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Singer and songwriter Eric Paslay may have chosen a different career path than his original dream of becoming a pediatrician, but he continues to help children. Paslay has recorded hit songs and written songs for other country music stars, including Amy Grant and Lady A. He also loves his role as an advocate for people with type 1 diabetes and shares his own experience with the disease. He spoke to NIH MedlinePlus Magazine about living with type 1 diabetes and his message of hope for others with the disease.
How old were you when you were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes? Did you have any symptoms that prompted you to get tested?
I was diagnosed with diabetes when I was 10 years old. I definitely had the classic symptoms of diabetes: I was thirsty and drinking a lot of fluids. I remember walking down the halls at school feeling dizzy and dazed. My grandmother, who was a nursing assistant, noticed it right away and took me to the doctor to get tested. Sure enough, my blood sugar was very high and I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
How did type 1 diabetes affect your childhood?
When I had low blood sugar at school, I had to raise my hand to get a juice box and crackers. I was hesitant to do that because I didn't want to interrupt class, even though I was sick. It was the same when I was running around at practice with the baseball team. But the coach was like, “Look at Pasley. He's just low blood sugar and he's outpacing you.” So that motivated me even more. It also made me more accountable to take care of my body and my health, like eating healthy. I'm grateful for that.
I am also grateful for the amazing doctors who made sure I got the right treatment. I grew up in a small town called Temple, Texas, near Baylor University. I was fortunate to have amazing doctors and nurses who specialize in caring for children with type 1 diabetes.
How do you currently manage your condition and how has it changed over your life?
Thanks to scientific research, technology has advanced incredibly over the past 30 years. The continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system and insulin pump that I use are amazing. I wear a patch that constantly monitors my blood glucose levels. The patch communicates with my insulin pump to keep my insulin at healthy levels. The CGM also sends information to an app on my smartphone so I know exactly where my blood sugar is headed.
I am so grateful that I can afford this new technology, it has truly enhanced my life. Controlling my diabetes has allowed me to live a more fulfilling life.
Another big benefit is that I get a better night's sleep. Before this technology, when I was a child, my parents would come in regularly to ask me how I was feeling and to get my blood tested. Now, my parents can just check an app on their phone and know if their child is OK.
How do diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle affect the management of type 1 diabetes?
I'm always conscious of what I eat and try to stay healthy. We own a farm, so I'm always on the go. As a songwriter and musician, my job is to “move air” for a living, so moving soil, growing roots, picking fruit and other things is a change of pace and fun.
I still enjoy good food but I make wise choices, eat in moderation and monitor my blood sugar. Diabetes has taught me that there really is balance in everything in life and that everything you do has an impact.
Does diabetes affect your music and performances?
Before I had my CGM and insulin pump, it had a huge impact on my career. There were times when I was performing on stage and I was in such a predicament that I couldn't continue the show. My manager had to get me orange juice to get my blood sugar up. Now, while I'm performing, my tour manager watches the phone app linked to my CGM, and there's always a cup of orange juice onstage that he tells me to drink if I need it.
When Paslay meets other children with type 1 diabetes, she tells them not to let their illness stop them from achieving their dreams.
What inspired you to become an advocate for children with Type 1 diabetes specifically?
Before I got into music, I was planning on becoming a pediatric endocrinologist (a doctor who treats children with hormonal disorders, including diabetes). I thought to myself, “I'm a kid with diabetes and my doctor is a diabetic. I trust him because he has the same disease as me. Maybe helping kids with diabetes is what God wants me to do.”
But once I started writing and singing songs, someone encouraged me to pursue music. They said, “You should move to Nashville. That's a great idea!” Now I'm making music and I'm meeting and talking to kids with type 1 diabetes in the hospital. I'm encouraging them to make decisions that lead to happiness. I love doing that kind of thing, so I'm glad the plan worked out! I also did a podcast series sponsored by Dexcom, the maker of my diabetes monitoring system. I'm also active with Beyond Type 1, a nonprofit that helps people with type 1 diabetes.
What message do you have for other people living with type 1 diabetes?
Live life to the fullest. Don't let diabetes control your life. If you have a dream, pursue it. There is nothing you can't do in life…except join the military. Chase your dreams and have fun. And understand that competition is a part of life. We all have disabilities. No matter what challenges you face in life, I hope you learn empathy, compassion and love and come out even stronger from them.
What do you do for work?
I released a new EP in December. Perfect StrangerAnd, I Perfect Stranger We have a European tour coming up just before Christmas and we're looking to keep ourselves busy with more new music in 2024. We're always on tour!
