Cutler: 'I'm fortunate that nothing happened'
Diabetes education began immediately
By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Friday, May 2, 2008
George Kochaniec Jr./Rocky Mountain News
Cutler had lost 30 to 35 pounds.
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The number 100 is solid for a quarterback rating - and the normally functioning body's blood- sugar level before a meal, when the number spikes to perhaps 180.
As Jay Cutler lay nearly motionless on a couch in Atlanta, just trying to recapture some semblance of energy from his morning workouts in January and February, there's no telling how high that figure rose.
"I'm sure it was in the 500 and 600s," Cutler surmised Friday, relating he would sleep from 2 to 6 p.m., eat dinner, then crash again most days during that period. "Because I felt a heck of a lot worse then than when I did when I figured out what it was."
When the blood work came back April 16, and the Broncos quarterback discovered he had Type 1 diabetes, his glucose count was at 411.
A potential emergency was averted, and perhaps barely, too.
"I've talked to a lot of people and read stories, and the way many of them find out is, they go into a coma for two, three days and it's the only way they figured it out," Cutler said, moments after a news conference to discuss his now- public condition. "I'm fortunate that nothing happened."
Much has occurred since his diagnosis.
Cutler has become educated far beyond his cursory knowledge of the disease. He has regained about 18 of the 30 to 35 pounds he had lost during a five-month span.
His dietary habits have changed. And he already has begun making plans on how to thrive as a professional quarterback on game day without putting himself at risk.
Cutler's current plan is to wear an insulin pump during practices and pregame warm-ups to regulate his blood-sugar level, once he gets back to his 238-pound playing weight and his condition fully stabilizes.
Then he'll take the device off for the three hours he plays in games, keeping a close eye on his glucose levels - either between quarters or at halftime - and drinking Gatorade to give his body a boost rather than letting the machine do the work for him.
"I don't want to get hit on it and it injects 15 units," he said, jokingly.
Cutler, 25, first began to notice there was a problem in mid-October. He lost 8 pounds in a week. Then he dropped 2 to 3 pounds weekly from there.
By season's end, he would scramble for yardage and come back to the huddle gassed, barely able to make the next play call at about 202 pounds, his lowest weight since his freshman year of college.
He and the team's medical staff chalked up his declining physical condition last year to the rigors of his first full NFL season as a starter.
Yet, aside from his weight loss and a marked decline in energy, Cutler was experiencing frequent urination and a constant dry mouth.
In hindsight, those all were classic diabetes symptoms.
But with no family history relating to the disease, Cutler never had the blood work he would need to determine a root cause, until one was given in conjunction with the opening of the team's offseason training program last month.
"We wish we would have caught it towards the end of the season, and that's probably my fault, because we were trying to schedule a blood test but I had a lot of things going on. And once the season ended, everybody kind of scatters around here," Cutler said. "But I think we caught it relatively soon. And talking to the doctors, if I get this under control, there shouldn't be any long-term damage."
And there are severe consequences if Type 1 diabetes is undiagnosed, including possible heart and kidney damage.
Currently, Cutler is injecting himself up to six times daily to keep up with the insulin needed to handle the amount of carbohydrates, proteins and fatty foods he is eating in order to gain all his weight back.
"He's been dealing with it well," said Marty Garafalo, who has run Cutler's charitable foundation for the past year. "It's a lifestyle change, but it's a manageable, treatable disease. And so far, he's keeping track of everything. Now he's trying to gain weight. And I think, once he gets his weight (normalized), the medication will start kicking in a little better."
Broncos coach Mike Shanahan and head trainer Steve Antonopulos are on vacation and were unavailable for comment.
The biggest question to which Cutler might never get an answer relates to how he ended up with the disease.
Cutler's Type 1 version appears in only about 5 percent to 10 percent of the total number of cases.
"I'm just glad we found out now, rather than in the middle of camp," he said. "We'll be able to have a few trial runs with some camps coming up and get a good feel for what it's going to be like, once I get into the strenuous activities and figure out how much I'm going to fall and how I'm going to maintain during games."
The goal is 100, after all - not so much in target blood-sugars levels but the percent of health he feels to do his job.
"Obviously, this is a serious disease," he said. "It's not going to change me on the field. I'll make lifestyle changes. But I'll probably be a better quarterback this year than I was last year."
