Cutler diagnosed with diabetes (1 Viewer)

[Donnybrook]

Denver post is reporting it here:

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_9124884

Cutler diagnosed with diabetes

By Mike Klis

The Denver Post

Article Last Updated: 05/01/2008 08:40:10 PM MDT

Life as Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler once knew it has changed.

Cutler was recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, a Broncos source confirmed.

While this is the most serious type of diabetes, making Cutler insulin dependent, the Broncos are confident it will not negatively impact his career performance. Cutler, who could not be reached for comment, has been taking insulin shots since he was diagnosed and has been participating in the Broncos' offseason workout program.

Several athletes have enjoyed long professional careers while playing with Type 1 diabetes, including former big-league baseball stars Ron Santo and Jackie Robinson and hockey's Bobby Clarke. Among the former NFL players who played despite Type 1 diabetes were center Jay Leeuwenburg, who starred at the University of Colorado, quarterback Wade Wilson, and defensive back Mike Echols.

"People need to understand this is very treatable," said a Broncos source. "Jay's going to be fine."

Type 1 diabetes means the pancreas stops producing insulin, which is needed to convert food into energy. Cutler will have to monitor his diet, particularly carbohydrates, and continually monitor his blood-sugar levels, but modern medicine allows people to live long and healthy lives with the disease.

Type 1 diabetes used to be known as juvenile diabetes because it was more commonly diagnosed in children and young adults. However, there have been cases where people reached middle age before they were diagnosed. Cutler turned 25 on Monday.

Actress Mary Tyler Moore, 71, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes nearly 35 years ago.

Type 1 diabetics are made aware of the possible long-term affects on the kidney, heart and vision.

The Broncos' No. 1 draft pick in 2006, Cutler started the final five games of his rookie season and all 16 games last year in his second season. The Broncos knew of Cutler's disease before the NFL draft last week but didn't select a quarterback, a sign the team is confident their quarterback has his condition under control.

Mike Klis: 303-954-1055 or mklis@denverpost.com.

I don't think it is a honda.

 

[One]

Good Luck to Jay.

 

[MrPhoenix]

 

[Slinger]

Stay classy.

 

[The Man With No Name]

No big deal.

 

[gianmarco]

No big deal.

Tell that to the millions of diabetics in this country.

 

[The Man With No Name]

No big deal.

Tell that to the millions of diabetics in this country.

I know from experience

 

[a_troll00]

Well, if there's one silver lining to this cloud... being a pro football player has got to be one of the best ways for Jay to keep his blood sugar under control.

Nonetheless, isn't it rare for somebody to develop type 1 diabetes as late as Jay Cutler has? Usually, this seems to develop during childhood. However, I do know one heavy drinker who came down with type 1 diabetes in his late 40s.

 

[travdogg]

Well, if there's one silver lining to this cloud... being a pro football player has got to be one of the best ways for Jay to keep his blood sugar under control.

Nonetheless, isn't it rare for somebody to develop type 1 diabetes as late as Jay Cutler has? Usually, this seems to develop during childhood. However, I do know one heavy drinker who came down with type 1 diabetes in his late 40s.

Not really, I have an uncle who got it around 30.

 

[gianmarco]

Well, if there's one silver lining to this cloud... being a pro football player has got to be one of the best ways for Jay to keep his blood sugar under control.Nonetheless, isn't it rare for somebody to develop type 1 diabetes as late as Jay Cutler has? Usually, this seems to develop during childhood. However, I do know one heavy drinker who came down with type 1 diabetes in his late 40s.

Not rare, but it is more uncommon.

 

[moderated]

ouch.

do we have any history on other QB's who've had type 1 diabetes?

Just wondering how this affects his dynasty stock as i'm heavily invested in Cutler.

 

[The Man With No Name]

DE Brandon Green

 

[moderated]

DE Brandon Green

that's inspiring, but is there anyone who was a top guy who has had the disease and went on to a long solid career?

 

[Buckfast]

DE Brandon Green

that's inspiring, but is there anyone who was a top guy who has had the disease and went on to a long solid career?

I wouldn't expect having diabetes to adversely affect Cutler's dynasty prospects in any sense. There are a number of athletes with Type I diabetes who have had successful careers in sports. Gary Hall, Jr., Olympic swimmer, won multiple gold medals after being diagnosed with diabetes. Adam Morrison, NBA basketball player and former 3rd overall draft pick, also has Type I diabetes and has excelled nonetheless.I've had Type I diabetes for 10 years and am an avid athlete and I can assure you that as long as Jay Cutler takes care of himself by carefully regulating his blood sugar, his diabetes will be a non-issue with regard to his play and fantasy value.

