Living Fearlessly with Type 1 Diabetes Through Fitness and Travel
Guest Contributor
Living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) presents daily challenges, but for Liz Van Voorhis, it has never been a reason to slow down. Diagnosed at age 15 after a near-fatal episode during a family vacation, Van Voorhis has since built a life defined by movement, resilience, and adventure. Her story offers a compelling example of how determination and thoughtful planning can turn a chronic illness into a source of strength. Her journey through fitness and travel while managing T1D illustrates the power of intention in creating a vibrant, healthy lifestyle.
Van Voorhis’s diagnosis came after weeks of unexplained symptoms—extreme thirst, fatigue, and weight loss. During a trip to Colonial Williamsburg, her mother noticed her daughter’s frail appearance and rushed her to the emergency room. There, doctors discovered her blood sugar level was dangerously high at 1200 milligrams per deciliter. She was immediately admitted to the ICU, where she began learning how to manage T1D with insulin injections and dietary changes. The experience was life-altering, but it didn’t derail her passion for fitness and movement.
From a young age, Van Voorhis had a love for physical activity. She attended aerobics classes with her mother and trained for cheerleading tryouts. After her diagnosis, she adapted to a strict regimen of carbohydrate counting and scheduled meals, which was standard practice in the mid-1990s. Rather than feeling limited, she embraced the structure and used it to fuel her commitment to health and wellness. She made the cheerleading squad and maintained a regular workout schedule, exercising three to six days a week for the next three decades.
Her dedication to fitness only grew stronger in college at Clemson University, where she joined the cheerleading team and began teaching group fitness classes. From step aerobics to cardio kickboxing, Van Voorhis balanced a demanding academic schedule with her role as an instructor, all while managing her diabetes through frequent blood sugar checks and insulin injections. After graduation, she continued teaching fitness classes while building a corporate career, demonstrating how consistent movement and careful planning can support long-term well-being with T1D.
In her mid-30s, a series of personal challenges—including health issues and the loss of her mother to brain cancer—prompted Van Voorhis to reevaluate her life’s direction. She left her corporate job, transitioned to teaching Spin full time, and eventually founded Fit Collective in 2017. The company focuses on corporate wellness and has allowed her to travel extensively, leading retreats and workshops across the United States and internationally. “T1D has taught me everything about resiliency,” she explains. “It is literally a life filled with weathering the highs and lows.”
Traveling with type 1 diabetes requires careful preparation, and Van Voorhis has developed strategies to stay healthy on the road. She prioritizes eating fruits and vegetables when good options are available, viewing her habits through a lens of weekly averages rather than daily perfection. “Am I getting a certain number of average steps in a week, versus just one day?” she asks. This mindset helps her maintain balance without feeling restricted, even in unfamiliar environments.
Technology has also played a vital role in her ability to travel confidently. Van Voorhis uses a combined insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which helps her regulate blood sugar levels more effectively. She notes that in the past, unfamiliar meals would often cause nighttime blood sugar spikes, but the new system allows her to sleep soundly and wake up within a healthy range. These tools have been especially helpful during international trips, such as her recent wellness retreat in Thailand.
Van Voorhis has learned from experience how to avoid common travel pitfalls. After once forgetting insulin on a business trip to Shanghai, she implemented a packing checklist. She also brings extra supplies, including a backup CGM controller, and takes advantage of travel allowances for medical equipment and juice bottles. These precautions provide peace of mind and ensure she’s prepared for any situation.
Staying active remains one of her most effective tools for managing T1D. She’s found that walking can help stabilize blood sugar levels, especially when enjoying high-sugar treats. “One of my best hacks is that walking really helps me combat high blood sugars when I’m consuming a treat,” she says. During a trip to Mexico City, she designed a self-guided taco walking tour, eating one taco at each stop and walking in between to keep her blood sugar in check. This creative approach allows her to enjoy local cuisine without compromising her health.
Van Voorhis’s story highlights the importance of adaptability, preparation, and a proactive mindset in living fully with type 1 diabetes. Her life is a testament to the idea that a chronic condition doesn’t have to limit one’s potential. Through her fitness journey, global travels, and dedication to wellness, she continues to inspire others to pursue their passions while managing their health with intention and care.
