Diabetes In Control. A free weekly diabetes newsletter for Medical Professionals. News and information for Medical Professionals.
By Eugene Thompson
Twelve years ago, at age 47 and weighing over 250 pounds, I stood at a crossroads. My life, once vibrant and full of energy, had become unrecognizable. I was constantly tired, overweight, and stuck in a cycle of poor health. All the doctors would do for me is give me more medication, more insulin. That’s what they do for diabetics who choose not to take their disease seriously. 20 units of insulin injected daily and I felt terrible.
When I first heard the words “You have diabetes,” at the age of 38, I brushed them off. I had too much on my plate to deal with a disease that, at the time, I thought could be managed with a pill and a little effort. Honestly I just ignored it hoping it would go away. It didn’t.
But diabetes wasn’t just a medical term in my family—it was a specter that had claimed lives. I had watched relatives struggle, suffer, and ultimately succumb to its complications. Deep down, I knew I was headed in the same direction. My body was sending signals I couldn’t ignore: climbing stairs left me breathless, and the fatigue was unrelenting. While on a casual hike through some hills, I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t simply walk uphill for more than 15 minutes without needing to sit and take a break. It wasn’t just a physical toll—it was emotional, too. I felt trapped, and worst of all, I felt helpless.
That feeling didn’t last. One day, staring at the person I had become, I made a decision. I would fight for my life.
A New Path: Running to Reclaim My Health
I didn’t know where to start, so I did the simplest thing I could think of: I ran. It wasn’t pretty—those first few steps were awkward, painful, and discouraging. But with every run, something shifted. The weight began to come off, my energy started to return, and I discovered a determination I didn’t know I had. Running became more than exercise; it became my lifeline. Between a strict diet, nutritional supplements and running, I managed to drop nearly fifty pounds. I had also reduced my insulin to less than 4 units. Then, I signed up for my first marathon.
What began as a personal journey quickly turned into a way to push boundaries I thought were immovable. I started entering races, testing my limits, and experiencing the joy of taking control of my health. But this was only the beginning. The first year I ran six marathons and six half marathons. I was addicted, but I felt amazing.
My endocrinologist was definitely pleased with my performance. Most diabetic patients just don’t have the will to change their lives. However, I couldn’t continue on the same insulin as it wasn’t accurate enough at the now lower dosage. They shifted me, and I gained twenty pounds back. I begged for another solution but was told there isn’t a different insulin option. I commented that I’d just need to run a marathon every month. She told me that wasn’t practical. I returned the following year with a photo of the 14 marathon medals.
A Complicated Diagnosis
As I continued to learn about diabetes, I realized my case wasn’t typical. My condition didn’t align with the standard profile of Type 2 diabetes. It wasn’t until much later, after running my first charity 50 mile race, that I was correctly diagnosed with Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA), often referred to as Type 1.5.
LADA is a rare and often misunderstood form of diabetes. It progresses slowly, and because of its similarities to Type 2, it’s frequently misdiagnosed in its early stages. Shortly after this notice, my doctor retired and to find new doctors who understood my unique situation was a battle in itself. Many didn’t recognize the nuances of LADA, and I often felt dismissed. I continued to rack up the marathons to fight, my only real outlet.
But I refused to give up. I dove into research, became my own advocate, and leaned into the one thing I could control: my lifestyle.
The Hard Work Many Avoid
What struck me during this time was how often patients rely solely on medication to manage their diabetes. I don’t blame them—it’s the message so many of us are given. Since most have no desire or will to make significant changes in their lives, insulin is their only lifeline. But for me, that wasn’t enough. I wasn’t willing to accept that diabetes would define my life or dictate my future. I knew that the more insulin I took, the worse I felt. Contrary to the professional’s advice at that time, I needed to cut back.
Instead of increasing medications, I committed to the hard work that many shy away from. I embraced consistent training, balanced nutrition, and a disciplined approach to managing my health which included nutritional supplementation. This wasn’t a quick fix—it was a lifestyle change that required daily effort.
