MATT VOGEL



  • Doncaster, VIC Australia
  • Age: 36
  • Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 14

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS


  • 3rd place: 1999 Louisville Legacy Triathlon
  • 1st place: 2002 Capitol City Triathlon
  • 1st place: 2006 Angel Island 10k
  • 1st place: 2007 Race Across America
  • 2nd place: 2010 Marin 25k Trail Run

MEET MATT VOGEL


When were you diagnosed with diabetes?

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1990. I was 14 years old.


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

I was shocked, but initially relieved to understand why I had been so sick for so many weeks. By the time I got home from the hospital I was bothered and depressed at having to live with diabetes every day. I kept asking, “Why did this happen to me?” The injections were fine, but pricking my fingers hurt and monitoring every piece of food I ate was a hassle. After a week or so, I was tired of feeling sorry for myself. I realized that I had to handle my diabetes in a different way. I decided to accept my diabetes, take an active role in managing it and move on with the rest of my life.


How do you feel about diabetes now?

Bottom line… diabetes stinks. However, diabetes technology, medication, and treatment regimes have moved leaps and bounds. Armed with today’s tools and a strong support network, with actively managed diabetes, I feel that anything is possible.


Tell us about your life at home. I hear that 2011 will be a big year for you.

Yes – getting married in May!


Why is exercise and competition a part of your life?

I find that exercise is a great way to help manage my diabetes and reduce stress. Plus, I like going fast!


What drew you to Team Type 1?

After racing triathlon for a few years, I met Phil “Hollywood” Southerland at a diabetes meeting. He offered me a spot on the 2007 team for the Race Across America. I reluctantly accepted, thinking I wasn’t fast enough.


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

Speaking at my MBA commencement ceremony at UC Davis. I was honored to be selected by my classmates.


How about an athletic achievement that you find especially significant?

Setting a new record in the 2007 Race Across America with Team Type 1! It was an incredible feeling to be on the podium with my team mates after we had raced 3,000 miles in 5 days 15 hours and 43 minutes.


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

Diabetes management is not an exact science. There are so many variables that can affect my blood glucose level. To quote Warren Buffett, “It’s better to get it almost right than totally wrong.”


How did you feel in school about having diabetes?

I wanted to feel safe, so I made sure my friends, team mates, teachers, and coaches knew I had diabetes and what to do if something went wrong.


Tell us about your favorite TT1 events to date.

-2007 Race Across America: it was an incredibly tough, but fun event. -2009 Wildflower Triathlon: driving the RV, camping at the reservoir, and racing was a memorable mix. -2010 Relay: 200 mile run through Northern California, everyone started getting a little goofy after 24 hours of running with little to no sleep.


In what way have you found that your diabetes has been a benefit to you?

Having diabetes has helped me be much more conscious of my health. Diabetes has also given me lots of opportunities… I’ve worked in the diabetes industry for nearly 10 years, traveled the world on multiple diabetes-related assignments, and met my fiancé through a diabetes connection!


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

Nighttime lows, especially after a big day of exercise, are always a challenge for me.


What is an athletic goal you have for the short term – say less than one year from now?

To do the Murray to Moyne 24 hour road ride through Victoria, Australia.


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

Ironman Hawaii