MORGAN PATTON



  • Athens, GA
  • Age: 24
  • Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 7

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS


  • 2nd Kelly Cup
  • 2nd Lake Mary Criterium
  • 6th Lantus Tour of Sommerville
  • 11th Nalley Historic Roswell Criterium
  • 1st Regions Bank Road Race
  • 2nd Regions Bank Criterium
  • 3rd US Bicycling Hall of Fame Criterium
  • 1st Union City Mayors Cup Criterium
  • 1st Regions Bank Criterium
  • 3rd Tallahassee Cycling Classic Criterium
  • 3rd Tallahassee Cycling Classic Road Race
  • 3rd Elberton Criterium

MEET MORGAN PATTON


When were you diagnosed with diabetes?

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1995, when I was 7 years old.


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

I remember my mom crying a lot and being very upset. At first it was overwhelming. No one in my immediate family had type 1 or type 2 diabetes so there was a lot to learn.


How do you feel about diabetes now?

I am perfectly fine with it. I have come to understand that everyone has some difficulty in their life - everyone has something they have to overcome.


Why is exercise and competition a part of your life?

It keeps me healthy and happy. Naturally I am very competitive so racing lets me satisfy that part of my personality.


What drew you to Team Type 1?

The ability to inspire other people with diabetes to take control of their disease and exercise.


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

When I got my lowest A1C of 6.1% in January of 2008


How about an athletic achievement that you find especially significant?

Probably getting 6th place at the Lantus Tour of Sommerville, hopefully I can get on the podium next time!


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

Do not get overwhelmed and set little goals for yourself until you achieve what you want. In example, keep your glucose below 200mg/dl and above 60mg/dl for 24 hours, check 6x a day, etc. A series of small achievements can easily lead to a large accomplishment.


How did you feel in school about having diabetes?

I always thought it was cool because I got to use it as an excuse to eat food in the classroom when we were not allowed to


Tell us about your favorite TT1 event to date.

The annual Children with Diabetes event in Orlando, FL. I have gone the last 3 years in a row and I have a blast every time. I get to see some of my favorite kids with type 1 and see how much they have changed every year.


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

It has made me very self sufficient and more mature, in many ways, at a younger age.


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

I am working on getting my glucose to not go too high after exercising


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

I would like to place top 5 at an NRC or USA Crits race in 2011 and complete a half marathon


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

To run a marathon and complete an Ironman Triathlon.