A Kid with Type 1 and an NBA Dream: Tyson Dale and His Mum Kirsten

When Tyson Dale was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just 11 years old, his world turned upside down. Holidays were cut short, sport felt uncertain, and the road ahead looked bleak. But from that life-altering moment, Tyson and his powerhouse parents - Kirsten and Brad —rallied together to write a very different story. One of courage, commitment, and character. Now 16, Tyson is a rising basketball star with aspirations of Division One college hoops in the US. But more than that, he’s a confident young man who manages his diabetes like a pro, all while staying humble, grounded and grateful. In this heartfelt, funny and powerful episode, we unpack the Dale family’s journey—the good, the bad, the blood sugar swings—and how they’ve turned a chronic condition into a foundation for strength. Here’s what we’re covering: -What Tyson’s early symptoms looked like (and the moment his mum knew something wasn’t right) -How a terrifying Hawaii trip ended in a life-changing diagnosis -Why basketball became Tyson’s constant—and his secret weapon for resilience -The exact steps they took to safely return to school and sport after diagnosis -Tyson’s honest account of embarrassment, CGMs, and “hiding” his diabetes -The systems, routines and tech Tyson uses to stay in range -How mindset, discipline and mentorship shaped Tyson’s growth—on and off the court -Why type 1 is a family condition, and what every parent needs to know -The letter to diabetes that’ll hit you right in the feels … and so much more. Chapters: ⏳ [00:00] “This Is Real”: Diagnosis and the Day That Changed Everything ⏳ [01:34] Meet Tyson and Kirsten Dale: From Client to Family ⏳ [06:27] Big Goals at 12: The NBA Dream is Born ⏳ [12:13] The Hawaii Trip That Ended in Emergency Diagnosis ⏳ [18:08] Life with Type 1: From ICU to Insulin ⏳ [24:17] Parenting Through the Storm: Kirsten’s Take ⏳ [31:16] From Fingerpricks to CGMs: The Tech Journey ⏳ [38:08] Sport, Stigma and the “Hidden” Side of Type 1 ⏳ [46:06] Mentorship, Growth and Grit in the Gym ⏳ [52:12] The 500 Shot Club: Tyson’s Work Ethic Unpacked ⏳ [58:30] Mindset Over Misses: How to Bounce Back from Heartbreak ⏳ [67:24] The Role of Tech in Performance and Peace of Mind ⏳ [80:01] Managing Diabetes on the Move: Travel, Sport and Strategy ⏳ [95:20] “Thank You, But F*** You”: Tyson Reads His Letter to Diabetes ⏳ [105:10] Mealtime Maths and Medtronic Magic ⏳ [126:59] Final Reflections: Accountability, Autonomy and the Long Game Hope you enjoy! You can follow Tyson on Instagram @tysondale8 To learn more about Medtronic https://www.medtronic-diabetes.com.au/ Explore the MiniMed™ 780 https://www.medtronic-diabetes.com.au/products/minimed-780g-guardian-4-sensor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices