"Changed my life" - Dancing With The Stars' Rylee Arnold shares how Type 1 diabetes fueled her dance career

To celebrate World Diabetes Day on November 14, Dancing With The Stars professional dancer Rylee Arnold, 19, shared her journey with Type 1 diabetes. Diagnosed with the disease when she was just 15, Arnold recently opened up on how the condition has influenced her life and career.

In an interview with Women's Health, she talked about what it took to juggle her diabetes while balancing the intense demands of competitive dancing in a show like Dancing With The Stars. A key part of her management strategy has been the use of technology, which has played a crucial role in maintaining stability.

Reflecting on the impact of technology in her management, Arnold shared:

"I got a continuous glucose monitor, and it changed my life."

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How Type 1 diabetes shaped Rylee Arnold’s journey on Dancing With The Stars

Diagnosing and managing Type 1 diabetes

In an interesting twist, Arnold's illness was diagnosed during a particularly demanding dance season. She recalls this time as extremely fatiguing, having to urinate often, drinking a lot of water, and having blurry vision.

At first, she thought these symptoms resulted from all the rehearsals and performances she was trying to get through. She narrated:

“I didn’t ever think that I had Type 1 diabetes—it didn’t run in my family,”

However, after a severe health episode, she was taken to the hospital, where medical staff discovered her blood sugar levels were critically high, putting her health at serious risk.

After the diagnosis, Arnold had to learn new ways of keeping her blood sugars in check. She started with finger pricks but later switched to a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which she claims has been crucial in getting through such highs and lows without affecting her performance.

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Integrating diabetes management with dance

Managing Type 1 diabetes within the high-pressure environment of Dancing With The Stars required adjustments for Arnold, particularly because stress can impact blood sugar levels. During her first season on the show, she noticed her stress levels often led to higher glucose readings. Arnold explained:

“When your stress is super high, your blood sugar naturally runs higher.”

In order to do so, she frequently monitors her blood sugar and will make necessary corrections to her insulin levels. She also has quick sources of carbohydrates, like fruit snacks, to control her blood sugar level when it tends to drop low due to intense rehearsals.

To ensure her blood sugar is stable on performance days, Rylee Arnold follows a routine that includes regular monitoring and dietary planning.

This approach helps her maintain the focus and energy required for her role on the show while managing her condition effectively.

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Building discipline and focus through health management

Living with Type 1 diabetes has led Arnold to develop a structured approach to her daily routine, which supports both her health and career.

Managing this condition requires continuous attention to blood sugar, diet, and medication, all of which are essential for her ability to perform consistently. Reflecting on her experience, Arnold noted:

“This isn’t just numbers on a screen or shots that you’re giving yourself. You have your life in your own hands.”

Through her work on Dancing With The Stars, Arnold demonstrates the potential for individuals with Type 1 diabetes to pursue careers in demanding fields. Her story provides an example of balancing chronic health management with professional goals in the performing arts.

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Tune in on Dancing With The Stars every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+ to see Rylee Arnold and other talented dancers perform live!