Gymnast Jordan Chiles’ Personal Reason for Type 1 Diabetes Advocacy

Jordan Chiles thrives on challenges, defying expectations, and excelling on the global stage. 

As a gold medal-winning gymnast, she’s well-versed in discipline, resilience, and grit. 

Part of Jordan’s inspiration comes from her aunt, who lives with type 1 diabetes, embodying the same perseverance.

Below, catch our interview with Jordan about her family’s experience with type 1 diabetes, how it taught her the perseverance it takes to be a world-class athlete, and what she recommends to fellow loved ones of people with type 1 diabetes. 

Beyond Type 1: Type 1 diabetes is a family affair. When your aunt was diagnosed with diabetes, you were very young and have shared that it scared you; you were really worried about her. As she’s gotten more experienced living with type 1 diabetes, what do you admire most about watching your aunt’s journey?

Jordan: I was about 10 years old when my Aunt April came to live with us. She was struggling to navigate life with type 1 diabetes. It was really tough for her. 

I remember coming home from practice one day—I saw her lying in bed, and she just looked so sick. I was really worried about what was happening to her. I can only imagine how frightening it was for her to go through.

Since nobody else in our family had ever lived with the disease, witnessing her journey was eye-opening for me and my whole family. 

As anyone who has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes knows, my aunt had to be hyper-vigilant about monitoring her blood sugar levels—when she ate, when she exercised, when she woke up. 

She also had to incorporate a new set of routines into her daily life and establish a care team who could help her manage the disease.

Receiving an unexpected type 1 diabetes diagnosis can be overwhelming, but with the help and support of those around her, my aunt was able to adapt to life with type 1 diabetes and flourish into the strong and confident woman I know today. 

The ability to persevere even when you are seemingly down and out is one of the most important qualities of being an athlete, and she has become a real role model for me as a result. Her ability to remain positive and not let this disease define her is truly inspiring.

In “The Cost of Not Knowing“ survey, commissioned by Sanofi, we learned that nearly all adults with type 1 diabetes (92%) and caregivers of children with type 1 diabetes (96%) recommend early autoantibody testing to friends and family to better understand their risk of developing type 1 diabetes. Why do you urge everyone to get screened for type 1 diabetes, especially since anyone, at any age, can develop type 1 diabetes, with about 90% of those diagnosed having no family history? 

As an athlete, I was taught the value of preparation early on. 

My performance as a gymnast involves me pushing my body to the limit and requires me to practice routines over and over again, maintain a healthy and balanced diet, and complete other essential steps before I ever step foot in competitions.

Similarly, I think preparation is key when it comes to type 1 diabetes. 

While there is currently no cure for the disease, my aunt’s story highlights the importance of early screening. Autoantibody screening could have helped her understand her risk of developing type 1 diabetes before her symptoms even began and potentially helped reduce the shock and fear that accompanied her diagnosis. 

It may have also provided her with time to learn more about managing life with type 1 diabetes so that she could make more informed decisions about her healthcare ahead of her diagnosis. 

Her experience is the reason I’m so excited Sanofi engaged me as part of the Screen for Type 1 movement, urging everyone to talk to their doctors about screening for type 1 diabetes. 

Knowledge really is power—and screening plays a big role in helping those living with type 1 diabetes (and families like mine) get the information they need to prepare for the road ahead.

In Fortune, you encouraged people newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes to “… be very patient and understand that the body has to get acclimated to what is happening.” As a gold medal-winning gymnast, you must have gained a very close relationship with your body and what it needs to be well. What do you recommend to someone building a relationship with their body and health?

As someone who has spent countless hours training and competing in gymnastics at the highest level, I know the importance of listening to your body and prioritizing your health. 

As an athlete, I learned this from a young age—but this is something I would urge everyone to do, no matter who they are or what their family health history is. 

For example, my family has no known history of type 1 diabetes—and that’s true for roughly 90% of people who develop the disease—yet my aunt still developed it.

That’s why it’s really important to be proactive when it comes to your health. I recommend getting regular check-ups and screenings to ensure you are in the best condition to achieve your dreams. 

Type 1 diabetes is a life-changing disease, and while it can’t be prevented, it can be detected early. By choosing to get screened, you can better understand your risk of developing type 1 diabetes before noticeable symptoms occur and have more time to prepare for the future.

As part of your family’s type 1 diabetes diagnosis story, you shared that your aunt came to stay with you after her diagnosis. Your aunt shared what a big difference it was to know that she didn’t have to do type 1 diabetes alone, and there were people there to support her. We love hearing these stories of family support. Do you have any advice for the loved ones of people diagnosed with diabetes? 

My aunt is like a sister to me. Our family is very close—when one person is going through something, we’re all going through it; so being able to support her during such a difficult time has created a deep and unbreakable bond.

The biggest piece of advice I can share with loved ones of those diagnosed with type 1 diabetes is to just be there—physically and emotionally. 

It’s not an exaggeration to say that my aunt’s life changed seemingly overnight. Suddenly, she had to monitor her blood sugar levels, make conscious decisions about her diet and exercise, establish a care team to help her manage the disease, and more. 

So, having us rally around her made all the difference in helping her adjust to life with type 1 diabetes.

Another thing people can do is educate themselves about the disease. Being able to provide informed support—understanding what type 1 diabetes symptoms, treatments, and daily management look like—is a great way to remind those living with type 1 diabetes that they are not alone.

My aunt’s resilience taught me the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and family ties. For her, it’s not just about managing a disease. It’s about living a full, supported, and joyful life despite it, and having family support her in that effort is key.

And we just have to ask because we know so many young people impacted by diabetes in our community want to know—what’s your top piece of advice for kids who want to become a world-class athlete, like you?

My advice is cliché but true: never give up. 

No matter what sport you play, you have to be ready for anything at any moment. 

Life as an athlete requires constant preparation and resiliency. Of course, as with anything else in life, there will be setbacks; but training hard, staying disciplined, and being mentally strong will help you to succeed. 

Embrace the challenges and keep your eyes on the prize, even when things get tough.

It’s also incredibly important to surround yourself with people who build you up—a support system who believes in you and your dreams. Having people like this in your life to guide and encourage you will be invaluable on your journey.

Finally, don’t forget the importance of maintaining your health and well-being; be on top of your game and ensure you are in peak condition to achieve your dreams. Stay ready and always believe in yourself.

Your hard work and determination will pave the way to greatness.