Earlier this week, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Domi revisited one of the most difficult chapters of his career reflecting on his early years in junior hockey while living with Type 1 diabetes.On Sunday, Domi reshared an episode of his In Range podcast on Instagram featuring a candid conversation about how poorly he once managed his condition in order to stay on the ice.“My dad was my coach, so he was super strict about what I ate, especially on game days,” Domi recalled. “If I went low or even remotely close, he’d cut me off and I didn’t want to miss a shift. So I’d just ride high all the time. Looking back, the numbers were astronomical. I was probably playing at five percent of what my capacity was.”Domi admitted that the combination of competitiveness and lack of awareness about proper glucose control pushed him to dangerous extremes.“I was killing myself, literally,” he said. “Forget about performance, I don’t even know how I survived doing that stuff. I’m lucky I made it through some tough spots.” View this post on Instagram Instagram PostDiagnosed at age 12, Domi has since become one of the NHL’s most visible advocates for Type 1 diabetes awareness. Through his podcast and a book he published on his experiences, he continues to shed light on the challenges faced by athletes living with chronic conditions.Max Domi thanks mom Leanne for supporting him through his T1D journeyEarlier this year in June, Max Domi took part in the Breakthrough T1D Walk which is an annual national fundraising initiative organized by Breakthrough T1D Canada. The event, formerly known as the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes, brings together families, volunteers, sponsors and ambassadors to raise awareness and funds for Type 1 diabetes research.Domi walked alongside his mother Leanne Domi and met with young fans attending the event. Reflecting on his childhood challenges living with T1D, he shared a heartfelt message on his Instagram stories:“My mom used to have to wake up at 3 am every single night to test my blood glucose levels when I was a kid. Wouldn’t be where I am without you.”“Love you mom. You’re the best! ❤️” he addedThe post included a sweet photo of Domi with his mother at the walk’s finish line.The Breakthrough T1D Walk raises awareness and funding research to improve the lives of those living with Type 1 diabetes.