American Truck Drivers Diabetes Association

For our final show of 2012, we continue our series on truck driver health with our special guest, Laura Anne Kilpatrick, a professional driver and founder of the American Truck Drivers Diabetes Association.

As a truck driver with Type 2 diabetes, Laura realized that many in the medical profession did not understand the trucking lifestyle and she had to learn on her own how to successfully manage the disease while living life on the road.

She founded the ATDDA in order to provide education, encouragement and support for those fellow drivers who may still be struggling in managing their diabetes with their driving career.

She was first diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 1987 at the age of 19 and has been truck driving since 1998.  Having studied diabetes and nutrition indepth since the early 1990's, she also shares her experiences with other truckers through her blog: 18 Wheelin' with Diabetes.

Discussion will include the different types and causes of diabetes, treatment, diabetes myths, the importance of nutrition, reducing carbohydrates and diabetes management.