Local Type 1 Diabetic To Run 3,114 Miles Across The Country

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By Jane Seiss

Doug Masiuk is hard at work preparing for the adventure of a lifetime. He is logging 125 miles weekly to conditions himself for a 3,114-mile one-man run from San Francisco to the East Coast, called the “1Run,” and it kicks off on July 5.

According to Masiuk, there have been 240 other runs across the country. This one, however, is historic. When he crosses the finish line, Masiuk will be the first Type 1 diabetic to run from coast to coast.

According to the National Institutes of Health, Type 1 diabetes is a chronic, lifelong disease that can occur at any age. It is also known as Juvenile Diabetes because onset is usually in children and young adults. In Type 1 diabetics, the body no longer produces enough insulin to move sugar from the bloodstream to the cells for energy. As a result, Type 1 diabetics become dependent on insulin taken by injection or delivered continuously by an insulin pump.

Masiuk, who grew up in Severna Park, was diagnosed with the disease at age three. He controls the disease by counting carbohydrates and taking a corresponding amount of insulin. Exercise is an important part of his lifestyle.

“When I was 33, I got caught up with work and life and was neglecting exercise,” explained Masiuk. “I hadn’t been active for over 10 years and one day I ran for two or three minutes and was pretty exhausted,” he recalled. “Not long after that, I ran again, but this time I threw up,” Masiuk laughed. “I continued with it and over time I found myself able to do more and more.”

Eventually, a passion for running led to something meaningful. “I knew people had run across the country, but never a juvenile diabetic. That planted a seed, and I shared it,” Masiuk remembered. “The more I talked about it, the more people supported it,” he said.

Masiuk had become alarmed at the rise of Type 2 diabetes in the United States and felt he needed to use his run to raise awareness. Type 2 is approaching epidemic levels. The body is resistant to insulin, and if not treated, blood sugar levels can be high causing further health problems. Until recent times, the disease was almost only diagnosed in adults. Obesity, brought on by a poor diet and sedentary lifestyle, has been blamed for the increase in the Type 2 diabetes.

“Now there are teenagers developing diabetes - what we used to call adult-onset. I’m one guy, a diabetic, if I can do it… We have to raise awareness and do something to inspire people to make health changes for the better,” challenged Masiuk.

As he journeys across country, Masiuk will stop in communities to inspire lifestyle changes. He will address groups at schools, community centers and hospitals.

Masiuk has launched a web site, 1run.org, and created a Facebook page, “1Run.” A team of volunteers is helping, and includes support from corporations, people affected by diabetes, and medical professionals.

“Nike and New Balance are providing equipment,” Masiuk said. “Zephyr Technologies is providing me with sensors that I’ll wear to give bio feedback as I run. I also have the support of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus and OgoSport, a company that makes active play toys for children.”

Masiuk is training in a two-days-on, one-day-off pattern. Runs amount to 25 miles each and this summer he will follow the same plan, increasing his runs to about 36 miles each. His sister Natalie Masiuk, brother Alex, and friends Marianna Brotherton and Mark Stafford plan to accompany him for one month at a time.

“Some of my other friends will come out along the way… My Dad and Mom, and other people who really care about me,” Masiuk shared.

Coincidentally, 1Run will end in November, American Diabetes Month.

Masiuk, who currently lives in Annapolis, will take leave from his job as a technology consultant. While on the road, his calorie intake is expected to rise to 8,000-plus calories a day. He will carefully monitor his blood sugar, stop for snacks, and have medical assistance.

A fund raiser for 1Run is planned on May 14 at 7:00pm at Sam’s on the Waterfront in Annapolis. For more information, check 1Run’s web site or Facebook page. Masiuk will also speak at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Walk to Cure Diabetes on April 17 in Annapolis.

Not unlike a marathoner who proudly sports a 26.2 marker on his car, when he is finished his run Masiuk plans to create a 3,114.2 sticker.

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