Collin Lloyd: Racing Against Limits, Not Against Diabetes

At just 17, Collin Lloyd is making a name for himself in karting—on and off the track.

A rising star, Collin is turning heads at AMR Motorplex and setting his sights on the biggest stage: Formula 1. 

But behind the helmet and high-speed laps is a story of resilience, family and a relentless drive to defy the limits of type 1 diabetes.

“I eat, sleep and breathe racing,” he says.

A diagnosis that changed everything

At 7 years old, Collin’s life took an unexpected turn during a road trip home from Georgia.

“We had to stop almost every 30 minutes because I had to go to the bathroom,” he remembers. “And I had this headache that just wouldn’t go away.”

The next day, he went to the doctor and Collin’s blood sugar was over 600 mg/dL (33.3 mmol/L)

A father’s resolve: Navigating a life-changing diagnosis

For Collin’s dad, Ryan, the diagnosis came with more questions than answers.

“We had no family history, no prior knowledge—just questions,” Ryan says. “But once the shock wore off, the question became: ‘How do we lead this? How do we make sure diabetes never holds Collin back?’”

That moment marked the beginning of a father-son journey fueled by love, resilience and a shared passion for racing.

Finding racing—and purpose 

Even before his diagnosis, Collin was obsessed with speed, racing toy cars, monster trucks and taking laps at K1 Speed.  

Collin’s type 1 diagnosis changed everything, as the family stepped away from racing for six months to focus on his health. 

When they returned to karting, it was supposed to be casual. Fate had other plans.

“A local team owner saw Collin drive once and said, ‘There’s a race in three weeks—you’re in,’” Ryan recalls. “I thought he was joking. He told me, ‘It takes me six months to a year to get kids where Collin is now.’”

Despite missing the first three races, Collin went on to win the championship that season.

“That’s when his confidence went through the roof, and the idea for T1D Racers was born,” Ryan explains.

T1D Racers: Driving a movement

T1D Racers began as a way to give back, and then grew into a movement. 

The nonprofit now provides kids and young adults with type 1 diabetes and other medical challenges the opportunity to race.

“Racing gave me confidence,” says Collin. “I realized diabetes didn’t have to limit me. It actually gave me more purpose.”

Even with second-hand equipment, Collin raced—and won—proving what’s possible with heart, passion and community.

Managing diabetes like a pro 

Collin approaches his diabetes management the same way he studies race data.

“Telemetry [real-time vehicle-data monitoring] shows my performance on track, and my CGM [a.k.a. continuous glucose monitor] shows how well I’m managing my body,” says Collin. “Both help me make smart, confident decisions.”

Preparation starts days before a race: high-protein meals, hydration, race-simulator practice and meticulous packing. 

On race day, Collin checks his CGM every 20 to 30 minutes, aiming to stay between 120 and 250 mg/dL (6.7 to 13.9 mmol/L).

Weather, adrenaline and nerves all play a role.

“Cold makes it harder to stay in range,” he says. “Heat causes dehydration and sweat. Adrenaline spikes my blood sugar, then crashes. You’ve got to stay calm and not overcorrect.”

Ryan adds that they focus on trends, not single numbers—and that every family finds their own rhythm.

“We don’t give rules—we share our story. Because no two kids or parents handle it the same way.”

Formula 1 dreams and leading by example

The dream? Formula 1. But for Collin, it’s about more than personal success.

“I want to show others with type 1 diabetes that they can chase their dreams. That’s why T1D Racers exists—to support and prove what’s possible.”

Ryan sees a future where T1D Racers evolves into a full-fledged driver development academy—helping kids go from karting to cars, from diagnosis to dominance.

“We want motorsports to be accessible for anyone in the T1D community—at any age.”

Advice to young athletes with type 1 diabetes 

To those wondering if their condition will hold them back, Collin is clear: 

“Don’t let diabetes stop you. If you love something—whether it’s racing or something else—go for it. You can do anything you believe in.”

Collin Lloyd isn’t just racing for trophies. He’s racing for something bigger. He’s proving that with grit, support and belief in yourself, type 1 diabetes isn’t a roadblock—it’s a reason to push harder.

For more information, go to www.T1DRacers.org.