STEM Racing World Finals

From Managing Type 1 diabetes to Representing Australia on the World Stage

When Isaac was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2017, he couldn’t have imagined that just a few years later he’d be representing Australia at the STEM Racing World Finals.

Now a member of Team Fusion, Isaac is preparing to compete in Singapore after the team qualified as Australia’s national champions. It will be their second consecutive appearance at the World Finals after placing an impressive 12th in the world last year.

For Isaac, the competition is about more than designing the fastest miniature Formula One-style race car. It’s also an opportunity to raise awareness of Type 1 diabetes and give back to the organisations that have supported him along the way.

“Diabetes SA and Breakthrough T1D have helped me in so many ways, especially when I started high school and began managing my diabetes more independently,” Isaac said.

“They’ve been there to educate and support me, so this is a chance to give something back.”

As one of Team Fusion’s engineers, Isaac is responsible for the aerodynamics of the team’s car, designing and testing different prototypes before documenting the research that helps improve performance.

The skills he’s developed while living with Type 1 diabetes have also helped him succeed in the competition.

“I think diabetes teaches you discipline because you have to stay on top of it all the time,” he said.

“You have to deal with highs and lows, even when you don’t feel like it. That discipline has become part of who I am, and it definitely helps with the competition.”

Isaac has also seen first-hand how innovation is changing life for people living with diabetes.

“I haven’t had to do a finger-prick for months because the technology has improved so much. It’s exciting to see how advances like that continue to make life easier.”

Travelling with teammates has naturally opened conversations about diabetes, with overnight glucose alarms and everyday management giving Isaac the chance to educate those around him about what living with Type 1 diabetes is really like.

As Team Fusion prepares for one final opportunity to compete at the World Finals, Isaac is looking forward to taking on the best teams in the world.

“It’s our last chance to compete at the World Finals, so we’d love to finish on a high.”

His advice for other young people is simple.

“Give it a go. Every time you think you’ve learnt enough, you’ll find there’s always more to learn. Stay curious and keep challenging yourself.”

Everyone at Diabetes SA is proud to support Isaac and wishes Team Fusion all the best as they represent Australia on the world stage. We’ll be cheering them on from home.