Football is especially conducive to regulating blood sugar because Cutler will have a chance to check his blood sugar between drives. I am sure that the Broncos medical staff will help ensure that Cutler's blood sugar level is properly maintained throughout the game.

 

[moderated]

DE Brandon Green

that's inspiring, but is there anyone who was a top guy who has had the disease and went on to a long solid career?

I wouldn't expect having diabetes to adversely affect Cutler's dynasty prospects in any sense. There are a number of athletes with Type I diabetes who have had successful careers in sports. Gary Hall, Jr., Olympic swimmer, won multiple gold medals after being diagnosed with diabetes. Adam Morrison, NBA basketball player and former 3rd overall draft pick, also has Type I diabetes and has excelled nonetheless.I've had Type I diabetes for 10 years and am an avid athlete and I can assure you that as long as Jay Cutler takes care of himself by carefully regulating his blood sugar, his diabetes will be a non-issue with regard to his play and fantasy value.

Football is especially conducive to regulating blood sugar because Cutler will have a chance to check his blood sugar between drives. I am sure that the Broncos medical staff will help ensure that Cutler's blood sugar level is properly maintained throughout the game.

thanks for the info.i feel better about Cutler now.

 

[Buckfast]

DE Brandon Green

that's inspiring, but is there anyone who was a top guy who has had the disease and went on to a long solid career?

I wouldn't expect having diabetes to adversely affect Cutler's dynasty prospects in any sense. There are a number of athletes with Type I diabetes who have had successful careers in sports. Gary Hall, Jr., Olympic swimmer, won multiple gold medals after being diagnosed with diabetes. Adam Morrison, NBA basketball player and former 3rd overall draft pick, also has Type I diabetes and has excelled nonetheless.I've had Type I diabetes for 10 years and am an avid athlete and I can assure you that as long as Jay Cutler takes care of himself by carefully regulating his blood sugar, his diabetes will be a non-issue with regard to his play and fantasy value.

Football is especially conducive to regulating blood sugar because Cutler will have a chance to check his blood sugar between drives. I am sure that the Broncos medical staff will help ensure that Cutler's blood sugar level is properly maintained throughout the game.

thanks for the info.i feel better about Cutler now.

The worst case scenario that I could imagine would be if Cutler's blood sugar dropped too low during a game, which can lead to confusion, disorientation, and temporary loss of strength. As a diabetic, I've suffered from low blood sugars countless times, but when playing sports you are especially sensitive to the possibility of the blood sugar dropping and thus you check the blood sugar more frequently.Again, I think the training staff will make sure that Cutler's blood sugar is at the ideal levels throughout the game. If his blood sugar begins to drop, simply drinking Gatorade or eating sugar tablets will push his blood sugar back up within a few minutes.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Well there goes "In before someone posts the Wilford Brimley video".

 

[Blackhawk 69]

I wish him good luck.

 

[PatrickT]

Oh lighten up, that was pretty funny.

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

Two things. Anyone offended by the video, get over yourself. You have been too indoctrinated into the victim culture. Get some perspective.

This may actually help Cutler short term. He has been a bit of a party boy. Now he will have to slow down, drink lesss, think more about his nutrition and rest. He now has a good object lesson that his health is fragile and mortality real. That may just serve to focus his life and efforts.

 

[Godsbrother]

Long term I think this will not adversly affect Cutler's career but it may take a while for him to get this under control. Steelers G Kendall Simmons was diagnosed with diabetes a few years ago and it set it him back a good season while he got his blood sugar in balance.

Hopefully it will all work out for Cutler...

 

[The Man with the Plan]

Michael Sinclair of the Seahawks made a couple of pro-bowls and I think he led the NFL in sacks one season and he had diabetes. Then again his play fell off pretty dramatically. I can't say for sure that it was caused by diabetes though since he was in his 30's when it happened.

 

[renesauz]

This may actually help Cutler short term. He has been a bit of a party boy. Now he will have to slow down, drink lesss, think more about his nutrition and rest. He now has a good object lesson that his health is fragile and mortality real. That may just serve to focus his life and efforts.

Was thinking the same (and hoping as an owner)

 

[Courtjester]

I've had Type 1 for 31 years since I was 7. Like Buckfast said, the biggest challenge will be the staff checking his blood sugar during breaks. Sudden drops and low blood sugar are not fun. I just had one this morning and it took me a good 10-15 minutes to feel "right' again and I take 4 shots a day and check my blood 6 times a day on the low end.

