July 29 2009 |
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 My name is Rustin Lucken. I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in February, 1997, when I was 26. I was pretty devastated. I had lost 30 lbs, was constantly thirsty, and tired all the time. When I went to my first diabetes educator meeting, they had me practice giving myself injections, testing my blood sugar, and counting carbs. It was a lot to take in. Almost too much, I remember thinking. Then I gave myself my first insulin injection. I remember being at home, with my syringe in hand. I called my mom. She helped me through it...and twelve thousand injections and one insulin pump later, it's still tough, but there is a part of me that thinks being diabetic is one of the best things that has happened to me. I turned over a new leaf when I was diagnosed. I began taking a lot better care of myself. In June, 1997, I made it on Team Colorado. Until the Outlaws got here, it was the best group of lacrosse players the state could assemble. Then in July, I met my wife. And the rest, they say, is history.Twelve years, 8 Tour de Cures, 6 continents, and 2 kids later, my life is awesome. I'm an avid mounain biker, road cyclist, lacrosse and hockey player, retired guinea pig (after taking part in many trial studies at the Barbara Davis Center), son, father, and husband. Diabetes is always on my mind. It has to be if I'm going to be around for my kids when they are my age. I'm also determined to not let this disease run my life. It's just a part of it. Taking part in the ADA's Tour de Cure is always a highlight of my year. It reminds me that I'm not alone, and that there are lots of people like me out there and that there's lots of support for us. See everyone on the 22nd! |
