(image courtesy www.chelcierice.com ) 

Chelcie:  My name's Chelcie Rice. I'm a stand-up comic, based out of Atlanta, and I am a type one diabetic. I've been wearing a CGM now for three or four months and I'm on an insulin pump.

Alissa:  And what kind of insulin pump and CGM are you using currently?

Chelcie:  I'm using the Dexcom CGM.  I've been on a Medtronic insulin pump] since 2005.

Alissa:  How old were you when you were first diagnosed, and what were some of the challenges?

Chelcie:  I was diagnosed at 25.  My symptoms were the usual – frequent urination and constant thirst. At the time, I was a musician in a local church along with my roommate.  It was my roommate who noticed the symptoms first – noting that I was going to the restroom multiple times during service. Upon his suggestion, I went to see a urologist who diagnosed the diabetes. I spent five days in the hospital re-hydrating and learning about diabetes as I confess that I didn’t know much. I knew my grandmother was diabetic but that was about as it.

Alissa:  And then after you were diagnosed, did you face any emotional challenges?

Chelcie:  The biggest challenge for me was the carb counting.  I’m not good with math. Growing up in the 1980’s, diabetes wasn’t discussed much. Therefore, I was dependent upon the doctor to teach me as much as possible.

Alissa:  And was your family really supportive, how were they involved in your care?

Chelcie:  My grandmother, a Type 2 Diabetic, was very supportive. My mother didn't want to accept the diagnosis until my T1D was confirmed. 

Alissa:  When did you decide to go into comedy and what made you decide to take this as your career?

Chelcie:  In 2003, I started to get work performing in shows.

Alissa:  How do you relate your comedy to diabetes? I read about your sugar free comedy and so I'd love for you to share all of that and what inspired you to do all of this.

Chelcie:  I was performing in a comedy room that was next to a restaurant in Atlanta. The owners used to pitch to nonprofit organizations to hold their fundraisers at the club. We headlined shows to raise money for animal shelters and multiple sclerosis, among others. And then it hit me – why can’t I do this for diabetes?  I contacted the local American Diabetes Association (ADA), who loved the idea.  

I started to integrate stories about my own journey with diabetes. My mentor, at the time, was comedian Robert Schimmel. Diagnosed with lymphoma, Robert would often use his act as a springboard to talk about what it was really like to live with cancer. He would somehow manage to turn the ordinary – like going to the doctor and his family’s acceptance – into hilarious jokes. I began to emulate his style …

Sure enough, the more I talked about diabetes the greater response I got from the audience. Many times, guests would come up to talk after the show and show me their pump. And from there, “The Sugar Free Comedy” launched to raise funds wither for the ADA or any other diabetes organization. My goal is to start an annual Sugar Free Comedy Festival to increase diabetes awareness and raise vital funds for research.  

Alissa:  Have you ever had any close calls when you've been performing on stage with low blood sugar? If so, how do you treat yourself?

Chelcie:  I usually try to avoid any risk. I don’t ever want to be on stage sweating, shaking or forgetting my material because of symptoms. Thankfully, I have never really encountered any issues while on stage. I know that I could grab a glass of orange juice from the bartender if my blood sugar was dropping quickly.

Alissa:  Can you give me an idea of a funny comedy joke that you would use for people living with diabetes or educating others in the community?

Chelcie:  A doctor re-posted a memo of a pair of toe shoes that had the toes missing, and the memo was "the only reason anyone should wear these toe shoes is if" ... basically it was a diabetic joke. And, in my opinion – a tasteless diabetes joke. That is why my humor is based on my diabetes, not trivializing people with complications. Other people’s amputations are just not funny.

So, my job as a comedian is take my life experiences and make it relatable. For me, my main complication is that I’ve lost vision in my right eye. Although I’ve had vitrectomies in both eyes – I regained 98% vision in my left. Unfortunately, Diabetic Retinopathy has stricken the right eye. The retina detached. Seven years ago, my physician inserted a silicone gel to hold the retina in place. While the complication is serious, and some would even say “not funny” – I did incorporate it into my act. For example … I set up the scene for the audience – asking them, “Why is it that I have to strip down to my underwear to lay on an ice-cold slab of steel to have EYE SURGERY?”

Alissa:  That is funny. But all jokes aside – what has inspired you and who is your role model?

