For Mercer County High School basketball seniors Braylon Ellis and Andrew Tatum, success on the court isn’t just about skill, practice and teamwork — it’s also about careful preparation, constant monitoring and resilience in the face of a lifelong challenge. Both student-athletes have type 1 diabetes, a condition that requires meticulous blood sugar management. Yet thanks to their commitment, strong support systems and expert care from the University of Kentucky’s Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center, they haven’t just adapted — they’ve thrived.
Braylon, diagnosed at just 3 years old, and Andrew, who received his diagnosis at 12, have navigated the ups and downs of diabetes while excelling in their sport.
“It impacted everything and was overwhelming in the beginning,” said Andrew.
His mother Paula agreed.
“We had to ensure others around Andrew were aware and understood this new diagnosis, what to look out for and how to treat,” she said. “It impacted common things, like letting Andrew go places with friends.”
From counting carbs and adjusting insulin levels before tip-off, to keeping glucose monitors and snacks on the sidelines, they have developed a routine that allows them to compete at their highest levels.
“Keeping a close eye on my blood sugar is very important while playing basketball so that I stay safe and play at my optimal performance,” Braylon said. Having a continuous glucose monitor like Dexcom has made a huge difference, but early in his playing days, he had to rely on finger pricks before, during and after games.
Andrew echoes the importance of preparation, noting that game days require extra attention to his meals and hydration.
“I try to keep my blood sugar at an optimum level when games begin so I can perform at a high level,” he said. With the help of coaches, trainers, and even teammates, he ensures he’s always ready to play.
Playing sports with diabetes presents unique challenges. According to Barnstable Brown advanced practice registered nurses Debra Howard and Leslie Scott, PhD, children and adolescents are already navigating constant change — growth, maturation and movement through sports. For those with type 1 diabetes, these variables can be even more challenging as every action affects their blood sugar levels.
“A person with type 1 diabetes makes nearly 200 more medical decisions every day compared to someone without diabetes,” Scott said. “Adolescents with diabetes who play sports have additional decisions to consider: What is my blood sugar right now? Can I make it through the quarter without going too high or too low? Did I eat enough before practice today?”
Howard added that managing a chronic condition while participating in sports can be mentally exhausting.
“Kids may feel stressed about focusing on their best performance while also trying to maintain good blood sugar control,” she said. “This could potentially affect their confidence and enjoyment of the game.”
Despite the challenges, the teammates have never let their diabetes define them. Instead, they have found strength in each other, offering mutual support on and off the court.
“Not many people understand what it’s like to live with diabetes,” Braylon said. “We know each other’s struggles and can help each other out if we need to.”
Their journey hasn’t been one they’ve faced alone. Scott and Howard, along with the rest of the team at UK’s Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center, have been a key part of their success, providing top-tier medical care, guidance and encouragement.
“I don’t know where I would be without Barnstable Brown and my family,” Braylon said.
Andrew’s mother, Paula, also credits the center for making an overwhelming diagnosis feel manageable.
“The learning curve was steep,” she said. “But with the amazing providers and support at Barnstable Brown, Andrew has learned to manage this and live a full life.”
Braylon and Andrew have also benefited from advancements in diabetes technology.
“Diabetes care and its associated technology have really changed over the past five years,” Scott said. “Through continuous glucose monitoring, they can not only know their current blood glucose level, but they can also know which direction it’s moving. Insulin pump therapy has also progressed significantly, often communicating with CGMs (continuous glucose monitors) to determine insulin needs in real time.”
Howard emphasized how important technology has been for Braylon.
“His Dexcom provides real-time tracking of his blood sugar throughout the day and night, which is critical when he’s on the basketball court,” she said. “A hybrid closed-loop system combining a pump and CGM can even adjust insulin delivery automatically based on real-time glucose data, reducing the burden of diabetes management.”
As they near the end of their high school careers, Braylon and Andrew often reflect on how far they’ve come. From district and sectional championships to setting school records, they have proven that type 1 diabetes is not a roadblock — it’s just part of their story. Their message to younger kids facing the same diagnosis is simple.
“You can do any sport with type 1 diabetes with proper care and support,” Braylon said.
After graduating in May, Braylon’s goal is to become an athletic trainer and work with students. “I think I am a better person for having diabetes,” he said. “I can empathize with people who receive a life-changing diagnosis, and I know how to encourage people to overcome obstacles.”
“Type 1 diabetes does not have to define you,” Andrew added. “It’s challenging, but it hasn’t stopped me from doing anything I did before being diagnosed.”
Scott and Howard are immensely proud of the hard work both athletes have put into managing their diabetes while excelling on and off the court.
“Braylon realized early on that diabetes wasn’t going to slow him down,” Howard said. “There is nothing that kid can’t do, and I am so excited to see what he does in the future.”
With determination, the right medical care, and a strong support system, Braylon and Andrew are not just playing — they’re winning, in every sense of the word.