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.

Hello friends and family! 

Thanks for visiting and donating to Insulindependence and the Triabetes program. As a Captain, I am deeply honored and blessed for this opportunity in representing the diabetic community in advancing diabetes management. As a college Freshman at the University of Minnesota, I was ambitious and eager in starting my academic career. Without much of a guage of what I wanted to pursue on a professional level, I knew that I always wanted to be involved in evolving the allied health and fitness community. In the winter of 2004, I was on my way home from a Big Ten Bowl trip with the University when I became abnormally ill. Sweating blood and tears, unable to run five feet forward and thirsty beyond belief, even my RN mother had no idea what to do with me. Low and behold, as I sat in the emergency room in Milwaukee, I was diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic. Sadness, agony, denial, fear and curiosity, I knew there was a reason I was delt this card. I did not particularly want to keep it, but what could I do but stand up and take care of myself. As devestated as my parents were, I digested the information and returned back to my new college life. A new outlook, new hope, and refined focus on what I was passionate about pursuing in my life-educating and coaching Type 1 diabetics on how to prepare themselves for a life of health and properity through endurance sports.

With a degree in Kinesiology and Coaching, and the slow and steady process of a Masters of Education in Exercise Physiology, I now know what I represent and am preparing to do for myself and others in the diabetic community. I am a fitness professional for Life Time Fitness, where I meet with individuals of all shapes, sizes and stories that help shape their goals for health and fitness. Just as I serve as a vehicle in facilitating the accomplishment of these health and fitness goals, Triabetes serves that purpose for me. I cannot be more greatful for meeting the members and founding fellows of this group.  I am proud to represent this community of diabetic athletes who are relentless in the pursuit of bettering the health and well-being of ambitious athletes. Meeting the people of Insulindependence and Triabetes reperesents much more than just figuring out how to manage our diabetes, but placing us on track in driving towards diabetes management greatness. Ironman St. George 2011, here I come!

Please SUPPORT ME HERE!

In Health,

Sarah J. Hankel