Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Vande Vegte.
Hi Matt, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 19 while attending SDSU, which forced me to quickly learn how to manage a complex, 24/7 condition while still trying to live a normal life as a collegiate athlete. Like many people, I followed the standard medical advice, but still dealt with unpredictable blood sugars and the constant mental burden that comes with diabetes.
I have a background in health and science and am now a certified master fitness trainer and nutritionist, so instead of accepting “good enough,” I began experimenting on myself—tracking data, testing strategies, and building practical systems that actually worked in real life.
What started as personal problem-solving turned into friends and other people with type 1 diabetes asking for help. That grew into a coaching practice, and eventually into a San Diego–based business serving clients across the globe.
Today, I run FTF Warrior, where we help people with type 1 diabetes simplify blood sugar management, reduce stress, and regain confidence and flexibility in their lives. I’m also an Ironman finisher and ultra-endurance athlete, which helps show what’s possible with the right systems in place. At its core, the mission has always been the same: helping people feel capable, informed, and in control again – and this led to the creation of my #1 bestseller book, “The Blood Sugar Freedom Formula” available on Amazon.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not. Managing type 1 diabetes alone is challenging, and building a business on top of that adds another layer of difficulty. Early on, the biggest struggle was figuring out how to make something truly helpful while navigating a lot of conflicting advice in the diabetes space.
There were also the typical challenges of entrepreneurship—financial uncertainty, wearing every hat, and learning through trial and error—while still managing my own health day in and day out. On top of that, there’s a real emotional and mental toll that comes with diabetes that people don’t always see – one that had me questioning if life was worth living at one specific low point for me.
Those challenges ultimately shaped the business. They forced me to simplify, focus on what actually works in real life, and build systems that reduce stress instead of adding more complexity. Looking back, the struggles were essential in creating something that truly serves people.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about FTF Warrior?
FTF Warrior is a San Diego–based education and coaching company that helps people with type 1 diabetes simplify blood sugar management so they can live full, flexible lives. We specialize in turning complex diabetes data into practical, repeatable systems that work in real life—not just in theory.
What sets us apart is our focus on simplicity and real-world application through something I personally created, called “Blood Sugar Formulas”. Many people with diabetes are overwhelmed with information but still don’t feel confident or in control. We help people understand why their blood sugars behave the way they do and give them clear formulas they can use across meals, exercise, travel, and everyday life. All of diabetes can be simplified into what we call “diabetes math” when it comes to balancing lifestyle, insulin, and health.
We’re known for combining science, lived experience, and coaching in a way that reduces stress instead of adding more rules. Everything we teach has been tested in real life, including by me personally as someone living with type 1 diabetes.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is the trust we’ve built. Our clients don’t just see better numbers—they feel calmer, more capable, and less restricted by diabetes. At the end of the day, we want people to know that our brand stands for clarity, confidence, and the belief that diabetes doesn’t have to dictate how fully you live your life.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next five to ten years, I think we’ll see a major shift in how chronic conditions like type 1 diabetes are managed. Technology like continuous glucose monitors and smarter insulin systems will keep improving, but the biggest change won’t just be the tech—it’ll be how people are taught to use it.
There’s growing recognition that data alone isn’t enough. People need education, interpretation, and systems that fit real life. We’re already seeing a move away from one-size-fits-all advice toward more personalized, lifestyle-based approaches that focus on quality of life, not just numbers.
I also think mental and emotional health will play a much bigger role in diabetes care. Burnout, stress, and decision fatigue are finally being taken seriously, and the industry is starting to acknowledge that sustainable health requires simplicity and confidence, not constant micromanagement.
Overall, the future is less about perfection and more about helping people live well with the tools they have—and that’s a shift I’m excited to be part of.
Pricing:
- “The Blood Sugar Freedom Formula” bestselling T1D book available on Amazon for $19.97 – https://a.co/d/iplxHpg
- “The Warrior’s Tribe+” is our platform for community, coaching, and curriculum focused on a self-paced learning atmosphere, available at $97/mo here: https://thewarriorstribe.com
- Private T1D Coaching – available through application only, investment may vary per package, apply here: https://diabetesinaction.com/schedule
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ftfwarrior.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ftfwarrior
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ftfwarrior
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ftfwarrior
- Other: tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ftfwarrior
