ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — When Sally Rozelle gets the chance to relax, she likes to get lost in a mystery novel. For Rozelle, reading is a good distraction from everyday stress. 

What You Need To Know

  • 15-year-old Sally Rozelle was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was six

  • Roughly 10% of Americans with diabetes have type 1, according to the CDC

  • The autoimmune disease prevents the body from making its own insulin

  • The American Diabetes Association explains exercise can cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate, creating an extra challenge for athletes

“It lets you go into a different world, I suppose, and live there for a little bit," she said.

Rozelle, who's 15 years old now, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was six. About 10% of Americans with diabetes have type 1, according to the CDC. The autoimmune disease prevents the body from making its own insulin and requires giving injections and monitoring blood sugar.

Rozelle's diagnosis was a shock to her and her parents, who have no family history of the disease. Her parents noticed Rozelle was going to the bathroom frequently, which they would later learn is a common tell-tale sign. When Rozelle's parents brought her to the doctor, she immediately had her blood glucose tested and received the diagnosis. 

There are no days off from managing type 1 diabetes. Rozelle is constantly monitoring her blood sugar to make sure it’s stable and counting the carbs in everything she eats to calculate the proper dose of insulin. 

“For me, I do a lot of exercise daily, so just being aware of what my numbers are so I don’t go low is probably the biggest challenge,” Rozelle said.

Rozelle’s favorite way to stay active is biking, which she has been doing since before her diagnosis. Over the years, Rozelle has taken her hobby to the next level and now participates in long-distance rides. 

“I really like how freeing it is for your mind,” she said. “It’s good for your body as well, but it feels like you kind of empty your thoughts.”

Rozelle already has some impressive medals in her collection. This past August, Rozelle was the only American in her age group and type 1 diabetic to complete a 750-mile ride through France.

“One of the first things the endocrinologist told us was this did not have to determine the rest of her life,” said Susan Rozelle, Sally’s mother. “She determines the rest of her life. Diabetes is just going to be part of it and she can still do absolutely anything. Watching her do these crazy long rides is watching that happen. She really can do anything she wants.”

Before getting on her bike, Rozelle has to make sure her blood sugar is not too high or too low, and she will check roughly every half hour while cycling. She also makes sure to have an ample supply of snacks and fast-acting sugar tablets at the ready. 

“My blood sugar can go low at any point when I’m exercising,” Rozelle explained. “It’s really important to have sugar and to keep being proactive about keeping your blood sugars level so you don’t go low.”

Type 1 diabetes has changed Rozelle's life in many ways, but it has only made her passion for cycling stronger. Rozelle is preparing to bike 100 miles in JDRF's Ride to Cure Diabetes happening on Saturday, Dec. 2 on Amelia Island. The event raises awareness about type 1 diabetes, as well as money to fund research. 

She refuses to be defined by her condition or let it slow her down. 

“Lots of other people with type 1 diabetes and those without it have a passion and it’s something that they really enjoy,” Rozelle said. “Maybe their issue isn’t diabetes, but anything else, and it’s important to keep going.”

So far this year, Rozelle has biked more than 5,000 miles and will add to that total in December. Before Diabetes Awareness Month ends, Rozelle wants to encourage other people living with type 1 diabetes to dive into their passion — whatever it may be.