KERRY WHITE



  • Eagle, CO
  • Age: 42
  • Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 10

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS


  • 1st Place Women’s Duo 12 Hours of Sunlight, Feb 2010
  • 4th Place Woman National Championship - 24 Hours of Moab, October 2009
  • 3rd Place Woman 12 Hours of Snowmass, September 2009
  • 2nd Place Woman 24 Hours in the Sage, August 2009
  • 3rd Place Woman 24 Hours of Moab, October 2008
  • 1st Women’s Solo RAAM finisher, June 2007
  • 2nd Place Woman Grand Junction 50/50, October 2006
  • 1st Place Women’s Team – Race Across America, Oceanside to Atlantic City, June 2005
  • 1st Place Women’s Team – Race Across America, San Diego to Atlantic City, June 2004

MEET KERRY WHITE


When were you diagnosed with diabetes?

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1981 at age 11


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

My family was very shocked and surprised. As with many families it is a whole new world of strange and daunting things that now have to be part of everyday life. My family took an active role in learning as much as they could about this disease. They provided me with instruction, oversight, and encouragement. Their approach helped me to become capable and self-sufficient in managing my diabetes. Their approach to diabetes and encouragement helped me make the most out of life.


How do you feel about diabetes now?

Diabetes is a way of life. I have learned to accept it while trying to live life every day


Tell us about your life at home.

I am married to the most wonderful man in the world – Stephen and we have a son Calen who was born Sept 14, 2010.


Why is exercise and competition a part of your life?

Exercise is my sanity it helps with controlling my blood sugars, improved moods and gives me a sense of self worth. Exercise is a fundamental part of my life – it is hard to imagine life without it! Exercise provides me with a sense of freedom, accomplishment and capability that I like. It is also a helpful reminder that a person with well-controlled diabetes is as capable and “normal” as anyone without diabetes.


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

Having my son Calen and going through pregnancy with Type 1 diabetes was one of the hardest yet most rewarding parts of my life. I managed my diabetes like never before and was able to have a healthy baby while staying very active throughout the pregnancy. I had had many fears prior to this - that I could not do it and the pressure of making sure you did not do anything to jeopardize your baby’s health was extremely tough. Making it through this and having a healthy baby was an immense relief and reward. Now as I move forward my goal is to try and still be an athlete and a Mum. Something that challenges me every day but keeps me motivated to try and achieve both these things to the best of my ability.


How about an athletic achievement that you find especially significant?

My biggest athletic achievement was finishing RAAM Solo in 2007. Despite not finishing within the time cut off, this was still an enormous achievement for me and everyone with diabetes as I wanted to let people know that Diabetes has no limits. I achieved my dream and hopefully inspired many others to believe that you can do anything you set your heart and mind to.


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

Take control of your diabetes don’t let it control you. Live your life and make it count.


How did you feel in school about having diabetes?

In school diabetes was something I tried to hide and make it seem like I was not different. I spent so many years of my life trying to hide that I had this disease, now I feel differently and want to help grow awareness about this disease and share my experiences so many others don’t have to spend so much of their lives doing trial and error.


What has been your favorite TT1 event to date?

I have thoroughly enjoyed all my TT1 events the best ones are riding in the Tour De Cure events, meeting lots of people with diabetes and learning about how so many others manage their diabetes when exercising.


Are there any ways you have found that your diabetes has been a benefit in your life?

Diabetes has given me drive to survive and a mental resilience to be tough through challenges and persevere no matter what life brings.


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

I am working on trying to improve post meal blood sugars and return to my pregnancy A1C which was in the 6’s, something that has suffered some since delivering as I adapt to being a mum.


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

I would like to return to some 24 hour mountain bike races after having a year of no racing being pregnant. I also hope to compete in an ironman distance triathlon within the next year.


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

Eventually I would like to compete in RAAM solo again.