Comments
Posted by jlcampbelldenver on May 2, 2008 at 11:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So I guess he's gonna have to take his s hots at halftime? I wonder how that works. This must be a shock to him. I truely hope he handles himself ok and that it doesnt effect his performance.
Posted by Yella on May 2, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dude, who cares about his performance . . . This is a health issue. Grow a heart bud.
Posted by idk on May 2, 2008 at 1:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
He will take his shots at halftime, time-outs, when the defense is out on the field, or any other time that he needs them! He will test his blood sugar every chance he gets and sometime have to eat or drink to bring his blood sugar up. And most of the time, you won't even notice it. Watch Adam Morrison play basketball, you only notice he's checking his blood sugar if you are watching for it. Gary Hall Jr. won numerous gold medals in the olympics while dealing with type 1 diabetes. This is a very serious, life-threatening disease, but with good treatment and self-care, the future is bright. Jay will perform just fine. I'm looking forward to him leading the Broncos to a super bowl. And I'm also looking forward to Jay being a role model for all the kids that suffer from diabetes as well.
Posted by LABronco on May 2, 2008 at 1:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My brother has had diabetes since he was young and was the leading rusher for 4A in the state in HS his Sr. year. He was able to have a successful college football career as well. He now wears the pump which has been a great advancement for diabetics and you can hardly tell he has it on - the tube is tiny and the device is about the size of a small ipod. Take a look back at another QB in the NFL who had success that has the more severe version of diabeties - Wade Wilson. Cutler will be fine once he get's used to it all and his performance will be top notch.
Posted by BMat on May 2, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I just re-read my post from above. It's even funnier today than it was yesterday!
No disrespect to Jay, I like him. For chrissakes he plays more defense than Carmello does . . .
Posted by COsuperfly on May 2, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes a year at age 20. It is a HUGE life adjustment for her and us. I can't believe he played through the fall with it last year - really amazing. I'm impressed and looking forward to watching him this coming season!
Posted by mareksvato on May 2, 2008 at 3:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Now it is all clear. We need a new QB to be competitive. This isn't HS!!
Posted by mareksvato on May 2, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Diabeties is no joke!! He should be happy to live a semi-normal life and do what is best for himself and the team and stepdown.
Posted by bushmaster on May 2, 2008 at 3:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
jay is a stud...he's a strong kid, great attitude, and he'll be fine. looking forward to a great season.
Posted by mareksvato on May 2, 2008 at 4:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
jay WAS a stud and I like him as a person.... he has lost 30lbs of muscle and will have a hard time gaining it back. Sure the treatmens will help, but we need a healthy QB to be competitive. Please come back to reality bushmaster.
Posted by kgroney on May 2, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
First let me say this sux for jay, health issues trump football issues....always.....and I wish him the best with everything
I've got to say, however, I think those questioning whether he can play through this are wrong.
Just my opinion, but my mom was diagnosed some 20 yrs ago with type 1 diabetes. It's a night and day difference when her blood sugars go high or low compared to when normal.
Jay's been able to compete at a very high level with this being undiagnosed. If he stays on top of it, the lethargy will go away, and his strength and energy will increases greatly. I gotta think you don't know crap about diabetes and its treatment if you're calling for jay to step down. This diagnosis, awful as it is, will greatly help him physically and mentally compared to last year.
Wade Wilson was a pro bowler, and (no offense to wilson) jay has WAY more physical ability to work with than wilson did. No one I'd rather have at the helm for the broncs this year.
Best wishes jay!
kg
Posted by LABronco on May 2, 2008 at 4:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Read up on it ja_king. Treatments? He's going to function normally & completely healthy just like you and I, only difference is he'll have a pump or needle to inject his insulin vs. his pancreas and he has to check his blood sugar levels on a regular basis. It won't effect his performance. Olympic champions and other elite athletes have proven that and 30 LBS is not difficult to build up in 4 months for a football player.
Posted by bushmaster on May 2, 2008 at 4:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
yeah, like you KNOW him as a person ja_king36. go back to your fantasy football, blow up doll, and beer.
