Diabetes doesn’t slow down this Team Diabetes runner
Dennis Delyea has lived with type 1 diabetes for 15 years and controls his diabetes with an insulin pump. He is one of many who have set a positive example in their community by raising funds for the Canadian Diabetes Association and spreading the message of the benefits of living an active lifestyle.
Dennis, 22, lives in Kakabeka Falls, Ontario, and fights forest fires for a living. In 2007, he participated in the Rome Team Diabetes marathon. As a first-time runner, he completed the marathon in just over five hours. Dennis will also be joining Team Diabetes marathoners this July in Rio de Janeiro.
“I had a great experience with Team Diabetes in Rome and definitely recommend that others participate. You’re raising money for a great cause while promoting a healthy lifestyle,” said Dennis. “I’m looking forward to the Rio de Janeiro marathon.”
Dennis also has family members who have been affected by diabetes, including his father who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes shortly after Dennis’ diagnosis, and an aunt who had gestational diabetes while pregnant.
“Some people live with diabetes for many years without even knowing they have it. It’s important to get tested if you are at risk,” said Dennis.
When not training for a marathon, Dennis enjoys snowmobiling, ice fishing and playing in the mud with his truck.
Team Diabetes is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. Official anniversary celebrations will take place in May at the Ottawa and Calgary marathons. There is also still time to join the team travelling to the Reykavik Marathon in August. Other 2010 event offerings include hiking the Grand Canyon and up two Costa Rican volcanoes, as well as two long distance cycling events in the United States and two 24-hour adventure mountain biking events in Ontario.
For more information on Team Diabetes, visit teamdiabetes.ca or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).