Sidebar Diabetes hasn’t slowed down this race car driver-- In fact, it’s revved him up By Carrie St. Michel Winter 2010 “I would love to be the first race car driver with diabetes to win the Indianapolis 500,” says 24-year-old Charlie Kimball. Managing diabetes is important because the mental and physical exertion of racing lowers blood glucose levels and impairs the concentration and fast reflexes required by the sport. When Kimball was diagnosed in October 2007, he allowed himself a brief pity party, then quickly shifted into take-charge mode. “In racing,” he explains, “I’ve always sought out the best equipment and the best pit crew, so I decided to seek out the best medical team to manage my diabetes.” All roads led to Anne Peters, M.D., director of USC Clinical Diabetes Programs. “Ten years ago, I don’t think I could have - in good conscience - given Charlie the OK to continue racing,” Peters says. “But today, because we have much-improved insulin and continuous glucose monitoring, there’s no reason athletes like Charlie can’t stay with their sport.” Kimball contends, “I’m a better athlete with diabetes than I was before being diagnosed. I’m more proactive about my health, I’m more intelligent about my food choices, and I’m more aware of the importance of exercising.” When he’s not whizzing around a racetrack at speeds of up to 200 m.p.h., Kimball often can be found speaking publicly, raising awareness about diabetes and the fact that the disease needn’t be a roadblock in one’s life. Such outreach is part of Kimball’s partnership with Novo Nordisk, maker of the insulin he uses. Kimball also has formed a partnership with DexCom Inc., manufacturer of his continuous glucose monitor. During races, the monitor is affixed to Kimball’s steering wheel so he can keep a close eye on his blood-sugar levels as he rockets around the track. On the subject of living with diabetes, Kimball says, “If you manage it well, there’s no reason you can’t do almost anything you want to; even drive a race car.”




		Sidebar
		Diabetes hasn’t slowed down this race car driver-- In fact, it’s revved him up
		By Carrie St. Michel Winter 2010
		“I would love to be the first race car driver with diabetes to win the Indianapolis 500,” says 24-year-old Charlie Kimball. Managing diabetes is important because the mental and physical exertion of racing lowers blood glucose levels and impairs the concentration and fast reflexes required by the sport. When Kimball was diagnosed in October 2007, he allowed himself a brief pity party, then quickly shifted into take-charge mode. “In racing,” he explains, “I’ve always sought out the best equipment and the best pit crew, so I decided to seek out the best medical team to manage my diabetes.” All roads led to Anne Peters, M.D., director of USC Clinical Diabetes Programs. “Ten years ago, I don’t think I could have - in good conscience - given Charlie the OK to continue racing,” Peters says. “But today, because we have much-improved insulin and continuous glucose monitoring, there’s no reason athletes like Charlie can’t stay with their sport.” Kimball contends, “I’m a better athlete with diabetes than I was before being diagnosed. I’m more proactive about my health, I’m more intelligent about my food choices, and I’m more aware of the importance of exercising.” When he’s not whizzing around a racetrack at speeds of up to 200 m.p.h., Kimball often can be found speaking publicly, raising awareness about diabetes and the fact that the disease needn’t be a roadblock in one’s life. Such outreach is part of Kimball’s partnership with Novo Nordisk, maker of the insulin he uses. Kimball also has formed a partnership with DexCom Inc., manufacturer of his continuous glucose monitor. During races, the monitor is affixed to Kimball’s steering wheel so he can keep a close eye on his blood-sugar levels as he rockets around the track. On the subject of living with diabetes, Kimball says, “If you manage it well, there’s no reason you can’t do almost anything you want to; even drive a race car.”