Name: NATHAN BARTELS RACED IN RAAM 2007 Location:Des Moines, Iowa Age: 25 Age diagnosed: 14

Most Vivid Memory of Diagnosis: My good friend, while growing up, had Type 1diabetes. When I was diagnosed it didn’t seem like a very big deal. I do remember, however, before I was diagnosed I thought I was going blind. I was relieved when my sight cleared up. !

Family: Single.

Current A1C: 7

Goal for next A1C: 6.5

Riding Experience: This is my fourth year racing on the road. I race as a Cat 2. I have also started competing in Xterra triathlons.

Training Regime/Racing Regime: I train on the bike 6 to 7 days a week. I also skate ski 2 to 3 days a week mostly on roller skis due to the lack of snow in Iowa. A little running, a little swimming, and a little lifting as well.k.
Job/Employer/School
Personal Coach

Colorado Mt. College, University of Iowa, and Fort Lewis College

Fastest speed ever gone on a bicycle? Hard to say, I usually don’t have a computer that tells my speed.

Having diabetes has caused me to:
Enjoy talking with a young persons and explaining to them how they can live a healthy exciting life with diabetes.
Most memorable event per or post diagnosis, sporting or personal: Last summer two teammates and myself went out to Crested Butte to race in an Exterra Triathlon. None of us had ever done an Exterra before so the excitement of a new sport along with a little fly-fishing made for a pretty memorable week.
Words of wisdom, some personal advice…One truly needs to become responsible for their body, the more one can learn about diabetes the better able they will be in controlling it. Physicians and dietitians can be a wonderful resource and a starting point, but it is up to the individual to understand the effects outside factors, such as food, stress, and exercise have on their bodies. Taking control of diabetes and becoming free from the fears associated with the disorder comes form educating ones self.

Email: nbidlake@yahoo.com