Track cyclist Donovan Mackie was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2021. ZOE DELEUIL catches up with him as he heads to Spain to train with Team Novo Nordisk, a professional cycling team whose members all live with type 1 diabetes.
For Donovan Mackie, 2021 was a defining year – he started track cycling, and he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
“I’ve ridden mountain bikes since I was eight and participated in my first bike race when I was twelve. A few months after I’d started track cycling at the age of fourteen, I was diagnosed with type one diabetes,” he says. “Fortunately, it was caught early on, so I didn’t lose weight or have any serious health issues. The main reasons for visiting the doctor were frequent urination and severe cramping, which I found out later was caused by dehydration – my blood glucose levels were so high that none of the water I was drinking was doing anything.”
One of his first questions for his care team at Perth Children’s Hospital was whether he could continue to pursue a professional career in track racing with type 1 diabetes. They mentioned Team Novo Nordisk, a sporting team where all members are living with type 1 diabetes.
“I reached out to them and, although I was far too young to join, they kept track of my development. Once I was at a level they were happy with, I was invited out to Italy to have a shot at the Talent ID camp. This was a nice eye opener into how Team Novo Nordisk operates and how the athletes are supported. The following year, after a successful season in Belgium and across Europe, I joined the professional team.”
He says his family have been ‘super supportive’ of his cycling journey from the start.
“From a track and road point of view, I’ve had to learn and adapt to diabetes the entire time I’ve been cycling. It’s a tough road and it’s important to have people in your corner to bounce off.”
When it comes to balancing type 1 diabetes with intensive exercise, he has learned that blood glucose management while training and racing is a completely different ball game compared to when he’s not on his bike.
“Insulin sensitivity increases with exercise. You have to allow for this, but it’s especially hard during a race where you can’t control the intensity of your efforts. For example, sprints or very high-intensity moments in a race can produce adrenaline. Once this is in the mix, your blood glucose levels can be all over the place and it becomes almost impossible to stay on top of it.”
Team Novo Nordisk works with diabetes educators and doctors who specialise in managing diabetes with high levels of sport, and the racers all work closely with them to get the best out of themselves.
Donovan hopes the world’s first all-diabetes professional cycling team motivates others as much as it motivated him, back when he was first diagnosed.
“It’s a unique team with a very unique mission. I think that just seeing us racing can have a really beautiful effect on everyone living with diabetes. I can clearly remember how I felt when I first learned about the team. Now that I’m wearing the kit myself, my hope is that I can motivate others in the same way.”
Is there anything Donovan wishes he’d been told when first diagnosed?
“I wish someone had told me that it’s definitely a challenge but it’s not something that can or should define you as a person or an athlete. It’s tough, but with the correct management and planning everything is possible.”
Who are Team Novo Nordisk?
Team Novo Nordisk is a global all-diabetes sports team of cyclists, triathletes and runners, spearheaded by the world’s first all-diabetes professional cycling team.
Sponsored by healthcare company Novo Nordisk, the ten-rider 2026 team has eight different countries represented, with an average age of 20 years. The team aims to inspire, educate and empower everyone affected by diabetes.
Exercise and type 1 diabetes
Exercise can make insulin work more effectively. This can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia, but it can be managed.
Talk to your diabetes educator or GP or call our free Helpline on 1300 001 880 for personalised information.
