Tori Stone’s dance bag holds more than just shoes and costumes – it also carries insulin and supplies she needs to manage type 1 diabetes.
The Campbellsville University sophomore dancer was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just 18 months old. The condition, which prevents her body from producing insulin, requires daily monitoring and care. The chronic illness demands patience, discipline and constant attention — especially in a sport as physically demanding as college dance. Intense performances, late nights and long practices can cause blood sugar levels to shift quickly, making preparation essential every time Stone steps onto the floor.
“Some things I keep in my bag are an extra Val of insulin, extra shots, extra pump supplies,” Stone said. “I also always make sure I have an extra pack of gummies, or any type of candy in case my blood sugar goes low.”
The CU dance team travels, competes and performs game day routines. They perform at most halftimes during football and basketball seasons; they travel to Florida to compete near Universal Studios and fundraise using dance clinics throughout the year. The schedule is rigorous and difficult to navigate on its own. The way the body regulates blood sugar is affected by type 1 diabetes. Exercise, especially intense activities like dancing, can cause levels to quickly decline. Planning is necessary for long rehearsals and performances. Stone must take extra precautions. Stone said the first thing she checks before she practices or performs is her blood sugar to make sure it isn’t too low.
Although Stone must navigate dance differently, she doesn’t get treated any less than. Expectations do not change. Stone is held to the same standards when it comes to technique, attendance, conditioning and how she performs.
“The audience would never know Tori is battling diabetes because she still does everything to the best of her abilities just like everybody else,” said dancer Angel Mareliz. “She doesn’t get treated any differently, but coaches do have to look out for her more.”
As a coach, having a dancer with type 1 diabetes means understanding that succeeding requires not only skill and endurance but also caring for their health. For coaches, communication and prep becomes important. Coach Laura Day has learned how to help support Stone after being her coach for over six years.
“There were times in middle school and high school where she didn’t want to sit out but you could tell her sugar was really low,” said Day. “She would get really pale and we would have to force her to take a break and take care of her body.”
Teammates say managing type 1 diabetes has never slowed Stone down. Watching her perform you would never know she was balancing so much. Stone said her circle of support is what helps her to manage both dancing and diabetes. She believes she has never faced the challenge alone.
“My coach and team support me in so many different ways,” said Stone. “They always check up on me before and after practice, they wear blue for me for diabetes awareness month, and throughout my whole life Laura and my teammates have been nothing but supportive.”
