Running On Insulin Diabetes is a disease in which the body has trouble regulating blood glucose levels. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys certain cells in the pancreas. For this reason, type 1 diabetics must take insulin in order to stay alive. This means undergoing multiple injections daily and testing their blood sugar six or more times a day. Scientists do not yet know exactly what causes type 1 diabetes. The Central Ohio Diabetes Association is an independent organization providing services to people with diabetes in Central Ohio regardless of their ability to pay. CODA helps Central Ohio diabetes detect their condition, prevent onset and complications, and learn to live well with the challenge of diabetes. Central Ohio Diabetes Association is not affiliated with any national organization, and all funds raised stay in Central Ohio to provide services to diabetics in need of assistance. Welcome to RunningOnInsulin.com. My name is Tom Kingery and I am a type 1 diabetic and proud husband to my beautiful wife Colleen, who is also my business partner, marathon running partner and fellow triathlete. I have been a marathon runner and triathlete since 2000, four years prior to my diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes on February 22nd, 2004. It was on this day that I learned that diabetes does not occur only in overweight or unhealthy people. Each year 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes with no warning or reason. Since my diagnosis, marathon running and triathlon competitions have become even more meaningful because they are now a means to raise funds for valuable diabetes related causes. On November 1st, 2008 I will again compete in the Ford Ironman Triathlon in Panama City Beach and in the process help raise funds for the Central Ohio Diabetes Association. The Ironman competition consists of a 2.4 mile swim, followed by a 112 mile bike ride, and then finished up with a 26.2 mile marathon. The Ironman is widely considered the ultimate test of physical, as well as mental endurance. Training for the Ironman requires two to six hours of training per day for many months to prepare for the 140.6 mile event which takes many athletes up to 17 hours to complete. I am proud and very excited to again work toward this goal on behalf of diabetics and CODA, and in doing so, raise funds for local diabetics in need of assistance. The great work that the Central Ohio Diabetes Association has done over the years has helped hundreds of thousands live healthier and happier lives. With your tax-deductible sponsorship of one of the 140.6 miles of the Ironman, we can help CODA in their effort to provide invaluable services to diabetics in need. Thank you very much for your help and your support! - Tom Kingery