Lynbrook resident Jacob Podgorsky never expected a routine doctor’s visit would change the course of his life.
Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 28, Podgorsky has spent the past three years learning how to manage a disease that requires constant monitoring, daily insulin and careful planning. Rather than letting the diagnosis define him, however, he has turned it into motivation.
This November, Podgorsky will run his first New York City Marathon as a member of the Breakthrough T1D charity team, raising money to support research, advocacy and programs for those living with Type 1 diabetes. He hopes to raise $5,000 while showing others that a diagnosis does not have to limit what they can accomplish.
“I’ve really tried to do hard things to grow as a person,” he said. “I know there are a lot of Type 1 diabetics that probably wouldn’t attempt to do something like that, and it’s a challenge.”
A lifelong Lynbrook resident, Podgorsky grew up in the village, worked at the Greis Park pool as a teenager and recently returned after spending several years living in Queens. He is now studying to become an emergency medical technician through Nassau Community College with the goal of entering its radiologic technology program. Earlier this year, he also joined the Lynbrook Fire Department as a volunteer with Engine Company No. 1.
“I’ve been here a long time and I love it,” he said. “It’s close to the city, I have my friends here, and there’s always something to do.”
Before his diagnosis, Podgorsky described life as carefree. He enjoyed traveling, working out and staying active without giving much thought to what he ate or how his body responded. Today, every meal and every workout requires planning.
Managing Type 1 diabetes means tracking blood sugar levels around the clock and balancing insulin with food and exercise. Even marathon training requires careful preparation, from eating carbohydrate-rich meals before long runs to carrying candy to quickly raise his blood sugar if it drops during training.
Despite those challenges, running has become one of the ways he has regained confidence. After completing the Brooklyn Half Marathon in May, he was selected to represent Breakthrough T1D in the New York City Marathon.
The experience has also given him an opportunity to educate others about a disease often misunderstood.
“People think you can only get Type 1 diabetes as a kid, but adults can get it too,” he said. “Everybody’s diabetes is different, and you can still live your life.”
Since being diagnosed, Podgorsky has continued to travel, including spending two months living in Norway, refusing to let diabetes keep him from pursuing his goals. He credits his parents and friends for helping him adjust, whether by preparing meals, helping him access medications or simply supporting him along the way.
Looking ahead to November, Podgorsky hopes his marathon journey encourages others in Lynbrook to challenge themselves, no matter what obstacles they face.
“If people want to do hard things, they should do it,” he said. “Don’t let a diagnosis stop you from doing the things you want to do. Learn about it, take care of yourself and keep living your life.”
Those interested in supporting Podgorsky’s fundraising efforts for Breakthrough T1D can donate through his marathon fundraising page at www2.breakthrought1d.org/goto/JPT1D.
