As the world’s largest triathlon club for people with diabetes, Triabetes shatters preconceived notions of what people with diabetes can do. Triabetes revolutionizes the way people approach diabetes through inspiration, educates the patient and medical communities about diabetes and exercise, and explores the physiological and social foundations of successful diabetes management.

Help this year's Triabetes captains as they mentor type 1 youth in their communities and train their way to an electrifying finish at the 2011 St. George Ironman triathlon. All procceeds will directly benefit Triabetes leadership development programs.

My name Brian Phelps and I live in Centennial, CO (Denver area) with my wife and four kids. I am a 45 year old Type 1 diabetic.  I was diagnosed as a Type 1 Diabetic November of 2004.  My mom and both of my brothers also have Type 1 diabetes and my Dad had Type 2 diabetes during the last part of his life.  My mom and my oldest brother, Barry, have already died from the complications of diabetes.  Since diabetes has affected my family so much, I figured that it was time to get involved in a meaningful way so that others can learn to dominate this disease.

I have agreed to do the 2011 St George Ironman triathlon (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run). It wasn't that many years ago that Type 1 diabetics were told not to exercise more than walking because it was too dangerous. I am on a team of 10 diabetics who have taken on this challenge of being Triabetes team captains to mentor others with diabetes and prove that diabetics can live without limits. 

I am very excited to allow others to join me in the adventure as I dedicate this next year to inspire other diabetics to break through barriers through speaking engagements, local events and sporting competitions.  I order to enable these events, it requires money.  If this allows a diabetic to be encouraged to start exercising and to take ownership of their diabetic outcome, then this is all worth it.   My family has been hit hard with Type 1 diabetes with me, my two brothers and my Mom getting the disease.  My Mom and one brother have already died from complications of the disease and I am determined to fire up other diabetics to take action to avoid similar results. People with diabetes do not have cancer and the outcome (life or death) is their choice. Diabetics have to stand up and fight for our lives especially since IF we fight, then we WILL beat this disease.

We will also be working with the families of diabetics to help take the mystery and fear out of the situation so that they can live full lives as well.

Find me on Facebook using the email address thefishin6@aol.com and type "triabetes" in the note area of the friend request. You can also email me directly at that address or text me at 303 596-4318.

Please donate and be generous knowing that this could be the turning point in someone's life.

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Brian Phelps

PHOTOS:

Me (the baby) with my two brothers and my Mom & Dad
FOUR Type 1 diabetics and One Type 2 diabetic

My Mom & my brother, Barry (the ones on the right), have already died from complications of diabetes

One Type 1 diabetic (me) with my wife and four kids.

Let's try to keep it at just one diabetic in this picture!!!