Ryan McCartan has Type 1 diabetes, a condition he has described in interviews as part of his life since childhood. He has spoken publicly about how it redirected him from sports toward theater, why he tells colleagues about it, and how he manages it while performing. The claim that he “doesn’t talk much about” diabetes is not supported by the interviews cited here.
What condition does Ryan McCartan have?
McCartan has identified his condition as Type 1 diabetes. In a 2013 interview, he used the term “Juvenile Diabetes”; in a 2020 interview, he explicitly called it “Type 1 diabetes.” His later account also describes living and working with Type 1 diabetes. These are his public statements, not a medical record.
In the 2013 interview, McCartan said managing the condition affected his ability to continue playing sports. He began looking for another activity, auditioned at a local theater, and landed his first professional role at age eight. In 2020, he similarly recalled wanting to play sports but finding that his body was “just not having it,” and described theater as the path he turned toward. CelebrityHauteSpot’s 2013 interview; The Knockturnal’s 2020 interview.
How did diabetes shape his childhood and career?
McCartan’s account connects a health challenge with a major change in what he pursued: when sports became difficult, theater offered a new focus. That early interest eventually became a career. A Minnetonka Public Schools alumni profile documents his recurring role on Disney Channel’s Liv and Maddie after he moved to Los Angeles. The profile establishes that career milestone, while his interviews explain the personal connection he draws between diabetes and finding theater. Minnetonka Public Schools’ alumni profile.
#1 Best Overall
- [Complete Starter Kit] - CareSens N Diabetes Testing Kit includes 1 blood glucose meter, 100 blood sugar test trips, 1 lancing device, 100 lancets, and a traveling case to provide you with the most affordable and convenient way for blood sugar testing. Our blood sugar test kit saves up to 250 tests and has a battery life of 1000 tests.
- [Small Sample Size] - CareSens N Plus Blood Sugar Monitor requires only a small blood sample size of 0.5 μL, making finger pricking easy and painless. CareSens N Diabetes Test Strip is auto coded and automatically recognizes the batch code encrypted on CareSens N Blood Glucose Test Strip.
- [Fast Results] - CareSens N Blood Glucose Meter provides fast results in just 5 seconds, making blood sugar testing fast and convenient. Our Glucometer Kit comes with a handy traveling case that can hold all your diabetes testing kit so that you can measure your blood sugar at the comfort of your home or anywhere else.
- [Easy to use] – CareSens N Blood Glucose Monitor kit is very simple and easy-to-use, making blood sugar testing easy for all. Our lightweight Blood Sugar Monitor has a simple design to make diabetes testing easy-to-understand and hassle-free.
- [Customer Service] - CareSens N Diabetes Testing Kit has a dedicated customer service team to provide you the best service to any issues or problems you're having! Our goal is to help you Sense Ahead of your Diabetes and Care for those you love. Your satisfaction is our number one priority. If you have any questions or concerns about your glucometer with strips and lancets – please contact us at any time.
Why does he tell colleagues about diabetes?
In a 2025 interview with T1D Strong, McCartan recalled a childhood episode in which he took insulin, became distracted, and experienced a low. His mother gave him glucose tablets and then squeezed a juice drink for him. He said the episode led his family to make sure people at work knew about his diabetes.
He now describes disclosure as a workplace safety issue: colleagues need to know he may need to take a break. “My safety is my number one priority,” he said. “I’m not sorry about that.” He also said, “If you have to make space for me, you have to make space for my diabetes. It is not an option.” T1D Strong’s 2025 interview.
Rank #2
- Advanced Blood Glucose Meter Kit: The Metene TD-4116 diabetes testing kit utilizes advanced technology to provide more accurate and reliable test results, helping you better control your blood sugar levels. After opening the test strip, it is valid for 6 months. Please refer to the test strip storage instructions in the user manual.
- Easy to Use: The blood glucose monitor is with code-free design, ready for testing once insert the strip correctly; the quick guide inside the package lists the steps to do a test clearly, easy to follow; any problem about operation, we are here ready to answer and provide glucose monitoring system instructional videos
- 7 Seconds And 0.7µl Blood: This blood glucose meter kit just needs 0.7 microliter blood sample and 7 seconds to get you blood glucose value; Fast, minimizes wound and less painful
- More Clearly Glucose Trend: 4 modes to record your glucose value according to different time, shows your glucose trend more clearly; 450 blood sugar values storage, continuous 14/21/28/60/90 day average, which brings more convenient Diabetes management for you and your health provider
- User-friendly for The Aged: 4 reminder alarms could be set everyday to remind the aged to do a test in time, considerate; the display is larger than most glucose monitors, showing the results more clearly, easier to read for the aged
How does McCartan manage Type 1 diabetes while performing?