Chelcie:  Robert Schimmel is obviously my role model. Unfortunately, he is no longer with us, but meeting him inspired me. I want to help others who might be battling something tough, like an illness. I admit that losing my vision, and struggling for a time without health insurance in fear of how I would pay for my medication and supplies – sent me into a spiraling depression. I hope that my comedy is the hand that leads others out of despair, as it did for me.

Alissa:  How long have you lived with this depression and do you still struggle with it?

Chelcie:  I would be lying if I didn’t tell you that every single day is a struggle. It isn’t easy. I tell anyone who shares in depression that it is ‘human’ to be sad, but we don’t have to get stuck and stay there. You can't just lie in the sadness, you’ve got to keep moving. If you find something to laugh about, you have found something new.

Alissa:  What do you do for physical activity, and do you have any dietary restrictions?

Chelcie:  I'm getting better as far as being well regulated. Dexcom CGM has helped me immensely because it lets me know where I'm at all the time.  I'm not really a big eater, but I do like to cook. I'm trying to keep up with my green smoothies, trying to work on breakfast a little better, incorporating Vega One protein powder.

Alissa:  I would like to know a little bit about your Sugar Free Comedy

Chelcie:  Right now, I'm still working on the Sugar Free Comedy Festival. I've been doing some shows at the music venue on Wednesdays.  I'm all over Instagram hosting, and I produce videos on YouTube. You can find me on Instagram by searching for Type 1 Comedian, t-y-p-e and the number 1 Comedian. Facebook Chelcie Rice, Twitter I'm a Diabetic Comic basically at Chelcie Rice. My personal website is www.chelcierice.net or you can look up www.ilovebrownrice.com .

In part two, Sage and I discuss her diet, racing and managing blood sugars, role models, and much more!

• Minute
• 0:40     Possible to make a living in Whitewater Kayaking?
• 1:40     Working out with a CGM/ swoob bra
• 3:00     Swoobs originally designed for cell phones
• 3:40     Cliff Bars – fast acting carbs
• 5:10     Racing and blood sugars
• 5:00     Sage’s initial treatment
• 7:00     Stephanie discusses Sage’s diet
• 6:00     Was there a misdiagnosis of T1D?
• 6:30     Sage had a pump a month after diagnosis
• 7:00     Dealing with emotions and high/lows
• 8:00     Keeping a positive attitude
• 9:00     Advice for teenagers with T1D
• 10:00   Journey to be a professional kayaker – one of the youngest in the world
• 11:30   Motto – I may be last but I’m having a blast! Always having fun!
• 12:40   Competition that took her pro
• 13:30   Brought on to the factory team with 2 sponsors
• 13:50   Age to go pro
• 15:00   Holes vs Waves
• 15:50   Sponsors/won World in September
• 18:00   What kind of gear to wear while training in the cold
• 18:45   2016/2020 Olympics – qualifying is tough
• 20:20   More on cold weather gear
• 21:30   Worst weather conditions
• 22:00   Spain in February
• 22:10   Risks
• 22:45   What’s Sage like to do besides Kayaking?
• 23:40   Training
• 24:00   Shopping!
• 24:50    Music,Photography, Kayaking Videos
• 25:00    Kayakers with T1D
• 25:45    Betes Buddies
• 26:10    Role Models
• 28:00    Thyroid diagnosis/Celiac
• 29:30    Question for Sage’s Mom, Stephanie – Do you worry? How do you manage?
• 31:20    Focusing on the Positive
• 32:40    Mom Stephanie’s help in managing Sage’s diabetes
• 34:00    Family support
• 35:00    On the road again for three days!

Alissa is wrapping up 2015 with an interview of 4-time Olympian Skier and T1D Kris Freeman.  From Campton NH, born 10/14/1980, Kris Freeman’s accomplishments include the Under 23 World Champion, 17 X National Champion, and Lilly Diabetes Camp Care Ambassador.  Kris is a Dexcom Warrior and Omnipod user since 2008.  You can keep up with Kris at his site, www.krisfreeman.net

Alissa: Your interest in skiing came at a very early age. Your parents both skied, can you tell me a little about your parents, and how they first got into skiing?

Kris Freeman: My Dad was a pig farmer from Iowa. My mom grew up in a suburb of Chicago. They started skiing in their mid-20s when they moved to New Hampshire.

Alissa: What was it that you loved about watching your parent’s cross-country skiing? What made you pursue this as an athletic sport over other types of professional sports?

Kris Freeman: In my town, there is a private high school that has its own ski jumping facility, cross-country ski trails and downhill mountain. The school opens their facility to residents, offering free coaching. I took full advantage of the facility since I was 5 years old.

Alissa: You're an Olympic and national champion cross-country skier, can you tell me a little about your professional skiing career?

Kris Freeman: At 19, I was titled the youngest national champion. Since then, I've won 16 additional national championships. I competed in the last four Olympics and earned 4^th place in the World Champions twice.

Alissa: What age were you when you were diagnosed?

Kris Freeman: I was diagnosed at 19 after taking a routine fasting glucose tested required by the U.S. Ski Team. My glucose came back 240. I was immediately sent to an endocrinologist who diagnosed me within five minutes.

Alissa: How did you handle your type 1 diabetes (T1D) diagnosis emotionally?

Kris Freeman: Although the doctor was kind and supportive, he advised against competing at an Olympic level. I sought a second opinion, but to no avail – the next doctor concurred. Appreciating that I have been working toward my Olympic goal since I was five years old, I became depressed. I continued to research for another doctor, finding one who was willing to work with me to assure that I could continue competition.

Alissa: Were there any signs of symptoms that you missed prior to diagnosis?

Kris Freeman: Absolutely – my vision was blurry coupled with lightheadedness, plus I was going to the bathroom a lot. The signs, however, were easy to miss because I had just moved out to Park City, Utah, which is at 7,000 feet. Training for the Olympics included four hour mountain runs and 30-mile roller skis. It was easy to excuse the symptom as general exhaustion.

Alissa: How did your endocrinologist help support and manage your training schedule? Did you ever become discouraged?

Kris Freeman: It was through trial and error. The doctor expressed confidence that there were solutions but we had to work together to come up with different insulin protocols as well as ways to keep my glucose monitors warm. While there were certainly discouraging moments, I never stopped aspiring to make that Olympic team.

Alissa: Who did you first tell about your diagnosis? Did you fear that this might end your career?

Kris Freeman: Remember, the first two doctors advised that diabetes might end my career so it was of concern. I immediately called my parents, high school coach and closest friends – all of whom were very supportive. Unfortunately, my support network was at a distance because I was living in Utah. I had to rely on the telephone and email.

Alissa: Describe your Olympic training.

Kris Freeman: In total, I would train about 800 hours a year with the longest days equaling five hours of training per day, and the shortest could be up to one hour per day.  Ironically, the majority of training occurred during off-peak competition season. A typical training day began with a 20-mile run in the morning followed by an hour long down pole on roller skis, concluding with a weight room session.

Alissa: How were you able to make adjustments to find the right diabetic regimen?

Kris Freeman: On race days I noticed that my glucose would rise for no apparent reason.  I researched why this was happening and learned that the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline have strong effects on glucose metabolism.  Cortisol makes the body less sensitive to insulin and adrenaline triggers a release of stored glucose from the liver.  I started doing yoga and basic meditation techniques before races to keep my stress response to a minimum in the lead up to races.  Whenever I notice a pattern in my glucose management that I can't explain,  I research the root causes of it so that I can come up with a plan to control it.

Alissa: Are you currently on an insulin pump and a Dexcom CGM?

Kris Freeman: Yes, I used the typical Humalog and Lantus injections from the year 2000 through 2007. My endocrinologist and I were initially hesitant to go a pump because we were concerned about freezing. There are temperature controls in cross-country ski racing, but the race can start at -4 Fahrenheit. As a result, I would take up to 12 shots a day to maintain my glucose level. Then in 2008, I went on the Omnipod system, which has a pump that rests on my skin – utilizing my body heat to keep it warm.  I started using Dexcom in 2010.

Alissa: How has using Dexcom helped you?

Kris Freeman: I have a better understanding of what is going on within my body thanks to a reading it provides every five minutes. I can easily monitor myself in the middle of a run as opposed to having to stop and use a blood stick.

Alissa: Does type 1 diabetes run in your family?

Kris Freeman: Type 1 does not run in my family.

Alissa: Tell me about your Olympic journey and the impact diabetes had on it.

