American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Awareness

Diabetes Awareness
Friday, February 1, 2008
By: Ann Adams

Diabetes Awareness

I ride to help raise the awareness of diabetes and to support the efforts of the American Diabetes Association. I formed a team this year with 11 of my riding buddies and together we are determined to raise $5000.00.

Why I ride.
At the age of 27, I was diagnosed with Type I diabetes. I had just moved to a new city and did not have a doctor. Although I exhibited all of the classic symptoms, no one recognized the fact that I had Type 1 diabetes. One doctor actually said that I looked great and I should be thrilled to have lost so much weight. A second doctor thought I had mono and treated me for that. Soon, I became very weak and I knew I had to get to another doctor. Going through the yellow pages, every office I called said that they were not taking any patients.
Finally, I found one! His office had not yet been opened but he must have sensed the desperation in my voice. This doctor agreed to see me right away. (By this time I had lost 40+ pounds.) His office was in a strip mall and he had not even unpacked his equipment. As he observed me in the "waiting room" he noticed that I drank half of his 5-gallon water jug and immediately tested my blood sugar, which was over 850. He was shocked that I drove myself to his office. He took me directly to the hospital. Several months later I went back to where his office was located and he was nowhere to be found. I never did find out what happened to him, but I am grateful that he was there when I needed him.
I ride to help raise the awareness of diabetes and to support the efforts of the American Diabetes Association. I formed a team this year with 11 of my riding buddies and together we are determined to raise $5000.00.
Ann Adams
Team Stetson