Gary Hall Jr. > Message Board > Diabetes > Page 1 of 3

Hey Gary,

Just found out you were diagnosed with type one diabetes. I was looking at the kids site of the JDRF website and saw you as a "role model." I'm 30 and was diagnosed about a year and a half ago. It's strange, I have been a lifetime swimmer and coach. Didn't seem like a strong candidate. No one in my family has it either.

When I swim alone my blood sugars are fine but when I get in comp it goes crazy. Same thing with basketball. If I start getting into winning, it goes out the roof. If I just play for the fun of it, it's fine. You got any tricks for me that you've learned since you've had to deal with it? What are your three month average blood sugars running? Are you keeping it normal?

Good luck this summer.

Joel Thomas
Center for Survey Research
Indiana University

Gary's Response: Joel,

Sorry this is such a short response. I have been extremely busy as of late. My most recent A1C was 5.7, and the one before that was 5.2. So, I do try to keep the levels in range, though not always successful. Your experience with levels rising with adrenaline is common. It happens to me. I keep my kit nearby when I know I am going to be in this environment, and have to give myself more insulin. Otherwise, the high levels can cause cramping and fatigue, resulting in poor performance, but what's worse, poor control. Stay on top of it. It can be done.

Gary Hall Jr.

I would like to thank you for being a huge inspiration for me both in and out of the pool. Last October at the age of 17 and at a time where I thougth I was at the peak of my swimming performace, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

I had lost almost 20 pounds and couldnt make it through practice before I was diagnosed. While I was in the hospital and a few weeks thereafter, I was in a state of depression. I wouldn't go to practice and wanted to quit, I honestly thought I would never be able to handle being a diabetic swimmer.

I kept hearing your story from every person I talked to and was eventually convinced to get back in the pool to see what could happen. I was surprised how much better i felt in the water. I started gaining weight back and building up more and more muscle until i had gained back all of my weight plus about 15 pounds.

My times have improved dramatically and I now hold team records in the 50 free for both short and long course and this summer became a YMCA All-American in the 50 LCM free. This year I will be swimming for Fordham University.

Your story has helped me to learn that obstacles like being diagnosed with diabetes are not endings, but fuel to push myself beyond the point that people thought would be the best I could possibly do.

So thank you again for being the perfect example and an awesome inspiration for not only a sprinter like me, but also for anyone trying to reach a goal with obstacles in their way.

Thank You,
Sean Durnan. Fordham University.

Gary's Reply

Dear Gary,

I know you have probably heard this a million times before, but you have been a major hope for so many people, including myself. You may not think so, but what you have accomplished is not only great, it's heroic. I was
diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at age 15 in '98 on the Fourth of July (needless to say this holiday has added meaning, and it has been an up and down roller coaster ride physically, mentally, and emotionally. My sport is
tennis. I am pursuing my dream of becoming a pro tennis player. I played college tennis for two years, but didn't feel I was making any progress towards where my heart truely wanted to be. I stopped school (for now. I will finish) and am in the process of training for the upcoming season. I
was wondering what your training routine was specifically, and how you were able to monitor yourself best. I was also wondering if anxiety played any part in how your glucose reacted, or how your body reacted. ( I ask this because i also have a problem with muscle cramping and glucose control early in matches and i feel that it may have something to do with stress. You may not have any advise for that, but i was just curious). Also, did you eat a lot of the same meals every day? It is all very hard for me to deal with right now, and i am in the process of possibly going from injections to the
pump. Any advise or direction you could give me would be greatly appreciated.
best of luck!

sincerely, Michael Findling -- September 22, 2003
Michigan

Gary's Reply

I'm 15 years old, and I'm a big fan of yours!!:)I'm also a diabetic of 6 years, and I gotta say that you really inspire me by still swimming fast and having a good attitude even though you're a diabetic.

I know how hard it can be. My goal
is to be the first female diabetic Olympic swimmer; I'm shooting for the 2012 Olympics. It makes me feel a lot better to know that there's someone else out there who's conquering diabetes and swimming fast!

Love and Best Wishes,
Jessie. August 28, 2003

- Suzanne Makinson

My son was recently diagnosed with diabetes and a very good soccer player. A friend sent us and email about you and it has been very inspirational. Thanks for being a hero!
Sincerely,
The Prichards

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