Rylee Arnold Shares How She Manages Type 1 Diabetes on ‘Dancing With the Stars’

Professional dancer Rylee Arnold has revealed how she navigates the challenges of living with Type 1 diabetes while competing on “Dancing With the Stars.” In a recent social media video, Arnold opened up about experiencing a health scare during a live performance and explained the careful planning that helps her stay safe and perform at her best.

The 19-year-old dancer, who has become a fan favorite on the ABC competition, described how her routine shifts between rehearsals and show days. Her candid admission shed light on the physical and emotional preparation required for athletes and performers managing chronic health conditions.

Inside Rylee Arnold’s Type 1 Diabetes Routine on ‘DWTS’

Arnold shared that rehearsals are easier to control because she has time to monitor her blood sugar levels and plan her meals. “Rehearsals are super under control for me,” she said. “I have a lot of time in rehearsal to go and look at my phone and check my blood sugar often, but also I kind of schedule my meals.”

Show days, however, require a more cautious approach. “Usually on show day, I try to eat just high-protein meals and the most minimal carbs I can,” she explained. “Because with stress and not really having the time to worry about my blood sugar, I try to eat so that it doesn’t spike throughout the day.”

Arnold revealed that a production coordinator is assigned to stay close to her during filming, carrying her insulin and ensuring her phone stays connected to her glucose monitor. “He knows that I need my phone often,” she said. “He carries my insulin wherever I go and just always stays in close proximity to me so that my phone can stay connected to my Dexcom.”

Despite these precautions, Arnold said the live show does not adjust its schedule for her condition. “It is a live show and the show just keeps going. There is no pausing, there is no adjusting,” she shared. “I have gone out while being low before and it was not the best time ever, but I’ve learned how to manage it.”

The Mid-Performance Health Scare

Arnold recalled a moment last season when she was performing with gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik and her blood sugar spiked just before going on stage. “The worst is going out super high,” she admitted. “My calf cramped up because it was so dehydrated because my blood sugar was high, and it was the worst thing ever.”

She said that while she struggled through the routine, fans watching would not have known anything was wrong. “The whole dance I was trying to shake it off and get it to go back to normal. And it just wouldn’t.”

Now, Arnold says she has her health management “down to a T,” carefully monitoring what she eats and staying alert throughout the day. Her openness about the experience has inspired many fans living with Type 1 diabetes, who praised her resilience in the comments.

Arnold’s story is a reminder that chronic conditions do not stop individuals from pursuing their dreams — but it takes preparation, awareness, and strength to keep performing at the highest level on live television.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: How does Rylee Arnold manage Type 1 diabetes during ‘DWTS’?

She monitors her blood sugar closely, eats protein-heavy meals on show days, and keeps insulin nearby with help from a coordinator.

Q2: Has ‘DWTS’ ever delayed performances for Rylee Arnold’s health?

No. Arnold said the live show does not adjust its schedule for her blood sugar levels.

Q3: Did Rylee Arnold have a health scare on stage?

Yes. She experienced a blood sugar spike last season while dancing with Stephen Nedoroscik and had to push through a cramp mid-performance.

Q4: What device does Rylee Arnold use to monitor blood sugar?

She uses a Dexcom continuous glucose monitor connected to her phone for real-time readings.

Q5: How do fans react to Rylee Arnold’s openness?

Fans have praised her strength and resilience, calling her story inspiring for those with Type 1 diabetes.