'I'm getting to know a new version of myself' - Stewart opens up on double diagnosis
Scotland flanker Alex Stewart "didn't recognise the person in the mirror" before two life-changing diagnoses earlier this year.The 21-year-old, who has 11 caps to her name, was diagnosed with both Type 1 Diabetes and Coeliac Disease during this year's Women's Six Nations after severe "exhaustion and low moods which didn't add up"."It was a tough beginning to the year," Stewart revealed in a candid statement. "I was exhausted all the time, struggling with low moods and some other symptoms that just didn't add up. "I didn't recognise the person I saw in the mirror anymore."After experiencing this for a couple of months and being monitored by the medical team at Scottish Rugby and I was sent for a blood test."Stewart's results provided a a Coeliac Disease diagnosis, which she says she felt "a relief" at receiving. She was named on the bench for the Italy match, then "woke up to a voicemail from my GP asking me to come in urgently"."That's when I found out I could also have Type 1 Diabetes," she added. "It felt like a real blow. Just as I was starting to feel like I was getting a handle on things."With a continuous glucose monitor fitted the next day, Stewart started to get used to her new life, with the support of the medical team.A hypoglycaemic episode during Ireland week confirmed what she didn't want to hear - the tournament was over for her.And while she may not be quite the same person as before, Stewart is learning to see strength in the change."Things have changed a lot," she added. "My days now involve insulin, a gluten-free diet, and constantly checking in with how I'm feeling."She [the old me] didn't have to carb count before every meal and make sure her glucose levels were good before she trained or before a walk after dinner. She didn't have to make all these additional decisions and adjustments to everyday life."But I'm feeling more energetic and healthy than I have in a long time. I'm getting to know a new version of myself."This new version still has the same ambitions. For now, the main goal is making the World Cup squad."I'm just at the start of my journey with diabetes; I've got a lot more to learn and conquer," she added. "But I've got the rest of my life to worry about that, my main focus is being part of Scotland Women's 2025 World Cup squad."
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