At just 24, Hattie Irving is not only building a career as a cybersecurity engineer but also smashing personal goals in the gym. Her journey into CrossFit is inspiring – especially as she’s learned to manage Type 1 diabetes while training hard and even competing.
From Solo Training to CrossFit
Hattie’s fitness journey began eight years ago, teaching herself weightlifting from YouTube videos and training solo in commercial gyms. Eventually, though, she wanted more:
“I was getting bored of my usual deadlift routine and wanted to try the things I’d been watching online. I finally built up the confidence to walk into a CrossFit gym, and I loved it right away.”
Training With Type 1 Diabetes
Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 10, Hattie avoided exercise for years because managing blood sugars was overwhelming. Getting an insulin pump in 2014 was life-changing:
“I could finally adjust things more easily. I went from 47th in cross country to 5th in one year!”
Starting CrossFit brought new challenges. Despite using strategies that worked for other types of exercise, Hattie experienced frequent low blood sugars during workouts.
“I couldn’t make sense of it at first. I’d turn my insulin off like I’d always done but still went low. A fellow diabetic CrossFitter and coach helped me smooth it out.”
She’s since fine-tuned her approach:
“Now I minimize how much insulin is in my system before workouts. For the first time, I trust the ‘activity mode’ on my pump because I know what to expect.”
Achievements & Competing
Over the past year, Hattie’s focused on building strength, stamina, and improving her blood sugar control. Her proudest moment so far was competing in the Turf Games:
“Walking into a field with the fittest people around was nerve-wracking, but by the middle of the day, we were performing like a well-oiled machine. Finishing the workout called Manor in under 9 minutes was incredible.”
Preparing for competition meant practicing under competition stress and experimenting with blood sugar management strategies:
“There’s no such thing as being over-prepared for a comp. I’d practice the workouts, try different strategies, and always bring plenty of snacks!”
Advice for Others
Hattie wants people with diabetes to know that training-and even competing-is possible:
“It can absolutely be done. You just have to plan carefully, keep your medical team involved, and don’t be afraid to ask other diabetics for advice.”
And for tough days?
“Even if I feel crappy beforehand, I know I’ll feel better after training.”
Quick Fire Round
Favorite movement: Deadlift
Least favorite: Anything burpee-related
One word for CrossFit: Transformative.
We’re proud to have Hattie as part of our community. She’s proof that with determination and support, nothing has to stand in the way of your goals-even diabetes.