He has to stay on top of it because it is one of the diseases that can impact every part of you if you don't.

I wish him the best of luck...

 

[redman]

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

I've had Type 1 for 31 years since I was 7. Like Buckfast said, the biggest challenge will be the staff checking his blood sugar during breaks. Sudden drops and low blood sugar are not fun. I just had one this morning and it took me a good 10-15 minutes to feel "right' again and I take 4 shots a day and check my blood 6 times a day on the low end.He has to stay on top of it because it is one of the diseases that can impact every part of you if you don't.I wish him the best of luck...

The One Touch Ultra 2 has me at 108 right now three hours after my breakfast yogurt and 2 & 1/2 hours until lunch. I'm with you.

 

[The Royal Jack]

I was diagnosed with Type 1 when I was 21. I was in super shape at the time - running more than 2000+ miles a year. It was quite a shock - I had never heard of something like that when I was diagnosed (adult onset of "juvenile" diabetes).

It is a big adjustment and he now faces the long term of a likely shortened life expectancy and the short term danger of low blood sugar brought on by the insulin. I think his football career will be unaffected.

With all the support he'll get from the team and with his financial situation - he should be AOK.

I highly recommend the Medtronic pump system which eliminates daily injections and does a great job with a basal rate of insulin.

 

[QUEZILLA]

I always knew he was going to be a bust.

 

[moleculo]

I was diagnosed with Type 1 when I was 21. I was in super shape at the time - running more than 2000+ miles a year. It was quite a shock - I had never heard of something like that when I was diagnosed (adult onset of "juvenile" diabetes). It is a big adjustment and he now faces the long term of a likely shortened life expectancy and the short term danger of low blood sugar brought on by the insulin. I think his football career will be unaffected. With all the support he'll get from the team and with his financial situation - he should be AOK. I highly recommend the Medtronic pump system which eliminates daily injections and does a great job with a basal rate of insulin.

that's not something you would reccomend wearing on the field though, is it?

 

[a_troll00]

I always knew he was going to be a bust.

Being diabetic does not mean he can't play football or play it well. Also, 3500 passing yards his first full season starting sure sounds like somebody destined to be a bust.

 

[sholditch]

No big deal.

Tell that to the millions of diabetics in this country.

 

[QUEZILLA]

I always knew he was going to be a bust.

Being diabetic does not mean he can't play football or play it well. Also, 3500 passing yards his first full season starting sure sounds like somebody destined to be a bust.

 

[gianmarco]

No big deal.

Tell that to the millions of diabetics in this country.

?@ It may not impact his performance on the field, but it's far from "no big deal". It's a pretty serious disease that, although can be controlled, is lifestyle altering and can have serious complications.

 

[cutler6]

from profootballtalk.com...

CUTLER SAYS DIABETES AFFECTED HIM IN 2007Posted by Mike Florio on May 2, 2008, 9:04 a.m.In an interview with CBS 4 in Denver regarding his recent diagnosis with Type I diabetes, Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler says that he was feeling the effects of the condition during the 2007 season.“We looked back, and I dropped 8-10 pounds in October,” Cutler said. “So at least six months. The second half of the season [it] was kind of something I was dealing with at the time. I was losing weight, didn’t have a lot of strength. You could tell. Just the way I played, some of the throws that I made didn’t have a lot behind them.”It really shouldn’t affect Cutler’s performance moving forward; but if it did affect his performance in 2007, it’s hard not to wonder what in the heck the Broncos’ doctors were doing.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

No big deal.

3 out every 4 type 1 diabetics die from a heart attack or stroke. No big deal?

 

[The Royal Jack]

I was diagnosed with Type 1 when I was 21. I was in super shape at the time - running more than 2000+ miles a year. It was quite a shock - I had never heard of something like that when I was diagnosed (adult onset of "juvenile" diabetes). It is a big adjustment and he now faces the long term of a likely shortened life expectancy and the short term danger of low blood sugar brought on by the insulin. I think his football career will be unaffected. With all the support he'll get from the team and with his financial situation - he should be AOK. I highly recommend the Medtronic pump system which eliminates daily injections and does a great job with a basal rate of insulin.

that's not something you would reccomend wearing on the field though, is it?

