DAN CUNKELMAN

Fort Collins, CO
Age: 35
Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 20

MEET DAN CUNKELMAN

When were you diagnosed with diabetes?

I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 20

How did you feel about diabetes when you were first diagnosed?

Initially I knew very little about it. I knew it was going to require shots and it had something to do with sugar.

How do you feel about diabetes now?

I don’t feel particularly bitter or angry about it. Diabetes has just become part of my daily life. I get up in the morning and check my blood sugar levels, make adjustments if needed, eat, brush my teeth, shower etc. It’s just become part of the daily routine.

Why is exercise and competition a part of your life?

Exercise has given me greater control over my diabetes. In general I enjoy activities outdoors such as road and mountain biking, xc skiing, and hiking. Exercise gives me an opportunity to get outdoors and explore. When I think about why I compete the saying, ‘it’s not the destination but the journey’, comes to mind. I do love the intensity, excitement, and feeling of achievement that racing provides but I also love the training. Competing gives me something to work toward in my training and grow as a cyclist.

What drew you to Team Type 1?

I first learned about team type 1 riding at a Tour de Cure in Montana. After speaking with one of the athletes about TT1 I really wanted to become involved. He told me about some of the team’s achievements at RAAM and the message that the team was trying to convey. I knew right away that this was something that I wanted to be a part of.

Tell us about a personal achievement that is significant to you.

Learning to play the guitar. Playing music has been a huge part of my life. It is something that gives me great joy.

How about an athletic achievement that you find especially significant?

Probably the first time I won a cat 1 mountain bike race. It showed me that I’m capable of excelling, with diabetes, in this sport.

If there is one piece of advice you could give to someone who was newly diagnosed with diabetes– what would it be?

Having diabetes does not mean you have to change your goals or give up your dreams. Take care of yourself. Check your blood sugar levels and exercise often.

What has been your favorite TT1 event to date?

Training camp was so much fun. This was my first time meeting most of the team. I had never ridden with other diabetics before let alone a whole team of them. I found it very cool.

Have you found any ways in which diabetes has been a benefit to you?

Diabetes has definitely motivated me to live a healthy lifestyle. I think I’m a more productive person with diabetes.

Are there any areas of your diabetes management that you are currently targeting to improve?

High blood sugar levels during races have been a problem. I’ll am working on that this season.

Tell us about an athletic goal you have for the short term – say less than a year from now.

I’d like to get a top ten finish at the Breck-68

How about an athletic goal that you have for the long term?

To get my pro license as a mountain biker.