When Rylee Arnold, the professional dancer on Dancing with the StarsLos Angeles, California stepped onto the ABC studio for Season 30, she wasn’t just eyeing the Mirrorball Trophy. She was also confronting a silent, lifelong opponent—her Type 1 Diabetes.
Arnold, paired with singer‑actor Scott Hoying, chose to make her health journey public instead of hiding it behind glittering costumes. The decision unfolded on TikTok, where she shares the day‑to‑day reality of managing blood‑sugar swings while rehearsing nightly lifts and rapid footwork.
Why Visibility Matters in a Spotlight‑Heavy Show
DWTS costumes are famously high‑waisted, often covering the midsection. Arnold explained that she places her continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor on her lower abdomen because the arms are constantly in motion. "I tend to put my Dexcom on my lower abdomen. I don't really do the arms because with dancing, it’s physical on your arms, and I get super nervous it will come off," she said in a TikTok clip.
She added, "I always put it on my stomach, left or right. Most of my costumes are covered on the midsection area and are usually high‑waisted." The outcome? The device stays hidden, but Arnold stresses the concealment is accidental, not intentional. "It just so happens that it is always covered," she said. "I have no intention of hiding it."
The Tech Behind the Routine: Dexcom’s CGM
Arnold’s lifeline is the Dexcom CGM, a small sensor that streams glucose readings to her phone in real time. The device, produced by Dexcom, has become a staple for many living with Type 1 Diabetes, offering alerts before levels dip too low or spike too high.
Onstage, a sudden dip can mean a shaky pirouette; a spike could sap stamina for a demanding Latin routine. "It got me through everything. I love her," Arnold joked, personifying the sensor during a live Q&A.
Social Media as a Classroom
Beyond the studio, Arnold’s TikTok channel, @RyleeArnoldOfficial, doubles as an informal classroom. She breaks down how carbs, insulin, and stress intertwine with demanding choreography, often using split‑screen videos to show real‑time glucose trends while dancing.
Fans have flooded the comment section with questions, prompting Arnold to produce short explainer clips. One video titled “Why I Can’t Just Skip My Snack Before a Samba” amassed over 1.2 million views and sparked a thread of dialogue about meal timing for athletes with diabetes.
Reactions From the DWTS Community
Co‑star Scott Hoying praised Arnold’s openness: "Rylee’s courage makes the competition feel more human. It reminds us that there’s a story behind every spin."
Producers at ABC have said the show will continue to feature Arnold’s journey, acknowledging the broader public‑health impact. A behind‑the‑scenes segment scheduled for the upcoming Disney Night episode will spotlight her CGM and the ways the crew accommodates her needs.
Broader Impact on Diabetes Awareness
Arnold’s visibility aligns with a growing trend of celebrities championing chronic‑illness awareness. A 2024 survey by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation found that 68 % of young adults learned about Type 1 Diabetes from a public figure.
- More than 250,000 TikTok users followed Arnold’s diabetes‑education series within two weeks.
- Google Trends showed a 35 % spike in searches for “Dexcom CGM for dancers” after the first episode aired.
- ABC’s streaming platforms Hulu and Disney+ reported a 12 % bump in viewership for the Disney Night episode compared with the season average.
Health‑care advocates argue that such exposure can reduce stigma and encourage early diagnosis, especially among teens who might otherwise ignore subtle symptoms.
What’s Next for Arnold and the Show?
Season 30 still has six weeks left, with the finals slated for early May 2025. Arnold says she’s focused on perfecting her Latin routine but remains committed to her advocacy mission.
"Every night I step onto the floor, I’m thinking about the kids watching at home who might feel alone," she said. "If I can show them that a diagnosis isn’t the end of a dream, that’s a win bigger than any trophy."
Beyond DWTS, Arnold plans to partner with Dexcom for a national school‑visit tour later this year, hoping to bring real‑world conversations about diabetes into classrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Rylee Arnold’s CGM placement affect her performances?
By wearing the Dexcom sensor on her lower abdomen, Arnold avoids the risk of the device dislodging during arm‑intensive lifts. This placement also keeps the sensor hidden under high‑waisted costumes, allowing her to focus on precise footwork without worrying about equipment failure.
Why is Arnold’s openness about Type 1 Diabetes considered important?
Public figures with chronic illnesses can demystify the condition for millions. Arnold’s storytelling on TikTok educates fans about glucose management, reduces stigma, and encourages early testing among viewers who might recognize similar symptoms.
What role does ABC play in supporting Arnold’s advocacy?
ABC has integrated Arnold’s diabetes journey into the show’s narrative, including a dedicated segment for Disney Night. The network also coordinates with Dexcom to ensure production safety and highlights the story across its streaming partners Hulu and Disney+.
Can viewers see Arnold’s Dexcom device on screen?
Usually the sensor stays concealed beneath the costume’s high‑waisted design. Arnold says this is coincidental, not a deliberate attempt to hide her condition, and she welcomes any chance to discuss it off‑camera.
What future plans does Arnold have for diabetes education?
Beyond the competition, Arnold intends to partner with Dexcom for a school‑tour program later in 2025, aiming to bring practical diabetes‑management lessons to classrooms across the United States.
