Racing with Diabetes: Charlie Kimball’s Fast Lane to Success

When you’re first diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, it’s easy to wonder: Can I still do everything I dreamed of? Charlie Kimball’s story proves the answer is a powerful yes.

Diagnosed but Undeterred

Charlie Kimball was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2007, at the age of 22. At the time, he was already on track to become a professional race car drive. “My world just stopped. I didn’t know if I could ever get back in a race car again,” Kimball told Beyond Type 1 in an interview.

But after just six weeks of learning how to manage his diabetes, Charlie was back behind the wheel. He didn’t give up- he adjusted, equipped himself with tools and chose to fight.

Racing with Tech by His Side

While racing at speeds of over 200 mph, Charlie manages his diabetes with the help of a CGM and a steering wheel labelled with glucose numbers that his pit crew can see. “I check my blood sugar right before I put the helmet on,” Kimball told CNN Health, “and I have a drink bottle in the car with sugar water if I need it during a race.”

He became the first licensed driver with T1D to win an IndyCar race- proving that even in high-risk, high-pressure professions, T1D is manageable.

Turning Setbacks Into Purpose

Instead of hiding his diagnosis, Charlie became an advocate for children and teens with T1D. He proudly displays the blue circle (the global diabetes symbol) on his helmet and racing suit. “I use the car as a 230 miles per hour billboard for diabetes.” (DiabetesMine)

He shares his journey in classrooms, hospitals and diabetes events- proving to young people that their dreams are still attainable.

Message to Young People “Your Dreams Are Still Yours”

Charlie wants every young person with diabetes to know that a diagnosis doesn’t define you. He told ESPN, “Diabetes taught me discipline, self-awareness and resilience. It’s made me better- not worse.”

Whether your dream is to be an athlete, an artist, a scientist or a race car driver- Charlie’s story shows that with the right care, mindset and support you can still go full throttle.

You’re not racing against diabetes- you’re racing with it, and you can still win.