Zander & T1D Pro Cycling Team Novo Nordisk

Zander Heden, T1D Cycling Fan from Denmark • September 4, 2015

TL;DR

Living with type 1 diabetes does not mean giving up on big dreams. This inspiring story follows Zander’s journey as a cyclist and athlete pursuing his goals alongside Team Novo Nordisk, a professional sports team made up entirely of athletes with diabetes. Through dedication, perseverance, and diabetes management, Zander demonstrates that T1D is a challenge to navigate—not a barrier to achievement. His story encourages young people with diabetes to stay active, dream big, and never let their diagnosis define their future. 

Meet Zander: An Athlete Living with Type 1 Diabetes

My name is Zander and I’m 14 years old. I live in Denmark and I’ve been a diabetic since April 1, 2014. The days leading to my diabetes diagnosis, I was really thirsty and had some of the other symptoms. My mom and I went to the doctor about a week later. When we got there, my doctor took my blood sugar and I was so high that the glucose meter couldn’t measure it. So my doctor told me the news and then she put me in the hospital to take a blood test to get my exact blood sugar. It was pretty high, but they said that we came in time since no long-term damage had been done to my body. But, still, I was really angry when they told me that I had Type 1 diabetes and I was going to have it for the rest of my life…. The day after my diagnosis, I remembered hearing about Team Novo Nordisk. So I quickly googled it, got to their website, and began reading & watching their videos. 

I found it really inspirational so I went out on my mountain bike as soon as the nurse let me.


Discovering Inspiration Through Team Novo Nordisk

They said I would be in the hospital for 2 weeks, but the second week was my Easter holiday so I wanted to get out early. I did my first injection and took my blood sugar by myself. I did most of my bike training when there was the opportunity. I worked hard enough that they let me out of the hospital one week earlier than originally planned!

Afterwards, I entered the Team Novo Nordisk #DiabetesEmpowered competition, which I won the same month. I was put into the finals with the chance to win the Grand Prize.

In December, my mom and dad printed a certificate from Team Novo Nordisk, which said I had won the competition! I was so happy!

author Zander posing with a member of pro cycling team Novo Nordisk
T1D pro cycling team for novo nordisk in a mountain road race

I was invited to the Team Training Camp in Alicante, Spain, where I got to meet Team Novo Nordisk members and was made an Honorary Member of Team Novo Nordisk. It was the best time of my life! Since I got involved with Team Novo Nordisk, I haven’t looked back on my diabetes. Now my goal is to join the Team Novo Nordisk Talent T1D Camp next summer! I am also doing a fundraiser for Team Type 1 to help children in Africa with Diabetes Type 1.

Photographs by Zach Monette
A girl with a CGM on her arm that says back to school

Back to School with Type 1 Diabetes: A Checklist for Families

By Dianne Chorny RN, ND, MPH, Diabetes Resource Nurse • June 16, 2026
Get essential back-to-school tips for students with type 1 diabetes, including 504 plans, supplies, safety, and emotional support.
Mimi Leahy and her T1D younger sister

Turning Type 1 Diabetes Waste into Art: A T1D Sister’s Pink Panther Project

By Mimi Leahy, Sister of a T1D • May 13, 2026
A Colorado student transforms type 1 diabetes medical waste into Pink Panther art to raise awareness and inspire kids living with T1D.
Woman walking down sidewalk with her daughter and holding a blind cane

Living With Type 1 Diabetes, Vision Loss, and Motherhood: Finding Strength in a Difficult Season

By Mary Ann Chamberlain • May 11, 2026
One mother shares her journey with type 1 diabetes, vision loss, self-advocacy, and resilience while learning to prioritize mental health and care.
Smiling young girl on couch with bandage on arm and hospital bracelet on wrist

Tzield for Type 1 Diabetes: How Early Screening and TrialNet Research Delayed Our Daughter’s Diagnosis

By Kimberly Belz, mother of two daughters, one with T1D • May 5, 2026
Learn how early screening, TrialNet research, and Tzield treatment helped delay one child’s type 1 diabetes diagnosis and insulin dependence.
T1D camper Mia and her friend at camp with matching blood sugar levels on their phones

Sending Your Type 1 Child to Overnight Camp

By Lauren Behm, Parent of T1D Camper, Mia • May 4, 2026
Learn how overnight diabetes camp helps children with type 1 diabetes build confidence, independence, friendships, and lifelong support.
A small vial of insulin and other diabetes treatment tools on a table.

Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes: Key Differences, Symptoms & Diagnosis

By Dr. Paul Wadwa, MD • April 24, 2026
Learn the key differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Understand how to recognize misdiagnosis.
A woman is doing a split with the words if i can just inspire one person

Because of Diabetes, I Am Who I Am Today: A Personal Journey

By Sasha Amiscaray • April 15, 2026
TL;DR After 15 years of living with type 1 diabetes, Sasha shares her journey from diagnosis and denial to acceptance, advocacy, and a career in healthcare. Through challenges like fear of injections, managing diabetes as an athlete, and navigating school and college, she discovered strength, community, and purpose. Her story shows that while diabetes is difficult, it can also shape identity, open doors, and lead to meaningful connections and opportunities.
A black and white photo of a person with an insulin pump on their stomach

Type 1 Diabetes and Mental Health

By Dr. Holly O'Donnell • April 3, 2026
Type 1 diabetes affects mental health in youth and families. Learn about risks like depression, anxiety, and distress, plus support options and when to seek help.
A young boy in a white sweater is standing next to a cabinet.

Misdiagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes

By R. Paul Wadwa, MD, Professor of Pediatrics at the BDC • April 2, 2026
Type 1 diabetes is often misdiagnosed as flu, UTI, or viral illness. Learn key symptoms, DKA warning signs, and when to ask your doctor for testing to avoid delays.