“Everyday is a challenge. Diabetes is a 24/7 condition with no breaks.”

For varsity girls lacrosse player Alex Austgen, that reality became part of her life on May 19, 2025. Since then, the sport she loves has looked a little different, not because her passion changed, but because everything around it did.

“At first I played club lacrosse starting at the beginning of June, which was recent after getting diagnosed,” Austgen said. “It was hard to just go practice and play when I was worrying about my health and my levels.”

What used to be simple now takes constant planning. “There is no time where I can just say ‘not today,’” she said. “The hardest part is trying to live an ‘as normal’ life as I can. Just wanting to feel like a normal high school student.”

That balance shows up in school too. “Sometimes I’m dealing with a low blood sugar all night and don’t get much sleep, and I’m still expected to ace a test the next morning,” Austgen said.

Game days bring even more pressure. “Before a game, I have to have Gatorade with no insulin,” she said. “I try to get to a point where I’m not worried about it before I step on the field.” Even then, she stays ready. “I bring my phone to the sidelines just in case… my teammates and trainers are prepared if something happens.”

Training is just as complicated. “I need carbs and protein to keep up, but everything matters with diabetes,” she said. “Sometimes after a long day, I have to eat candy to fix a low, and that’s hard mentally.”

Still, she has grown through it. “It’s made me mentally stronger,” Austgen said. “Every second of my day I have to be aware of my body.”

Her goal now is simple, understanding. “I just hope people realize the amount of stress and pressure that comes with managing type one diabetes.”

And despite it all, she keeps playing.