A Kid with Type 1 and an NBA Dream: Tyson Dale and His Mum Kirsten

When Tyson Dale was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just 11 years old, his world turned upside down. Holidays were cut short, sport felt uncertain, and the road ahead looked bleak.

But from that life-altering moment, Tyson and his powerhouse parents - Kirsten and Brad —rallied together to write a very different story. One of courage, commitment, and character.

Now 16, Tyson is a rising basketball star with aspirations of Division One college hoops in the US. But more than that, he’s a confident young man who manages his diabetes like a pro, all while staying humble, grounded and grateful.

In this heartfelt, funny and powerful episode, we unpack the Dale family’s journey—the good, the bad, the blood sugar swings—and how they’ve turned a chronic condition into a foundation for strength.

Here’s what we’re covering:

-What Tyson’s early symptoms looked like (and the moment his mum knew something wasn’t right)

-How a terrifying Hawaii trip ended in a life-changing diagnosis

-Why basketball became Tyson’s constant—and his secret weapon for resilience

-The exact steps they took to safely return to school and sport after diagnosis

-Tyson’s honest account of embarrassment, CGMs, and “hiding” his diabetes

-The systems, routines and tech Tyson uses to stay in range

-How mindset, discipline and mentorship shaped Tyson’s growth—on and off the court

-Why type 1 is a family condition, and what every parent needs to know

-The letter to diabetes that’ll hit you right in the feels

… and so much more.

Chapters:

⏳ [00:00] “This Is Real”: Diagnosis and the Day That Changed Everything

⏳ [01:34] Meet Tyson and Kirsten Dale: From Client to Family

⏳ [06:27] Big Goals at 12: The NBA Dream is Born

⏳ [12:13] The Hawaii Trip That Ended in Emergency Diagnosis

⏳ [18:08] Life with Type 1: From ICU to Insulin

⏳ [24:17] Parenting Through the Storm: Kirsten’s Take

⏳ [31:16] From Fingerpricks to CGMs: The Tech Journey

⏳ [38:08] Sport, Stigma and the “Hidden” Side of Type 1

⏳ [46:06] Mentorship, Growth and Grit in the Gym

⏳ [52:12] The 500 Shot Club: Tyson’s Work Ethic Unpacked

⏳ [58:30] Mindset Over Misses: How to Bounce Back from Heartbreak

⏳ [67:24] The Role of Tech in Performance and Peace of Mind

⏳ [80:01] Managing Diabetes on the Move: Travel, Sport and Strategy

⏳ [95:20] “Thank You, But F*** You”: Tyson Reads His Letter to Diabetes

⏳ [105:10] Mealtime Maths and Medtronic Magic

⏳ [126:59] Final Reflections: Accountability, Autonomy and the Long Game

Hope you enjoy!

You can follow Tyson on Instagram @tysondale8

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

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