DAVE HOLDEN



  • Spokane, WA
  • Age: 27
  • Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 24

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS


  • 1st 2010 Michelob Ultra Circuit Race
  • 2nd 2010 Tour of Walla Walla Crit
  • 2nd 2010 Wenatchee Omnium Crit, my brother won it!
  • 1st 2010 Wenatchee Omnium Overall.
  • 1st 2009 Washington State Circuit Race Championship
  • 1st 2009 Volunteer Park Crit
  • 2010 - Climbed Mt Rainier via the Nisqually Ice Fall

MEET DAVE HOLDEN


When were you diagnosed with diabetes?

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 24. I had been passing out and went into the doctor. He thought I might be anemic and so he sent me for some lab work. When the results came back to him next morning, he called me and said we need to get you into the endocrinologist, your blood sugar is 1250! With some insulin and the help of Dr. Nancy Wickre my endocrinologist, my blood sugar dropped and I felt a whole lot better. However the scary part of this whole ordeal was three days earlier I had gotten back from a solo-backpacking trip.


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

At first I was pretty angry, thinking that this is unfair and that I would never being able to bike or go hiking or mountaineering. However, after the first couple months I began to realize that by being prepared and having a good control of my blood sugar, I could do all the same things as before. My Dad is a pediatrician and so he was very helpful in making sure I was set up with the right supplies and information, and Kara was very helpful in trying to find new meals and foods that would be better given my new condition. It helped us to get through it by figuring how many carbs were in each meal and much insulin I would need to take.  


How do you feel about diabetes now?

Now diabetes has just become part of my life. I live and deal with it everyday. I have made new friends through diabetes and have also been able to inspire others with diabetes.


Why is exercise and competition a part of your life?

Exercise is the best way to deal with diabetes. Not only have I found this to be true, but when I talk to others with diabetes, this is also the first thing they say. I have done sports all my life, from ski racing to mountaineering to rowing, and I have also met most of my best friends through these sports.


What drew you to Team Type 1?

The idea of using a bicycle to help people manage their diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes has become an epidemic in the US due to obesity, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise. By encouraging people to get on their bike, either to spend some time with their children, commute to work, or just get outside, we can really make a difference.


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

Working in the ER, I frequently meet parents who have just found out their child had been diagnosed with diabetes. They often ask what to do and I always say find a sport or physical activity that they enjoy and make it a part of their life. Whether its ballet, swimming, or soccer, it will make their diabetes much easier.


Tell us about your favorite TT1 event to date.

The Seattle Tour De Cure: Great people, great route, and great support.


In what way have you found that your diabetes has helped you grow as an individual?

It has made me more accountable for my actions. I know that if my A1c is too high, there is only one person to blame and that’s myself.  I also know that appropriate actions to take to effectively correct aspects of my diabetes care.  Once I identify an area needing improvement in my diabetes care I am quick to take the steps to improve the situation and prevent the mistake in the future.


What is an athletic goal you have for the short term – say less than one year from now?

A top five finish in a large Pro1-2 race.


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

Upgrade to a Cat 1.