TOM CHANG

Mountain View, CA
Age: 49
Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes at age 41

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Maryland State, District 2, High Hurdle Champion, 1982
5th Place, 1984 Hingham Criterium
3rd Place, 1984 MIT Road Race
3rd Place, 1985 Maine road race (forgot name)
4th place, 1985 Hingham Criterium
1st Place, 1985 MIT Road Race

MEET TOM CHANG

Tell us about your diagnosis with diabetes.

When I turned 40 in 2004, I realized that I should probably start going to annual physical exams. During my first exam, I was told that I was “borderline” and should begin to watch what I ate. At this point in my life, I was 225 pounds and not exercising regularly. In the same year, I visited my 44 year old cousin in Australia. Because of a daily swimming regiment, he was in the best shape of any middle age person I have ever seen. So, I began swimming to try and regain my fitness. For the next year, I was up to swimming a master’s level workout 4 times a week.

When I turned 41, I was down to 215 lbs and was told that I truly have Type 2 diabetes. My doctor told me that I needed to lose more weight and increase my exercise. At that point I cut out any white rice from my diet (really hard for an Asian person to do) and increased my swimming to 5-6 times a week. Also, I began to ride again. (In college, I use to race for MIT.) I noticed from riding that I could drop my glucose levels quite significantly with just a 1 hour daily ride.

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

My family was quite surprised since no one else in my family had it and since I was always the most active in the family.

How do you feel about diabetes now?

I feel that it a reality I have to deal with. I am constantly searching for a way to defer needing to take medication since I am relatively young and very active at this point. I feel that I want to convey the message to friends and family that activity and proper diet is needed whether you have diabetes or not. I try and make sure that my daughter, Sydney, is active at this stage in her life and hope that she will continue throughout her life.

Tell us about your life at home.

Married to Bonnie for 15 years, one daughter, Sydney, 5 years old

Why is exercise and competition a part of your life?

It is important since I find that I am still like to be athletically competitive. I have had a high level of interest in cycling since 1982 when I started racing in college. I have been involved with the cycling scene and racers since the 80’s. The technology part of cycling has also been a passion of mine.

What drew you to Team Type 2?

I read a magazine story about TT1 and Phil Southerland. I found it interesting and have been following them for the last 2 years. This year I called TT2 to find out if they sell the team kit and then started talking to Dave Eldrige about joining the team.

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

My daughter, Sydney, is by far my highest personal achievement. My goal is to raise/foster an inquisitive, active and dynamic child. In pursuit of that goal, I realized that I needed to improve my health to ensure that I can be there for her.

How about an athletic achievement that you find especially significant?

Two achievements: In high school, I was Maryland district champion in the high hurdles. This eventually helped me to get into MIT to run track. (Little do people realize, the athletic teams can help one get into MIT.) When I started racing in local criteriums in the Boston area, I was able to finish in the top 5 in my first 3 races.

Is there any advice you would like to give to someone who was newly diagnosed with diabetes?

Start slow with the changes that need to be made. It’s a long race and the goal is to finish.

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

It has reacquainted me with cycling and all the interesting people in and around cycling. It has also forced me to think about what my priorities in life are.

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

I would like to improve my morning glucose levels. They always seem to be high. I would also like to ramp down my Metformin dosage.

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

This year’s goal is to ride a “super” century, Levi’s Grand Fondo. Its over 100 miles and 8500 feet of climbing.

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

I would like to ride the Tour of the CA Alps (aka, the Death Ride, 100 miles and 13,500 feet of climbing at high altitude.)