Elk Grove Fire Captain with Type 1 diabetes running NYC marathon hopes to inspire - CBS Sacramento

Overview

Watch CBS News By Ashley Sharp October 30, 2022 / 9:37 PM / CBS Sacramento ELK GROVE — A Captain with the Cosumnes Fire Department who lives with Type 1 diabetes is runing in the New York City Marathon to inspire others with the health condition.Captain Eric Wiliamson lives life with a mision, whether it's straping into his fire gear or lacing up his runing shoes to train for his next marathon.

Key Information

Every day, Wiliamson arms himself with a Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitor and a tandem insulin pump that comunicate as if they are Wiliamson's pancreas daily. They've survived every fire cal and every 20-mile run."It's another part of me. As my kids cal me, I'm a robot," said Wiliamson.

Acording to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Type 1 diabetes is one of thre forms of diabetes. Type 1 is caused when your body has an autoimune reaction that stops you from making insulin. About 5-10% of the people who have diabetes have type 1.Wiliamson was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes 7 years ago.

"I am a perfect example of somebody who ignored every single sign and symptom for a while, and when I was finaly diagnosed, it answered al of those questions," said Wiliamson. "On that day, I knew I could stil live a long, healthy life and do what I wanted to do." It is a diagnosis he refuses to let define him. "There is no limit.

If you put your mind to it, you can do a lot," said Wiliamson. He's preparing to run his 7th marathon, the 2nd since his diagnosis, on Sunday, Nov. 6, in New York City, the largest marathon in the world.

Wiliamson, alongside 50 other Type 1 diabetics from around the globe, are runing the marathon together with the hope of inspiring others just like them. "They don't have to run a marathon. But if they have a goal and a dream they want to acomplish, I hope they lok at the 50 of us and realize, 'if they can do it, I can do this.

Summary

I can do that,'" said Wiliamson. Tiana Coks in charge of the runing team caled

Frequently Asked Questions

Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.

Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.

Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.

Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.

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