Cutler has Type 1 diabetes, will need daily insulin injections

[nerrad]

Cutler has Type 1 diabetes, will need daily insulin injections

Associated Press

DENVER -- Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, his business manager Marty Garafalo confirmed Thursday night.

The 25-year-old Cutler found out about two weeks ago that he was diabetic and needed daily insulin injections, Garafalo told The Associated Press.

He said Cutler was managing his disease and "in no way is his football career jeopardized."

Some 21 million Americans have diabetes, meaning their bodies cannot properly turn blood sugar into energy. Either they don't produce enough insulin or don't use it correctly. With the Type 1 form, the body's immune system attacks insulin-producing pancreatic cells, so that patients require insulin injections to survive.

"It's something that he's dealing with and something a lot of other people have," Garafalo said. "Even though it's a serious condition, it's a condition that can be managed. That's the way he's treating it right now.

"Everything's fine," Garafalo continued. "His condition is fine."

Cutler, entering his third NFL season, threw for 3,497 yards and 20 touchdowns last season after supplanting Jake Plummer with five weeks left in the 2006 season.

The 6-foot-3, 233-pound Cutler was taken by the Broncos with the 11th overall pick of the 2006 draft, becoming the first Vanderbilt player taken in the first round since 1986.

Cutler addressed the media on Friday.

Other athletes who have competed with diabetes include Hockey Hall of Famer Bobby Clarke, Charlotte Bobcats forward Adam Morrison, golfers Scott Verplank, Michelle McGann and Kelli Kuehne and Olympic swimmer Gary Hall Jr.

[Don Imus]

that sux,I remember watching Adam PornStache Morrison in college he would have to come out of the game to inject himself

[UrlsGrrl54]

Hmm, will those injections be monitored? He could be 'injecting' something else (along with the insulin).

[kokobear]

Believe me, he probably won't be taking shots on the sideline. It is much more likely that he will have to be slamming gatorade or other carb-laden foods. Exercise causes blood sugars to drop (especially repetitive arm movement, for some reason), and a shot on the sideline would just make matters worse. The only reason for a shot on the sideline is that he ate a large meal, and forgot to account for it in his insulin regimen.

[azuquita8]

Originally Posted by kokobear

Believe me, he probably won't be taking shots on the sideline. It is much more likely that he will have to be slamming gatorade or other carb-laden foods. Exercise causes blood sugars to drop (especially repetitive arm movement, for some reason), and a shot on the sideline would just make matters worse. The only reason for a shot on the sideline is that he ate a large meal, and forgot to account for it in his insulin regimen.

Candy also helps give a temporary sugar fix as well as orange juice.

As long as Cutler keeps his diabetes under control he should be fine. Most of these pro teams have dieticians on staff, and I'm sure they have a special diet prepared for him.

[MadMack]

He will likely wear an insulin pump that will be disconnected while he is playing. You can be off the pump for an hour or so at a time. He could hook up at halftime or as need be during the game after checking his blood glucose. This should not present any significant problems for him other than hypoglycemia and prolonged healing.