They have a rig for sports, but its probably unnecessary for him to be plugged in during the game. For non-impact sports you'd be fine. I take mine off to play softball, though - just because it is slightly akward.

 

[redman]

No big deal.

3 out every 4 type 1 diabetics die from a heart attack or stroke. No big deal?

Sell high!!!!11type1

 

[The Man With No Name]

No big deal.

3 out every 4 type 1 diabetics die from a heart attack or stroke. No big deal?

This is a fantasy football board. No big deal as far as his on field performance. No reason he can't continue to improve and be a good/great NFL quarterback.

 

[Addicted2Football]

from profootballtalk.com...

CUTLER SAYS DIABETES AFFECTED HIM IN 2007Posted by Mike Florio on May 2, 2008, 9:04 a.m.In an interview with CBS 4 in Denver regarding his recent diagnosis with Type I diabetes, Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler says that he was feeling the effects of the condition during the 2007 season.“We looked back, and I dropped 8-10 pounds in October,” Cutler said. “So at least six months. The second half of the season [it] was kind of something I was dealing with at the time. I was losing weight, didn’t have a lot of strength. You could tell. Just the way I played, some of the throws that I made didn’t have a lot behind them.”It really shouldn’t affect Cutler’s performance moving forward; but if it did affect his performance in 2007, it’s hard not to wonder what in the heck the Broncos’ doctors were doing.

This is very worrisome. What WERE team doctors doing?

 

[OC Zed]

How do you develop/become afflicted with Type 1 diabetes?

 

[Courtjester]

How do you develop/become afflicted with Type 1 diabetes?

I know this is a non-Shark pool response but...Alot of the theories believe that it is basically a gene in your body that is just sitting there like a time bomb waiting for something to set it off. Most believe its hereditary, but I am the only one in my family, youngest of 5, that has it. There is a possibility my great grandfather had it because he died real young (like 35 or so), but no one else does.In my case, I got the flu when I was 7 and it set the chain of events in motion. Excessive thirst doesn't even cover what/how it was like to try and eat a meal. I remember taking a bite of food and then immediately taking a drink because you couldn't satisfy the thirst. I finally got diagnosed at Halloween. As you can imagine, I went Trick or Treating and after eating my candy, my blood sugar was dangerously high and I was on the verge of coma. I was diagnosed and spent the next 7-10 days in the hospital getting adjusted to my disease. I was really, really sick.31 yeas later, I do 4-5 shots a day, check my blood anywhere from 5-8 times a day. Everything you do, drink and eat needs to be watched. However, there is no limit as to what you can do, you just need to account for it. I just finished eating some Chicken McNuggets and am working on my 2nd beer of the night (I had to adjust my insulin for those obviously ).The worst part of the disease is the side effects. I can relate to Jay's situation, if your sugar gets high, you are tired and feel sick. If your sugar is low, you sweat, shake and get confused. It is a balancing act every hour of every day.I currently have Proliferate Diabetic Retinopathy and I have had 4 surgeries so far to save my vision. It is just one of those things that long term diabetics deal with, regardless of how tight the control, with upwards of 80% of diabetics who have it over 25 years experiencing it. The chance of me losing my vision ultimately is high even with all the efforts I do. I had a TIA (mini-stroke last March) and spent a couple days in the stroke ward of the hospital. I am lucky though, my heart is good (as posted above that takes alot of us out). My kidneys are great (that takes most of the rest out). I am in good shape-6'0--190 and will not let this disease beat or define me. My daughters, who are 3 and 8, and my wife need me and I am going to be around for as long as I can.Jay's first months are going to be rough, but I bet you won't even hear a mention of this as the season goes on.Again thanks for indulging the non-shark pool discussion.

 

[Slinger]

Time and place. Time and place.

 

[Holy Schneikes]

How do you develop/become afflicted with Type 1 diabetes?

