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Wimbledon finalist Alexander Zverev is using his tennis success to raise diabetes awareness

Alexander Zverev faces Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon Tennis Championships final on Sunday, using his platform to promote awareness of Type 1 diabetes. The 29-year-old German recently launched a foundation to support children with the condition.
Diagnosed at age 4, Zverev manages the condition by monitoring glucose levels and injecting insulin during matches. An estimated 9.2 million people globally have Type 1 diabetes, where the pancreas produces little to no insulin required for energy.
The All England Club permits Zverev to use his phone during matches to check continuous glucose monitor readings, an exception to normal court rules. He injects insulin during changeovers using an insulin pen, a practice he previously kept private.
At a Wimbledon warmup in Halle, Germany, a sensor malfunction gave Zverev an incorrect reading, causing him to accidentally inject excessive insulin. He consumed 350 grams of sugar through glucose gels to normalize levels but lost the match in three sets.
High-Profile athletes including NHL Hall of Famer Bobby Clarke and Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews also compete with Type 1 diabetes. Advocates emphasize visibility matters, noting Mattel recently introduced a Barbie representing a person with the condition.

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