Elite sport demands peak physical performance, stamina, focus, and resilience under pressure. But for some athletes, there is another challenge playing out quietly in the background.

German tennis star Alexander Zverev, lives with type 1 diabetes. Diagnosed as a child, Zverev has spoken openly about managing his condition while performing on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages. Between matches, heat, travel and intense physical exertion, his preparation goes far beyond training alone.

Zverev’s story is a reminder that diabetes does not define limits; preparation does.

Managing Diabetes: From High-Performance Sports to School Sports Carnivals

For athletes with type 1 diabetes, success relies on careful planning and awareness. Blood glucose monitoring, nutrition, hydration and insulin management all become part of an athlete’s routine, just as essential as warm-ups or recovery.

During long matches or training sessions, especially in hot conditions, athletes may need to:

• Monitor blood glucose levels more frequently
• Adjust food or insulin intake
• Stay alert to early signs of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar)

These same principles apply beyond elite sport, whether you are playing local sport, exercising outdoors, working in the heat, attending major summer events, or simply a student doing physical activities at school.

Physical activity is important for all students, even the ones diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, they will gain valuable health benefits from being active.

Such as professional players, with the right planning and support, students with type 1 diabetes can safely attend school activities, including physical education classes and sports carnivals, such as swimming competitions, athletics, and so on.

Diabetes, Summer Heat and Community Safety

In Victoria, summer brings higher temperatures and increased outdoor activity, including sporting events, festivals and major tournaments like the Australian Open. Heat can significantly affect blood glucose levels, increasing the risk of dehydration and diabetic emergencies.

Recent research from YouGov show that a high number of Australians are not drinking enough water, starting the day dehydrated. In fact, four in five Australians (80%, or 17.4 million people) aren’t meeting their daily fluid intake, which raises concerns for a day defined by heat. Figures also show that Victoria has the highest number of adults – 87% (around 4.8 million people) not drinking enough fluids. (Australia Day Hydration Tips According to St John Ambulance)

That’s why awareness matters, not just for people living with diabetes, but for teammates, coaches, teachers, family members, event staff and the wider community.

Knowing how to recognise the signs of a diabetic emergency, such as confusion, dizziness, sweating, weakness or loss of consciousness, can make a life-saving difference.

How St John Ambulance Victoria Can Help

At St John Ambulance Victoria, we are committed to building a community that feels confident supporting people living with diabetes.

Our first aid guidance helps people understand how to:

• Recognise diabetic emergencies
• Provide safe and effective first aid
• Respond confidently until medical help arrives

Learn more about diabetes first aid here:
DIABETES FIRST AID: HOW TO MANAGE THE SILENT ILLNESS (1)

Learn First Aid. Be Ready. Make a Difference.

Whether you are involved in sport, attend large summer events, or simply want to be prepared for everyday life, first aid training saves lives.

St John Ambulance Victoria offers accredited first aid courses that equip you with the skills and confidence to respond in emergencies, including diabetic-related incidents.

Find a first aid course near you:

First Aid Courses | First Aid Training & Certification | St John Ambulance VIC Australia

Because as athletes like Alexander Zverev show us, with the right knowledge, preparation and support, people living with diabetes can thrive, on the court, in the community, and beyond.