Welcome to JDRF Bay Area’s blog, One on 1, a series of interviews with people who live with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Members of the community talk about how T1D affects them, how they manage it, and what they have learned from it. We caught up with Greg Cohen, ultimate frisbee player with the San Francisco FlameThrowers:

JDRF Bay Area: When were you diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D)? How has your perspective of T1D changed over the years?

Greg Cohen: I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 14 years old. My perspective of T1D has changed significantly over the years. With all of the amazing new products and improvements to the T1D care world, handling my T1D has become much easier than in the past. I used to view T1D as a handicap or crutch, but now I see the positives. I am much healthier because of a balanced diet and exercise. This experience has helped me grow and mature as an individual and given me a new perspective about managing my health.

JDRF Bay Area: How long have you been playing with the San Francisco FlameThrowers? Are you excited about the new season?

Greg Cohen: This is my first year on the San Francisco FlameThrowers. I am very excited about this opportunity. The past two years I played for the San Jose Spiders where we won back-to-back American Ultimate Disc League (AUDL) Championships. I am hoping to bring the same success to San Francisco. I have been training for so long and am ready to see all of my lifting, running, and work translate onto the field.

JDRF Bay Area: How do you manage T1D while on the field?

Greg Cohen: At first it was challenging. Players are constantly running in ultimate. There is no stopping when you are on the field. In the morning, I eat a healthy, high protein breakfast in order to stabilize my blood sugar. Before and during the game I constantly check my blood glucose. If my number is not ideal then I adjust accordingly. Like anything else, it is a matter of trial and error. I have improved managing my levels over time, but still have the occasional set back. With experience, my confidence in my self-management has grown.

JDRF Bay Area: Your team is getting involved in the fight against T1D, and partnering with JDRF. What does this mean to you?

Greg Cohen: This is special to me. It is great to know that the organization supports the research to help people like myself. Being given an opportunity to reach out to kids in the same position as I was means a great deal to me as well. If I can instill the importance of self-management and personal responsibility in them, that in itself would be a success.

One of the owners of the SF Flamethrowers, Josh Langenthal, also has T1D. We have had many conversations about handling this disease. I am very honored to have the opportunity to work alongside him in the outreach of T1D management.

JDRF Bay Area: Do you have a message for young people who live with T1D and want to pursue a sport like ultimate frisbee? Did you have a role model who inspired you?

Greg Cohen: Be open to people helping you. Do not try to handle this disease all by yourself. When I was first diagnosed, I did not want any help. I didn’t want to talk to anyone who also had T1D. Knowing what I know now, I wish I had been more open about connecting with other people who live with T1D. So many people manage this disease everyday. There is no reason to fight it alone.

Low and high blood sugars happen. This is a balancing act. Yes, you may need to sit out a portion of a workout or even a game, but do not get discouraged. You will learn how to manage it during intense exercise.

My family has been the best support system. My mom, dad, sister, and brother have all instilled confidence in me. Managing my T1D is a lot easier because of them. I am very lucky to have my family.

My college ultimate frisbee coach, Daryl Nounnan, has always inspired me. The first time I met Daryl was the second tryout of my freshman year. The team just finished warm ups and I ran over to my stuff to check my blood glucose. As I was checking, Daryl, an Urgent Care doctor in Santa Cruz, looked at me and asked, “type 1 diabetes?” I nodded my head. He then said, “Ultimate is going to be great for you.” Daryl is never wrong.

JDRF Bay Area: What would a cure mean to you?

Greg Cohen: I get asked this question a lot. I don’t really know how to answer it. I focus on the present and what I need to do in order to be healthy and happy. Certainly, a cure would be amazing. I would be grateful to all of the people who dedicated so much to help the T1D community. However, until that day comes, with all of the new treatments and product available, living a healthy, normal life is the new reality.

Watch Greg in action! Click here to purchase tickets to a FlameThrower’s game. Use the code JDRFSF and receive free tickets for all 11-18 students (10 and under are already free). Plus, all adult tickets will generate a 25% donation back to JDRF! Catch Greg on ESPN3 on Saturday April 9!