Kris Freeman: Diabetes has not affected training or racing. What has changed is my preparation, which includes organizing all of my medical equipment. I can be on the road for five months so I must account for how many pods and glucose test strips I will need. Do I have enough hand warmer packs with me? I also need to start thinking about my eating habits prior to a race. In order to maintain my insulin and diet regimen, I have to assure that I eat breakfast three and half hours prior to the race. So if a race begins at 8 a.m., I wake up at 4:30 a.m.

Alissa: Did you develop your diet plan or do you see a nutritionist?

Kris Freeman: I do not see a nutritionist. When I am not training my diet is high in protein. If my day is going to have a lot of physical activity then I replace the protein with carbohydrates.

Alissa: Are you in close contact with your endocrinologist, do you mostly self-manage?

Kris Freeman: At this point, I mostly self-manage.

Alissa: I have a daughter who is a type 1 diabetic, and she had the honor of hearing you speak at a diabetic camp she recently attended. What kind of message would you like to share as a role model to other type 1 diabetics?  

Kris Freeman: I've been visiting summer camps for kids with diabetes since 2004 on behalf of Lilly Diabetes Camp-Care Program. I realized that I could make the greatest impact on inspiring kids. I am so happy that I have seen a lot of change over the years. Twelve years ago, when I told kids about the two doctors who advised that I couldn’t go to the Olympics, they all nod – like "Yeah, we all heard that too." Today, whenever I tell that story – there is shock in the room. Kids would actually say, "A doctor would actually tell you, you couldn't do something?" I meet kids who are playing sports and aren't scared to get off the couch. I continue to stress to the kids that diabetes doesn’t have to be an obstacle in your life, but it will if you let it.

Alissa: What is a moment from the camps are you most proud of?

Kris Freeman: Probably more private moments. It is the kid who is maybe too shy to speak up in a group but will come to up to me afterwards, confiding that he or she went out for a team because I inspired him or her. It is the best feeling when I know that I actually made a difference.  

Alissa: What are your future career and Olympic goals?

Kris Freeman: Unfortunately I am getting older, and I am reaching the age where skiers do start to retire. Although my last race will be at the next Olympics, I will continue participating in sports. I enjoy triathlons as a hobby, and I would love to compete in the Kona Ironman.  

Alissa: You mentioned Lilly Diabetes. What kind of relationship do you have with some of your sponsors and how do they support you?

Kris Freeman: Cross-country skiing and competing through Europe is expensive.  Lilly has helped me get the equipment I need, which is not really uncommon. All skiers have personal sponsors, mine just happens to be in the diabetes world.

Alissa: How do you plan on spending your holidays?

Kris Freeman: My fiancé and I are going to my parent's house, joined by my brother, his wife and their daughters. The visit will be short though. I am only home for one week and then I am heading out to Houghton, Michigan for the U.S. National Championship.

Alissa: When do you compete for the Olympics tryout?

Kris Freeman: The next Olympics will be in South Korea in 2018. The World Championship will be in Lahti, Finland in 2017.

Alissa: I wish you the best of luck and have a wonderful, happy holiday, happy New Year. Thank you very much Kris for your time. 

I started wearing the continuous monitoring system (CGM) approximately one month ago. After having the equipment since May 2015 my intention was originally to compete with it as a figure competitor. Due to the stress and anxiety of preparing for a competition, it was difficult for me to consider trying something new at the time.

Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)

Two years ago I stopped wearing an insulin  pump. I had been on two separate pumps; first a wireless and then I switched to a tube pump. It had been burdensome with the rigorous training schedule to stay on an insulin pump. The pump would fall off easily no matter what kind of adhesives I would apply. The cannula always affected me and I often had irritation and rashes. I was hesitant to switch back to shots because I was used to wearing a pump. So, I took a pump break and went back on insulin injections and currently two years later I am still taking insulin injections.  There is always a good possibility that I will go on a pump again. Right now I'm still enjoying my pump break.

My sugars have varied drastically on insulin injections. I have been told by several other athletes the importance of having a CGM and how it helps them in their athletics. If you’re an athlete, it's highly encouraged to go on a CGM. It can benefit your training. When you check your blood sugar with a meter, that is one data point. Two hours later, you get another data point. A CGM like the Dexcom provides a data point every five minutes, so it really fills in the blanks.  I’ve learned so much more about my ideal basal rates at different times of the day and night. It’s just made a tremendous difference.

