This Friday, November 14, is a very important and meaningful day for McKenna. World Diabetes Day was established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and the World Health Organization (WHO). Its purpose is to raise awareness about diabetes, its prevention, and management. It also advocates for policies and access to quality diabetes care for all people. The theme for World Diabetes Day 2025 is "Diabetes across life stages". This theme emphasizes the importance of managing diabetes throughout a person's life, from childhood to old age.
Before she could walk, McKenna was already practically riding a bike. At the early age of six she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Throughout the stages of her life, McKenna has never let that stop her from reaching for her dreams. McKenna has overcome countless challenges to get to where she is today. Her ultimate goal is to represent Team USA at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Managing Type 1 Diabetes and Olympic Aspirations
In many cases, Type 1 diabetes is now considered to be a manageable disease. And yet, at the elite level of world-class and Olympic competition, the daily effort, planning, well-being and balance are challenging and greatly tested. A recent Stanford University research study found that people with diabetes make up to 180 more decisions everyday about their health, than people who do not live with diabetes.
Because of the intense effort, time commitment, mental focus, and grit that it takes to perform at an elite, world-class or Olympic level, it appears that the proportion of T1D athletes that compete at these levels may be at one percent or less. A recent review of collegiate elite athletes found that those with Type 1 diabetes made up only 0.7 percent of their sample size. A recent internet search of current or past Olympians or world champions, in both winter and summer sports (not including those in only professional sports), came up with the resulting list:
- Gary Hall, Jr (USA Swimming)
- Lauren Cox (USA Basketball)
- Kris Freeman (USA Cross Country Skiing)
- Sir Steve Redgrave (UK Rowing)
- Chris Jarns (country Rowing)
- Kristina Tomić (Croatia Taekwondo)
- Charlotte Drury (USA Gymnast)
- Mateusz Rudyk (Poland Track Cycling)
- Kamilla Kozuback (Hungary Snowboarding
Here are some ways you can participate in World Diabetes Day:
- Learn about diabetes and its risk factors
- Get screened for diabetes
- Support diabetes organizations and research
- Spread awareness through social media or participating in local events
- Go to McKenna’s YouTube Channel -- https://www.youtube.com/@CyclingMPROVEIT-T1D
- Go to Playlists and click on T1D Diabetes to learn more
- Learn more about Diabetes from these organizations:
- Breakthrough T1D https://www.breakthrought1d.org/
- Chris Dudley Foundation https://www.chrisdudley.org/
