Key Highlights
- Nikita Kuzmin, a Strictly Come Dancing star, has used his personal health journey to raise awareness about type 1 diabetes.
- Kuzmin was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 13 in Ukraine and now wears a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor for public visibility.
- The dancer views his condition as a “superpower” that teaches resilience, awareness, and planning from a young age.
- Kuzmin commits to representing fellow diabetics and sharing his story with the world through Strictly Come Dancing.
Nikita Kuzmin: Turning Personal Struggles into Public Advocacy
On Saturday, 22 November 2025, BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing star Nikita Kuzmin shared a heartfelt message to those diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. His journey is a powerful reminder of how personal struggles can be transformed into public advocacy.
A Childhood Diagnosed
Nikita was just 13 years old when he received the devastating diagnosis in his home country, Ukraine. At that tender age, the news seemed to signal an end to his promising career as a dancer. However, Kuzmin’s story takes an inspiring turn.
A Superpower of Resilience
“Type 1 diabetes means the pancreas cannot produce insulin,” Kuzmin explained in an interview with The Independent. “This often makes physically-demanding careers like dance harder to sustain. But my diagnosis taught me valuable lessons about resilience, awareness, and planning.”
Public Visibility for Advocacy
Kuzmin now wears a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor openly in his Strictly costumes. “I want people to see this,” he said. “I wear it not just as a health necessity but also to represent my fellow diabetics and share their stories with the world.”
A Commitment to Representation
Through his role on Strictly Come Dancing, Kuzmin has committed to representing his community in the best way possible. “I want to help others understand what it means to live with type 1 diabetes,” he stated. “Diabetes is a superpower that teaches us so much from a very young age.”
As Kuzmin continues to dance and advocate, his journey serves as an inspiration for millions of people around the world. His story highlights not only the challenges but also the resilience and strength found within those facing chronic health conditions.
In an era where personal stories can make a significant impact, Nikita Kuzmin’s message resonates deeply. As he dances through life with his condition, he turns his past struggles into a beacon of hope for future generations.
