EDWARD TEPPER

• Glen Allen, VA
• Age: 64
• Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes at age 60

MEET ED TEPPER

Tell us about your diagnosis with diabetes.

For many years doctors told me that “someday” I will have a problem with my blood sugar but no one ever used the “D” word. Then, about four years ago, a nurse did an in-office HBA1c test and announced that I have diabetes. It was somewhat of a shock but I refused medication and tried solving the problem with just diet and exercise. It was not a good time in my life. My job had just been eliminated and I was absorbed with the job search and controlling my diabetes just wasn’t a top priority. In retrospect there were symptoms that I didn’t realize were symptoms of diabetes until I researched what diabetes is. There was never a restroom I could pass by. I was always tired. But I was 58 years old and this was the time in my life when I was supposed to start having prostate problems and be tired- right?!. Diabetes just never entered my mind.

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

I have a friend who is fond of saying that “Denial is not a river in Egypt.” I was definitely swimming in that river for a couple of years and I took my family with me.

How do you feel about diabetes now?

After I found and started a new job I took control of my diabetes. I promised myself that I will not go blind or have my feet amputated because of diabetes. I started cycling and tweaked my diet. I dropped about 35 lbs and my A1c is now about 6.0, down from 7.4 when I was first diagnosed. Controlling my diabetes is now part of my lifestyle.

Tell us about your life at home.

I’ve been married for 40 years – to the same the woman even! We have 2 grown boys one of whom has a genetic syndrome and is living with us.

Why is exercise and competition a part of your life?

Exercise is now a huge part of my life again. When I was in my 20’s and 30’s I was very active and then life happened and I backed off. Riding my bike helps me control my blood glucose levels and it just makes me feel good. For the most part I “compete” against myself. I challenge myself to become more fit, healthier and enjoy life more and more every day.

What drew you to Team Type 2?

I was drawn to Team Type 2 by the mission statement. To inspire all people with diabetes to take control.

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

Taking control, losing weight and lowering my A1c was a huge achievement for me. It was not easy. It took a lot of perseverance.

How about an athletic achievement that you find especially significant?

Completing my first century at age 60. I trained with a group for 7 months starting with my first 10-mile ride. After I finished the century I knew that cycling had become a permanent part of my life.

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

You are the only one who is responsible for taking control of your diabetes. Learn, learn, learn everything there is about it. Read books. Join a support group. No matter how you do it, do it. Talk to your doctor, ask questions, challenge his answers. Test, test, test. Learn how different foods affect your bgl’s (blood glucose levels).

What has been your favorite TT2 event to date?

I missed RAAM last year because I broke my collarbone in a training accident. Steep hill, sharp curve, mud on the road – the rest of the story is ugly. But I bounced back and now my favorite TT2 events are on my calendar. In a few weeks four of us will be doing “Calvin’s Challenge”, a 12-hour bike race in Ohio where the winner is decided by who goes the farthest in the allotted time. We’re racing as a team. I can’t wait.

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

Let me rephrase the question: How can a chronic, potentially debilitating, potentially life-threatening disease be a blessing? Answer: when you realize that you have the power to take control of your life and manage your disease. When I was first diagnosed I was “obese” according to the charts. Now I’m “healthy” according to the charts and I feel healthy. I live in an “active adult community” and I can see that because I am truly active I act and look 10 years younger than many of my neighbors who are the same age as me. Being diagnosed with diabetes was the slap in the head that drove me to become healthy again.

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

I’d like to get my A1c down to the 5.5 range which is real close to non-diabetic. Not sure how I’ll get there because doctors are not that concerned with someone who has an A1c of 6.0. As I said before, I am the only one who is responsible for managing my diabetes. I will find a way.

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

I want to do a sub 6 hour solo century (100 miles cycling event).

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

At 62-years old my long term goal is to continue to ride and stay healthy.