Dancing Through Life with Type 1 Diabetes

^{Insulet Corporation has paid a fee to engage Judy as a content creator and has an ongoing commercial relationship with Judy as a Sponsored Podvocate, however the views expressed in this testimonial are solely those of Judy. This blog post is not a substitute for medical advice and/or services from a healthcare provider. This blog post is not to be relied upon in any way in connection with your personal health care related decisions and treatment.}

Hello Diabuddies,

I read a quote once that resonated deeply with me: "Dancing is like dreaming with your feet!"

And it’s true—dancing is such a beautiful way to express emotions, a way to channel feelings through movement.

Why did I start dancing?

I've always been captivated by dancers—their effortless movements, the seamless way choreography flows with music, and how the mind can memorize each step simply by feeling the rhythm.

Watching them, I’d often think to myself, “I want to be like them.” But for the longest time, I didn’t do anything about it.

I was so afraid to try for many reasons. I would tell myself:
“I’ve never taken a dance class.”
“How can I start now?”
“What if people judge me if I don’t get the moves right?”
“I’m too shy to dance in front of others.”

I realized that these same fears also used to apply to my type 1 diabetes. I was always scared to look different, to wear my devices publicly, to get looked at in a particular way. After a lot of inner work, I put all these fears aside and am now advocating for T1D, showing my devices proudly and happily answering people’s questions about diabetes.

I then thought: *Why not approach dancing the same way?!*

So, last year, I began my dance journey and stepped outside my comfort zone.

And I’m so glad I did! Fun fact: Pushing past my fears led me to perform at Montreal’s Jazz Festival, the world’s largest jazz festival! I am incredibly proud of this accomplishment, and it wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t challenged myself to go beyond what felt comfortable.

What dance styles do I practice?

I practice Afrodance, which includes various styles, such as Ndombolo and Afrohouse. These rhythms truly vibrate within me and bring me genuine happiness and smiles!

How do I manage my glucose levels when dancing?

Managing type 1 diabetes while dancing can be tricky. Each class or practice session involves different types of exercise, all of which uniquely affect glucose levels.

Cardiovascular, strength, endurance, and even slower movements all have different impacts on glucose levels. The duration of time I spend in the studio also plays a crucial role in how I manage my T1D.

It took me a long time and various doctor appointments to understand how to manage my diabetes.

After a lot of trial and error, I’ve developed a routine that helps me balance insulin, food, and dancing so I can enjoy my classes to the fullest! (Although I have found what works for me, I always remind myself, T1D is unpredictable, so I’m constantly adapting. And diabetes isn’t one shape fits all! What works for me may not work for you.)

Below are some tips and tricks that work for me. It's recommended that you talk to your healthcare provider about how you can best manage your diabetes when trying out a new form of exercise.

1. I eat a balanced meal with carbs and protein about 2 hours before my exercise and take less insulin than I would if I wasn't going to exercise.
2. I use the temp basal feature to reduce the insulin I get before, during and after my exercise. I usually start this about 30 minutes before and let it last for some time after my class.
3. I check my glucose often to know if I'm ok.
4. I take a snack if I'm dropping.
5. I always carry snacks and fast-acting carbohydrates with me so I can treat a low anywhere and at anytime it may happen.
6. I treat high glucose levels during the class with a lower correction dose than recommended.

Related: No tubes, no more multiple daily injections and no commitment to tie you down. Get started with a 90-day money-back guarantee**.

How does my Omnipod® help me with my dance journey?

Omnipod DASH has helped me not just because of the useful Temp Basal feature but also because of its small and discreet design.

I apply the Pod directly to my skin and keep the PDM (Personal Diabetes Manager) at the side of the studio, so I'm free from any tubing. As a dancer, being tubeless is so important! I am free to move and explore the space without the hassle of a device getting in my way.

It has contributed to making my dance journey more peaceful, fun and stress-free.

Your diabuddy, 
Judy