Taking Control of Type I Diabetes
MediClick President Mike Merwarth was 41 years old when, at a routine health exam,
he was diagnosed with Type I diabetes.
“It came as a complete shock to me,” said Merwarth. “I exercised and ate right,
and no one else in my family was diabetic.”
What is Type I diabetes?
Type I diabetes is an autoimmune disease that can affect anyone, occurring when
the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
The condition results in the body’s inability to make insulin, the hormone needed
to convert sugar, starches and other foods into energy needed for daily life.
Type I diabetics must rely on insulin shots (as many as six a day) or an insulin
pump for constant treatment.
Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness, kidney failure and limb amputations
in the United States, but a healthy lifestyle, regular monitoring and appropriate
treatment can dramatically lower the chance of complications.
Most commonly diagnosed in children, the condition was formerly known as “juvenile”
diabetes. But Merwarth is one of a growing number of adults who are being
diagnosed with Type I diabetes.
Taking Control
“I haven’t allowed Type I diabetes to define my life,” Merwarth said. “I proactively
deal with it, but it isn’t who I am. I enjoy spending time with my family.
I run my company. I still exercise and eat right. I even feel lucky
when I think about other health conditions that don’t have such advanced treatments.”
As an adult, keeping up with the condition requires some commitment (“I still prick
my fingers six to eight times a day,” Mike noted). But for a child, dealing
with the disease can be much more difficult.
“Kids don’t understand how important it is to take care of themselves properly or
the full implications of Type I diabetes,” continued Merwarth. “It can put
their lives at risk and, at best, dramatically changes the way they live.
It’s very, very tough on their parents, both emotionally and logistically.”
Unfortunately, Mike has first-hand experience with the effect of Type I diabetes
on children. Merwarth’s then-six-year-old niece was diagnosed just a few months
after he was.
Striving for a Cure
Following his diagnosis, Mike Merwarth became a supporter of the Juvenile Diabetes
Research Foundation (JDRF). Founded originally in 1970 as a support system
for parents, the organization’s goal is to fund research to find a cure for Type
I diabetes.
Serving 51 counties in central and eastern North Carolina and rated one of the top
chapters in the country, Triangle JDRF raised $3.2 million dollars in 2008 and more
than $1 billion in the last five years.
In September 2008, Merwarth was elected to the board of directors of the Triangle
chapter. While he serves on the finance and community outreach committees,
he has also become a certified mentor for newly-diagnosed adults.
An Active Role
“My involvement is really driven by the kids, by what they have to go through,”
said Merwarth. “But with the unfortunate growing number of adults being diagnosed,
it’s important to provide support for them as well. Some adults previously
misdiagnosed as Type II are learning they’re actually Type I. They have different
needs and concerns than children or parents. I’m glad that I can help them
cope.”
JDRF Executive Director Courtney Davies says that Merwarth serves as both a personal
role model and professional ambassador for the organization. “Mike’s role
as a mentor is so important,” she said. “We’ve been focusing on providing
more support to adults. But his role doesn’t end there. He’ll also help
raise awareness of the organization among the greater corporate community.”
As president of MediClick and as a JDRF board member, Merwarth supports healthcare
change throughout his professional and personal commitments. “At MediClick,
we improve the healthcare system by streamlining the supply chain,” he said.
“Through JDRF, I have a chance to affect people’s health on a personal level.
It’s a rewarding life that I live.”
For more information on JDRF, visit
www.jdrftriangle.org.