Monique Hanley

“Search and find the drive within yourself:
The benefits from good diabetes management are just so worth it.”

When she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 19, it stopped what Monique Hanley envisioned would be a successful basketball career.

The stresses of dealing with the condition, combined with living away from her Australian home for college led her to hang up her sneakers within three years. Determined to stay in shape, though, she turned to bicycle riding. Two years later, the 5-foot-6 former point guard was pedaling her way across Canada on a more than 4,800-mile journey that took her only 66 days. The next summer, she cycled around France to follow the world’s greatest cycling spectacle, the Tour de France.

Determined to inspire others with Type 1, she took up competitive bicycle racing, first on the road and eventually on the track. Success came quickly and she was recruited to be a part of Team Type 1’s victorious Race Across America (RAAM) eight-person corporate team in 2007.

The bronze medalist at the Australian National Track Championships last year, Hanley will represent Team Type 1 in the pro womens National Racing Calendar race series during 2008. Setting goals is just one aspect of her advice for people with Type 1 diabetes.

Career Highlights

Riding the Geelong Tour, 2008
Member, Winning RAAM 8-Person Corporate Team, 2007
Riding the Geelong World Cup, 2007
Bronze medalist, Individual Pursuit, Australian Track Championships
Bronze medalist, Team Pursuit, Australian Track Championships

Diabetes Details

Age Diagnosed: 19 years

Current A1C: At goal

Years On A Pump: 4

Insulin Requirements
When Training:
Basal: 8-10 units per day
Bolus: 1 unit/8 g carb

Insulin Requirements
When Not Training:
Basal: 14-20 units per day
1 unit/10 g carb