DexCom, a biosensing company with products used primarily by diabetics, announced earlier this year the return of Dexcom U, an NIL program for college student-athletes with Type 1 Diabetes.
One of those students is Raegan Lantz. Lantz plays volleyball at the Miami (Ohio) University, and she has lived with T1D since she was 14 years old. Now, through her partnership with DexCom, Lantz has built an online platform to teach people about diabetes and how those suffering from T1D can still be successful athletes.
“It's given me a platform to show kids, not only kids with Type 1, but anyone with any obstacle that they face, that it doesn't stop you from achieving your dreams,” Lantz told The Miami Student. “So don't let anybody tell you otherwise.”
Thanks to careful monitoring of her T1D, Lantz has not missed a single game with the RedHawks. She explained that she wears a smart watch during games for fast monitoring, and athletic trainers keep Gatorade and sweet snacks nearby should she need them.
“It's very important to meet them where they're at and to understand their boundaries and what they can do as a person,” Lantz’s teammate Kamryn Utley said. “They don't like for it to hold them back, so I think having that balance is super important.”
Dexcom U now includes 21 student-athletes as the NIL program enters its fourth year. Lantz and all other student-athletes receive free products from DexCom in exchange for their advocacy work, spreading the word about the athletic possibilities for those diagnosed with T1D.
“You can still accomplish all that you want to,” Lantz said. “Just because it didn't work out one day, you can still find that grace and that peace and continue to surround yourself with good people.”