I check my blood sugar frequently. My regimen involves checking in the morning when I wake up and before each meal. I take insulin injections with each blood sugar check before a meal. It has been advised for me to wait  20-30 minutes after an insulin injection to eat a meal, so I usually check every 3 hours and wait an extra 1/2 hr after that to eat. 

It's so important to have a doctor work closely with me and I'm lucky that I have wonderful support in Austin Texas with Dr. Blevins at Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology.   Dexcom tracks my blood sugar at all times. It is the device that allows me to track any changes and has become my safety net for informing my doctors of my blood sugar levels. 

Dexcom G4 Sensor 

I'm on a strict calorie and carbohydrate (carbs) restricted diet. My diet involves eating the same foods with the same amount of carbs at the same times every 3 hours 6 times a day. I now have a set ratio. I see the doctor every two weeks due to my training schedule. I log everything daily. Everyone is different and a regimen is individualized so what might be right for me may not be right for you.

When I train with Dexcom I am able to monitor what my blood sugar is before I start. I'm often asked if I make adjustments during exercise and the answer is yes I absolutely do. Everyone is impacted differently, so you may never have the same blood sugar daily. For me, some days I'm high afterwards, but typically I am low. I take 1/2 unit less of insulin with a 1.5 hours both before and after exercise. Occasionally I drop low in the evening or if I exercise later in the evening. When I exercise in the evening, I reduce my dinner and bedtime dosage by .5 to prevent overnight lows. Dexcom has helped me track my blood sugars at the most difficult moments and it is nice to be alerted when I'm low so I can treat early enough and correct for a high.

So my fear of going on Dexcom has been completely wiped out of my mind. For me the application does not hurt at all. In fact it hurts less than a finger stick. I do not feel the sensor in my body at all. I wear it on my stomach. That seems to be the best area for me due to my rigorous level of activity. The sensor does not fall off or lose its adhesive. I am trying various barrier wipes to see if it eliminates some of the redness and small rash I have when I remove the sensor. I have found that I need to change my sensor every 7 days because that's when I start feeling the itching and irritated sensation and it often peels off. Although my skin is still sensitive to the adhesive, I've noticed it often goes away within the day. I'm very diligent with cleaning my skin thoroughly before and after the application of my sensor. I've heard there are people who have no rash issues.  

As of now, I cannot say good enough things about how how Dexcom has provided me with a sense of relief and the power of information.  It's hard to imagine what my life could be like without wearing the Dexcom CGM again. I am the most regulated I've been since my diagnosis in 2000. 

Thank you Dexcom for such a wonderful product!

I was so excited to be with Ryan Reed at the Texas Motor Speedway, where he was getting ready to race in the XFinity NASCAR series in Fort Worth, Texas. He was kind enough to talk with me about the process of testing his blood sugar, what he eats before a race, how he monitors his blood sugar and what his protocol is.

For National Diabetes Awareness month, please consider donating to Ryan Reed’s DriveToStopDiabetes.

Ryan Reed preparing to race!

From Ryan’s website:

Reed began his first full NASCAR Xfinity Season at the start of 2014.  He finished 9^th in overall standings, with 1 top 5 finish and 14 top 15 finishes.  His season best took place at Daytona International Speedway, where he finished 4^th.  He will start his 2^nd Season in the NASCAR XFinity Series with the No 16 team in 2015

Reed’s racing career began at a young age, capturing the Kid’s Kart Track Championship at the age of four.  The Bakersfield, California native followed that up by becoming the Junior 1 Comer and HPV Karting Track Champion at age eight.

Read the rest of his bio at DriveToStopDiabetes

Alissa:   Can you tell me a little bit about your schedule, diet and what you typically eat before a race?

Ryan:     Like many athletes, you need to develop an eating plan – which is really about consistency and making things simple enough so that it becomes routine. I usually have a turkey sandwich with mustard on whole wheat bread as a pre-race meal. I might change it up here and there, but not too much. It makes my blood sugar more consistent.

Alissa:   Racing can cause a lot of anxiety. Does this stress impact your blood sugar?

Ryan:     Yes, from time to time.

Alissa:   What is your routine checking your blood sugar and how do you self manage?

