With the help of modern technology and the Christensen Family Sports & Activity Program, a part of Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute, Brayden Cashon has been able to continue his love for wrestling while managing Type 1 diabetes.
Brayden and his family have been learning to adapt to a new lifestyle since he was diagnosed just before his fifth birthday two years ago.
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease that destroys the body’s ability to make insulin, which is needed to turn blood sugar into energy. Without insulin, blood sugar will increase to high levels, which can cause severe to life-threatening complications.
After his parents noticed behavioral changes and frequent urination, Brayden was taken to a doctor, who quickly determined the youngster had diabetes.
Brayden started receiving care through Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute, a part of Norton Children’s Endocrinology. It offers an abundance of support and education to help families learn how to manage and live with the disease. The institute’s Christensen Family Sports & Activity Program helps patients perform at their best level while ensuring safety.
According to Brayden’s mom, Leighana Cashon, the hardest part was learning how to change their diet and keep track of Brayden’s blood sugar. Even Brayden’s 9-year-old brother, Kayden, has learned enough to help in case of an emergency.
Though things have certainly changed for the Cashons, they are adamant that their active life would not stop with the diagnosis. Brayden started wrestling with the Shamrock Wrestling Club in Louisville the same year he was diagnosed.
Eric Cashon, Brayden’s dad, said Brayden is probably the strongest kid in his team’s age group, which has given the 7-year-old a lot of confidence.
“Wrestling is one of the most difficult sports out there, because [of the] physical stress he’s got his body under and the mental stress of just trying to know what to do in that moment,” Eric said.
On top of the regular pressures of the sport, Brayden has to monitor and respond to blood sugar changes as he competes.
The Christensen Family Sports & Activity Program has provided extra support to the Cashons in making informed decisions unique to Brayden and his physical activity. Brayden started the program during his second year of wrestling.
Brayden meets with an exercise physiologist once every quarter to have his physical fitness and blood sugar variability assessed. The testing gives them an exact time frame when Brayden’s blood sugar drops during physical activity. The individualized assistance has allowed Brayden to continue his sport.
“Having their support helped us plan better,” Leighana said. “It helped Brayden learn to listen to his body because they were monitoring while he was doing the activity, so he could feel the [blood sugar] low hitting.”
“Those who participate in athletics are at risk for big swings in their blood sugar level, which if not recognized can lead to severe consequences,” said Brad Thrasher, D.O., pediatric endocrinologist with Norton Children’s Endocrinology and director of the Christensen Family and Sports & Activity Program. “With some guidance, though, anyone with Type 1 diabetes can go on to do whatever they want to do.”
In February, Brayden won seventh place in the 2024 KFWC Youth State Championship for his age and weight group, despite medically forfeiting the fourth match. The tournament required wrestlers to compete in double the typical number of matches, which took a toll on Brayden’s blood sugar.
“I’m really proud of him,” Leighana said. “He fights through every day.”
Brayden competes in nearly 10 tournaments a year, each starting in the early hours of the morning and consisting of back-to-back matches. While these days can be an emotional rollercoaster for Brayden as he manages his blood sugar, Leighana said he placed in most of his tournaments last year.
“It’s really amazing to watch how he’s grown in wrestling. The diabetes stuff could be such a major setback or major hurdle, and he’s still growing and still progressing,” Eric said.
Because Brayden loves the sport so much, Leighana said she foresees them continuing with the sports and activity program through middle and high school.