My Story – Why I Created Sweet Life

Žiga Papež, Founder of Sweet Life

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Sweet Life Certification
Žiga Papež - Founder of Sweet Life

The Beginning

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 12. In the beginning, my condition was poorly controlled. Eating out was a source of anxiety and stress—I avoided restaurants altogether, simply because I didn't know what was on my plate.

At home, every gram of food was weighed, counted, and carefully adjusted to match my insulin needs. Out there, I felt unsafe and excluded.

Refusing to Be Limited

But I refused to let diabetes define or limit me.

I became the first person with type 1 diabetes from Slovenia to earn a spot on the ATP world tennis rankings. After stepping away from competitive tennis, I dedicated my life to changing how diabetes is understood and managed—not just in sports, but in everyday life.

Žiga in gladiator costume celebrating achievement in Rome

Building a Community

I launched the first podcast in Slovenia dedicated to diabetes, followed by Sladek Lajf, a growing online community educating people with diabetes via Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

I also created an online video course for reversing or better managing type 2 diabetes, which has helped over 200 people significantly improve their condition—many were able to reduce or completely stop their medication under medical guidance and regain a full, healthy life.

First diabetes podcast in Slovenia

Breaking barriers in diabetes education

Sladek Lajf community

Growing online diabetes education platform

Online video course

Helped 200+ people improve their condition

Žiga speaking at an outdoor festival event

Expanding the Mission

My mission didn't stop there. I began organizing educational events for companies, working with type 1 diabetic athletes, coaching families and parents of diabetic children, and launching sports camps for kids with type 1 diabetes.

Corporate education

Educational events for companies

Athletic coaching

Working with type 1 diabetic athletes

Family support

Coaching families and parents

Sports camps

For kids with type 1 diabetes

Žiga taking a break during cycling journey with food

Ultra-Endurance Athlete

As for myself, I transformed into an ultra-endurance athlete. Every year, I take on one extreme challenge to push my limits and inspire others.

0
KM
Europe's longest self-supported cycling race (2024)

First type 1 diabetic to complete the race from Italy to North Cape

0
KM
Slovenian Mountain Trail (2025 goal)

37,000+ meters elevation gain, solo and unsupported

My purpose is clear: to raise awareness and break the myth that chronic illness means limitations.

Žiga at North Cape with his bicycle after completing the race
Žiga in aerodynamic position during cycling race
Žiga taking a nutrition break during ultra-endurance cycling

The Sweet Life Project

The Sweet Life Certificate is one of my proudest projects. It's a bridge between public health, hospitality, and real human stories.

Through it, I want to ensure that no person with diabetes ever has to feel unwelcome, unsafe, or forgotten when dining out.

Because we all deserve a sweet life.
People dining together inclusively