In a recent interview with Women's Health, Rylee Arnold revealed how she manages her Type 1 diabetes during Dancing with the Stars Season 33. The 19-year-old dancer, partnered with Olympic bronze medalist Stephen Nedoroscik, maintains blood sugar levels between 80-120 during live performances through a continuous glucose monitor. Her diagnosis came at age 15 when her blood sugar reached 1,023 during dance competition season.
The Dancing with the Stars star's strict management system includes limiting carbohydrates before broadcasts, keeping fruit snacks during practice, and sharing real-time glucose data with her support team.
Dancing with the Stars Pro Rylee Arnold opens up about dancing through Type 1 Diabetes
In an interview with Women’s Health, the Dancing With the Stars season 33 star directly addressed her view of diabetes as a gift in her medical journey.
"I am so forever grateful for my diabetes, because it was a reality check. It showed what really mattered to me, which is my health, my family, and dance."
She explained the condition made her grow up quickly, preparing her for DWTS responsibilities at 19.
"Type 1 diabetes is why I'm here right now. If I hadn’t gone through that kind of life trial, I don't think I would be on Dancing With The Stars today. It made me grow up."
Arnold views wearing her glucose monitor as an opportunity to show others "how strong you are and how strong they can be in whatever life trial that's being thrown at them."
During the recent 500th episode celebration, Arnold and Nedoroscik executed their Viennese Waltz tribute without glucose-related complications.
Arnold has developed specific strategies for managing diabetes during Season 33. She restricts carbohydrate intake before live broadcasts to prevent blood sugar spikes. During practice sessions, she keeps fruit snacks readily available for quick energy when needed. Meanwhile, her partner Nedoroscik has learned to recognize signs of blood sugar fluctuations.
The physical demands of dance training required careful glucose management. The Dancing with the Stars pro discovered that high-stress situations naturally elevated her blood sugar levels, particularly during her first season. This led to developing precise pre-show routines focused on maintaining optimal glucose ranges between 80 and 120.
Rylee Arnold's story from symptoms to diagnosis
Arnold's health changes emerged during her packed dance training schedule in 2020. While maintaining weekend competition travels, she faced severe fatigue that affected her performance quality.
Dance instructors noticed her decreased energy levels during routines. She needed bathroom breaks up to seven times each night. Despite consuming large quantities of water, persistent thirst and hunger remained.
The situation reached a critical point after three months. After a dance rehearsal, Arnold consumed a combination of ice cream, soda, and a burger. The high-carbohydrate meal triggered an immediate adverse reaction.
She fell asleep shortly after eating and experienced intense stomach discomfort. Her father rushed her to medical care. At the hospital, her sister Brynley, working as a nurse, conducted an initial blood sugar check. The reading exceeded standard monitor limitations.
Further testing revealed her blood glucose at 1,023, drastically above the normal 80-120 range. Medical professionals later explained that without immediate treatment, she risked falling into a diabetic coma.
Family support
Rylee's mother maintains constant vigilance over her daughter's health from Utah, even as the dancer performs in Los Angeles. Through shared access to Arnold's glucose monitoring app, her mother tracks blood sugar levels around the clock. When nighttime readings show dangerous drops, she calls repeatedly until Arnold responds.
During one critical incident, her mother drove to Arnold's Utah residence at 4 AM after multiple unanswered calls, ensuring her daughter's safety.
The support extends throughout her family circle. Her sister Brynley's medical background proved vital during the initial diagnosis. The family adapted their routines to accommodate Arnold's monitoring needs, creating a reliable safety network that enables her professional career.
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Fans can catch Rylee Arnold in Dancing with the Stars Season 33 Semi Finals which is set to air on November 19, 2024.
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