Alex Stewart opens up on life-changing diagnoses

The 21-year-old flanker, who’s already proudly pulled on the Scotland jersey 11 times, was diagnosed with both Type 1 Diabetes and Coeliac Disease during this year’s Guinness Women’s Six Nations. It’s been a challenging time, but one that’s brought her a new perspective, and a renewed focus on her goals as a player and a person.

“It was a tough beginning to the year,” Alex reflects. “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.”

Supported throughout by Scottish Rugby’s medical team, Alex’s tests gave her the first piece of the puzzle in the form of a Coeliac Disease diagnosis, an autoimmune condition which sees a person’s immune system react abnormally to gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye), causing damage to the lining of the small intestine.

“At first, I actually felt a bit of relief,” she admitted. “It meant there was a root to my issues and that a change in diet would leave me feeling a lot better.”

Scotland’s Alex Stewart in the Vodafone Series Autumn Test against Wales in 2024.

Shortly after, she was named on the bench for Scotland’s match against Italy. Things seemed to be turning a corner, until another call came in.

“I woke up to a voicemail from my GP asking me to come in urgently,” she said. “That’s when I found out I could also have Type 1 diabetes. It felt like a real blow. Just as I was starting to feel like I was getting a handle on things.”

Like coeliac disease, type 1 diabetes is also an autoimmune condition. This conditions sees the immune system destroy insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Without insulin, the body can’t regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels.

With a continuous glucose monitor fitted the next day, Alex began adjusting, learning and was supported by the medical team, her family and friends. Unfortunately, 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, Alex is learning to see strength in the change.

“Things have changed a lot,” she says. “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.”

There have, of course, been tough moments, and naturally a lot of anger. But Alex is quick to credit those around her for keeping her grounded through it all.

“The initial first months were and still are a struggle, there have been many frustrations. I am most thankful for the people I had around me at this extremely difficult point in my life. To my family, friends and flatmates, I’m forever grateful for being there for me, for being understanding and taking care of me.

“To those who came to appointments with me and underwent learning to support me, I am grateful. I want to thank the medical team at Scottish Rugby and Lara Wilson (team Nutritionist) for the acute support around my diagnoses and the continued support since. I really would not be doing as well as I am right now without them.”

Despite everything, Alex’s ambitions remain the same. She’s as focused as ever on returning to the pitch, with one big goal on the horizon.

“Life’s definitely more complicated now,” she said. “But my ambitions of playing rugby for my country and returning to study have not shifted in the slightest. I’m determined not to allow my diabetes to inhibit my performance on the pitch for club or country.”

Alex has now been fitted with a glucose monitor to support her treatment for Type 1 Diabetes.

While she’s still finding her place as part of the diabetes community, Alex hopes her story might one day encourage others living with the condition to chase their dreams just as boldly.

“I’m still learning,” she says, “but if I can show just one person that it’s possible to live with diabetes and still push for big goals, that’ll mean everything. I want to inspire others with this condition to set goals high and have the confidence to run after them.”

And with her sights firmly set on the months ahead, Alex is approaching this new chapter with the same passion and perseverance that’s defined her career so far.

“I’m just at the start of my journey with diabetes; I’ve got a lot more to learn and conquer. 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.”

Speaking about Alex, Scotland Women Head Coach Bryan Easson said: “Alex has demonstrated extraordinary strength and resilience in the face of what will no doubt be one of the most challenging periods of her life. The courage with which she has confronted and embraced her life-changing diagnoses is nothing short of inspirational, and that is a reflection on the depth of her character.

“We are incredibly grateful that she now has the right diagnosis, and access to the information and support she needs to move forward. Knowing she is equipped with the tools to manage her health gives us all great reassurance that she can continue to perform at the highest level – both for her club and for her country – with the same excellence and passion that define her as a player.

“I’m especially thankful to the medical team, our nutritionist, and the broader management group, all of whom have walked alongside Alex every step of the way, and will continue to do so.”