Dr. Natalie Strand: Racing Around the World with T1D
If you’ve ever been told that having Type 1 Diabetes means you can’t live life to the fullest, meet Dr. Natalie Strand- a doctor, adventurer and someone who literally raced around the globe while managing her diabetes every step of the way.
From skydiving and sprinting through airports to climbing ancient ruins, Dr. Strand is proof that Type 1 Diabetes doesn’t need to limit your dreams- it can fuel them.
Who is Dr. Natalie Strand?
Dr. Natalie Strand is an American physician specialising in pain management, but more than that- she’s a Type 1 diabetic who took on one of the most physically and mentally demanding TV challenges in the world: The Amazing Race (think Race Across the World, but with even more chaos, jet lag and adrenaline).
She was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 12 and has been living with the condition for over two decades- balancing her medical career, family life and love of extreme adventures.
What is The Amazing Race?
Imagine this: 12 teams racing across countries, completing intense physical challenges, navigating language barriers and hopping between continents- all while competing for a huge cash prize. That’s The Amazing Race, a hit US reality show with millions of viewers.
Dr. Strand joined the show with her best friend, Kat Chang, and they didn’t’ just compete- they won. In fact, they became the first all-female team to ever win the race.
Managing Type 1 on the Move
Now imagine doing all that while managing your blood glucose, injecting insulin and adjusting to totally different foods, temperatures and time zones every few days.
Dr. Strand carried her:
Insulin, blood glucose testing kit, CGM and snacks
Wore diabetes gear throughout the race
Monitored her blood sugars constantly- even mid-challenge
Had backup supplies stashed in every bag, just in case
“I wanted to show that someone living with diabetes could do something bold and exciting- and not let it hold them back.” - Natalie Strand, speaking to diaTribe
Life After the Race
These days, Dr. Strand is still doing amazing things:
She’s a practising doctor
A public speaker on chronic illness, resilience and living well with diabetes
An advocate for young people with Type 1, regularly speaking with diabetes charities and support groups
A parent, proving you can balance diabetes with real life responsibilities too
Why She’s an Inspiration for Children and Teenagers with Type 1 Diabetes
Natalie’s story shows that:
You can travel the world
You can play sports, chase adventures or even become a doctor
You can push limits while still looking after your health
Diabetes is part of your life- but it doesn’t define your future
“Diabetes isn’t a barrier- it just takes preparation, resilience and a belief in yourself.” - Natalie Strand
Final Thoughts
Whether you want to climb Snowdonia, explore Tokyo or work for the NHS one day- Type 1 Diabetes doesn’t have to stop you. People like Dr. Natalie Strand prove that you can go beyond what others think is possible.
So go after that thrill, that dream, that journey- your diabetes is part of your story, but it’s not the whole story.