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 rare for professional athletes to have type 2 diabetes, a number of notable athletes have 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 had 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]
• Mike Echols, Tennessee Titans (2002–2004) cornerback, type 1.^[3]
• Kendall Simmons, Pittsburgh Steelers (2002–2008) guard, type 1.^[4]
• Jake Byrne, San Diego Chargers, tight end, type 1
• John Chick, Saskatchewan Roughriders (2007-2009, 2013-), Indianapolis Colts (2010–11), Jacksonville Jaguars (2011-2012) defensive end, type 1^[5]
• Patrick Peterson, Arizona Cardinals (2011-); cornerback, type 2

Australian rules football

• Nathan Bassett, Adelaide, type 1.^[6]
• Jamie Cripps, St Kilda and West Coast, type 1.^[7]
• Jack Fitzpatrick, Melbourne, Hawthorn type 1.^[8]
• Brandon Jack, Sydney, type 1.^[9]
• Paddy McCartin, St Kilda, type 1.^[10]
• Sam Reid, Western Bulldogs and Greater Western Sydney, type 1.^[6]
• Dale Weightman, Richmond, type 1.^[6]

Baseball

• Ron Santo, Chicago Cubs (1960-1973) and Chicago White Sox (1974) infielder, type 1, deceased (2010 at age 70).
• Sam Fuld, Chicago Cubs (2007–2010), Tampa Bay Rays (2011–2013), and Oakland Athletics (2014-) outfielder, type 1.^[11]
• Mark Lowe, Seattle Mariners (2006–2010, 2015), Texas Rangers (2010–2012), Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2013), Cleveland Indians (2014), Toronto Blue Jays (2015), and Detroit Tigers (2016-) pitcher, type 1.^[12]
• Brandon Morrow, Seattle Mariners (2007–2009) and Toronto Blue Jays (2010–2014) pitcher, type 1.^[12]
• Dustin McGowan, Toronto Blue Jays (2005–2008, 2011, 2013-2014), Philadelphia Phillies (2015), and Miami Marlins (2016-) pitcher, type 1.
• Jackie Robinson, Brooklyn Dodgers (1947-1956), type 2, deceased (1972 at age 53).
• Bill Gullickson, Montreal Expos (1979-1994), type 1^[13]
• Rick McAllister, Chicago Cubs (1980-1981), Type 2
• Adam Duvall, Cincinnati Reds (2015-), Type 1

Basketball

• Chris Dudley, National Basketball Association center (1988–2001), politician, type 1.^[14]
• Gary Forbes, National Basketball Association small forward (2010–present), type 1.^[15]
• Adam Morrison, National Basketball Association small forward (2006–2010), type 1.
• Alper Saruhan, Turkish Basketball Super League small forward (2007–present), type 1.

Canoe Slalom

• Georgia Rankin, Australian Junior Canoe/Kayak Slalom Team K1 and C1 classes, Type 1

Cricket

• Craig Cumming, New Zealand batsman (11 Tests, 2005–2008), type 1.^[16]
• John McLaren, Australian batsman (1 Test, 1912), died of diabetes aged 34.
• Craig McMillan, New Zealand batsman (55 Tests, 1997–2005), type 1.^[17]
• Wasim Akram, Pakistan fast bowler (1985–2003), member of the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, type 1.^[18]
• Dirk Wellham, Australian batsman (6 Tests, 1981–1987), type 1.^[19]

Cycling

Team Novo Nordisk is a global all-diabetes sports team of cyclists, triathletes and runners, spearheaded by the world’s first all-diabetes professional cycling team. The team’s mission is to inspire, educate and empower people affected by diabetes.^[20]

Team Novo Nordisk is the first professional cycling team to be comprised completely of riders living with type 1 diabetes.^[21] All riders, including Javier Mejías (Spain),^[22] Andrea Peron (Italy), Martijn Verschoor (Netherlands), and several of the team’s staff, including Phil Southerland and VP of Marketing Matt Vogel, are living with diabetes.^[23][24]

Football/soccer

• Scott Allan, Celtic (2015–) midfielder, Type 1.
• Ben Coker, Southend United (2013– ) defender, Type 1.^[25]
• Antonia Göransson, Sweden women's national football team (2010– ) midfielder, Type 1.^[26]
• Gary Mabbutt, Tottenham (1982–1998) and Bristol Rovers (1979–1982) defender, UEFA Cup and FA Cup winner, type 1.^[27]
• Danny McGrain, Scotland (62 caps, 1973–1982) and Celtic (1967–1987) defender, seven-time Scottish Premier League winner.^[28]
• Jordan Morris, United States (5 caps, 2014-) and Seattle Sounders FC (2012–2013, 2016–) and Stanford University (2013–2015) Forward, Type 1.
• Jack Muldoon, Lincoln City (2015– ), forward, Type 1.^[29]
• Nacho, Spain (2013–) and Real Madrid (2009–) defender.^[30]
• Andy Penman, Scotland (1 cap, 1966) and Rangers (1967–1973), Dundee F.C. (1959–1967) and Arbroath F.C. (1973–1978) midfielder, Scottish Football League winner 1961. Type 1, deceased (1994 at aged 51).^[31]
• Craig Stanley, Lincoln City (2015– ), midfielder, Type 1.^[29]
• Magnus Wolff Eikrem Norwegian professional footballer. Currently playing for Malmö FF.
• Pär Zetterberg Sweden national football team, midfielder, Type 1.

Golf

• Scott Verplank, five-time PGA Tour winner, type 1.^[32]

Ice hockey

• Nick Boynton, former National Hockey League defenseman, type 1.^[33]
• Bobby Clarke OC, Philadelphia Flyers (1969–84) and Canada center, sports administrator, type 1.^[34]
• Cory Conacher, National Hockey League center (2011–present), type 1.^[35]
• B. J. Crombeen, National Hockey League winger (2007–present), type 1.^[36]
• Max Domi, National Hockey League winger (2015–present), type 1.^[37]
• Toby Petersen, former National Hockey League center (2000–2014), type 1.^[38]

Motor racing

• Jamie Dick, NASCAR driver, type 2.^[39]
• Charlie Kimball, IndyCar driver, type 1.^[40]
• Ryan Reed, NASCAR driver, type 1.^[41]
• Miguel Paludo, Brazil. NASCAR driver, type 1.^[42]

Rowing

• Sir Steve Redgrave, England, five-time Olympic gold medal winner (1984–2000), type 1.^[18]
• Michal Jelinski, Poland, Olympic gold medal winner 2008, four-time World Champion (2005-2009) quadrouple sculls, type 1
• Chris Jarvis,Canada, Olympic rower 2004, 2008, pan-am games champion (2007) