Bronco QB Jay Cutler diagnosed with Type 1

[CDoyle1013]

It's on the news tonight in Denver...Bronco QB Jay Cutler has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes...given his age, I am surprised, but yet nothing regarding Type 1 surprises me anymore I guess

[CDoyle1013]

Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler throwing againt the Tennessee Titans last season. (The Denver Post | Cyrus McCrimmon)Related Articles
May 1:
Cutler's Type 1 diabetes uncommonLife 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.

[Mama Belle]

Good for the Broncos for standing behind Jay and having confidence in his ability to continue to do his job after dx. I know one of the team docs, I wonder if he had a part in the dx. I'll have to find out.

[Heather(CA)]

Good for the Broncos for standing behind Jay and having confidence in his ability to continue to do his job after dx. I know one of the team docs, I wonder if he had a part in the dx. I'll have to find out.

I'm proud of the Broncos too...I just might be a little Bronco fan now:D

[StillMamamia]

Does he know about this website? I mean he should...there is tons of support here...just in case :o

[OSUMom]

My husband, son at home, and I just saw on ESPN's Sports Center this morning (our daily routine :D).

[Lee]

Good for the Bronco's and the reporter for getting the facts straight - I am sorry that this man has T1, but I am glad he is going to keep playing!

[frizzyrazzy]

Good job on them getting their facts straight in the article too! I'm impressed.

[Carrie]

This is an Associated Press article (once again...diabetes all lumped together). Kinda stinks that it takes someone famous to get this much attention about Type 1. Our kids are just as special! On a side note, maybe we should blitz this guy with e-mails and let him know we are thinking of him and know what he's going through.


Broncos quarterback Cutler diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes
By PAT GRAHAM – 8 hours ago

DENVER (AP) — 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 is expected to address 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.

[momtojess]

This is Huge news in our football crazed house. My boys like knowing that sports people (especially QB, since my Joey is QB in his little league) have D like their little sister.. makes Jess not so strange to them.

[jscat]

Someone needs to explain a few things to his fans LOL. There is a lot of good info but a lot of them really don't get it. Like this qoute "did cutler eat to much candy or what? if thats the case then how come russell and white haven't gotten it?!"

http://forums.denverbroncos.com/showthread.php?t=115592

[CatiesDad]

Jay Cutler press conference from today discussing his dx.

http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=349&videoID=2624&type=broncosTV&year=&month=

[OSUMom]

I like this guy! :)

[saxmaniac]

That thread actually has quite a lot of people who know T1 vs T2. I'm impressed, I figured there would be a lot more misinformation.

Now think about this if you're feeling a bit guilty about your kid's dx:

Here's a guy who's livelihood, millions of dollars, and entire business depends on his good health. He likely has a huge team of professionals monitoring his health constantly, and he still lost 32 pounds and took months to dx.

[Sari]

I just watched the press conference and am very impressed with his composure thru the whole thing. Clearly he is nervous, but for being 2 weeks into this, he sure knows his stuff.

[Seans Mom]

Thanks CatiesDad for the link to the conference. I am really impressed w/ that guy. He did a great job explaining and educating AND this soon after diagnosis is already talking about how he can help w/ his foundation. I'm sorry he was diagnosed, never like hearing of new members to the D club though. :(

[Mama Belle]

Thanks for the link to the press conference. :D He did a great job!

[Mom2rh]

I too am impressed with how he did at the press conference! He has had a crash course and he's able to communicate well.

[Ella's mom]

What an amazing job Jay did on his press conference:)

[cadesmom]

Cade's favorite QB is Bret Farve, I have always been a Bronco fan, I will have to get Cade intrested in becoming a Denver fan like me.

[Mama Belle]

Cade's favorite QB is Bret Farve, I have always been a Bronco fan, I will have to get Cade intrested in becoming a Denver fan like me.

Go Broncos! (Actually I am soooo not a football fan, but I will always cheer for my home team!)

[sarahconnormom]

We don't watch a lot of football at our house but we will definitely be rooting for the Broncos this year.

[OSUMom]

My son is a huge Steelers fan, but I can so see him rooting for Jay Cutler now too. :D

[mikesmom58]

Thanks for the link to the video. What a brave, mature young man he is. My heart goes out to him and his family. I printed an article this morning that I had my son read but I will def. have him watch this video as well. As should all the kids out there who are athletes with Type 1. Mike plays baseball so I hope this inspires him to have hope.