CHANGING THE CONVERSATION for People Living With Diabetes
Tyler was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at 31 years old in August of 2023 after months of worsening symptoms, including extreme weight loss and severe foot pain. Following routine bloodwork from an online doctor’s appointment, he was sent urgently to the emergency room, where he arrived in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). At six-foot-three, Tyler weighed just 145 pounds at diagnosis.
After his ketones stabilized, Tyler was discharged with insulin pens, a glucometer, and minimal instruction on managing diabetes. Soon after, he met with an endocrinologist and diabetes educator who confirmed his type 1 diagnosis. Leaving the hospital was overwhelming and frightening. He was learning that insulin was necessary for survival, yet could also be dangerous, and he felt physically drained, hungry, and unsure how to care for himself.
Emotionally, it was a very dark time. Tyler worried about how diabetes would affect his ability to show up for his girlfriend, his future family, and his career. Although his blood sugar numbers improved quickly, his body felt worse. About a month later, his endocrinologist determined he was experiencing treatment-induced neuropathy, a rare complication caused by blood sugar levels dropping too rapidly.
The next 16 months were marked by chronic pain, constant medical appointments, and a deep sense of uncertainty. Tyler was unable to work for nearly six months, and his condition was not recognized by insurance despite multiple physicians’ evaluations, forcing him to return to work part time before he was ready. Eventually, his symptoms began to improve, and he slowly regained his ability to function and feel healthy again.
Today, Tyler says the experience completely reshaped his relationship with health. Despite living with type 1 diabetes, he feels healthier than he did before diagnosis. He has gained a strong understanding of his body and a renewed appreciation for life.
Tyler’s girlfriend is now his fiancée, and he is proud to participate in events like this to raise awareness and support future generations. One of the biggest ongoing challenges he faces is decision fatigue. Managing type 1 diabetes requires dozens of daily decisions, on top of a demanding career that already involves constant problem-solving. He has learned the importance of delegating when possible, managing burnout, and giving himself grace when blood sugars don’t behave as planned.
Outside of diabetes, Tyler has worked as a radio host for over 15 years across Canada and performs stand-up comedy. Living with an invisible condition has deepened his empathy and understanding that many people carry unseen challenges. Tyler believes patience, compassion, and self-kindness are essential, and that doing your best is always enough.
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