Kyle O’Reilly could have let his diabetes end his pro wrestling dreams, but that didn’t happen.
While speaking with Beyond Type 1, the AEW wrestler talked about first being diagnosed when he was 18. O’Reilly was in the middle of training and working part-time as a cook when he experienced classic symptoms of diabetes.
“We didn’t know what was going on,” he said. “I go for a physical to get a wrestling license for Washington. They’re doing my blood work and the doctor comes back and asks, ‘Kyle, are you type 1 diabetic?’ I’m like ‘Uh … no?’ ‘Lo and behold, here’s my diagnosis.”
O’Reilly was recommended not to pursue a career in wrestling, but he didn’t listen to that advice.
“Wrestling was my dream and my lifelong passion,” he said. “It was something that I was determined to make a career out of. So I used my diagnosis as a means for inspiration and motivation.”
“My trainers, my fellow students, and my friends were so supportive. A support system is so crucial in diabetes management. I can’t thank that group of guys enough for helping me through a tough time.”
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