"You'll Never Race Again" - The ‘Crazy Things’ Jack Perkins Did to Keep Type 1 Diabetes a Secret

When Jack Perkins was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in the middle of his Supercars debut season, he was told his racing career was over. That his time behind the wheel was done. But Jack didn’t let the diagnosis define him—instead, he got to work. He secretly managed his diabetes for years, passed medicals with borrowed urine, and chased his childhood dream of standing on the podium at Bathurst. In this episode, Jack joins Drew for a deep-dive into the ultimate endurance sport: racing at 300km/h with type 1 diabetes. From the heartbreak of a doctor’s words to the high of his Bathurst podium, Jack opens up about racing, resilience, and the relentless discipline diabetes demands. Here’s what we’re covering: -How Jack was told he’d never race again—and why he didn’t listen -The early warning signs, the misdiagnosis, and the moment it all changed -How Jack kept his condition a secret—and why he lied to pass his racing medical -The incredible lengths he went to just to stay on the track -The reality of managing type 1 during 7-hour endurance races -Why motor racing is the ultimate physical and mental test for people with diabetes -The moment Jack finally went public—and how it changed everything -How a racing win became a victory for the entire diabetes community -His ongoing battle with thyroid issues, weight gain and burnout -What Jack eats, how he trains, and the one breakfast food he avoids at all costs -How he juggles family, fitness, and full-time diabetes -The powerful message he has for any kid diagnosed with type 1 -And the one thing he says to diabetes in his honest, hilarious “Dear Diabetes” letter Chapters: ⏳ [00:00] The Doctor Said It Was Over ⏳ [03:08] Growing Up Perkins: Farming, Family and Formula One Dreams ⏳ [07:56] Racing With Ricciardo and Finding His Lane ⏳ [16:44] Diagnosis at 21: The Moment Jack’s Life Changed ⏳ [20:38] Secret Diabetes and the Urine Test Trick ⏳ [27:04] Internal Drive: What Really Got Jack Through ⏳ [32:10] How He Manages Diabetes on Race Day ⏳ [38:03] Four Test Days a Year: The Real Cost of Racing ⏳ [43:33] Fitness, Reaction Time and The 60-Degree Sauna ⏳ [46:12] Stroke, Thyroid, and Getting Back on Track ⏳ [54:12] Burnout, Pumps and Finding a Fresh Start ⏳ [57:47] What’s On Your Plate: The Nutrition Chat ⏳ [64:10] Role Models, Racing, and Giving Back ⏳ [69:13] Jack’s “Dear Diabetes” Letter: Raw and Real Hope you enjoy! You can reach Jack on Instagram @jack_perkins_ 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