Beating diabetes, blow by blow
JOBURG - Flo 'The Demolition Man' Simba makes his official return to the boxing ring, and continues to stand by his message that diabetes is not a death sentence.
Simba was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at a young age, and unbeknownst to his fans, diabetes can inhibit a lot of physical activities due to the severe nature of the disease.
Simba, a very well-built young man and ambassador for the Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology (CDE), spoke at a World Diabetes Day seminar held at the centre and also demonstrated how to exercise with the condition.
People suffering from Type 1 diabetes are discouraged from exercising strenuously as it puts the insulin levels out of balance, which could result in very serious consequences.
Simba sticks to a very strict diet and exercise routine to get his body in the best possible shape to compete in his boxing matches.
The young man officially returned to the ring this year with a fight against boxer Big Ben Malumba, resulting in the diabetic fighter’s first win in three years.
The fighter, who’s life motto is to keep moving forward, has been a part of the CDE for a number of years and assists the team with helping others who suffer with the condition.
Simba’s story is an inspirational one, with the CDE proudly expressing that his win in the ring was not only a win for him, but for the diabetic community as a whole and shows people that diabetes does not have to hold you down.
The Demolition Man was not able to get in the ring alone, as he was backed by an enthusiastic medical team and his CDE family – all of which he made sure to thank after winning the match.
