Diabetes not stopping McSpadden from chasing dreams

To excel at your chosen craft, individuals have to make sacrifices and overcome challenges.

One that knows all about that is Sydney Flames' Lara McSpadden.

The Flames centre has been dealing with Type 1 Diabetes since the age of eight.

And with Friday, November 14 being World Diabetes Day, NSW junior McSpadden explained why dates like this are so important to acknowledge the obstacles people with the chronic disease face.

"We don't suffer, rather we live with it [diabetes] every day, so it's great to acknowledge those people while also educating the general public," McSpadden said.

"Everyone deals with it [diabetes] differently.

"I've never once thought that I can't do something because of diabetes, and neither should anyone else.

"As a professional athlete, I've found a good routine and rhythm that works for me, to ensure I'm being healthy and performing in games and training as best as I can.

"Despite that, every day is different and you might have the same approach and eat the same diet, yet it'll surprise you from time to time.

"A big factor for me is my access to good technology, as I wear a continuous glucose monitor which really helps me make decisions about my day-to-day life.

"It's also about playing the long game, because you've got diabetes for life, so making gradual adjustments is key."

Now in her third stint in Sydney, WNBL champion McSpadden, who is one of two WNBL players with Type 1 Diabetes alongside Townsville's Lauren Cox, has helped her Flames to a 2-4 start to the WNBL26 season.

Next up for Sydney is a clash with arch-rivals, the UC Capitals, at the AIS Arena on Saturday from 3pm AEDT.

"We know Canberra is going to be desperate, especially on their home court," McSpadden said.

"It's up to us to lock back in on our defensive principles and ensure we're creating the right space on offence, to allow each other the best chance to score.

"If we do those things, I'm confident we can get the win."

Tickets to the Round 5 fixture, which will be broadcast live on ESPN and 9Now, are still available here.