Ryan:     I check my blood sugar frequently. Even though I’m on Dexcom, I always like to start right around 100. The lowest I want to be is 90. The highest I'd want to be is about 120. I usually end a race right around 200. That seems to be a comfortable zone for me where I feel good the entire race.  (Ryan’s blood sugar pre-race was 107 and post-race 154).

Alissa:   How are you able to monitor and control your blood sugar during a race?

Ryan:     I have Dexcom in the car so I can watch my blood sugar throughout the entire race.  I keep a drink that is high in carbohydrate and sugar nearby in order to prevent or treat low blood sugar. It is important to replenish carbohydrates throughout the race.

Dexcom and high carbohydrate drink in Ryan’s No 16 Ford Mustang

Alissa:   Do you change your insulin to carbohydrate ratio or your 24 hour basal?

Ryan:     I am on long-acting insulin.  Knowing that adrenalin and stress on a race day can be hard, I reduce my insulin across the board. The worst case scenario is having low blood sugar inside the race car. Reducing the insulin is a safeguard that errs on the on the side of caution. Reality is that the race burns so many calories; a person doesn’t need as much insulin.

Alissa:   While you're racing, because it's so hot in the car, what do your blood sugars tend to run? What do they usually run after the race?

Ryan:     Dehydration during a race can result in the loss of up to five pounds due to perfuse sweating. Couple that with adrenaline, my blood sugar does gradually climb.  Since it is cool today, I'll probably end around 160-170. However, it can reach between as high as 200-210 on a hot day.  It really depends on the weather. After the race, my blood sugar drops pretty quickly.

Alissa: How does Dexcom work to your advantage when you're racing? How do you treat your blood sugar using Dexcom as recourse?

Ryan:     Dexcom tracks your blood sugar is at all times, including inside and outside of the race car. It IS the device that allowed me to get back on the track with NASCAR! This is my safety net for informing my crew of my blood sugar levels. I have a target on my fire suit that permits my crew to administer insulin, if I am too high. I also have a drink blend in my car in case it is too low. I try to monitor it the best I can during the race, but I may not check for 40 or 50 laps.

Alissa:   When you started racing again, were you on Dexcom from the start?

Ryan:     Yes, I was on Dexcom the first time I sat back in a race car.

Alissa:   How would it impact you if you were not on Dexcom while racing?

Ryan:     I wouldn’t be allowed to race professionally at my current level.

Alissa:   We're both athletes, and I try to really advocate showing fitness, diabetes and living a healthy lifestyle as a positive, not a negative. What advice would you give to a non-athlete with diabetes?

Ryan:   For me, the biggest thing was being able to find a doctor who works closely with me on managing my diabetes, both inside and outside the race car. You're the one who has to manage your diabetes. You have to take responsibility for it, but your doctor still plays a huge role by managing diabetes around the rigorous schedule of training and how an athlete eats. It can be frustrating. There can be times where you feel like it's defeating almost, but if you keep pushing through and persevere, it's definitely worth it.

Alissa :  This is National Diabetes Awareness Month and you're doing some fabulous things with Lilly Diabetes and the American Diabetes Association on the No 16 Ford Mustang. Do you want to share a little bit about what your charitable organization Drive to Stop Diabetes has done for National Diabetes Awareness Month?

Ryan:     One of the cool things is we have a special paint scheme here in Texas. You'll see a bunch of stars all over our car. The stars represent the entire population of Texas. You'll see red stars mixed in amongst those, and those are the fourteen percent of Texans living with diabetes. We also have a My Diabetes Pit Crew Sweepstakes going on this weekend. People, who sign up and get selected as the Pit Crew Champions, are going to have their names featured on my pit crew's fire suits. Just a really cool way to give back to people in the diabetes community that are living with this disease day in and day out, just gives them a way to be a part of the race team. We hope that they enjoy it.

Alissa:   Thank you so much for this opportunity - I'm excited to be here, especially during National Diabetes Awareness Month. I'm looking forward to seeing you race and do great.

Ryan:     Awesome.

Alissa:   Thanks so much.

Congratulations to Ryan for finishing the race in 15^th place.Ryan is currently 10th in the NASCAR XFINITY series championship standings after one win and 17 top-15 finishes.  His next race is at Phoenix International Raceway(PIR)

Matt Allen with his family

Matt Allen is a 15 year old stock car racer, snowboarder, football player, straight A student and diabetic. He was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in July 2006, but he hasn’t let that slow him down.

