Cyclist from national team to speak to
Diabetes Support Group on September 13

Team Type 1-Sanofi raced to national prominence in 2005 in a transcontinental cycling race. Now this cycling phenomenon, consisting entirely of Type 1 diabetics, holds the world record for the fastest time in the 3,020-mile Race Across America. On Thursday, September 13, a member of Team Type 1-Sanofi will share his inspirational message at a special meeting of Parma Hospital’s Diabetes Support Group.

“We want people to know that having diabetes doesn’t prevent you from reaching any goal you set in mind,” says Karen Krauth, the diabetes educator who has coordinated the support group for the past 17 years. “Optimal control makes it that much easier to accomplish anything.”

The Diabetes Support Group meets the second Thursday of every month, September through May, from 7-9 p.m. in Parma Hospital’s Auditorium. Meetings cover tools for healthy living and new topics are presented each month. This support group is just one aspect of the quality education program for which the American Diabetes Association has recognized Parma Hospital.

Like the Diabetes Support Group, the athletes of Team Type 1-Sanofi demonstrate to those with diabetes what is possible with proper diet, exercise, insulin/blood glucose management and a positive outlook. Cyclist Matt Brooks of Pickerington, Ohio and a cousin of Dr. Todd Saul, a member of Parma Hospital’s Medical Staff, will share his experience living with diabetes since the age of 8. Team Type 1 has expanded to include a women’s cycling team, a triathlon team and a Team Type 2 team. On November 14, 2011 – World Diabetes Day – a 10-person Team Type 1 Running Team completed a 15-day, 3,000-mile run across America. Members of Team Type 1-Sanofi speak at community diabetes events worldwide.

The September 13 event will be preceded by a healthy, light supper, for which a goodwill donation may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Please RSVP by September 7 to 440-743-2348. The free presentation and support group meeting begins at 7 p.m.