower inflammation, which is a contributor (or cause of) insulin resistance. You obviously still make some of your own insulin. Just to ask, what happens if you eat M&M's without taking any aspirin? Does you blood sugar go up then? Being active should make your insulin work better, but sometimes exercise can cause a rise because of the release of glucose-raising hormones (like adrenaline) that work to keep it up during exercise; usually intense exercise has more of an effect than low-intensity walking. As for your FSH and LH, it's usually when their levels are high (as during ovulation) that insulin action decreases. Having low levels of estrogen would actually improve insulin action rather than the reverse. It's also possible that you have a slow-onset form of type 1 diabetes that will require you to take insulin at some point, rather than type 2.
Hope this helps. Sheri
