 I was diagnosed with type one diabetes in December 2002. I was uncontrollably losing weight, dropping 30 pounds in just two months and was so fatigued that I could barely stand. I can only describe the thirst I felt as desperate and unquenchable. I could not keep any food down and my heart was beating erratically. My eyesight deteriorated to the point where it was like looking through stained glass. I flew home for the holidays and when my parents picked me up at the airport, they were so shocked at my emaciated condition that we rushed to an emergency room where it was determined that my blood glucose was 700.
Over the next few months, my condition stabilized with insulin and other medications. I was fortunate to regain my vision. At the time, I was working as a healthy cooking instructor. My interest in cooking helped me learn how to dose my insulin injections and improve my nutrition. I was also coaching soccer which built in some physical activity to my schedule.
 In September 2007, I moved back to Los Angeles after nearly ten years in the SF Bay Area. I interviewed for a job at Vistamar School, a newly formed independent high school just two miles from home. During the interview, when asked about my personal interests, I mentioned that I wanted to complete a triathlon. I got the job and committed to getting fit enough to accomplish that goal. My supervisor, a former collegiate swimmer and lifeguard, took me out on my first few open water swims. Another coworker encouraged me to run my first 10k. And later, yet another coworker who is an avid cyclist led me through a pre-ride of the bike course at my first triathlon which I completed in October 2008.
In training for that first triathlon, I discovered a passion for endurance sports. An active lifestyle empowers me to be proactive in managing my health. I continually strive to find the optimal balance between exercise, rest, nutrition, and medicine. I effectively control my diabetes and am in the best shape of my life.
 In 2009, I joined a triathlon club for diabetics called Triabetes. Triabetes aims “to revolutionize diabetes management” by inspiring “people with diabetes to set personal fitness goals; educate them on adaptive management strategies through hands-on experience; and equip them to explore their individual capacities.” I have been selected as the Surf Region Captain for the 2010-2011 season. On May 1st, Triabetes Captains from across the United States gathered in Utah to watch Ironman St. George. We volunteered at an aid station and immediately following the race, we registered for next year's race. We are committed to spend an entire year preparing for the ultimate endurance challenge, a 140.6 mile race consisting of a 2.4 mile swim followed by a 112 mile bike ride, finishing with a 26.2 mile run. This particular Ironman has the added difficulty of very hilly terrain with potentially high winds and it all takes place at high altitude (see details at www.ironmanstgeorge.com ).
Throughout the year, we will each organize various events in our respective regions to promote the club and its core values. Leading by example and actively reaching out to others living with diabetes, we hope to “make a difference for people living with diabetes, both on the individual level and collectively.” Another component of being a captain involves mentoring a child with diabetes aged 9-12 and helping him complete his own first triathlon. Read more about the "Triabuddy" program.
A substantial part of Triabetes is funded through grassroots fundraising efforts. In addition to providing necessary program resources, fundraising gives team members the opportunity to reach out into their communities, tell their stories, engage followers, and develop relationships that will continue to help Triabetes grow. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Triabetes on my behalf. Click here and do it now. Contact me at christianchiappe@yahoo.com if you have any questions or send an email to sponsorship@insulindependence.org.
Thank you for your support and encouragement,
Christian Chiappe | 