I know this is a non-Shark pool response but...Alot of the theories believe that it is basically a gene in your body that is just sitting there like a time bomb waiting for something to set it off. Most believe its hereditary, but I am the only one in my family, youngest of 5, that has it. There is a possibility my great grandfather had it because he died real young (like 35 or so), but no one else does.In my case, I got the flu when I was 7 and it set the chain of events in motion. Excessive thirst doesn't even cover what/how it was like to try and eat a meal. I remember taking a bite of food and then immediately taking a drink because you couldn't satisfy the thirst. I finally got diagnosed at Halloween. As you can imagine, I went Trick or Treating and after eating my candy, my blood sugar was dangerously high and I was on the verge of coma. I was diagnosed and spent the next 7-10 days in the hospital getting adjusted to my disease. I was really, really sick.31 yeas later, I do 4-5 shots a day, check my blood anywhere from 5-8 times a day. Everything you do, drink and eat needs to be watched. However, there is no limit as to what you can do, you just need to account for it. I just finished eating some Chicken McNuggets and am working on my 2nd beer of the night (I had to adjust my insulin for those obviously ).The worst part of the disease is the side effects. I can relate to Jay's situation, if your sugar gets high, you are tired and feel sick. If your sugar is low, you sweat, shake and get confused. It is a balancing act every hour of every day.I currently have Proliferate Diabetic Retinopathy and I have had 4 surgeries so far to save my vision. It is just one of those things that long term diabetics deal with, regardless of how tight the control, with upwards of 80% of diabetics who have it over 25 years experiencing it. The chance of me losing my vision ultimately is high even with all the efforts I do. I had a TIA (mini-stroke last March) and spent a couple days in the stroke ward of the hospital. I am lucky though, my heart is good (as posted above that takes alot of us out). My kidneys are great (that takes most of the rest out). I am in good shape-6'0--190 and will not let this disease beat or define me. My daughters, who are 3 and 8, and my wife need me and I am going to be around for as long as I can.Jay's first months are going to be rough, but I bet you won't even hear a mention of this as the season goes on.Again thanks for indulging the non-shark pool discussion.

That's some good info. Disagree totally with the "no mention" part though. The press will LOVE this. His condition will be mentioned ad nauseum for at least a year if not thoughout his whole career. If he does well, it's a "feel good" story. Heck even if he doesn't do well, it'll be portrayed that way. Not saying that's bad or anything, I'm just saying I think we are going to be hearing a LOT about it.

 

[TBIST]

He's got diabeetus? He'd better call Liberty Medical.

 

[OC Zed]

How do you develop/become afflicted with Type 1 diabetes?

I know this is a non-Shark pool response but...Alot of the theories believe that it is basically a gene in your body that is just sitting there like a time bomb waiting for something to set it off. Most believe its hereditary, but I am the only one in my family, youngest of 5, that has it. There is a possibility my great grandfather had it because he died real young (like 35 or so), but no one else does.In my case, I got the flu when I was 7 and it set the chain of events in motion. Excessive thirst doesn't even cover what/how it was like to try and eat a meal. I remember taking a bite of food and then immediately taking a drink because you couldn't satisfy the thirst. I finally got diagnosed at Halloween. As you can imagine, I went Trick or Treating and after eating my candy, my blood sugar was dangerously high and I was on the verge of coma. I was diagnosed and spent the next 7-10 days in the hospital getting adjusted to my disease. I was really, really sick.31 yeas later, I do 4-5 shots a day, check my blood anywhere from 5-8 times a day. Everything you do, drink and eat needs to be watched. However, there is no limit as to what you can do, you just need to account for it. I just finished eating some Chicken McNuggets and am working on my 2nd beer of the night (I had to adjust my insulin for those obviously ).The worst part of the disease is the side effects. I can relate to Jay's situation, if your sugar gets high, you are tired and feel sick. If your sugar is low, you sweat, shake and get confused. It is a balancing act every hour of every day.I currently have Proliferate Diabetic Retinopathy and I have had 4 surgeries so far to save my vision. It is just one of those things that long term diabetics deal with, regardless of how tight the control, with upwards of 80% of diabetics who have it over 25 years experiencing it. The chance of me losing my vision ultimately is high even with all the efforts I do. I had a TIA (mini-stroke last March) and spent a couple days in the stroke ward of the hospital. I am lucky though, my heart is good (as posted above that takes alot of us out). My kidneys are great (that takes most of the rest out). I am in good shape-6'0--190 and will not let this disease beat or define me. My daughters, who are 3 and 8, and my wife need me and I am going to be around for as long as I can.Jay's first months are going to be rough, but I bet you won't even hear a mention of this as the season goes on.Again thanks for indulging the non-shark pool discussion.

Wow, thanks for sharing. Your story about this is pretty inspiring.

 

[brednbuddah]

How do you develop/become afflicted with Type 1 diabetes?

I know this is a non-Shark pool response but...Alot of the theories believe that it is basically a gene in your body that is just sitting there like a time bomb waiting for something to set it off. Most believe its hereditary, but I am the only one in my family, youngest of 5, that has it. There is a possibility my great grandfather had it because he died real young (like 35 or so), but no one else does.

