JERRY WILLIS

Oklahoma City, OK
Age: 34
Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 27

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Member of Team Type 1's 2010 Winning Race Across America Team

MEET JERRY WILLIS

When were you diagnosed with diabetes?

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2005. I was 28 years old. Because I was older than the standard age range when one is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes it was initially not considered.

How did you feel about diabetes when you were first diagnosed?

I was very surprised when it was confirmed that I had type 1 diabetes. I didn’t know anything about it – which turned out to be both good and bad. Good because I had no feelings of doom and gloom and no bad information that I had to un-learn. Bad because my knowledge base was pretty much starting from zero. For the first year or so I didn’t do nearly as well as I could have in terms of my diabetes management. Then, through talking with others that were well informed about diabetes, some information came to me that caused some big changes. I became informed of potential complications caused by diabetes mis-management that were scary and thankfully learned that good diabetes management was easier to achieve than I thought it was. My diabetes management moved up on my priority list – and my HBa1c improved dramatically as a result.

How do you feel about diabetes now?

For me diabetes, in many ways, has turned out to be a powerful and positive influence on my life. It is a challenge to be sure but for me, diabetes has been a strong motivator. I am likely in a better place in my life now than I would be without it.

Why is exercise and competition a part of your life?

I have always been a very competitive person. I ran track in high school and for a year in college. It was actually diabetes that brought me back to regular exercise, and higher levels of athletic accomplishment than I had ever achieved in my life before diabetes.

What drew you to Team Type 1?

I initially was put into contact with Team Type 1 at an event that they spoke at near my home. The information about diabetes management that they were able to provide was very helpful to me. But it was their achievements and outlook about diabetes really inspired me to approach my own diabetes in a different way.

Tell us about a personal achievement that was highly significant to you.

When I made the conscious decision to manage my diabetes – that was a powerful moment. The achievement came some months later at my next appointment. My A1c went down over 5 points, it was just shocking - life changing really.

How about an athletic achievement that you find especially significant?

Being a part of the Team Type 1 2010 RAAM (Race Across America) bike team . We won that event, which in itself is pretty amazing. It was much more than the victory which made this a peak experience for me though – it was the fellowship, the people, the friendships. Here are a group of people taking on the incredible challenge posed by RAAM as well the unique challenge of each team member racing with type 1 diabetes. Victory on both counts.

If there is one piece of advice you could give to someone who was newly diagnosed with diabetes– what would it be?

Seek out information from knowledgeable sources. Get involved with a diabetes support group.

Tell us about your favorite TT1 event to date.

I really enjoy the speaking events to groups of people with diabetes. Summer camps presentations are especially significant to me.

What is an athletic goal you have for the short term?

Though I am on the Team Type 1 Elite Cycling Team – a short term athletic goal actually involves running. I would like to qualify to run the Boston Marathon.

What is an athletic goal that you have for the long term?

A longer term cycling goal I have is to earn classification as a “category 1” racer.

Jerry – Thank you for talking with us.

It has been fun – thank you.