List of sportspeople with diabetes

Improvements in the management of diabetes mellitus in the twentieth century have made it possible for athletes to compete in sport at a professional level. While it is very rare for professional athletes to have type 2 diabetes, a number of notable athletes suffer type 1.

Literature on the management of diabetes in competitive sports focuses on the difficulties with balancing energy and insulin intake during periods of strenuous exercise.^[1]

The following is a list of notable sportspeople who have suffered diabetes during their careers. It does not include athletes diagnosed after retirement.

American football

• Jay Cutler, Denver Broncos (2006–2008) and Chicago Bears (2009–) quarterback, type 1.^[2]
• Kendall Simmons, Pittsburgh Steelers (2002–2008) guard, type 2.^[3]

Basketball

• Chris Dudley, National Basketball Association centre (1988–2001), politician, type 1.^[4]
• Adam Morrison, National Basketball Association small forward (2006–2010), type 1.^[5]

Cricket

• Craig Cumming, New Zealand batsman (11 tests, 2005–2008), type 1.^[6]
• Wasim Akram, Pakistan fast bowler (1985–2003), member of the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, type 1.^[7]

Cycling

• Javier Mejías, Spain, type 1.^[8]

Football/soccer

• Gary Mabbutt, Tottenham (1982–1998) and Bristol Rovers (1979–1982) defender, UEFA Cup and FA Cup winner, type 1.^[9]
• Danny McGrain, Scotland (62 caps, 1973–1982) and Celtic (1967–1987) defender, seven-time Scottish Premier League winner.^[10]

Golf

• Scott Verplank, five-time PGA Tour winner, type 1.^[11]

Rowing

• Sir Steven Redgrave, England, five-time Olympic gold medal winner (1984–2000), type 1.^[7]

Rugby league

• Steve Renouf, Brisbane (1988–1999), Queensland and Australia centre, type 1.^[12]
• Brett Stewart, Manly (2003–), New South Wales and Australia fullback, type 1.^[13]

Swimming

• Gary Hall, Jr., American freestyler, five-time Olympic gold medallist (1996, 2000, 2004), type 1.

References

1. ^ Hornsby, W. G.; Chetlin, R. D. (1 April 2005). "Management of Competitive Athletes With Diabetes". Diabetes Spectrum 18 (2): 102–107. doi:10.2337/diaspect.18.2.102. http://spectrum.diabetesjournals.org/content/18/2/102.full. Retrieved 30 July 2011. 
2. ^ "Cutler has Type 1 diabetes, career not in jeopardy". NFL.com. 2008. http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8081b03e&template=with-video&confirm=true. Retrieved 30 July 2011. 
3. ^ Bouchette, Ed (26 July 2003). "Diabetic condition sidelines Steelers starting right guard". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/steelers/20030726simmons0726p2.asp. Retrieved 30 July 2011. 
4. ^ Levy, Dan (19 October 2010). "Dudley Uses NBA Pedigree, Cash in Oregon Governor Run". Businessweek. http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-10-19/dudley-uses-nba-pedigree-cash-in-oregon-governor-run.html. Retrieved 30 July 2011. 
5. ^ "Diabetes corralled, Morrison tackles self-doubt". NBC Sports. 18 November 2006. http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/15736014/ns/sports-nba//. Retrieved 30 July 2011. 
6. ^ Cossens, Tim (3 November 2008). "Getting on top of diabetes". Otago Daily Times. http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/30064/getting-top-diabetes. Retrieved 30 July 2011. 
7. ^ ^{a b} Webb, Justin (28 February 2009). "The disease that’s stalking my children, by BBC newsman". Daily Mail. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1157987/The-disease-8217-s-stalking-children-BBC-newsman-Justin-Webb.html. Retrieved 30 July 2011. 
8. ^ "Rabou verlaat Rabobank Continental voor Amerikaanse Team Type 1". Sportdome.nl. 26 October 2009. http://www.sportdome.nl/Nieuws/7557-Rabou-verlaat-Rabobank-Continental-voor-Amerikaanse-Team-Type-1.html. Retrieved 30 July 2011. 
9. ^ "Celebrity Health - Gary Mabbutt". BBC News. 6 February 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4674166.stm. Retrieved 30 July 2011. 
10. ^ Stanton, Jim (4 May 2005). "Charity's on the ball to let fans live the dream". The Scotsman. http://business.scotsman.com/medialeisure/Charitys-on-the-ball-to.2623504.jp. Retrieved 30 July 2011. 
11. ^ Potter, Jerry (20 September 2005). "Tough challenge old hat for diabetic Verplank". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/golf/pga/2005-09-20-verplank_x.htm. Retrieved 30 July 2011. 
12. ^ McLeish, Kathy (5 November 2004). "Juvenile Diabetes". Stateline Queensland (ABC). http://www.abc.net.au/stateline/qld/content/2004/s1235827.htm. Retrieved 30 July 2011. 
13. ^ Magnay, Jacqueline (27 September 2007). "I'll have 20 blood tests: Stewart". Brisbane Times. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/league/ill-have-20-blood-tests-stewart/2007/09/26/1190486430132.html. Retrieved 31 July 2011.