This, in a word, is fantastic. I can't believe I didn't know about it before. A group of Type 1 Diabetics racing and competing, proving that being diabetic doesn't mean you can't perform at a high level while raising money for a cure.
I've been diabetic for 25 years and am new to cycling (unless you count the period between 11 and 14 where I rode my bike as a primary means of transportation, but I never considered myself Greg LeMond . . . though I did love the movie Breaking Away). As a newbie cyclist, and a diabetic, I'm met with unique challenges that a non-diabetic cyclist wouldn't have. Like keeping my blood sugar regulated on the bike. And afterward. I can step off the bike and have a normal glucose reading, but two or even six hours later crash and burn. And when I crash and burn, my body takes the glycogen stored in my muscles. In many cases I had plans for that glycogen the next day on my ride.
What Team Type 1 is doing has inspired me. I was going to start actively seeking a group of riders to meet up with periodically to share the road. Now, I think I may seek out other diabetics so we can not only act as support for one another, in our unique training situation, but maybe get jerseys and start riding events as a group to not only promote awareness of Type 1 diabetes (because all you non-insulin dependents get all the press and research these days) but promote living a healthy diabetic lifestyle.
It's never too late to start.
Gary,
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great plan. Go to it!
The Physicist
Hey you, haven't talked to you in a bit but i kinda forgot you were diabetic. i've been on a pump now for 5 years, and injections 2 years prior to that. this pump thing is why we were able to have my son 3 years ago. my dad's been diabetic for over 40 years. anyway, this project of yours sounds like fun. i should really get more activity in besides pushing a stroller all over kingdom come. perhaps i will get more info too!
ReplyDeletei'd love to hear from you,
karen
Yep, Diabetic since eight. And, as far as activities go, biking is the way. Amazingly, I have cut my insulin consumption by more than half simply by biking. Best control ever. It's great.
ReplyDeleteHere's the great thing about a bike: it's an activity you can do with your son throughout his life. After all, kids and bikes go . . . um . . . foot in pedal? Kids love riding bikes. And with the increase in trails in the area, even better. Forest Park is a good ride in the city. Grant's trail in South County, Creve Coeur Park in West County . . . and on and on and on. Trails are safe, generally very pretty and, for the kiddo, can be followed up with a playground visit.