Posted by princess on May 2, 2008 at 6:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good lord quit calling for Cutler to go away. As long as he is on top of it he will be fine. He's our QB and I don't wish to see him go until the day he retires ( 15 years from now)
Posted by queenjacyln on May 2, 2008 at 10:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am absolutely optimistic about Cutler this season and beyond. The bottom line is he is doing what he needs to now in order to be fully healthy again. What a world of difference it is going to make to Cutler to have all his energy and strength back. I remember in the late season press conferences about how worn down he was, Cutler would talk about it every week. Just watch the press conference now and he looks much better. Cutler is our QB and Broncos fans are going to need to stick by him. With a little support from us and the team Cutler is going to be more than fine.
Posted by angryman1n on May 3, 2008 at 12:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Damn. I've been riding Cut-Soon ever since he replaced Jake-the-Fake. (Never did sit right w/ me. Why replace a QB that took you to the AFC Championship????) But, ya'll are shameless. The Broncos may have just discovered why Cutler has struggled. Give him a chance to prove himself. Yes, Cutler's career will undoubtedly be cut short. Yes, the Bronco's do need to shop around. But, even I feel he should be given another chance.
And one more thing. WHERE WERE YA'LL LAST SEASON?!?!?!? Way to kick a guy when he's down.
Posted by comment63 on May 3, 2008 at 6:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Type I diabetes is managable. My son has had it for 7 years. He
has remained active and is able to do everything he did prior to the diagnosis. It sounds like Jay Cutler all ready has a plan to manage the disease and he will come back and play at a higher level than he did last year. When he can provide his body the insulin it needs, his body will perform at the highest level of sports. That's why teams have doctors and trainers. Colorado has wonderful specialists in the diabetes arena. Diabetes requires a person to pay attention to their body's needs...mmm...what we should all be doing anyway. Mr. Cutler is in a position to educate all the ignorant people who believe a person living with diabetes is somehow limited and unable to compete in society. I think he will be a wonderful role model. As a healthy member of the Broncos Team he just might lead us to our former glory.
Posted by Bronco6 on May 3, 2008 at 6:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You all better get out of the way, or jump on the Band Wagon Now , cause Jay's not stopping to pick you guys up after your kickin him when he was down..Just remember what you said about him...Cause I'm sure he will and so will we..... Go Broncos...
Posted by MiamiMike on May 3, 2008 at 7 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To all of you who said Cutler should step down or that he will hurt the team. Look at all these GREAT ATHLETES who have this disease. It would have been a GREAT loss if they ALL stepped down and did not play in their sport. We as fans would have lost some of the greatest sports figures and the chance to watch some of the best sports played. Please take the time and learn about a topic before you speak or write. It's sad that people still talk with such lack of thinking before they speak. Cutler will have the best medical help he can get. Like these other great athletes he will do fine. Lets get behind him and the Broncos and hope for the best.
Athletes with diabetes
Other pro athletes who dealt with diabetes during successful playing careers:
BASEBALL
Ty Cobb
Bill Gullickson
Dave Hollins
Catfish Hunter
Jackie Robinson
Ron Santo
David Wells
BASKETBALL
Chris Dudley
Walt Frazier
Adam Morrison
BOXING
Buster Douglas
Joe Frazier
Sugar Ray Robinson
FOOTBALL
Kenny Duckett
Mike Echols
Tony George
Jonathan Hayes
Jay Leeuwenburg
Art Shell
Mike Sinclair
Kendall Simmons
Wade Wilson
GOLF
Kelli Kuehne
Michelle McGann
Sherri Turner
Scott Verplank
Jo Ann Washam
HOCKEY
Nick Boynton
Bobby Clarke
Rick Dudley
SKIING
Kris Freeman
SNOWBOARDING
Sean Busby
SWIMMING
Gary Hall Jr.
TENNIS
Arthur Ashe
Billie Jean King
Ham Richardson
Bill Talbert
TRACK AND FIELD
Bob Beamon
Posted by Kooiman on May 3, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think it's great. Not that he has it, but that he caught it early enough. He will be more effective as a player and as a person, not feeling worn down all the time. Maybe now he owes B.M. an apology though. If Marshall didn't hurt his arm, they might have been in Atlanta practicing and Jay may not have found out 'till later.
