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Phil Southerland
Pro Cylist Racing since Age: of 12

Age: 24

Age diagnosed: 7 months

Most vivid memory of your diagnosis?
I have none as I was so young. I have heard that I lost 10 lb.s in 2 days, and very nearly died. It must have been traumatic for my mother, but she handled it very well.

Family: I have my mother, Joanna, and my little (much bigger) brother Jack (20)

Current A1C:5.2

Goal for next A1C: 5.2

Riding Experience:
I have been riding since I was 12 years old. I am a Category 1 Racer. I have been Racing full time since I was 16. This is my 9th year of racing. I have two top finishes in national championships, and was the top American to finish at the FBD Milk Raas (Ireland) in 2000

Training Regime / Racing regime:
I train when the time is there. I try to allow for 15-30 hours of training per week, and I just try to have fun. Training and racing make my diabetes much easier to control, and allow me to do fewer shots. It is great. I would recommend cycling for any person, but especially any diabetic.

Job/employer:
I work for Mass Mutual Financial Group. A Fortune 500 company. This is a great job, as it allows me to help people and businesses plan for their future. I also run Team Type 1 . I have tons of fun with this, as I get to help diabetics plan for their future, one finger stick at a time.

School attending/attended:
University of Georgia- Graduated May 2005

What do you enjoy most about being a diabetic?
The people I have met, and the discipline it has taught me. Taking care of your blood sugar is not an easy task, but if you can master it, everything else in life is a synch.

Most memorable event (pre- or post-diagnosis), sporting or personal:

Personally, being award the Maxwell J. Schleifer Distinguished Service Award for Volunteer Service in June, 2006.

In my sporting life, I would have to say 2003 Espoir National Championships. I went into this Race and training for the Race with the goal of a top 10. For two months, I did not miss a day of training, I had a blast, and then I rode a great Race to get 9th. I was the first American based amateur in the field, in the 25 mile Race in Texas during the month of July. Needless to say, it was a bit warm. I think being a diabetic helped me to pay closer attention to my food intake, and do it right the whole way through. I think the answer of this one might change once RAAM is completed.

Give us a few words of wisdom, some personal advice...
I would advise to look at tight control as a challenge, make it a goal. It is not easy if you look at it as a major task in your life. However, if you look at it as a lot of very small adjustments, control then becomes easy. I have never said no to anything because of this disease, and no one should have to. Call or email me with any specific questions.

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"Curing Diabetes One Mile at a Time"