SARAH BURKETT

Colonial Heights, VA
Age: 33
Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 26

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Virginia AAA High School Championships, 1996 and 1997: 1st place 800m and 4x800m
USA High School National Championships, 1997: 3rd place 800m
USA High School National Indoor Championships, 1997: 2nd place 4x800m
USA Junior National Championships, 1998: 1500m
NCAA Division 1 Championships, 2001: Distance Medley Relay
NCAA CAA Championships, 2002: 1st place 1500m
VA State Track Cycling Championships, 2009: 1st place 500m, Keirin and 1 lap TT
Major Taylor National Championships, 2010: 2nd place 500m TT
Elite Track National Championships, 2010: 14th place 500m TT

MEET SARAH BURKETT

When were you diagnosed with diabetes?

I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in November of 2005.

Tell us how you felt about diabetes when you were first diagnosed.

I actually felt relieved. I finally knew why I was feeling so horrible! The diagnosis made some of my family members worried sick and they thought my world was going to end. They compared it to what they knew of diabetes; my aunt died at age 28 due to Type 1 complications. Thankfully, my family has come to slowly understand that treatment, management, and self-care have come a long way since then. I can still be healthy and be the “Sarah” they know and love.

How do you feel about diabetes now?

I have accepted my diabetes as a personal challenge and the management has become a mild nuisance that I deal with each day. Though it can be a hassle, I know it is worth the effort. I am thankful for so many advancements in treatment, but I still look forward to the day a cure is found.

Why are exercise and competition a part of your life?

I grew up with four brothers, one sister, and a very strong mother. There were fights to get the bathroom for hot water, the pantry for snacks, and the car to get the front seat. We competed in everything daily, including basketball games, drag races with our bikes, running, and side yard baseball. We grew up active and it has become a regular part of our lives.

What drew you to Team Type 1?

I was drawn to the positive influence the team has on the diabetes community and their dedication to public awareness. Being part of Team Type 1 (TT1) allows me to learn and share knowledge with other athletes with diabetes. Being a part of TT1 also gives me a chance to encourage others to overcome challenges in their own lives.

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

One of the most significant achievements was my acceptance to become a police officer. I was denied the job because, according to the department, a diabetic, especially a type 1 diabetic, would not be able to work in such a demanding field, nor be able to finish the academy physically. Then, after the doctor explained to the department that many people with diabetes are in this profession along with the joint profession of firefighting, they gave me a chance. Although they still made it clear that they did not think I would pass through the 6 months academy and its hard physical challenges. I graduated with 10 other males, some marines, and I became the first female in the history of the Chesterfield Police Department to win the physical fitness award. This award was granted after all recruits went through a physical test of running, pushups, and sit-ups. The test occurred three times throughout the academy and it was graded each time. I was the highest scorer for all three disciplines each time with no female handicap.

Wow – that is very inspiring!

How about an athletic achievement that you find especially significant?

I’ve been blessed with athletic achievements that have given me moments that I will cherish. The most significant ones are probably winning the 800m and the 4x800m races at the VA State Track Championships my junior year of high school. It was one of my first big wins and my mom went nuts; you’d have thought I won the Olympics.

Can you share some advice for someone newly diagnosed with diabetes?

Just because you have diabetes does not mean it is all downhill. It is all up to you and how you choose to control the disease. It should not be used as a crutch because, with hard work and determination, you can achieve what you want. I see too many people let diabetes become them and use it as an excuse to not do one thing or another. Let diabetes inspire you to become better than you would be without it. People are watching you. At some point in the future, when a new child is diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, let it be your positive and inspiring story that is told rather than the crippling stories that are always passed along.

What has been your favorite TT1 event to date?

The Relay in CA, which was a 200-mile running relay I did with the Team Type1 triathlon team, was totally fun.

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

Mainly, it has made me take each day as a blessing and have fun. It has also made me take notice of what food I put into my body and how it makes me feel. It has made me more aware of diabetes on the global scale and how there are so many people that cannot afford medicine, making the disease a death sentence. It has also made me realize how much freedom I had prior to diabetes and how many people take that for granted, overindulging in unhealthy food. Overall, I would like to do whatever I can to help people live healthy lifestyles and enjoy that freedom.

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

I want to get my A1C level down. As a police officer, I tend to keep it slightly elevated because I do not want it to get low. I definitely need to find more of a middle ground. Since I’ve had diabetes for only five years now, I am still learning how to manage my levels with working, sleeping, training, and eating.

Tell us about an athletic goal you have for the short term – say in the next year.

I want to improve on my cycling times on both the road and track.

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

I want to “keep it fun”.

Sarah, thank you for taking the time to talk with us.

Thank you!