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.
Question QUESTION: I am hoping that you or anyone else on this site that has information that could help me. I recently went to the doctor and had blood tests for thyroid and diabetes (diabetes runs in my family). Both of these tests came back normal, according to the doctor. I have not been given a copy of the tests so I am not sure what exactly the levels were. Before taking the test I have read up of hypothyroidism and without me repeating everything, you name a symptom that is listed and I have it. My “symptoms” has gotten progressively worse over the past 1-2 years. I have reached a point that something has to change, I am to young to feel as bad as I do (26yrs old female). That is when I decided to have the blood work done but after further researching the topic I feel a blood test isn’t a sure answer. Also, to go back a couple years when I starting feeling these symptoms getting worse I went into a health food store to look for something, anything that could boost my energy. The owner asked if he could look at my eyes and the only thing I mentioned to him was I was looking for general supplements when I went in. After he looked in my eyes (upon researching I discovered the term IRIDOLOGY) which at the time he briefly explained) without me telling him anything he described to me exactly how I felt!! Now don’t get me wrong I am all for modern medicine but in this case I feel he was onto something. He had me take thyroid and adrenal (which he said was also a problem) glandular concentrates. After taking them for awhile I did start to feel better. I quit taking them because I was afraid that if that wasn’t the problem I was maybe doing more harm than good. Since then as time has went on I have felt worse and I was at the breaking point when I had the blood tests done so I could finally get an answer. As much as my family and friends tell me its “all in my head” they don’t know how I feel and I know something isn’t right. But now since getting the results I feel I am back where I started. Should I assume it was misdiagnosed and try taking the supplements again?? By doing so if it isn’t the problem can I make my thyroid become “overactive”?? Any info you can provide is greatly appreciated. I am sorry to be so long winded but I am at my wits end and it even makes it tired thinking about it. Thank you again for you knowledge and advice and I will be awaiting your response.
ANSWER: Kristin,
Without knowing the actual results of your blood test, it's hard to say if there is something treatable there or not. Sometimes, the normal ranges are rather wide, and it's possible that you're on the low end of normal, which is why you're having symptoms. I don't believe that there is any harm in taking the supplements you took before that made you feel physically better. Try to get your bloodwork results, though, and consider getting a second opinion.
Sheri
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QUESTION: I have received a copy of my blood tests. I am now trying to understand what everything means. I know a few but which one is for the thyroid and adrenal gland? Also someone told me to check my iron is that listed also? Thank you for your time and I will be awaiting your response.
Answer Kristin,
For the thyroid, they often measure TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), T3 and T4 (thyroxine). I'm not sure about the adrenal gland. I also don't have access to the normal readings, but I'm sure you can find them posted on the Internet. Sheri