Posted by Dynamicdave on May 3, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ja_king36 , Jay will be fine and ready to go at the start of the season. He lost the weight because his condition went unchecked and untreated. Now that he has it in check, his weight will rapidly come back. My brother is a diabetic and 245 lbs. My sister is also diabetic and healthy. He will be in the training facility as well as the weight room. He has staff members who will put him on a strick program. He has 4 months to gain weight. He may not have all 30 lbs. back, but he'll be close enough.
Posted by saph13 on May 3, 2008 at 4:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Diabetes is maintainable but this statement has hindered the urgency to find a cure. There are severe and life threatening side effects to long time insulin use.
Posted by DenverGold on May 3, 2008 at 5:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
One thing that Jay Cutler has going for him that the average person doesn't is he has access to excellent and IMMEDIATE medical attention. He's like a race horse in that his health is paramount to the business he's in...that being Professional Football. Like the race horse...the bottom line is WINNING which equates to MONEY for the organization that owns both Cutler and the race horse. So not to worry friends...Jay Cutler WILL GET the best medical treatment possible...just wish we common folk were as lucky...this spoken as a Diabetic.
Posted by jamesdenver on May 3, 2008 at 8:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
saph13 what the hell are you talking about? The body MAKES insulin. There's on damage to using outside insulin to your body. Provided your glucose levels are maintained and controlled throughout your life there are few complications. Let your blood sugars swing wildly and stay high you'll do damage to your eyes and kidneys. Simple as that.
I've been a type 1 DB for 14 years know. Its annoying at times but easy to manage with diet and lots of exercise. (and a good health plan i might add.)
I live a full life and travel, ski, camp, scuba dive, bike, work out, and my diabetes has absolutely no bearing on what I do in life.
More at http://www.futuregringo.com/index.php...
Posted by BMat on May 4, 2008 at 11:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Everyone else in the NFL gets a shot at halftime. Why shouldn't Jay Cutler?
Posted by Battlehoss on May 4, 2008 at 1:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wish Jay the best in handling his illness, that said, Jay and the Broncos are nowhere near competing for the AFC west! It's a one horse race!
Posted by rayse1981 on May 4, 2008 at 7:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dear JamesDenver:
As a Type 1 of 10 years whose mother has had Type 1 for 42 years, I am saddened that you would devalue saph13's comment; the only one on this string that has mentioned the long term dangers of insulin use and an urgent need for a CURE. Props to him for his eloquent statement.
I am more saddened by your lack of compassion for the millions of diabetics who have not had such positive experiences as yourself. Not all diabetics are created equal. Your comment spreads the already pervasive notion that those who suffer from complications do so by complete fault of their own. That a cure need not be a priority. There are so many other factors that lead to complications and the medical profession is just beginning to understand.
I visited your personal site. You undoubtedly have access to quality health care and technology that many do not have. You are truly an exception, and if you spent any time on the www.dlife.com site as you suggested, you would hear the cries of thousands of others who are struggling with the daily turmoils of this disease. INSULIN IS NOT A CURE, it is simply "maintenance". Oh, didn't you see this slogan on the www.childrenwithdiabetes.com site that you mentioned as well? Yes, the body makes insulin, but the insulin we take is an analog that has been shown to increase the occurrence of cancers with long-term use.
No doubt, Jay will have the best in care and technology. He will likely do well on the field and embody the spirit of determination and success.
I nannied a 5 year old with the disease who was on a pump, and no words are more chilling than those of a 5 year old boy who says "If I will have diabetes my whole life, I don't want to live anymore." Tell me how that is normal? 'easy'? and has 'no bearing' on his life?
Shame on you for invalidating the real experiences of a majority of people who do not have the ease you do; for the friends and family who are working so hard on their behalf, and for doing it publicly no less, where there is an audience of general ignorance.
Perhaps if your sister was diagnosed with breast cancer and they had to remove her breast and perform chemo treatments, that would be ok because it is a quick surgery and really won't have any impact on her life. Oh, and the chemo thing causing arthritis, stroke, and severe osteoporosis are normal and easy as well...
Perhaps if you were diagnosed with prostate cancer, you would be thrilled to hear someone say that if you had done some self exams during your younger years it could have been caught and that you don't need that extra ball sac for anything, it's just a reminder of your manhood.
The bias of your opinion shows how little involvement you have in the diabetic community.
I suppose you are entitled to speak from your isolated experience. That is all it is...
'Until there is a cure'
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