American Diabetes Association: For myself and family

For myself and family
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
By: Kevin Clark

I was diagnosed type 1 diabetic 18 years ago. I am now 21 years old. I am finding more and more of my family members getting diagnosed with diabetes, mostly type 2.

I was diagnosed type 1 diabetic 18 years ago. I am now 21 years old. I am finding more and more of my family members getting diagnosed with diabetes, mostly type 2.

From the time I was 4 years old to the time I was 15 years old I was on multiple daily injections. I hated them with a passion. At 15 years old I ended up in the hospital for 2 weeks with a BG of 989. I was kept for 2 weeks while I switched doctors and they looked for an explanation to such a high reading. I left the hospital on a Minimed 508 insulin pump. I have been on a insulin pump since then. I would never go back to shots. And I have never had such great sugars.

In the month of Feb. 2006 I had purchased a new bicycle. I loved riding and couldn't wait to get into some bike races when the weather got better. I ended up riding a 30 mile ride with one of my good friends. About 2 days later I ended up in the emergency room at the local hospital with very bad pain in my right knee. They took a few x-rays and recommended that I see an orthopedic doctor that following Monday.

I went to the doctor that Monday and he sent me to get an MRI. He sent me on my way with a "don't do to much and here is a script of pain pills" he told me to see him in a week after the MRI. I went and had the MRI done that Thursday.

I went and saw the doctor the following week and he told me that my ACL in the right knee was torn and holding on by just a few threads. He then told me I had to have an ACL reconstruction surgery ASAP.

I had the surgery on March 21, 2006 at 10 am. I went home around 2 pm that same day. I was very surprised the doctor told me I could put pressure on it as tolerated. I could stand on it that day. But, I knew that I would not be getting on the bike for about 6 months. I was very upset and heart broken.

It is now April 12, 2006 and I can ride my bike as much as I want to. I can walk on the leg as anyone else can. I am feeling great. SO this race on June 4th. will be my first multi person race of the year.

I want to raise as much money as I can to help other diabetics, my family members, and myself. I think this is the best thing the ADA could put on for people to do as a group.