Run Eugene Run: Sharing the Journey
As I reclaimed my health, I realized my story could inspire others. I wanted to show people what was possible, to prove that diabetes didn’t have to be a life sentence. That’s when I founded Run Eugene Run, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about the struggles of living with diabetes and encouraging others to fight back. I preached that moving was the answer, maybe not a marathon, but getting out and going for a short run, a brisk walk … something!
Through public speaking, writing, and community events, I became a spokesperson for those battling this disease. I shared my story not just to inspire but to educate—both patients and healthcare professionals—about the power of lifestyle changes. By the age of 58 I had accumulated seventy-seven marathons and five ultras over 50 miles. But it wasn’t enough.
The Ultimate Challenge: Dragon’s Back
My journey took a dramatic turn when I decided to take on the Dragon’s Back Race, one of the world’s toughest endurance races.
Spanning 236 miles over six days through the rugged terrain of Wales, it’s a grueling test of physical and mental strength.
The training was unlike anything I had done before. I pushed my body to new limits, running countless miles, cross-training, lifting weights and meticulously planning every aspect of my nutrition. Over time, I transformed. The weight continued to drop, my strength and endurance soared, and I felt a level of vitality I hadn’t experienced in years.
The race itself was brutal, but every step reminded me why I started this journey. It wasn’t just about finishing—it was about proving to myself, and to others, that anything is possible with determination and hard work.
A Rare Breakthrough
What I didn’t anticipate was how this intense training would impact my diabetes. At a recent doctor’s appointment, I received news that was nothing short of extraordinary: my commitment to training, combined with disciplined nutrition and supplement use, had led to results rarely seen in LADA patients.
Over the next 7-8 months, I will be transitioning off my insulin pump, moving to just one daily injection of long-acting insulin. For someone with LADA, especially at my age, this is almost unheard of. My doctor was astonished, calling it a testament to what’s possible with relentless effort.
This wasn’t luck or an accident—it was the result of years of commitment, sacrifice, and a refusal to let diabetes control my life.
Lessons Learned
Looking back, my journey has been filled with challenges: denial, misdiagnoses, struggles to find the right care, and moments of self-doubt. But it has also been marked by resilience, transformation, and an unyielding belief that I could change the trajectory of my life in spite of the up and down rollercoaster called LADA.
I’ve learned that managing diabetes isn’t just about medication or numbers on a chart. It’s about taking ownership of your health, being willing to do the hard work, and believing in the possibility of a better future.
Moving Forward
My story is far from over. I understand that I need to continue my regimen if I want to be rid of that pump. I can’t sit down just yet. I remain committed to inspiring others, not just through words but through action. Whether it’s tackling new challenges, sharing my journey, or continuing to advocate for better awareness and education, my purpose is clear: to show that diabetes doesn’t have to define your life.
To anyone facing a similar battle, I want you to know that change is possible. It’s not easy, and it won’t happen overnight, but with discipline, determination, and the right mindset, you can take control of your health and your future.
This is my story. It’s a story of struggle, resilience, many failures but ultimate triumph. And it’s proof that even in the face of chronic illness, there is hope. There is a way.
Eugene Thompson is the founding architect of his firm, entrepreneur, author, speaker, father and grandfather as well as being an endurance athlete while advocating for diabetes awareness and education. As a passionate leader, he has combined his professional expertise with a personal mission to inspire others through storytelling, public speaking, and nonprofit work. Diagnosed with Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA), Eugene transformed his life through endurance running, completing over 77 marathons, including extreme races like the Dragon’s Back in Wales. He is also the creator of Run Eugene Run, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about diabetes and inspiring others to overcome life’s challenges through discipline and perseverance. His journey highlights the power of resilience and determination in overcoming obstacles and motivating others to achieve their best in life and health. He can be reached via email at RunEugeneRun26.2@gmail.com or on Facebook and Instagram.
Disclaimer:
This content is not medical advice. For any health issues, always consult a healthcare professional. In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency services.
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