How Nick Jonas Rocks Type 1 Diabetes Management

For the musical superstar Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers, managing type 1 diabetes is as much a part of his life as performing on the world’s largest stages. Diagnosed at age 13, he’s become a passionate advocate for diabetes awareness, using his platform to educate and inspire people around the world.

Now a spokesperson for Dexcom, a healthcare company that develops continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to monitor blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, Jonas spoke to Everyday Health about how to thrive with the chronic condition, what he does when his blood sugar runs low onstage, and why life with diabetes makes him a better performer.

Q: How has using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) changed your life?

A: When I was younger, I was still using finger sticks to monitor my blood sugar. I transitioned eventually after my doctor recommended that I give a CGM a try. That first generation of devices was a long way from where we are today. Now, with their integration with smartphones and smartwatches, it’s simplified and made my life better across the board. And certainly, with as busy and physically demanding as my life is, it’s been an incredibly important tool.

Q: Does staying on top of your numbers give you confidence?

A: Yes. I’m a performer, both on Broadway and on tour, and I feel most prepared and ready to step in and do my job when I know my glucose is in a place where I’m feeling healthy and positive.

Q: After nearly 20 years of managing your diabetes, do you have it under control now?

A: No. There are days when as on top of it as you feel like you are — eating well, measuring your glucose, properly bolusing, and managing a basal rate — for whatever reason, your glucose still isn’t cooperating. It can be really frustrating, especially when it’s running on the higher side. There’s the potential to get irritable or frustrated and have a shorter fuse than you normally would.

Q: What do you do when that happens?

A: I try to remind myself that you should do your best to not get overwhelmed when those days come up, and you just have to prepare for that. I try to encourage others to do the same. You know you’re going to get through it, and it’s going to be okay. Do the best you can, and give yourself a little credit. I tend to really get in my head when I’m irritable, and that can transition into self-doubt.

Q: So a CGM can help improve mental outlook, too?

A: The mental health effects of living with diabetes are potentially greater than the physical challenges at times. A CGM prepares you better across the board. It’s definitely freeing to have as much information as the Dexcom G7 gives you: those real-time updates and the ability to watch trends and see where you’re going. I’m definitely grateful that I can share my details with my loved ones, too, so I can have the peace of mind that they know how I’m doing while I’m out and about.

Q: Is it possible to stay in range while performing?

A: I do my very best to keep it in range, but there are days like I was mentioning before that, as on top of it as you are, you’re still in a higher range. I’m a performer, and adrenaline can affect glucose. I have to keep my eye on that. There are times when adrenaline can feel like a low blood sugar episode. Being physically active in the heat can affect it, too.

Q: Have you ever left the stage because of hypoglycemia?

A: No, but I have had to drink juice in advance of a potential low to offset it. I find the little cans of pineapple juice to be the most effective for me. Fruit snacks are helpful, too. Anything that’s fast acting and gets the glucose up. I can get very forgetful if my blood sugar is low, and I can struggle to keep lyrics in my head.

Q: Do you eat differently on the days you perform?

A: I tend to eat pretty consistently. But on show days, I do like to eat before the performance to have some fuel to power through it. My usual pre-show food routine is a protein paired with some carbs to sustain me. Then I also like to eat post-show to help me stay fueled overnight. When your body’s recovering, I feel like those are the moments when your body is working for you as you sleep. Having something in my stomach helps.

Q: How does your inner circle help you cope with the disease?

A: As a performer, an artist, and a songwriter, I find my best work has always come through collaboration. And I think living with type 1 diabetes, whether that’s with your parents at first or your partner or friends later, those people all become part of a collaborative experience. It took me a while to open up to the circle of people I trust to be part of my journey. But once I did, it took a lot of pressure off of me to act or behave like someone who doesn’t have this thing I’m always thinking about. And it gave them a better understanding of where to meet me.

Q: Have you ever thought your diabetes was a professional disadvantage?

A: No. Sometimes you realize how much real-time decision-making has to be done to manage this disease, and I think that better prepares you in a work setting. If I’m fighting for a job or role, there can be a lot of pressure. But I know I’m going to work harder than anyone else, because I’ve had to for my entire life. Eating a piece of bread has a consequence. I can comfortably walk into a room and say, I know I will work harder than other people, and I think that directly stems from my experience with diabetes.