Eric Paslay, a singer-songwriter, is still assisting children even though he decided against pursuing his first aim of becoming a pediatrician. Paslay has written and recorded hit songs for other country music celebrities, such as Amy Grant and Lady A. In addition, he enjoys sharing his own experience of living with type 1 diabetes and advocating for those who share it. He shared his story of hope for those who share type 1 diabetes with NIH MedlinePlus Magazine.
How old were you when you were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes? Were you experiencing symptoms that led you to get checked?
When I was diagnosed, I was ten years old. I did exhibit several typical signs of diabetes, such as frequent hydration. I recall feeling lightheaded and seeing hazy looks in everyone as I walked down the hallway of my school. It wasn’t long until my grandma, a nurse’s assistant, spotted it and brought me to the doctor for testing. As predicted, I had extremely elevated blood glucose levels and was given a type 1 diabetes diagnosis.
How did type 1 diabetes affect you as a kid?
I had to raise my hand to request a juice box and crackers at school if my blood sugar was low. Not wanting to disturb the class, I was frightened to do it even if it was for my medical condition. When I would sprint around training for my baseball club, the same thing would occur. Yet my coach would tell me to “observe Paslay.” He’s passing you up because he recently experienced low blood sugar. It made me push myself even harder. It also increased my accountability to take better care of my body and health, which included eating a better diet. For that, I am appreciative.
I am also appreciative of my wonderful doctors for making sure I had the best care possible. I was raised in Temple, Texas, a small town close to Baylor University. I had the good fortune to work with wonderful physicians and nurses who specialized in treating children with type 1 diabetes.
“[Having type 1 diabetes] also gave me more responsibilities to be aware of my body and health, including eating healthier. I am grateful for that.”
How do you manage your condition now? How has that changed during your lifetime?
In the past 30 years, scientific research has enabled us to see incredible technological advancements. My insulin pump and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device are fantastic. I have a patch on that tracks my blood sugar levels all the time. After that, the patch talks to my insulin pump to maintain appropriate insulin levels. My smartphone app receives data from the CGM as well, allowing me to track my blood glucose levels precisely.
How do diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle play into managing your type 1 diabetes?
The fact that I can afford this new technology makes me very happy. It’s undoubtedly making a difference in my life. By controlling my diabetes, I get to live a longer life.
My ability to sleep through the night has been a major bonus as well. In the days before technology, my parents would frequently check in with me as a child to see how I was feeling and to take my blood. Nowadays, parents only need to check a phone app to make sure their child is safe.
I make a conscious effort to watch what I consume and maintain my health. I spend a lot of time outside because we own a farm. My profession as a musician and songwriter is to “move air.” For a change, it’s good to move dirt, plant roots, pluck fruit, and do other things.
I still love eating delicious food, but I try to be sensible, eat in moderation, and keep an eye on my blood sugar levels. Diabetes has shown me that there is a true need for balance in life and that everything has an impact on everything.
Does your diabetes affect your music and performing?
It certainly had a big impact on my work prior to having my CGM and insulin pump. When I was performing on stage, there were moments when I almost lost the ability to carry on with the show. To help me raise my blood glucose levels, my manager had to hurry and grab orange juice for me to drink. However, my tour manager now checks the phone app connected to my CGM while I perform. Additionally, he gestures for me to take a sip of the orange juice from the cup that is constantly available on stage.
Paslay claims that when he meets kids who are also dealing with type 1 diabetes, he encourages them to pursue their aspirations despite their illness.
What led you to become an advocate, particularly for children with type 1 diabetes?
I had intended to become a pediatric endocrinologist—a medical professional who treats children with hormone abnormalities, such as diabetes—before I started my career in music. “My doctor also has diabetes, and I have diabetes as a child,” I said to myself. He has what I have, so I trust him. Perhaps God is calling me to go help children with diabetes in this way?
However, as I began writing songs and performing, I received encouragement from others to pursue a career in music. “Dude, you should really move to Nashville,” they said. You’re not too bad! Now that I’m a musician, I get to visit and converse with young patients with type 1 diabetes in hospitals. I implore them to choose the paths that bring them delight. I’m happy that my idea worked out because I adore doing that! The company that makes my own diabetes monitor, Dexcom, also funded a podcast series I did. In addition, I have experience working with Beyond Type 1, a nonprofit organization that supports people with type 1 diabetes.
What message do you have for others living with type 1 diabetes?
Enjoy full use of life. Keep diabetes from controlling your life. Go after your dreams if you have any. In life, there is nothing you cannot achieve. Unless, perhaps, you join the military. Go after your goals, enjoy the process, and acknowledge that life is a race. Everybody faces challenges. Hopefully, you will learn understanding, sympathy, and love from your struggles and emerge from them even stronger.
What are you up to professionally?
Perfect Stranger is a new EP that I released in December. And just before Christmas, I completed the Perfect Stranger European tour. In 2024, I intend to remain active by releasing more new music. I travel constantly!