Sophie Devine opens up on managing diabetes while thriving as an elite athlete

Sophie Devine’s match-winning performance for Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) once again highlighted her composure under pressure, but behind the all-rounder’s on-field impact lies a long and carefully managed personal challenge that has shaped much of her career.

For more than two decades, the New Zealand star has lived with diabetes, a condition she has learned to integrate seamlessly into her life as an elite athlete. Rather than defining her limitations, diabetes has become part of her daily routine, influencing how she prepares, trains and competes at the highest level.

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“Diabetes has been a big part of my life for over 20 years now, so it’s pretty second nature to me. Sometimes I forget I even have it because it’s so embedded in my routine,” Devine said. “There’s a lot of testing involved, and I use a sensor to keep track of my blood glucose levels, which people will often see me swiping. The injections don’t really change whether it’s a game day, training day or rest day, that part stays the same.”

However, match days bring their own set of demands, requiring constant awareness and adaptability. For Devine, managing her condition alongside the physical and mental intensity of competition is about preparation and understanding her body.

“The big difference on game day is making sure I’m managing things well enough to be able to do my job out there,” she explained. “Sometimes that’s straightforward and sometimes diabetes has other ideas, so it’s about being prepared and aware of what my body needs in those moments.”

A strong support system, Devine says, has been crucial in helping her navigate those challenges. From teammates to coaching staff, having people around who understand her condition has given her confidence and reassurance on and off the field.

“Having the support of the players and support staff around me makes a huge difference,” she said. “Knowing that people are aware and always there to help if I need it gives me a lot of confidence, and I’m really thankful for that.”

Devine also reflected on the comfort of sharing similar experiences with other athletes who manage diabetes, describing it as a source of connection and encouragement in a high-performance environment.

“I’ve been lucky to play alongside other players who understand what it’s like,” she said. “Having someone who speaks the same language and gets it is really nice, because it’s not something a lot of people have to deal with. It’s also great to see players managing diabetes and performing at the highest level, because it shows that it’s possible.”

Beyond her own journey, Devine believes her story underscores a broader lesson in sport, the importance of empathy, openness and conversation around unseen challenges. “You never really know what someone is dealing with unless you ask,” she added. “Whether it’s diabetes, injuries or something else, everyone has their own challenges. Being able to talk about it and reach out for support when you need it is really important.”