At 13, Shelomi Sanders was living the typical teenage life when a sudden stomachache changed everything. The daughter of NFL star Deion Sanders, she was always active and healthy, or so it seemed. Then, extreme thirst, constant tiredness, and rapid weight loss sent her to the ER with a blood sugar level exceeding 600. That life-altering diagnosis of type 1 diabetes didn’t defeat her; it fueled her determination. Now, Shelomi is using her experience to inspire others and is partnering with a major company to promote health and diabetes awareness across the country.

Shelomi initially felt isolated. Misunderstandings from her peers made her reluctant to talk about her diabetes, but social media offered a connection. In November 2020, she began documenting her journey on TikTok, finding a community and realizing she wasn’t alone. Her honesty allowed her to accept support, transforming a personal struggle into a chance to educate and inspire. And that’s exactly why she’s back on the roster for Dexcom U Season 4! And she’s anything but excited.

Having lived through it herself, Shelomi recognizes the importance of this support for athletes aiming to live a full life. She appreciates Dexcom, a company leading the way in glucose monitoring, which helps athletes excel while managing their health. And buzzing in excitement, she hit Instagram, hyping it up: “Earlier this summer, I attended my second Dexcom U camp. @dexcom leveled up again this year by adding a Signing Day opportunity for the new athletes! It was incredibly inspiring to be surrounded by athletes who are redefining what’s possible. I can’t wait to see how everyone makes this season count!” 

Now, the demands of athletics have added another layer to it. Shelomi, a Division 1 basketball player at Alabama A&M, discovered that her body’s response to exercise differed from that of many with type 1 diabetes, often resulting in blood sugar spikes instead of drops. Through Dexcom technology and diligent monitoring, she adjusted her approach to maintain peak performance, demonstrating that diabetes doesn’t have to be a barrier to high-level athletic success.

So, what exactly is this initiative about? Dexcom U is revolutionizing the game for college athletes with diabetes. This NIL program equips them with Dexcom’s continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology, enabling them to excel in their sports while managing their blood sugar. Season 4 recently launched, featuring 13 new athletes and eight returning ones, including Shelomi Sanders (Alabama A&M basketball) and Miles Byrd (San Diego State basketball), representing various sports from football to lacrosse and track.

Through Beyond Type 1’s Community Table, Shelomi uses her story to inspire others. She highlights the value of connecting with the diabetes community early, attending camps, and relying on peers. Her experience proves that finding support from those who understand can turn challenges into strengths. And Shelomi’s advice is straightforward but impactful: “Keep pushing. Some days you won’t want to take care of it, but you have to. You get no days off with this stuff—but you’re not alone.” Her story is a testament to resilience, self-acceptance, and advocacy, demonstrating to young people with type 1 diabetes that support, knowledge, and perseverance are key.

It’s not just her battles that are turning heads.

Shelomi Sanders turns hype girl for Shedeur Sanders

Before the Cleveland Browns wrapped up their preseason against the Los Angeles Rams, Shedeur Sanders’ family made headlines. Pilar Sanders posted a popular Instagram photo showcasing custom dresses that promoted ‘Grown’, joined by her daughter, Shelomi. Pilar wore vibrant orange, while Shelomi sported a rich brown dress. The caption read: “Heeey guess who – your fav pair @shelomisanders! #12 Go #shedeursanders.” The post quickly went viral, blending fashion with football just as everyone was watching Shedeur’s final preseason game.

The timing was particularly interesting. Shedeur wore a ‘legendary’ shirt during warm-ups, which generated online debate. Fans argued whether the bold branding was premature for a rookie still vying for a spot. Despite the attention, the Sanders family focused on support and celebration, demonstrating how style and encouragement can boost a player’s profile even before the regular season starts.

Drafted in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Shedeur was expected to have a limited role in the Browns’ preseason. Veteran Joe Flacco is already locked in as the Week 1 starter, but Shedeur’s development is one of the most captivating stories in the league. His rookie season is generating buzz, with fans eager to see him play, thanks to a combination of family backing, social media presence, and his performance on the field.