In my case, I got the flu when I was 7 and it set the chain of events in motion. Excessive thirst doesn't even cover what/how it was like to try and eat a meal. I remember taking a bite of food and then immediately taking a drink because you couldn't satisfy the thirst. I finally got diagnosed at Halloween. As you can imagine, I went Trick or Treating and after eating my candy, my blood sugar was dangerously high and I was on the verge of coma. I was diagnosed and spent the next 7-10 days in the hospital getting adjusted to my disease. I was really, really sick.

31 yeas later, I do 4-5 shots a day, check my blood anywhere from 5-8 times a day. Everything you do, drink and eat needs to be watched. However, there is no limit as to what you can do, you just need to account for it. I just finished eating some Chicken McNuggets and am working on my 2nd beer of the night (I had to adjust my insulin for those obviously ).

The worst part of the disease is the side effects. I can relate to Jay's situation, if your sugar gets high, you are tired and feel sick. If your sugar is low, you sweat, shake and get confused. It is a balancing act every hour of every day.

I currently have Proliferate Diabetic Retinopathy and I have had 4 surgeries so far to save my vision. It is just one of those things that long term diabetics deal with, regardless of how tight the control, with upwards of 80% of diabetics who have it over 25 years experiencing it. The chance of me losing my vision ultimately is high even with all the efforts I do. I had a TIA (mini-stroke last March) and spent a couple days in the stroke ward of the hospital.

I am lucky though, my heart is good (as posted above that takes alot of us out). My kidneys are great (that takes most of the rest out). I am in good shape-6'0--190 and will not let this disease beat or define me. My daughters, who are 3 and 8, and my wife need me and I am going to be around for as long as I can.

Jay's first months are going to be rough, but I bet you won't even hear a mention of this as the season goes on.

Again thanks for indulging the non-shark pool discussion.

my son is 8. He was diagnosed with type I when he was 4. In all that time I've never heard of this. please send me (email) more info if you don't mind.what precautions do you take regarding your feet?

way to go boss. diabetes can easily be managed with a healthy lifestyle and exercise. imagine that? keep up the good work.

As far a Jay goes, I hope he embraces the disease and runs with it as the NFL's spokesman to bring more awareness to type I diabetes.

 

[My Hope Street Alias]

How do you develop/become afflicted with Type 1 diabetes?

I know this is a non-Shark pool response but...Alot of the theories believe that it is basically a gene in your body that is just sitting there like a time bomb waiting for something to set it off. Most believe its hereditary, but I am the only one in my family, youngest of 5, that has it. There is a possibility my great grandfather had it because he died real young (like 35 or so), but no one else does.

In my case, I got the flu when I was 7 and it set the chain of events in motion. Excessive thirst doesn't even cover what/how it was like to try and eat a meal. I remember taking a bite of food and then immediately taking a drink because you couldn't satisfy the thirst. I finally got diagnosed at Halloween. As you can imagine, I went Trick or Treating and after eating my candy, my blood sugar was dangerously high and I was on the verge of coma. I was diagnosed and spent the next 7-10 days in the hospital getting adjusted to my disease. I was really, really sick.

31 yeas later, I do 4-5 shots a day, check my blood anywhere from 5-8 times a day. Everything you do, drink and eat needs to be watched. However, there is no limit as to what you can do, you just need to account for it. I just finished eating some Chicken McNuggets and am working on my 2nd beer of the night (I had to adjust my insulin for those obviously ).

The worst part of the disease is the side effects. I can relate to Jay's situation, if your sugar gets high, you are tired and feel sick. If your sugar is low, you sweat, shake and get confused. It is a balancing act every hour of every day.

I currently have Proliferate Diabetic Retinopathy and I have had 4 surgeries so far to save my vision. It is just one of those things that long term diabetics deal with, regardless of how tight the control, with upwards of 80% of diabetics who have it over 25 years experiencing it. The chance of me losing my vision ultimately is high even with all the efforts I do. I had a TIA (mini-stroke last March) and spent a couple days in the stroke ward of the hospital.

I am lucky though, my heart is good (as posted above that takes alot of us out). My kidneys are great (that takes most of the rest out). I am in good shape-6'0--190 and will not let this disease beat or define me. My daughters, who are 3 and 8, and my wife need me and I am going to be around for as long as I can.

Jay's first months are going to be rough, but I bet you won't even hear a mention of this as the season goes on.

Again thanks for indulging the non-shark pool discussion.

You're quite an inspiration.