More Than Footy: Paddy McCartin on Owning Type 1 and Its Biggest Life Lessons

When Paddy McCartin was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just eight years old, his world shifted—but his passion for footy never wavered. Despite ongoing battles with diabetes and a career-ending series of concussions, Paddy carved out a remarkable AFL journey that took him from Geelong to the Sydney Swans and back into the hearts of the diabetes community. In this episode, Paddy opens up about the highs and lows of elite sport with type 1, how technology transformed his management, and the power of letting people in. From the locker rooms to life after retirement, this is Paddy like you’ve never heard him before—raw, reflective, and real. Here’s what we’re covering: -The early signs of type 1 and how an 8-year-old learned to self-manage with stubborn independence -Why finger pricks were Paddy’s most hated part—and how he eventually overcame that barrier -The “carrot” that got him back on a pump and chasing his AFL dream -The real reason he kept his diabetes quiet in footy circles—and the moment he finally opened up -How everything changed with a single speech to the Swans playing group -Game day routines, insulin strategies and the tech hacks that helped him thrive on the field -The bittersweet reality of early retirement—and how he found purpose in giving back -What he’d say to his diabetes if it were a person (spoiler: it’s not all bad) … and a whole lot more Chapters: ⏳ [00:00] “I Just Didn’t Want to Play Footy”: The Diagnosis That Changed Everything ⏳ [01:59] Meet Paddy McCartin: Footy Star, Type 1 Role Model, Reluctant Retiree ⏳ [07:10] First Symptoms, First Needles, and an 8-Year-Old’s Determination ⏳ [13:05] Rebel with a Cause: Fighting Against Diabetes Burnout ⏳ [19:10] Back on the Pump: The Deal Paddy Made to Chase the AFL Dream ⏳ [25:22] Hidden Fears and Public Perception: Why Paddy Stayed Quiet ⏳ [28:07] The Swans, the Speech, and the Shift in Identity ⏳ [34:16] From Draft Night to Diabetes Tech: How It All Played Out ⏳ [36:13] Game Day Strategy: Insulin, Oats, Temp Targets and Gels ⏳ [45:11] Playing with Tech: Pumps on the Sideline, Physios with Phones ⏳ [50:11] Post-Match Highs, Hypos and Recovery Routines ⏳ [55:21] Sydney Swans and a Second Chance: The Comeback Chapter ⏳ [58:30] Forced Retirement, Lasting Gratitude, and a Whole Lot of Perspective ⏳ [01:04:41] Pilates, Weights and Wiser Habits: How Paddy Moves Today ⏳ [01:10:14] Diet, Fasting and Feeling Good in 2025 ⏳ [01:16:08] The Magic Wand Question: Would He Cure His Diabetes? ⏳ [01:20:10] The One Lesson He’d Pass on to Every Young Type 1 Hope you enjoy! You can reach Paddy on Instagram @paddymccartin 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices