Hockey and Highs: NHL Players Managing Type 1 Diabetes On and Off the Ice

Whether managing carb intake during intermission or relying on a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to alert them mid-game, these athletes prove that T1D isn’t a barrier — it’s just one more challenge they rise to meet.

Here’s a look at current and former NHL players navigating their careers with T1D — and the programs helping the next generation of athletes do the same.‍

Max Domi — Leading with Grit and Gratitude

Max Domi, forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs, has been a prominent figure in both the NHL and the diabetes community. Diagnosed with T1D at 12, he wears No. 16 to honor his childhood idol and fellow T1D athlete, Bobby Clarke.

As a forward, Max’s role demands speed, quick puck handling, and explosive offensive plays. He’s expected to create scoring opportunities while maintaining relentless pressure on defense.

Max has been vocal about the discipline and routine required to manage diabetes while playing in the NHL. He uses an insulin pump and CGM and is known for testing his blood sugar multiple times during games.

"Everyone there was excited about the draft," Max said in an interview with CBC. "I was, too, but the No. 1 thing on my mind was my blood sugar. My health comes first — no matter what."

He’s also a published author. His book, No Days Off, chronicles his journey growing up with T1D and his rise to the NHL. Max regularly advocates for diabetes education and serves as a role model for young athletes managing the condition.

Luke Kunin — Hard-Hitting Advocacy

Luke Kunin, a center for the Columbus Blue Jackets, was diagnosed with T1D at age 12. He hasn’t let it slow him down — in fact, he’s become one of the league’s most consistent two-way forwards.

Centers are often considered the most versatile players on the ice. They lead faceoffs, playmaking, and transitions between offense and defense. For Luke, managing blood sugar is crucial to maintaining the high endurance and split-second decision-making his role requires.

Luke checks his blood sugar between periods and adjusts insulin and carb intake as needed. He’s also partnered with organizations like Breakthrough T1D to promote awareness.

In an interview with NHL.com, Luke recalled the moment he was diagnosed: “But we didn’t know that until the doctor reviewed my test results and told me, ‘You are type 1 diabetic.’ It was a scary sentence for a kid who’d never heard of diabetes before. My first question to the doctor was, ‘Am I going to die?’ He said no. So I asked an important follow-up question: ‘Can I still play hockey?’ I was very relieved when he said yes.”

Luke also launched the Luke Kunin T1D Fund to support children and families affected by T1D. The fund benefits Breakthrough T1D and focuses on awareness, education, and research. At San Jose Sharks home games, Luke invites local families from the Breakthrough T1D Northern California Chapter to attend as his guests — giving them a chance to experience the excitement of an NHL game and meet him afterward. His goal is to inspire young fans and remind them they’re not alone.

Bobby Clarke — A Pioneer in the Game

Before CGMs or rapid-acting insulin, there was Bobby Clarke. Diagnosed with T1D as a teenager, Bobby became a Hall of Fame center and captain of the Philadelphia Flyers, winning two Stanley Cups in the 1970s.

Bobby played in an era with far fewer tools and less understanding of diabetes, yet became one of the most respected players in NHL history. Known for his gritty playing style and leadership, Bobby's success laid the foundation for future athletes with T1D.

He played 15 seasons for the Flyers and tallied 358 goals, 852 assists, and a +507 plus-minus in 1,144 games. Clarke won three Hart Trophies, one Selke Trophy, and two Stanley Cups before being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987.

He remains a symbol of toughness and resilience — proof that a T1D diagnosis doesn’t close doors.

Adrenaline and Blood Sugar Spikes: The Fight Factor

Hockey is one of the most physically intense sports in the world — and that includes the fights. For NHL players with T1D, the rush of adrenaline that comes with dropping the gloves or scoring a goal can dramatically affect blood sugar.

Adrenaline, a hormone released during high-stress or high-intensity moments, signals the liver to dump glucose into the bloodstream. This can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels, especially in athletes with T1D who aren’t producing insulin naturally.

In a game that already demands lightning-fast reflexes, strategic thinking, and constant motion, a blood sugar spike or drop can affect performance. That’s why players with diabetes are constantly tracking their levels before, during, and after games.

What does a spike feel like? It can differ from person to person, but common symptoms include blurry vision, fatigue, nausea, headache, and brain fog. During a high-stakes match, that could mean missed plays, slower reaction times, or trouble staying focused. For NHL players, staying sharp on the ice means staying ahead of these swings.

Giving Back: Supporting the Next Generation

Several NHL players with T1D have taken steps to mentor youth and advocate for better access to diabetes technology. Max, Kunin, and others have partnered with groups like:

• JDRF Canada — Providing resources and support for children with T1D.
• Connected in Motion (CIM) — CIM hosts outdoor adventure programs for people with T1D.
• Dexcom U Ambassador Program — Helping collegiate and pro athletes share their real-life diabetes experiences with the public.

These programs not only offer practical tools but also create community — showing young athletes they’re not alone in the journey.

More Than a Diagnosis

Every player managing T1D at the highest level has had to become an expert in their body. They’ve learned how food, stress, travel, and adrenaline affect their blood sugar — and how to pivot fast when something goes off.

Their success on the ice is a testament not just to athletic skill, but to constant vigilance, resilience, and self-advocacy.

And whether they’re lifting the Stanley Cup or inspiring the next generation at a youth camp, these players prove that life with type 1 diabetes is filled with possibility — and that the only thing tougher than playing in the NHL is doing it with T1D and making it look easy.