May 1, 2008, Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler announced that he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and nervous Denver football fans held their collective breath. “Ain’t that the sugar disease?” many of the less educated fans would ask fellow concerned citizens. But the more serious question on everyone’s mind was, “How will this affect his play?”
I for one was of the minority of Denverites jumping for joy when I found out that a local celebrity was diagnosed with a chronic and commonly misunderstood disease. Why was I so happy you ask? (If the title of Denver Diabetes Examiner isn’t obvious enough.)
August 17, 1997, I was diagnosed with diabetes. Of course, I didn’t make the announcement at a press conference to a gaggle of journalists looking for the scoop. It was just my parents, my brothers, me. Hardly the support of entire city.
I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the most prime stage of awkwardness I could ask for, age 13! I was overweight with long hair, and often mistaken for a girl. Yes. Awkward. Quite.
When I was diagnosed on that fateful day 11 years ago, I was given the most important ultimatum in my life. I could slough off the responsibility onto my parents to control my disease for me or I could take the reins myself, manage my disease day to day and ensure that my health was a top priority. Scattered between day-to-day diabetes management, not unlike Mr. Cutler, I played sports: soccer, ice hockey, golf, water skiing. You name it.
And like millions of other overlooked Americans coping with this potentially debilitating disease, I refused to see it as a handicap, but rather as an inspiration. I knew I had to be that much more vigilant about my health than my teammates. I had to be that much more dedicated. I can’t say I enjoyed the minor daily frustrations that a high blood sugar brings on, but I have always looked at my disease as an opportunity rather than a weakness.
Jay Cutler was recently faced with the same ultimatum. I’m hoping for the sake of his teammates, his city and most importantly, for himself, Jay Cutler can have the strength to view his new condition in the positive way that so many of us in the same boat have chosen to.
There is also a delicate balance that I feel Jay will be presented with when dealing with his disease. I’m not in the public domain, far from it actually. Jay Cutler is. I don’t have media coverage at my disposal to espouse an important cause. Jay Cutler does. I’m not quoted in the sports sections on Monday morning. Jay Cutler is. I don’t have a barrage of assistants or managers to remind me of public appearances. Jay Cutler does.
I would hope that along with these responsibilities and resources at Jay’s (newly pricked) fingertips, he takes full advantage of how much good can come of a public figure putting the spotlight on our shared disease. Be an advocate, Jay. Be a role model for young diabetic athletes. Be strong for yourself and your team in the face of adversity. And believe me, friend, strength in the face of diabetes is the only way to cope.
I can’t remember anyone so prominent in my lifetime being faced with the obstacle of diabetes and being forced to talk about publicly. Adam Morrison of Gonzaga basketball/Charlotte Bobcats fame also balances diabetes with a professional athletic career. Also in Jay’s new company, a famed former CU Buffalo, Jay Leeuwenburg who also has a notable 9-year NFL career under his belt. Leeuwenburg has gone on to pen a book on the subject of diabetes in the professional sports arena (Yes I can! Yes You Can!). He has handled the balance professionally, charitably and with class. But my personal favorite is NHL legend, Bobby Clarke who revolutionized how young skaters like me played defense.
There are a countless many other celebrities, singers, actors, intellectuals and average Joes who wake up with the courage to take shots, prick fingers, give blood tests, keep meticulous records and live a long and fulfilling life. Jay Cutler now joins our elite group of diabetic overachievers with more support and knowledge than I ever thought possible 11 years ago.
And if he’s as dedicated to diabetes as he is on the field and vice versa, there is nothing we have to worry about, Denver. Be proud of our famous diabetic and give him the support he needs.
Tags: Denver Broncos, diabetes, Jay Cutler