In that interview, McCartan said he wears a Dexcom continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and can see his glucose readings on his phone while working on Broadway. The interview does not name the CGM model or establish whether that setup remains unchanged today. His account describes what he said works for him; it is not a recommendation for other people or an endorsement of a particular device.
He has summarized the relationship between his work and his condition this way: “My career and illness are inextricably linked,” and “If I want my career to be successful, my diabetes has to be successful.”
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRank #3
- CLINICALLY PROVEN ACCURACY: Track and manage your diabetes confidently with our reliable blood glucose monitoring system. Readings that are personalized, HI/LO target ranges, and easy-to-understand summaries of your blood sugar test results (1)
- BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY: Sync your glucose monitor kit and get readings automatically to a free app via Bluetooth for seamless tracking and data sharing with our blood sugar testing kit
- EASY TO USE: SmartLIGHT target range indicator (2) instantly shows if blood sugar levels are above, below, or within target range for quick, clear feedback
- SECOND-CHANCE SAMPLING (3): Apply additional blood to the same test strip within 60 seconds to help reduce strip waste, avoid unnecessary retesting, and save money over time with our blood sugar testing kit
- NO CODING REQUIRED: Get fast, accurate results without the hassle of manual coding, reducing the risk of user error and making testing simpler, quicker, and more reliable
Does Ryan McCartan rarely talk about his condition?
The available interviews show that he has discussed diabetes publicly in 2013, 2020, and 2025, with the most detailed account appearing in the 2025 T1D Strong interview. That record does not establish how often he speaks about it across all settings, but it does mean “doesn’t talk much about it” should not be treated as a verified description of his public comments.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Advanced glucose monitor kit】: blood sugar testing kit adopts advanced technology. We have passed thousands of repeated tests, clinical tests and laboratory tests, bringing more accurate and reliable results and better experience for your blood glucose control.
- 0.7 µ l blood within 5 seconds】: The glucose monitor kit is designed for your comfort, requiring only 0.7 µ l of a small blood sample to provide accurate results within 5 seconds. The adjustable 5-depth needle device provides an almost painless testing experience (recommended to use the 4th depth setting), minimizing pain and providing fast and reliable results every time.
- 【Efficient data storage】: The blood sugar monitor can store 500 blood glucose readings, helping you closely track your blood glucose levels. You can easily access your complete blood glucose history to manage your health status. Share results with your medical team anytime, anywhere to better manage your diabetes.
- 【The packaging includes】: our blood glucose monitoring kit including 1 blood glucose meter, 1 lancing device, 100 test strips, 100 lancets, operation guide, and tissue storage box. Our goal is to help you understand diabetes in advance and take care of the people you love. Your satisfaction is our top priority. If you have any operational issues, please feel free to contact us at any time. We are always ready to answer and provide teaching videos for the blood glucose monitoring system.
Rank #4
- Clinically Accuracy Testing: This 510(k)-cleared blood glucose monitor kit meets ISO 15197:2015 accuracy requirements and provides clear high/low alerts for greater confidence with every test.
- Bluetooth Sync: The blood sugar monitor works phone-free and saves 500 readings. Sync to the free Gluco-Smart app for unlimited storage; tag meal timing, medication, insulin, exercise and carbs to spot patterns and share reports.
- Fast, Simple Testing: Insert a strip to auto-start this blood sugar testing kit. Get results in 5 seconds with just 0.7 µL, clearly shown on the LED display - an easy glucose meter for home use.
- Rechargeable & Travel Ready: Get up to 200 tests per charge without constantly replacing batteries. The slim glucose meter and protective carrying case keep your testing routine ready at home, at work or while traveling.
- Complete Kit & Support: Start testing with a 510(k) Cleared & Medical CE Approved glucose meter, lancing device, 100 test strips, 100 lancets, USB cable, case and guides, backed by a 12-month warranty and California tech support.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
