Name:ALEX BOWDEN Location:DEKALB, IL Age: 17 years Age diagnosed: 11 years

Most Vivid Memory of Diagnosis: I remember standing alone in a room at the doctor’s office while the doctor talked to my mom outside, and I had absolutely no idea what was going on and I was scared to death. At the time I new nothing about Diabetes, except for that it was permanent. Then I got taken to the hospital and went through pretty much the same thing again.

Family: I live with my mom and dad and my younger sister. They have all been very supportive in helping me care for my diabetes. I get a bit annoyed sometimes when I'm doing something wrong and they are getting on my case about it, but I know they are right. My dad is who got me into cycling in the first place, and has been very helpful and supportive over the winter when I have been putting hours upon hours on the trainer by riding in the basement with me and things like that.

Current A1C: 7.1
Goal for next A1C: 6.7

Riding Experience:Going on 3 years this year

Training Regime/Racing Regime: I did lots of base through the fall and early winter. Unfortunately it was almost entirely in the basement on a trainer so I think I may have become brain dead from staring at a wall for so long (haha). Then after base I will be doing 20ish hours per week

Job/Employer/School
North Central Cyclery in DeKalb

DeKalb High School

Fastest speed ever gone on a bicycle? Just over 50mph

Having diabetes has caused me to :I've made some pretty good friends, just because of diabetes, and some expieriences that I've had, I wouldn't have had if I didn't have diabetes. Also, it makes you responsible and you can use some of your experiences (good or bad) as life lessons.

Most memorable event per or post diagnosis, sporting or personal: My most memorable sporting event was winning the ABR National Championship criterium in August 2006. ABR isn't nearly as big as and organization as the USCF, so there wasn't nearly the amount of racers, but since I had only been riding a couple years I consider it to be a good accomplishment.

What do you like best about the FreeStyle Flash?:
I like the fact that it is small and compact. I can easily carry it around with me. The light at ened of meter makes it easy to see in the dark and makes night-time testing more convenient.

Words of wisdom, some personal advice…:"You shouldn't let anything slow you down, whether it be diabetes or some other condition. Just push through it, manage whatever it is and be successful. Diabetes isn't easy to care for. There are many things that can go unexplicably wrong, but through close watch, it can be managed and it won't slow you down in whatever you do..."

Email: ALEX