Diabetes

I rode 50 Miles on Sunday for the Amer ican Diabetes Asso ciation.  It was a 4 hour ride for me, since I hadn't trained for it like I thought I would.  I have 2 family members currently living with diabetes.  There is some belief that type 2 diabetes (or the pre-disposition towards it) runs in the family.  This could also be more lifestyle-related, and families (even grown adult siblings of the same family) tend to have been influenced by and live a similar lifestyle.  Meaning increased exercise and a 'better' diet lifestyle can work to fight type 2.  

This is one of the reasons I ride for, donate to, and raise money for the Amer ican Diabetes Asso ciation.  Because:  

You are at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes if you are

•  African-American, Latino, Native American, Asian American or Pacific Islander
  
• Over 45
• Underactive, overweight, or obese (According to my Wii fit, I am overweight, borderline obese)
• someone with a family history of diabetes
• a woman who has had gestational diabetes
  

so for me, already 3 out of 5, creeping up on 4 out of 5 (age) - and since I am NOT a woman, I could never really get to 5 of 5....

I used to be very active as a teen and in my early 20s, but "Grown-up" life doesn't really seem to allow time for exercise.  It doesn't pay the mortgage, buy the groceries, feed and diaper the kid, wash the laundry, keep the lights on, run the heater, etc. etc.

But when you think about these risk factors, and keep in mind that our food supply (and thus our bodies and our health) is loaded with fat, sugar, salt, and preservatives, you have to admit, we're on a road going steeply downhill with crappy brakes.  

I am glad to have ridden on Sunday, rain and shine, and for the insight this event has given me to keep my weight down and increase my cardio exercise.  Ride on!