Name: Phil Southerland RACED IN RAAM 2006/2007 Location: Atlanta, GA Age: 25 Age diagnosed: 7 months old

Most Vivid Memory of Diagnosis: My first recollection of having diabetes was at a birthday party when I was 6 years old. I asked my mom for cake, and she said, ok just do your shot. I said “I don't want to do my shot.” She replied, “that is fine, you will go blind.” Shocked, I asked, “What?” To which she replied “Don't take your shot, don't take care of yourself, and you will go blind.” I begged for my shot, and from that point forward knew that all it took was a few small adjustments each day, and I will see forever. To me good glucose control is a small price to pay for the ability to see forever!!

Family: Single. Mother Joanna whom I love very much (she even did this website for us) and brother, Jack.

Current A1C: 5.4

Goal for next A1C: 5.3

Riding Experience: Riding or racing for 12 years now. Category 1 cyclist. Multiple top 10's in the Nation, along with a handful of state titles. Also, 1/8 record holder for the Race Across America:)

Training Regime/Racing Regime: 6 days a week, up to 6 hours a day. 250-600 miles/week.
Job/Employer:
The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. I do in fact sell life insurance.

Motivational Speaking, and consultant.

Managing Team Type 1: fund-raising marketing, PR, and sponsorship.

School Attending/Attended: The University of Georgia (GO DAWGS!!) _Business

Fastest speed ever gone on a bicycle? 65 Miles per Hour (RAAM 2006)

Having diabetes has caused me to: Help others to get excited about controlling their diabetes. It all started with Joe, and thanks to him, we have been able to do it more and more.

Having diabetes has caused me to live a disciplined life and that gives me control over every aspect of my life. Achieving good control made me realized that there is no task I cannot accomplish with the right mind-set. It is empowering to know that what I do today will benefit me 20 years down the road. Discipline is a great path to success in any aspect of life.

Having this disease has caused me to reach out. My best experiences have been the people I have met as a result of having diabetes. From my best friend, Joe to my kids at Camp Kudzu, to my family at Abbott Diabetes Care, I have met some wonderful people.

Most memorable event per or post diagnosis, sporting or personal: Winning the Race Across America, with 7 other diabetics as teammates. We won the race, not in spite of diabetes, rather, we won the race because of diabetes. It made us stronger!!! This was by far the biggest accomplishment of my lifetime, and an event that has changed my life forever.

What do you like best about the FreeStyle Flash: It has record speed, and is small, so it is very convenient to take anywhere.

How has Symlin helped your control? (if applicable)

Words of wisdom, some personal advice… You can do it! Whatever it is in life that you want to achieve, you can do it. Dream Big, and then take the small steps necessary to get there. When it comes to your control, don't be afraid to make mistakes. It is from these mistakes that we learn what works for us, and with that comes good control.

I would advise to look at tight control as a your personal challenge and make it your goal. It is not easy if you look at it as a major task in your life. However, if you look at it as a lot of very small adjustments, control then becomes easy. I have never said no to anything because of this disease, and no one should have to. Call or email me with any specific questions.

Email: phil@teamtype1.org