Despite Diabetes, Athletes Push to the Limit

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Awesome stuff! I was diagnosed at age 40, perfectly athletic and healthy with no family history. (delayed onset adult juvinile type 1 diabetes) I have competed through out my life in a number of sports prior to being diagnosed, including participation in the Lava Man Tri in Hawaii. I did the swim leg of the race coming out of the water like 25th overall. I lived in Kona, Hawaii for almost 5 years on Alii Dr. so I am very familar with tri. I still am good friends with a number of the top folks. I have been competing here in California as an Elite Stand Up Paddleboard racer and have had some success. Recently I placed 2nd in the 2011 Tahoe Nalu Paddle festival SUP Stk. Division 10 mile distance race. I am always interested in stuff about T 1 and sports. I have a fairly new blog "supwithdiabetes.blogspot.com" if anyone would like to check it out, please be my guest...contact me if you want and I will try and answer any questions or just talk with you about my experiances. Kowing that there are others out there who have decided not to let diabetes control them, but to control the diabetes through exercise and diet makes me happy! Thanks to all who do and / or care!

Paul Zacharias of CA 12:32PM August 20, 2011

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nixenkovac of DC 11:49PM November 14, 2009

Very inspirational. Proud of all these Type 1 athletes.

John E. Craps of NY 10:01PM November 12, 2009

Great article. Interesting subject. These guys are crazy, but think it's very admirable.

skipper of MN 4:41PM October 13, 2008

My son has Type 1 diabetes. We know five of the 10 praticipants in triabetes. What is also so wonderful about the triabetes project is that it created a "brotherhood" and support community among type 1 diabetics. We have found that the doctor can't give you the inspiration and motivation you need to really take good care of yourself, or to compete at these advanced levels. It really takes others who have it, live it, and who not only take good care of themselves, but go above and beyond! Our family is so proud of all of the triabetics. The triabetes project also incorporated a program called IronKids, through Nerothin's organization, Insulindependence.org. Each triabetes athlete was paired with a child between the ages of 9-12 with type 1 diabetes during their training for Ironman. Then these children went on a guided canoe trip together up to where the Ironman Wisconsin was being held, and got to come through the finish line with their triabetes mentor. Now these children not only have made friends with children their own ages to communicate with and encourage each other, they can have a lasting relationship with real champions!

Kathy Anderson of NC 8:46AM October 13, 2008

Endurance athletics in many ways fights diabetes head on. Many cardiac and circulatory surgery patients have diabetes. Atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, limited blood perfusion and oxygen deliver, lower blood volumes, reduced oxygenation to the peripheral tissues (diabetic foot problems no excluding neruropathic foot problems) are just a few of the problems. Endurance training forces oxygenation to go everywhere in the body. Increased oxygen delivery, increased capillary beds for better oxygen delivery, lung/blood/mitochondria/myoglobin/strength/endurance levels all increase with endurance exercise. And that means you feel better and have a better chance at staying off the surgery table.
Triabetes has filled my life with hope and comraderie in a life that could have been entirely different.
Thanks Peter.
Bill Carlson, MPT (diabetic 31 years and no disease)
Physical Therapist, Eisenhower Medical Center, Rancho Mirage, CA

Bill Carlson of 4:30PM October 12, 2008