Alissa:           Tell me about your early years, before you were diagnosed with diabetes at the age of six?

Matt:             I was snowboarding at age five and right before I was diagnosed I started racing. I was actually diagnosed while on vacation with my family. The doctors told me that having diabetes would not stop me from doing anything I wanted to do. I totally believed them!

Alissa:           What kind of sports do you enjoy? How did you decide which ones to pursue?

Matt:              I snowboard, competing at a National level, as well as race stock cars and play football for my high school. My dad tried to introduce me to skiing when I was young, but it was not exciting enough for me. So, we learned to snowboard together instead. Now my whole family snowboards, often going on vacation together. As for football, all my friends started to play and I wanted to be a part of a team sport.

Alissa:           I admire you for being able to involve yourself and your family in snowboarding. Once you were diagnosed, how did you feel about continuing in sports?

Matt:              I was so young that I didn’t grasp that it could change anything about me. I never really thought about changing my lifestyle. My parents also helped me deal with my diabetes.

Alissa:           How did you manage your diabetes at the same time handling sports and school?

Matt:              I had a lot of help in the early years from the nurses at school. As I've grown older, I manage it myself. While participating in sports I’m very diligent, checking my blood sugar, making sure I'm in range - not too low, not too high.  My CGM monitor actually makes it a lot easier.

Alissa:           I also noticed that you're a straight A student and you have a very high GPA. How are you able to pursue you academic studies and such an advanced level in addition to managing your sports and school with your diabetes?

Matt:              My dad has always assured that school was a priority. I wasn’t allowed to do anything unless I did well academically.

Alissa:           Is it hard to manage school and sports all at once? What would you say your biggest challenges are?

Matt:              Sometimes assignments are missed when I travel around the country to race or snowboard. That is the most difficult part. However, I always catch up by the end of the semester.

Alissa:           You mentioned that you were diagnosed at six years old. Because I'm trying to provide helpful advice to other diabetics, can you tell me more about your symptoms and how were you diagnosed?

Matt:              I was very thirsty and had to go to the bathroom often. I was easily aggravated and tired all the time plus I lost a lot of weight. At one point, I drank a whole gallon of orange juice in less than one hour – and then went to the bathroom three or four times after. While we are on vacation in Cape Code my symptoms worsened. My parents took me to a doctor who advised that I was probably diabetic. From there we went to the Cape Cod Hospital, where my diagnosis was confirmed. Unfortunately, that hospital couldn’t treat me so I was transferred and admitted to another for two or three nights.

Alissa:           How did your parents and family handle it emotionally? Did you have any emotional struggles at that young age?

Matt:              It was definitely hard on my mom. My dad didn't struggle visibly, but I'm sure it was hard for him. I was so young that I didn't really know what diabetes meant. I just knew that I felt sick and that I felt better when I went to the hospital.

Alissa:           Does diabetes run in your family?      "

Matt:              Not on my mom's side. I am not sure of the medical history on my dad's side, but I don't think so.

Alissa:           How often do you see your endocrinologist and what kind of diabetic regimen are you currently on?

Matt:              I am on the pump, which helps a lot. I see my doctor every three months to go over my A1C levels – the graph of where my blood sugar and the changes required for my pump settings.

Alissa:           Who is your endocrinologist, where is he/she located and does he/she have experience working with other athletes?

Matt:              My endocrinologist is Dr. Criego in St. Louis Park , Minnesota. She has definitely helped us manage my diabetes and my sports.

Alissa:           How did you find an endocrinologist that you felt comfortable seeing?

Matt:              My mom’s friend whose son is also diabetic recommended Dr. Criego. The doctor helps me so much so I can manage my diabetes while being active in sports and traveling.

Alissa:           You mentioned that you were on a CGM. Are you also on a pump? How long have you been on a CGM and which one do you use?

Matt:              I'm on the electronic pump and the Dexcom CGM, which I started to use about four months ago. I need to know what my blood sugar is every 20 minutes so the CGM is very helpful.  Ryan (Reed) used it in his racecars so he could know his blood sugar at all times as well.

Alissa:           As a fitness competitor, I agree. I’ve ordered the Dexcom, am going through training and will be starting it soon. Every athlete I've spoken with has said how beneficial a CGM is for managing diabetes while doing a sport. Even my doctors have been encouraging me to go on it, so it’s great to hear about your experience with it. My next question is, how did you adjust your diet? What is your diet like?

