‘Be Kind To Yourself’: How Diabetes Shaped MLS Star Andy Rose On and Off the Ground

When Andy Rose was suddenly subbed off the field for severe cramping, he knew something wasn’t right. His diagnosis revealed a condition that would change his life: type 1 diabetes. But rather than slow him down, he says, diabetes has made him a better player and changed his career for the better.

In honor of World Diabetes Day on November 14, we sat down with the MLS midfielder to discuss what his journey has taught him, why a positive attitude is so important, and how helping others has inspired him along the way.

Take us back to when you learned your diagnosis—how did you find out, and what was your initial reaction? Did you have any idea you might have diabetes?

I wasn’t feeling great for about a week or so and figured I was coming down with some sort of virus. I was 26 at the time and playing professional soccer for Coventry City in the UK. I had to be subbed out of a game because of severe cramping, which was very unusual for me, and decided to get blood tests done at the hospital a few days later. I was shocked when they pricked my finger and my blood sugar was really high. It was definitely a life-changing moment.

How much did you know about diabetes before you were diagnosed? What were your biggest worries initially?

My sister-in-law has had type 1 diabetes since her teenage years, so I have seen her journey first-hand since we met in college. She has given me great guidance and insight but it’s so different when you’re diagnosed yourself. My biggest concern was how it would affect my soccer career.

Were you worried your diagnosis would impact your ability to compete?

I was immediately determined to not let it have a negative impact. A few days after my diagnosis, I spoke to a friend of mine, Jordan Morris, who also plays professionally. He really put my mind at ease and I was inspired by his journey.

Who have you looked to for support throughout this journey? Would this experience have been harder without a network of support?

My wife has been my biggest support system because she has seen me go through this transition first-hand. I am a pretty meticulous person and always try to be as organized as possible, so I can get pretty frustrated if my numbers are too high or too low. She is always able to put my mind at ease and remind me that I’m doing the best I can and managing it really well.

What’s different about being an athlete with diabetes? How have you had to adapt your day-to-day work to accommodate it?

I always tell young T1’s, especially athletes that I meet, that it has only helped my career because I am so in tune with my body now. I have had to persevere and learned so many lessons along the way, the most important being discipline. I allow myself to live pretty normally and eat what I want, but I am disciplined and diligent about checking my numbers and always having a sense for how I’m feeling. This has really helped my performances in training and games.

Has living with diabetes impacted your mental health in any way? Do you think the mental health aspect of living with diabetes gets enough attention?

It was tough in the beginning because it takes so much effort and thought. However, with time I have become so at peace with the fact that it is just part of my life now. It can be so draining mentally because many people see looking after it as a full-time job, and at times I feel that way too. But I’m inspired by helping others and determined to never let it negatively affect my career or, more importantly, my life.

What are some of the things you’ve learned from your experience?

Be kind to yourself and be your own best friend are two really important things that I’m constantly telling myself. It is not easy, so there is no point in berating yourself if your numbers are a little too high one day or you find yourself on a roller coaster that is hard to control.

Even though it is so well known, are there things you think people may not understand or realize about what it’s like living with diabetes?

I check my blood sugar around 20-30 times per day. I’m so fortunate that modern technology allows me to wear a monitor, and it’s much easier than pricking your fingers. I manually give myself insulin six to eight times per day, which has become so normal for me but sounds like a lot of work.

What message would you share with people who have diabetes, especially young people?

Your mindset and attitude are everything, and I can honestly say I have played the best soccer of my career since being diagnosed. There are daily challenges, and it is so important to be open and honest about how things are going, constantly checking in with yourself and allowing others to help. In my experience, it is more than manageable if you stay disciplined and try to be as kind to yourself as possible.