Pat Kotal

Posted by Al Gerhardt

on Jan 22, 2016

TBLC Lion Mike Halbach welcomed guest speaker Mr. Pat Kotal concerning Type 1 Diabetes. Pictured left-right are Lion Jerome Teichmiller, speaker Pat Kotal, and Lion Terry Kitchens. Photo provided by Lion Al Gerhardt.

Lion Mike Halbach introduced guest speaker Pat Kotal who opened his presentation with the “joke of the day”. Mr. Kotal then gave a very interesting presentation on how, after being diagnosed with Type I diabetes at the age of 13, he has been able to live the next 50 years of his life in a relatively normal way without the serious complications that many Type I diabetics encounter. The technology and medical devices to help control blood sugar and provide proper insulin amounts has advanced a lot over those years. Type I diabetes’ cause has not been clearly determined but it tends to be hereditary, affects those farther away from the equator, and may be brought on by certain viruses. Pat explained the importance of letting people around you know you are diabetic as they can assist in helping stabilize an individual during the occasional low blood sugar event which can cause significant personality and awareness changes. Mr. Kotal has been married for 39 years, enjoys outdoor activities such as fishing, golf and hunting, and enjoys talking to young and old people alike on how he has been able to manage his diabetes and live a normal life.