MARTY BASSETT



  • San Diego, CA
  • Age: 38
  • Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes at age 23

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS


  • April 2008 - Competed in my first ever endurance event (La Jolla 5k)
  • August 2008 - Completed my first Half Marathon (America’s Finest City Half Marathon)
  • April 2008 - March 2009 - Completed 12 endurance events in 12 months
  • November 2010 - Returned to playing Soccer after 20 years away
  • May 2011 - Participate in my first TT2 event (Tour de Cure San Diego, 55 miles)
  • May 2011 - Complete my first ever Century Ride (San Diego Century)
  • June 2011 - Complete my first ever full Marathon (Rock-N-Roll San Diego)

MEET MARTY BASSETT


Tell us about your diagnosis with diabetes.

I had not been feeling well, very run down, tired and had issues with things such as frequent urination for almost a year (late 1997 to 1998). I had kept putting off getting checked up because I did not have any health insurance at the time. Finally, one day I realized I could go to my college’s health services office, after all I was paying them a fee every semester. This is when I found out I had diabetes, September 1998. For many years I lived basically in denial and did not realize the serious nature of what was going. Then, in May 2006, I ended up in the hospital with some complications. At that point I was told I could have lost my battle... the sad part was, that was not the first time I had complications.


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

When I was first diagnosed there was not much of a thought about it. I knew very little about diabetes, but really felt as if I was ok and there was no real need for concern.


How do you feel about diabetes now?

Now I know that diabetes is something that needs to be addressed and can be controlled if the proper steps are taken.


Tell us about your life at home.

I have a wife that I have been married to for over 3 years and 2 amazing step-children, a 7 year old girl and an 11 year old boy. They are truly the reason I can be so strong today.


Why are exercise and competition a part of your life?

Over the past couple of years I have really grown to not only appreciate what exercise does for me but also I have come to truly enjoy it. Exercise and competition have help to make me a healthier individual so that I am sure to be around for my family for a long time to come.


What drew you to Team Type 2?

I have got to admit, I had both selfish and motives of generosity that brought me to Team Type 2. For me, I wanted to find a group of like-minded individuals that I could be involved with that would help to keep me motivated and on the right track to getting even healthier. I know that I still need help and still need education about how to properly handle the situation I am in. On the other side of things, I simply want to be able to help others . Help them so they do not have to go through the things that I did, especially those that have a hard time grasping just how serious things can get if they do not address it right away.


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

I think my most significant personal achievement would have to be my losing 100 pounds. I never truly thought that it was ever going to happen and I had many struggles along the way but was able to overcome them.


How about an athletic achievement that you find especially significant?

Because of my personal achievement of the weight loss it led to a number of fantastic athletic achievements. Where I once had problems getting winded just walking up a flight of stairs I am now able to do things such as distance running and cycling, which I had never done before. And one thing that is truly significant is being able to return to the sport of soccer that I played for nearly 12 years and had given up because I was in no shape to even consider it. Being able to do these things show me that I am in control and no disease is going to tell me otherwise.


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

My advice to them would simply be to take it seriously and to take control of diabetes so it doesn’t take control of you.


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

I guess one of the benefits that I have noticed is that it has made me more aware of the importance of fitness and nutrition, which is important for everyone regardless of health status. Without having diabetes I would probably be even more overweight than I was and would eventually end up with any number of health issues and a lower quality of life.


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

For me I still need to do a lot of work on being consistent with my eating habits. I still struggle with the ability to eat properly. I grew up in a Hispanic culture that almost uses eating as a way to bond with one another, making food a very pleasurable event.


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

Lose the remaining 30 pounds I have to lose and compete in as many events as possible.


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

Become an IRONMAN triathlete!!!