Kaleb Dahlgren shares his story with kids at a Christopher Lake camp on Thursday. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Living with diabetes

Former Humboldt Bronco aims to inspire next generation

Aug 8, 2019 | 3:09 PM

A former member of the Humboldt Broncos is sharing his story about living with type one diabetes.

Kaleb Dahlgren took time Thursday to speak to kids at a Diabetes Canada camp at Christopher Lake about how he has lived with diabetes and how he overcame it to play junior hockey.

While speaking to the kids, all of whom are living with type one diabetes themselves, Dahlgren talked about being diagnosed at four years old and how he learned to manage and live with it. An overarching theme of Dahlgren’s talk was that he manages his diabetes as opposed to it managing him.

Dahlgren said since he was diagnosed he has noticed more people are aware of type one diabetes, which is genetic as opposed to type two.

“It’s nice to see that children these days aren’t having the struggles of trying to say they are a type one diabetic and people not understanding what that is,” he said.

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After his talk Dahlgren was asked about how he would manage the condition during games. He explained how he would check his blood sugar before during and after games and inject insulin when needed. He added he preferred this as opposed to using an insulin pump.

“For me I wanted something I knew was a safe option and would always be there no matter what, so with insulin as soon as you inject it, it’s in you,” he said.

When he was coming up through minor hockey on his way to juniors, Dahlgren was told by at least one coach and others that he wouldn’t be able to play the game at a high level. Dahlgren believes the success of Montreal Canadians forward Max Domi has helped to dispel some doubts.

“You still can pursue your dreams and passions and that diabetes doesn’t have to get in your way and so for other coaches out there to say you can’t do something because of a disease you have, they have to watch you do it first,” he said.

Dahlgren is currently enrolled at York University in Toronto where he is a member of the university’s hockey team and is studying business. He has not been able to suit up for game action yet as he has not been cleared for contact. The former Broncos forward is still recovering from injuries he suffered in the team’s bus collision, which included a fractured skull and broken neck. He added despite not being able to play he is enjoying the experience.

“I am practicing and working out with my teammates and it’s been special for sure,” he said.

Kaleb Dahlgren speaking to Diabetes Canada staff before his talk Thursday (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn