Sport
Taekwondo
Location
Croatia
Diagnosed at Age
24
Key Achievements
- World Taekwondo Championships bronze medalist (2017)
- Olympian – represented Croatia at Tokyo 2020
- European Championships gold medalist (2018)
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Kristina Tomić
Kristina Tomić was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2019, just as her elite taekwondo career was rising. She didn't let it slow her down – the Croatian fighter won a world championship bronze medal and qualified for the Tokyo Olympics shortly after her diagnosis.
Tomić juggles intense training and weight management with blood sugar control, often speaking about the challenges of keeping everything in balance. She is involved in sports-and-diabetes initiatives to inspire others in managing T1D under pressure.
Her achievements include winning a bronze medal at the 2017 World Taekwondo Championships, representing Croatia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and winning a gold medal at the 2018 European Championships.
"Anyone who knows about diabetes... knows how challenging it is to keep blood glucose levels in the target range at all times... Everything has to be kept in balance: diet, weight, blood sugars and effort."
Diabetes Management Approach
Tomić manages her diabetes while competing in taekwondo, a sport that requires precise weight management and intense physical exertion. She balances the demands of maintaining a specific weight class with the need to keep her blood sugar levels stable.
Her approach emphasizes the importance of finding balance in all aspects of diabetes management – diet, weight, blood sugar levels, and physical effort. Tomić's success demonstrates that even in a sport with specific weight requirements, Type 1 diabetes can be effectively managed.
Advice for Fellow Diabetic Athletes
Recognize that diabetes management is about finding balance in all aspects of your life. Be patient with yourself as you learn to juggle the demands of your sport with the requirements of diabetes management.