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The insuleoin Podcast - Redefining Diabetes
#273: From Heart Attack to the CrossFit Finals: Johann’s Type 1 Revival
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In today’s episode Eoin speaks with Johann Gouws.
Today’s guest has a story of resilience that’s nothing short of inspiring. Johann, from South Africa, was misdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes at age 35 and spent six months without insulin, with blood sugars soaring as high as 42.9mmol/L (772.2mg/dL).
On top of that, he’s survived aggressive colitis, lives with a stoma bag, and even faced a heart attack that became the turning point in his diabetes journey.
Johann is an HR manager by profession, but outside of work he’s a dedicated CrossFit athlete who trains alongside his wife and refuses to let diabetes hold him back.
With the support of his community, he was able to access an insulin pump — a device his daughter affectionately calls his ‘Tamagotchi,’ because, just like the toy, it keeps him alive. She even nicknamed him the ‘Diabetic Ranger,’ a reminder that he’s still her superhero, just with a few extra accessories.
Since switching to the MiniMed 780G in late 2024, Johann’s life has completely changed. Not only has his confidence and health soared, but he’s now qualified for the 2025 CrossFit Games finals in Las Vegas — proof that diabetes doesn’t define him, it drives him.
As always, be sure to rate, comment, subscribe and share. Your interaction and feedback really helps the podcast. The more Diabetics that we reach, the bigger impact we can make!
Questions & Stories for the Podcast?:
theinsuleoinpodcast@gmail.com
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