Sport
Golf
Location
United States
Diagnosed at Age
31
Key Achievements
- 2025 U.S. Open Champion — first major title, sealed with a 64-ft birdie putt at Oakmont
- Winner, 2022 Valero Texas Open (first PGA Tour victory)
- Overcame initial Type 2 mis-diagnosis (2018) to thrive after correct Type 1 diagnosis in 2021
J.J. Spaun
J.J. Spaun's golf career took a dramatic turn in 2018 when he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. His form plummeted as he struggled with fatigue and unexplained weight loss for two years. In 2021, doctors discovered he actually had late-onset Type 1 diabetes - a misdiagnosis that had cost him years of proper treatment.
Armed with the correct diagnosis, insulin therapy, and a continuous glucose monitor, Spaun rebuilt his game from the ground up. The transformation was remarkable - he captured his first PGA Tour victory at the 2022 Valero Texas Open, proving that proper diabetes management could restore his competitive edge.
Spaun's ultimate vindication came at the rain-soaked 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont, where he sealed his first major championship with a dramatic 64-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole. His journey from misdiagnosis to major champion serves as an inspiring example of perseverance and the importance of proper medical care for athletes with Type 1 diabetes.
"I went through two years of struggling … I wasn't even getting the right medicine. Once I knew it was Type 1, everything changed."
Diabetes Management Approach
After years of struggling with an incorrect Type 2 diabetes diagnosis, Spaun's golf career was transformed when he received proper Type 1 diabetes treatment in 2021. He now uses insulin therapy and a continuous glucose monitor to manage his condition during tournaments.
Spaun's experience highlights the critical importance of accurate diagnosis for athletes. The switch from Type 2 medications to proper Type 1 diabetes management with insulin allowed him to regain his energy, focus, and competitive form on the golf course.
Advice for Fellow Diabetic Athletes
If you're not feeling right or your performance is suffering despite treatment, don't be afraid to seek a second opinion. Proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial - you control the disease, the disease doesn't control you.