Matt:              I've never really changed my diet or thought I needed to stay away from something because I am diabetic. I've tried to eat the way I always have, but I admit that diabetes definitely brings awareness to what you're eating.

Alissa:           My daughter is a diabetic in middle school and I know there must be many challenges as a high school student who has diabetes. There are so many parties, events and holidays revolving around food. Do you follow a strict regimen or do pretty much eat what any non-diabetic eats? If so, what would be a typical meal for you at a party?

Matt:              I don't follow a strict regimen and tend to eat like a non-diabetic. However, at parties and events I try to not eat sweets because even if I give my correct insulin dosage, my blood sugar can still be high. When my blood sugar is high, I don’t enjoy the party. I usually eat pizza and drink diet soda, but not much else.

Alissa:           I know when my daughter goes to parties, she is used to, like you, not having sweets and has been really good about it. But any time we have a party or take her some place, we always know what she is going to eat and carb count in advance. Do you do that also?

Matt:              I have an app on my phone that tells me carbs for pizza and different types of food. For the most part, I have a very good idea of how many carbs are in a pizza per say.

Alissa:           Which carb-counting app do you use?

Matt:              It's called Carb Control or Carb Count. It works really well.

Alissa:           What do you do when you have low blood sugar while racing? How can you prevent low blood sugar? Do you have a special racecar that is equipped for it? I know with your CGM it's helpful, but how is your racecar equipped?

Matt:              I carry a sports drink, like a Gatorade or something sugary in my car with a long tube, which I can drink if I go low. Fortunately, I've been very careful about watching it and have never gone low in a race.

Alissa:           Was Ryan (Reed) helpful with the design of your race car?

Matt:              I feel like I wouldn't be on CGM right now if it weren’t for Ryan. He also told me about carrying a sports drink.

Alissa:           Has he been a good mentor to you?

Matt:              Yes!, Absolutely!

Alissa:           I’ve heard that you're fundraising for Ryan Reed’s charity ‘Drive to Stop Diabetes’.   How did you get involved?

Matt:              My dad and I were watching a race and we saw Ryan Reed in a car that said ‘Drive to Stop Diabetes’. We couldn’t get over how awesome that was. My dad reached out to Ryan’s charity offering to help fundraise at a local level where I race. Now my car looks just like Ryan's – Number 16. . It is red and everything!

Alissa:           When you are racing, who do you work with medically to care for your diabetes?

Matt:              For the most part, it is just my parents, my brother and my family. There are other people in the picture who know I'm diabetic and know what to do, but my main support is my family.

Alissa:           How many races do you do a year?

Matt:              I'll do a little over 20 at the local track and then go south and do some races in the winter. I did winter nationals last year in Las Vegas and Florida, so that equals about six races in the off season. In total, I would say about 30 races per year.

Alissa:           Are you also a part of NASCAR racing?

Matt:              I am not a part of NASCAR racing but Legends cars have a division, which is supposed to be a size down, cost effective model. That was the idea behind Legends.

Alissa:           Do you plan on competing in the Olympics or becoming a professional racer? Which is your favorite sport?

Matt:              Being in the Olympics would be very cool, but I don't think it is likely. It's hard being from Minnesota where we have hills and it’s hard to compete against states like Colorado where you can live on a mountain and snowboard and train every day. I definitely love snowboarding – it’s like racing in a lot of aspects. But I would probably say that racing is my favorite. I would love to become a professional racecar driver. I'm going to go as far as I can in racing, but if I don't make it to a professional level, that's okay too.

Alissa:           Do you have different types of athletic plans in your future?

Matt:              I want to keep pursuing racing and do both sports as much as possible. At the same time, I plan on going to college and getting an education. That definitely plays a factor in it as well.

Alissa:           What advice would you give people with diabetes who want to compete in racing or any other kind of sport?

Matt:              You can really do anything you want with diabetes, as long as you’re willing to take the time to manage your blood sugar. It's not always easy to do that; especially while snowboarding when it's cold out. You don't want to take your gloves off and do your tests on a hill, but that's what you have to do with these types of sports when you’re diabetic.

Matt Allen with car race car

You can keep up with Matt at http://www.greatnorthlegends.com

Please consider donating to Ryan Reed's charity DriveToStopDiabetes