Why T1-Training
T1 Training is an app designed to help diabetic athletes track and analyze training and diabetes-related metrics to uncover data correlations and optimize performance. Its mission is to enable diabetics worldwide to anonymously share their data, providing insights into how insulin and fuel are processed during both training and rest.
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For type 1 diabetics, finding actionable data can be a challenge. Most information is shared piecemeal, through word of mouth or fragmented online discussions. While endocrinologists play an essential role, their advice is often limited by the scope of their personal experience. Managing diabetes is a deeply individual process, and no one knows our bodies better than we do. Online forums are filled with diabetics sharing strategies, challenges, and insights—but there’s still a lack of centralized, large-scale data to inform broader understanding.
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Studies on diabetes often involve small sample sizes and struggle to account for the countless variables at play, making conclusive results difficult. By allowing users to share data globally, T1 Training leverages the power of big data to reveal trends and deepen our understanding of diabetes management and athletic performance. Together, the diabetic community can build on each other's experiences, advancing knowledge and empowering each other to achieve even the most ambitious goals.
About the founder
Living with type 1 diabetes since 1995, I spent years feeling limited by the disease. The constant costs of medication, the frustration of a self-managed condition, and the lack of understanding from medical professionals often left me discouraged. I was even fired by endocrinologists for not doing enough finger sticks per day—a stark reminder that, despite the advice of doctors, I was ultimately the only one accountable for my health.
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With the regular use of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps, my life changed dramatically. These tools made managing diabetes far more manageable and opened up possibilities I never thought achievable. In 2017, I began commuting by bike in New York City and quickly fell in love with cycling. Rain or shine, I was on two wheels, avoiding the subway and exploring the city.
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In 2018, my world was shaken by the sudden loss of my biggest supporter—my brother. In my grief, I turned to cycling, pushing myself farther and harder. That year, I completed my first century ride and discovered that with determination and caution, I could achieve anything, despite my diabetes.
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My love for ultra-endurance cycling grew, leading to all-day rides and, eventually, my longest ride to date: a 271-mile solo journey around the circumference of Long Island. Along the way, I became inspired by the speed and skill of racers I saw in Central Park. By 2021, I started searching for a cycling race team to join. After research and several chance encounters on the road with members of the Major Taylor Iron Riders—a large club in NYC providing access to cycling and community—I joined the Major Taylor Development Team, the race team associated with the Iron Riders. This team became my family, supporting me as I tackled the challenges of athletic performance as a type 1 diabetic.
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Racing in NYC brought new lessons and hurdles. Blood sugar spikes to 250+ during races or mistimed fueling that left me without energy to finish were common struggles. Each race became a learning experience, refining my approach to diabetes management and athletic performance. After two years of repetitive training and grueling mileage, I adopted an adaptive training plan that pushed my limits even further. However, it introduced new challenges—like how rest days could throw my diabetes management into chaos.
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These struggles led to the creation of T1 Training. In July of 2024, I began building the app to examine the data I lived with daily. The process has been enlightening, revealing patterns I had never noticed before. For example, the FUEL section of T1 Training helped me understand why gels or others caused roller-coaster blood sugar effects and how a base of fats and proteins could stabilize my numbers. During the app's development, I achieved six "perfect" races, maintaining blood sugar levels between 100-130 for races lasting up to 90 minutes. Although I haven’t podiumed… YET, a “perfect” race is an incredible accomplishment.
T1 Training isn’t just about my journey; it’s about empowering other diabetic athletes. I want to share the tools I’ve developed and learn from the experiences of diabetic athletes worldwide. Together, we can overcome the challenges of this disease and achieve absolutely anything!