JAMIE CRIPPS

AFL PLAYER (WEST COAST EAGLES): TYPE 1, 8 YEARS

On diabetes and elite sport

My dad has type 1 diabetes as well, so I learned a bit off my old man. I also called [former player] Nathan Bassett, which was really helpful. But mostly, it’s just seeing what works. I feel like I’ve got a method that works and I’ve been able to manage it as best I can. If my BGL gets low, or I start to feel like it is, I usually grab some lollies or Gatorade. If I’m at home, often I’ll have a bowl of cereal and something more substantial. My body needs sugar quickly, so easy, fast fixes are important.