It can’t be easy performing on a network TV show, while managing Type 1 diabetes at the same time. But that’s exactly what Dancing with the Stars pro Rylee Arnold does every live show.
Rylee wears a Dexcom device that monitor’s her glucose levels throughout the day. When a fan made a TikTok asking why Rylee’s device was never visible on the show, Rylee stitched an explanation.
“I actually have no intention of covering it ever when it comes to my costumes,” she explained. “It just so happens that it is always covered because I tend to put my Dexcoms in my lower abdomen.”
Rylee Arnold’s blood sugar spiked during a Dancing with the Stars performance
Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a teenager, Rylee has developed habits to help her manage her blood sugar. Additionally, she’s careful to schedule meals so she doesn’t have to worry about her blood sugar spiking. Though dance-related injuries are inevitable, she does her best to keep on top of her diabetes.
“If my blood sugar is too high or if it’s too low, it really does affect my performance,” she said in a follow-up video. “Usually on show day, I try to eat just high protein meals … I try to eat so that it doesn’t spike my blood sugar.”
Though she’s careful about managing her medical condition, things can still happen. Last season while dancing with partner Stephen Nedoroscik, her blood sugar went high and she got a cramp that lasted throughout the dance. Like the trooper she is, she just kept dancing. Hopefully, she was able to get the insulin she needed during a commercial.
In a May 2024 post to her Instagram Rylee opened up about her journey with Type 1 diabetes. “Although it was one of the hardest times in my life and one of the biggest learning curves for me, I’m incredibly grateful for the strength it has given me,” she wrote.
Not only is Rylee a professional at dancing, but she really seems to have managing her health down to a science.
Dancing with the Stars Season 33 airs on Tuesdays, at 8/7c on ABC and Disney+.
TELL US – DID YOU KNOW RYLEE HAD TYPE 1 DIABETES? ARE YOU ROOTING FOR HER THIS SEASON?
