Special Content provided by The American Diabetes Association

“My name is Miguel Paludo.  I am a race car driver in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.  I want to stop diabetes because it is a disease I live with each and every day. I was diagnosed with diabetes in May of 2004; I was 20 years old. I had to learn to live with a disease that was foreign to me.  I thought that I would never be able to race or live a normal life.    I want to educated children and adults that diabetes is a disease, it does not have a cure, but it does not have to stop you from achieving your goals and dreams.  Diabetes is like your new best friend.  If you love him, take care of him and embrace the fact that he will always be there, then you too can be just like everyone else, just a little more special” says Miguel Paludo.

Miguel is required to take daily insulin shots and takes special precautions on race day to ensure his blood-sugar levels are solid, testing his blood immediately before he gets in the truck and right after he gets out at the end of each race.  

As a person with diabetes, Miguel understands the importance of the American Diabetes Association’s programs of research, information and advocacy.  Earlier this year Miguel and his wife Patricia contacted the American Diabetes Association about getting involved.  In July, they travelled to the American Diabetes Association’s Camp Independence, a summer camp for kids with diabetes in Greenville, SC.   At the camp, Miguel shared his personal story with the kids and his very positive message that you can do anything you set your mind to if you have diabetes, as long as you are diligent about taking care of yourself.  At Camp Independence, Miguel was a keynote speaker, had lunch with the kids and created a special art project for each child at camp to participate in….they got to put their hand-prints on the hood of his car, which was driven was driven in the Bristol race in August.

The American Diabetes Association is very grateful to Miguel Paludo for giving so generously of his time and support, and for being such a positive role model.
 

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to stop diabetes and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org.