PETER COWLEY

• Atlanta, GA
• Age: 43
• Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes at age 36

Peter Cowley’s diagnosis started simply enough. In 2003, he went to the doctor out of concern for what he believed to be a spider bite that would not heal. In an unexpected turn of events, Peter was diagnosed with diabetes. Although he can’t say he was taken aback – given five out of six of his immediate family members are diabetic – he still felt wary of the road ahead.

Right off the bat, Peter knew that a change in diet and activity level would have a major impact on his health. So, more time was spent perusing the produce aisle, and even more time was spent on his bike. Once a writer and photographer for magazines featuring BMX biking, and a viewer of many editions of the Tour de France, Peter considers himself a longtime cycling fan. Now he is learning to incorporate his love of cycling into his diabetes regimen, noting, “In order to improve by A1Cs, I have to increase my cycling.” He is so invested in the sport that he hopes to be a spokesman for cycling as a lifestyle choice for those with diabetes.

An associate director of the American Diabetes Association, Peter’s passion for diabetes education and research is something he devotes himself to every day. Not only has he raised more than $250,000 to help fight diabetes, but he serves as director of the Greater Milwaukee Tour de Cure. And now he is looking ahead to competing in Race Across America (RAAM), where he says he will enjoy the physical challenge and profound impact of sharing the experience with 70 other bike coordinators of the American Diabetes Association.

“I was flattered to be asked to be a part of Team Type 2,” he says, adding, “I get so much satisfaction from speaking that special language to others who have diabetes.”