Fighting Back: Ronnie Tannariello and His Type 1 Diabetes Jiu-Jitsu Journey

Type 1 diabetes is part of the journey for Ronnie Tannariello, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete from Coral Springs, Florida—one that showcases his dedication, resilience and commitment to his sport.

Early signs and diagnosis of type 1 diabetes

Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at the age of 10, Ronnie’s journey is a testament to the grit athletes living with chronic conditions need to succeed in their sports.

Ronnie’s mother, Nicole Sanchez, vividly remembers the early signs that something was wrong. 

“The most alarming signs were the persistent nighttime urination, unquenchable thirst, and rapid weight loss,” she recalls. “He was constantly up to use the bathroom, drinking excessive amounts of water, and yet still dehydrated.” 

When Ronnie’s breathing became labored in his sleep, Nicole knew they had to seek immediate medical attention. 

After an emergency visit to the hospital, doctors diagnosed Ronnie Tannariello with a blood sugar level of 750 mg/dL (41.63 mmol/L) and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening condition caused by not having enough insulin in the body.

Adjusting to life and training with type 1 diabetes

At first, Ronnie, like many children, struggled to grasp the impact of his T1D diagnosis.

“I remember being really sick for a while, and I didn’t really want to do anything,” he admits. “When I went to the hospital, they diagnosed me, but I didn’t fully understand how much it would affect my life.”

Ronnie and his family quickly began adjusting to life with type 1 diabetes. For Nicole, this meant learning about the condition and educating their family, friends and coaches.

“It was a lot of learning, not just for us but for everyone involved in his life,” she says. “We had to make significant dietary changes and adapt to disrupted sleep.”

For Ronnie, adapting to life with T1D as a competitive athlete presented additional challenges. 

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu had been a passion of his for years, and maintaining his training and performance with diabetes required a unique approach. 

“I adjusted by talking to other type 1 diabetes athletes to learn what they do and how to manage it while training or in a game,” Ronnie explains.

How Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu supports the success of Ronnie Tannariello

Through perseverance and the support of his family and teammates, Ronnie has proven that T1D doesn’t have to limit athletic achievement. 

“BJJ has helped me manage the challenges of type 1 diabetes because I have my teammates and instructors around me who can tell when my sugar might be low or high,” he shares. “They help me make sure my blood sugar stays good throughout the training session.” 

Blood sugar management in competition

One of the biggest challenges Ronnie faces as an athlete with type 1  is managing his blood sugar levels during intense training and competitions. 

“I make sure my blood sugar is good before training, and if it isn’t, I’ll do whatever I need to do to make it a good number,” he says. “After that, I wait around 15 minutes to check again.”

His ability to stay focused on his training despite these obstacles has paid off in major ways. 

Ronnie’s hard work and dedication culminated in a huge win at the ADCC Youth World Championship, where he won the Teen 1 Male Heavyweight division by submission. 

For Ronnie, the victory was not just a personal achievement but a moment that could inspire other young athletes with type 1 diabetes. 

“Winning the ADCC World Championship was a big moment for me,” he says. “It reminded me of how far I’ve come. It also meant a lot because it could inspire other young athletes with type 1 diabetes that nothing is impossible as long as you work hard.”

Technology’s role in managing type 1 diabetes

Technology has played a significant part in Ronnie’s ability to manage his blood sugar during competitions. 

A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) has been a game-changer for him, providing him with a blood sugar reading every five minutes, 24/7, without finger pricks 

“The Dexcom G7 [CGM] has helped so much, especially during competitions,” he says. “Instead of checking my blood sugar over and over again, my mom can use the Dexcom app on her phone to make sure my blood sugar stays good throughout the competition.” 

Ronnie notes the adrenaline can sometimes spike his blood sugar, but the CGM helps him stay on top of it.

Inspiring young athletes with type 1 diabetes

For other young athletes living with type 1 diabetes, Ronnie has a powerful message: 

“Don’t let type 1 diabetes get in the way of your dreams,” he says. “Don’t think of it as a disadvantage. Think of it as another obstacle to overcome.” It’s this mindset that has propelled Ronnie to success, both on and off the mat.

Future goals in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Looking ahead, Ronnie Tannariello has big goals for his Jiu-Jitsu career. 

“My next goals are to fight the best kids at my age and keep training hard.”

With unwavering determination, his future in BJJ looks bright.