2 hrs ago
Type 1 Diabetes Survivor Builds Career Through Cycling
Brais Dacal was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was seven years old.
Some people told him that he should live an easy life and avoid pushing himself.
Instead, he worked toward his dream of becoming a cyclist.
He became a professional rider with Team Novo Nordisk, where every cyclist has diabetes.
Before and during rides, he checks his blood sugar and plans his food and insulin.
He carries extra supplies in case his blood sugar becomes too low or too high.
Dacal says people with diabetes should plan carefully but should not give up on their dreams.
Dr V Mohan also says that meeting others with similar experiences can help children feel supported.
Dacal now shares his story as an ambassador and works in sports management.
Brais Dacal was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age seven and later became a professional cyclist.
He spent five seasons with Team Novo Nordisk, whose riders all live with diabetes.
Dacal manages cycling and travel by monitoring blood sugar, planning food and insulin needs, and carrying extra supplies.
He encourages children with Type 1 diabetes to pursue their ambitions rather than view diagnosis as a limitation.
During a visit to India, Dacal and Dr V Mohan emphasized preparation, peer support, health and knowing when to rest.
- Who
- Brais Dacal, a former professional cyclist living with Type 1 diabetes, and Dr V Mohan, founder-chairman of Dr Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre.
- What
- Dacal shared how he managed Type 1 diabetes while pursuing professional cycling and encouraged children with the condition to follow their ambitions.
- Where
- During a visit to India; Dacal previously competed with Team Novo Nordisk.
- When
- Dacal’s diagnosis occurred at age seven; the article describes his current work and a recent visit to India.
- Why
- To discuss living and competing with Type 1 diabetes, promote preparation and peer support, and encourage children not to abandon their goals.
Key facts
- Diagnosis
- Brais Dacal was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age seven.
- Professional team
- He spent five seasons with Team Novo Nordisk, whose riders all live with diabetes.
- Diabetes management
- He monitors blood sugar, plans insulin and food intake, and adjusts his approach through training and experience.
- Exercise preparation
- He carries extra food to maintain carbohydrate intake and address possible hypoglycaemia, as well as insulin for possible hyperglycaemia.
- Travel planning
- Dacal considers different foods, schedules and temperatures when travelling and prepares a backup plan.
- Peer support
- Dr V Mohan says people with diabetes can benefit from connecting with others who understand similar challenges.
- Current work
- Dacal no longer races professionally and is general manager of a large sports organisation.
Quotes
Brais Dacal
Spanish cyclist and former Team Novo Nordisk professional
“If we need to lose weight, we plan it along with the medical staff and the coaches. If we need to go harder, again, we plan it well. We don’t do random.”
indianexpress.com
“I have always believed that I should own my diabetes, rather than let it own me.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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