Being diagnosed with diabetes can be a very scary thing, and it can easily make your life stand still for a moment.

The typical response from people when I tell them Im diabetic is, Oh, Im sorry to hear that. You know, Im not. Im a better athlete because of diabetes rather than despite it. Im more aware of my training, my fitness and more aware of nutrition. Im more proactive about my health.

Beside the brand-ambassador elements of the modern racing driver, the evolution of the athlete has mandated that as drivers, we are very committed to fitness.

Racing is what I live for, and it makes my world go around. Having said that, without the support of the diabetes community, I may not have gotten back into the race car after my diagnosis in October 2007.

I've got one of the best health care teams out there as far as diabetes management.

Being diagnosed with diabetes can be a very scary thing, and it can easily make your life stand still for a moment.

I wear a continuous glucose monitor when I'm racing.