What affect has diabetes had on your life?

I'm a type A personality. My nature is to do everything to excess. Diabetes causes me to be more moderate in diet, alcohol, and exercise. If I over exercise, eat or drink, I'll pay the price. I get blisters easily. My feet, like most diabetics, can be very sensitive. The disease can cause neuropathy which is a loss of sensitivity in legs and feet. Moderation is required in everything I do. I have often thought, the good Lord gave me diabetes to keep me in bounds.

What caused you start Diabetes on the Run?

The fact that people don’t understand what to do when confronted with a diabetic having a diabetic episode. If a diabetic is having an episode, I want people to know how to help. Don't treat them like they’re having a heart attack or drunk. I've even had a friend get arrested because the police thought he was anibriated. I had another incident when a paramedic thought I was having a heart attack. When I convinced him I was going into insulin shock, he did not have any equipment to check my blood sugar. I wanted to do something to be sure this situation does not happen to me or any other diabetic.

Tell us about being honored by The American Diabetes Association as Father of the Year in 2005?

It was a great and rewarding experience. Six of us took up $250,000 in donations by asking friends and business associates. Curtis 1000, Bonsal American, American Community Bank donated very generously. Additional criteria for the award was that you had to be involved with your kids and be a good parent. I was very honored to be recognized.

You mention on your website you would like to increase awareness and provide people with products to help them cope with diabetes. Please explain further.

Our windshield sticker is the number one seller. People in car accidents don’t think about whether a person is a diabetic. So, this lets people around them know. When golfing or exercising, blood sugar can drop, so I have towels to help people recognize a persons condition. My products are designed to tell people what to do in the event a diabetic goes into insulin shock while exercising, golfing, or even at the office.

As someone that has fought diabetes for 22 years, what advice would you give to someone that has been diagnosed with the disease?

Don't give into the temptation for pity. There’s worse things than diabetes. As long as you live your life in moderation, you'll be successful. Listen to your doctors. Just don't give up. I feel like I am in the ring everyday fighting the disease. It is an every day battle. Even at night you need to vigilant while fighting the disease. Don't give up and you can still have a happy, active and productive life.