When Callum Stephenson was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) in May 2024, life changed in an instant. At just 25 years old, and in the middle of marathon training, he found himself navigating a condition with no off-switch, and no manual.
“I’d always been active and health-conscious,” Callum shares. “So getting diagnosed felt like a curveball. Suddenly, I was managing something 24/7.”
In the months since, diabetes has become a part of Callum’s identity; shaping not just his routines, but his mindset. And now, he’s sharing his story to help others find strength in the unknown.
Finding Balance on the Run
For Callum, one of the steepest learning curves has been fuelling during exercise. A long-distance runner now training for his first ultramarathon, he’s had to learn the delicate art of balancing insulin, carbs, and energy levels in real time.
“It’s a constant decision-making game,” he explains. “But I’ve learned to be proactive and listen to my body. My CGM and insulin pump help guide those decisions. I’m not perfect, but I get better with every run.”
He’s built a personal system grounded in consistency. His go-to pre-run breakfast? Oats with banana. a slow-releasing energy source that helps him avoid crashes. He also uses the activity mode on his pump and leans on fibre-first meals throughout the day to blunt blood sugar spikes.
“I eat in a sequence: fibre, then protein and fats, then carbs,” he says. “That one tip has made a huge difference in my day-to-day.”
Community, Connection, and the Bigger Picture
While managing T1D is often a solo act, Callum credits the online diabetes community—including groups like Type Strong for helping him stay motivated.
“Seeing others live bold, full lives with T1D reminded me I wasn’t alone. There’s something powerful about sharing those little wins, tips, and even the hard days.”
It’s that collective energy that keeps him grounded—especially when he's training, travelling, or just trying to get through a tough day.
One Message for the Newly Diagnosed
If he could offer just one insight to someone facing a new T1D diagnosis, Callum says it’s this:
“Diabetes won’t limit what you can do—it just means taking a few extra steps to get there.”
It’s a mindset that’s helped him stay focused on what matters, even when the path gets bumpy. Whether it's working toward a race or tackling a tough training session, he treats diabetes as something to plan for, not something to fear.
The Word That Defines It All
When asked to sum up his journey in a single word, Callum doesn’t hesitate:
“Resilient.”
“This journey has tested me,” he says. “But it’s also strengthened me. Every day is a chance to adapt, learn, and keep showing up.”
At Type Strong, we believe in celebrating the stories of people like Callum—who remind us all that life with diabetes is not just about survival. It’s about strength, adaptability, and community.
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Whether you’re running toward your next goal or just trying to feel a bit more stable today, know that you’re not doing it alone.
Got a story like Callum’s?
We’d love to hear from you. Join our Type Strong community group to connect with others navigating life with diabetes.