Living with diabetes: Bob Avritt's story

June 24, 1:10 PMDiabetes ExaminerRobert Scheinman

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Bob Avritt (from his web site)

Ten years ago, Bob Avritt weighed 340 lbs and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. He received what he called the cookie cutter treatment plan. “Here, take this metformin, go see a nutritionist for a diet, and oh yes, try to exercise a bit,” said Bob with a sigh. Bob took the message seriously. His grandmother had diabetes and he saw up close and personal how devastating diabetic complications could be. He took his metformin, went on a diet, and exercised a bit. He lost 70 lbs. However, the march of blood glucose continued unabated. Bob felt better but his disease was progressing unchecked. He was still taking 1 mg of metformin and his A1c levels were 7.1.

Then, the first important moment came when his kids, Mya and Robert started bugging him that summer to go for a bike ride with them. He went out to the garage and dusted off an ancient mountain bike, found a pump, and got some air in the tires. As he put it, “we went around the block and it just about killed me.” When asked why he ever got on that bike a second time his answer was brief and to the point, “I love my kids.”

Bob and his kids rode a lot that summer. First it was just around the block but slowly the range increased. About 3 months into it Bob realized something. He was looking forward to the rides; not just the time with his kids, but the rides themselves.

The next important step came when Bob began looking around for some adults to go out riding with. He found a biking web site that suited him and soon he had lots of friends to ride with. With them he was challenged to ride longer and longer distances. Then came the final nudge, “how about racing?” one of them suggested. This was a crucial moment although Bob did not realize it at the time. He had good friends and the biking was fun. The racing wasn’t serious but it moved him to what he describes as “the next level”.

The rest was as easy as that down hill glide. Workouts were hard but they now were tremendously satisfying and often fun because they were done with friends. Diet was easy to control because with all of this exercise, hunger was more centered on his true metabolic needs. His weight continued to drop to 200 lbs. In additional to this overall diabetes treatment plan, Bob switched to rapid-acting insulin Apidra. When Bob moved to Colorado, he completed the Triple Bypass as well as the bicycle climb of Mt. Evans. He also started riding to work. The route was 15 miles each way and twice a week it required a 25 mile ride each way. The most important accomplishment, however, was that Bob’s A1c was now 6.4. At the 2009 American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions, it was reported that A1c levels below 6.5 were unlikely to result in future complications.

Bob could have just taken this boon and called it good, but he wanted to give back something – to help others as he was helped. He contacted the Team Type 1 bicycle racers and with their help formed Team Type 2. This year Team Type 2 has joined Team Type 1 in the Race Across America, one of the most challenging endurance races in the world.

“I think for me, things needed to be switched around to: ‘here take this metformin, exercise a LOT, and oh yes, try to watch what you eat,” he laughed. Then more seriously, “if you don’t take control of your life you will lose it. I hope others see us and realize that it can be done. You can control your diabetes and still have an exciting fulfilling life.”

Follow Bob and Team Type 2 in the RAAM all this week.  Also, you can check out Bob's web site here!