Welcome to Breakthrough T1D Bay Area’s new blog, One on 1, a series of interviews with people who live with T1D. Members of the community will talk about how T1D affects them, how they manage it and how they have conquered it. Our first interview is with Adam, a digital marketing and advertising executive who recently completed the IronMan Canada in Whistler, BC. He lives in Marin with his wife and new baby son. We caught up with Adam to discuss life with T1D:
Breakthrough T1D Bay Area: We hear you just completed the 2013 IronMan Canada. Congratulations! How did T1D affect the day?
Adam: From day one of training to race day, IronMan was a phenomenal experience! For those not entirely familiar with IronMan, it’s a very long race comprised of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 run…consecutive events…completed the same day. I began training in earnest April 1. As an avid runner, I already had a pretty good fitness base and T1D management routine. That routine comprised of stabilizing higher than average blood sugar levels, frequent blood sugar “check-ins,” supplementary carbs to offset lowering blood sugars, insulin for the very infrequent correction and lots of fluids.
Without going into too much race-day detail, my basal insulin provided just enough insulin to help maintain an optimal blood-sugar level during the 12 hour and 41 minute exertion. The fuel for the day was Power Bar Preform (water bottle supplement) and individual PowerGel “squirts.” I checked my blood sugar levels prior to swim, at Transition #1, four times on the bike, at Transition #2 and multiple times on the run.
Everything aligned perfectly the day of the race. Would I do IronMan again…absolutely!!!
Breakthrough T1D Bay Area: More congratulations are in order. You are a new dad! How does T1D play into new parenthood?
Adam: T1D has been and will continue to be my first-born. From restless nights to multiple feedings, T1D requires my full attention. As for Miles, our son, he’s truly amazing! T1D and Miles have not yet been formally introduced. Nevertheless, meticulous management of T1D allows for all the joys of parenthood.
Breakthrough T1D Bay Area: What are your memories of your diagnosis? Has your approach to management changed over the years?
Adam: I was diagnosed while in college when I was experiencing unbelievable thirst and very frequent bathroom breaks. My chemistry professor sent me to the university health services after witnessing me run to the restroom three times during a 60 minute midterm exam. Overall management has become tighter and tighter over the last 20 years. Diet, exercise and regular blood sugar testing are my pillars to success. In general, I take pride in living with T1D and managing it successfully.
Breakthrough T1D Bay Area: What do you want people to know about T1D?
Adam: T1D is your buddy. Treat it with love and respect and it will return the affection. Seriously, T1D can be a manageable disease. There is nothing someone with T1D can’t do…everything is achievable!
Breakthrough T1D Bay Area: What would a cure mean to you?
Adam: No more juvenile diagnoses! The thought of young people and their families receiving the news of diagnosis breaks my heart. Also, a cure for one will be a cure for many. In other words, finding a cure for T1D will have ripple effects on all autoimmune triggered diseases.
