Suncorp Specialty Portfolio EM Chris Stallard will race in an ironman competition to raise funds for diabetes research.

Mr Stallard was a rugby player at UK county level when he was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 28. He decided good health and fitness would be the cornerstones of his disease management.

The race, at Port Macquarie in May, includes a 3.8km swim followed by a 180km bike ride and a marathon run.

Mr Stallard, who is part of Team Tri Nudie, aims to raise more than $25,000. He says he has trained for endurance, but this is “different from anything I’ve ever done before”.

As a diabetic, his eating regime is critical; he has had to find combinations of food that can meet his energy requirements over long distances.

“Vegemite sandwiches and muesli bars combined with specific electrolyte drinks have really worked for me,” Mr Stallard said.