ANDREA

• Verano Brianza MB, Italy
• Age: 21
• Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 16

Andrea Pirovano is 21, from Verano Brianza, Italy, and was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2006. He began cycling in 2005 and began racing in 2009.

Andrea’s found out he was diabetic after he began cycling, and had a hard time training at first, trying to familiarize himself with insulin and measuring his blood glucose levels. He joined a juniors team in 2009, balancing school and cycling, and had some success at regional time trials. Based on this success, he upgraded to the U23 category but had difficulty finding a team.

“No teams wanted a diabetic person on their squad. It was hard to get out and race without a team, but I started my preparation for the 2011 season in mid-October, and I think my legs are going to be good this year, where my goal will be to bring down all of my high glycemias and do better in every race.”

“I dream about becoming a pro cyclist, first of all because it’s a beautiful career, but also because it’s a great chance to spread the word about diabetes. A lot of people in Italy and across Europe don’t really understand diabetes. They don’t know what you can do if you control it, and continue to manage the disease. Doing sport, riding a bike, keeping active and eating a healthy diet can help you feel better and live a great life.”