Ruby Lau’s journey to the South Pole was not just about braving the cold or crossing oceans; it was about showing that living with Type 1 diabetes does not define or limit what’s possible. Ruby shares how her preparation, challenges, and key lessons learned proved possibility, not restriction.
Profile:
Name: Ruby Lau
Year of diagnosis: 2012
1. When did the idea of going to the South Pole come to you? What inspired it?
The idea came after living with Type 1 diabetes for 14 years. At first, I felt scared and overwhelmed, but I realised Type 1 diabetes didn’t stop me from dreaming big. Sharing my life on my Facebook page, “Roller Coaster”, I connected with people who feared diabetes would limit them or their child. I wanted to show that even something extreme — like Antarctica — is possible
2. How did you prepare physically and mentally?
Preparation was about trust — in my body, my diabetes management, and my mindset. Physically, I trained three times a week, focusing on cardio, strength, and endurance. Due to my chronic back pain, I sought professional help from personal trainer Jim Kwok, who created a safe, tailored fitness plan. Type 1 diabetes doesn’t have to limit adventure.
Mentally, I reminded myself that diabetes requires balance, not perfection. I built resilience by accepting that things wouldn’t always go as planned and that adaptability is survival.
3. How did you plan for insulin storage and blood glucose monitoring in such extreme cold?
Living with diabetes trains me to plan ahead; Antarctica magnified that habit. I paid extra attention to protect my insulin, monitored blood glucose via CGM, and stayed organised. I listened to my body and trusted the skills I’d built over years of living with Type 1 — to be vigilant but stay calm, even in unfamiliar conditions.
4. What was a typical day like?
Each day was simple but impressive, and the sceneary was amazing. I visited Duperre Bay, Charlotte Bay, Portal Point, Lemaire Channel, Pléneau Island, Vernadsky Station, Flandres Bay, and Wilhelmina Bay.
I focused on moving safely, staying warm, and regularly checking my glucose to avoid hypos. Progress was steady, and every day felt meaningful because I knew my purpose.
5. How did you manage meals and insulin during exertion?
I stayed flexible. The cold weather and constant movement changed how my body responded, so I adjusted my food intake and insulin as needed. Type 1 Diabetes taught me to read my body like a map and make adjustment when signal comes to me.
6. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was managing uncertainty. Crossing the Drake Passage was especially difficult, with wild seas and relentless waves leading to seasickness, fatigue, a loss of appetite, and disrupted sleep. Unfortunately, diabetes doesn’t pause in extreme conditions. What helped me to overcome these challenges was “Perspective”. Fourteen years of living with Type 1 diabetes had already taught me to solve problems, stay calm, and keep moving despite setbacks.
7. What was the most memorable part, and how did it change your perspective?
Realising how capable the human body and spirit can be — even with a chronic condition. Seeing chinstrap penguins on rocky cliffs in a white landscape filled with water, yet still feeling dry, reminded me that limits aren’t always real. Standing in Antarctica reinforced what I believed: Type 1 diabetes is a serious disease but manageable, and it doesn’t define our potential.
8. What was the first thing you did after returning home?
I reconnected with family, friends, and the diabetes community. HK is my home — Home means comfort, but also accountability. I was eager to share what I’d learned and keep the conversation going. My heart is still in Antarctica — to those wildlife animals, penguins, whales, and friendship during the expedition.
9. What future adventures or causes do you hope to pursue?
Adventures don’t have to be geographical. I will focus on building meaningful memories for myself and the diabetes community. I hope fewer people join the T1 family, but if they do – embrace hope.If opportunities arise to combine challenge with purpose, I’ll welcome them.
10. What message do you want to share with others living with Type 1 diabetes?
My heart is with people living with diabetes. You are not broken – you’re capable. “Making hard work look effortless”
Believe in yourself. People with Type 1 can live healthy, confident, vibrant lives. Our community deserves visibility, understanding, and support. My journey isn’t about proving strength — it’s about showing what’s possible and inviting others to believe too.
Thank you for Ruby’s inspiring story — through her journey, she raised an incredible $75K to support children living with diabetes. If her adventures have sparked your own fundraising dreams, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch at hello@yda.org.hk and join us in making a difference.