Diabetes - Tour de Cure

[Sawx04]

Unfortunately in December, 2009, I took the next step in my losing battle to fight diabetes, by becoming a type I, insulin dependent diabetic.

I guess it’s both bad and good. The bad, I figure my obituary will read: “he died due to complications with diabetes”. The good, I have a say in when it’s written. This also forces me to get engaged and committed to making sure I eat right, exercise regularly and get the best treatment to live the longest, most productive life possible!

On Sunday May 16th I will be joining hundreds of others in Atlanta, riding in the Tour de Cure to support the American Diabetes Association. If there are any DISer out there who would like me to honor you or someone you know with diabetes, please PM the name as I'm putting them on my helmet and add them to the 23 name I aready have.

Scott

 

[daneenm]

Good for you for participating in the Tour. There is at least one other DISer I know of who is participating in his home state. In our house, we are inspired by Team Type 1, who all wear the OmniPod pump DS wears.

Might I ask, how you "took the next step in my losing battle with Diabetes by becoming Type 1?" Do you have Type 1 (AutoImmune) Diabetes? If so, what were your previous symptoms that you were trying to fight? I ask because my son has had T1D since age 20 months, and I have never been aware of anyone who 'knew it was coming' and could do something to try to ward it off.

I know of plenty of folks with Type 2 who have insulin as part of their regime. In these cases folks may have tried diet and exercise or other medications first before adding insulin to their plan.

I always think I know so much about the disease, but find I learn something new every day.

BTW, we firmly believe (as does our Endo) that if you work to stay in good control, you will not be the person who "died from complications of Diabetes." You will be the person who died of old age.

 

[momma_mouse]

That is so nice of you! I'm Pm'ing you now.

 

[Sawx04]

Good for you for participating in the Tour. There is at least one other DISer I know of who is participating in his home state. In our house, we are inspired by Team Type 1, who all wear the OmniPod pump DS wears.

Might I ask, how you "took the next step in my losing battle with Diabetes by becoming Type 1?" Do you have Type 1 (AutoImmune) Diabetes? If so, what were your previous symptoms that you were trying to fight? I ask because my son has had T1D since age 20 months, and I have never been aware of anyone who 'knew it was coming' and could do something to try to ward it off.

I know of plenty of folks with Type 2 who have insulin as part of their regime. In these cases folks may have tried diet and exercise or other medications first before adding insulin to their plan.

I always think I know so much about the disease, but find I learn something new every day.

BTW, we firmly believe (as does our Endo) that if you work to stay in good control, you will not be the person who "died from complications of Diabetes." You will be the person who died of old age.

No previous symptoms per se, other than the fact I’ve been type II since 1989 with A1C hovering around 6.0 and suddenly after a routine check up with Endocrinologist, I’m at 8.2 and inexpertly taking insulin three times per day.

I agree that good, tight control is the way to best control diabetes and with proper exercise and diet there is no reason to anticipate anything less a long life expectancy. However, I’m also a realist and have signs of kidney damage and retinopathy. All I really was saying, no matter what age I expire, it’s more than likely to be due to this disease. I have a friend who is also type one and he seems to care less about diet and exercise; in fact he eats whatever he wants, whenever he wants and simply increases his insulin to compensate…not a good idea.

I hope your son is doing well! Please PM his first name as I’d be honored to add it to the many names I’ve collected. Putting names to this ride has really made it personal and has been a great source of motivation to get out and train.

Thanks,
Scott

 

[Sawx04]

That is so nice of you! I'm Pm'ing you now.

Momma Mouse, got your PM and have added your son's name! Good luck with your walk. Send me the link.

Scott

 

[Chloesmom]

Good for you for participating in the Tour. There is at least one other DISer I know of who is participating in his home state. In our house, we are inspired by Team Type 1, who all wear the OmniPod pump DS wears.

Might I ask, how you "took the next step in my losing battle with Diabetes by becoming Type 1?" Do you have Type 1 (AutoImmune) Diabetes? If so, what were your previous symptoms that you were trying to fight? I ask because my son has had T1D since age 20 months, and I have never been aware of anyone who 'knew it was coming' and could do something to try to ward it off.

I know of plenty of folks with Type 2 who have insulin as part of their regime. In these cases folks may have tried diet and exercise or other medications first before adding insulin to their plan.

I always think I know so much about the disease, but find I learn something new every day.

BTW, we firmly believe (as does our Endo) that if you work to stay in good control, you will not be the person who "died from complications of Diabetes." You will be the person who died of old age.

I thought the same thing...he is not type 1 but is type 2 who requires insulin to control his blood sugar. There is a difference.
And I totally agree about the "died from complications of diabetes". My Dd is 11 and has been type 1 for 5 years now. We refuse to let diabetes stop her in any way. With all of the advances and knowledge today its not uncommon for a type 1 to live a long normal and otherwise healthy life.
To the OP.. good job riding in the Tour de Cure.. everyone who fights makes a difference !

 

[SueM in MN]

 

[ckdsnynt]

My wonderful daughter has been on a pump for insulin for the past two years and it has helped some but her sugars are up and down. She saw her Endo the other day and asked for her help in getting it stablized so she can fill out an adoption application. She would love to be a mom and would be a great one but she is single, has diabetes as well as some other issues (allergic to every known antibiotic but one!) as well as some immunity problems so she doesn't want to have a biological child and pass these problems on. Her dr. is putting her on a third type of insuling to help regulate it. She doesn't want to adopt a child unless she can provide a healthy environment and live to raise the child.

She has been a diabetic since her first year of college (13 years ago). I fear having to bury her as I did my mom in January 2008. My mom died of complications from diabeties as well as neglect in a nursing home when they found her in a diabetic state and did nothing for her. It is hard watching your daughter make the same mistakes the other members of your family has made (mostly diabetics). Of my mother's seven living siblings, all but one are diabetics. Of my four siblings, two are diabetic, one has lupus, and one has renal failure.

So, you do a great thing when you race carry these names with you. I pray for a cure for this horrible disease and soon. Too many have lost their lives to it. Yes, many can control it. But many cannot and it is those we lose.