I am a Diabetes Champion…

I have been a type 1 diabetic for 37 years, giving daily injections for 29 years and wearing an insulin pump for past 8 years. I have never focused on my diet as closely as I should, but I monitor my blood sugars closely (usually have an A1C in the 6 1/2 range) and exercise very regularly. I enjoy hiking, mountain climbing, cycling, tennis, quading, jet skiing, boating and pretty much any outdoor activity that the Southwestern United States has to offer.

I am extremely healthy to date and attribute this to lots of exercise and a positive attitude. I believe that with proper planning I can do anything that I choose. I also plan to volunteer with JDRF. I hope to help with diabetes education, support, research events, and whatever else I can do to help expedite the cure. I want to “give back” and help others that might be struggling with type one diabetes from the “real world perspective” that I have dealt with it effectively for most of my life.

As my doctor told me when I was diagnosed with type 1 37 years ago, “we all have the opportunity to live a full and rewarding life with diabetes”. I am living proof of that and believe that the choice is yours!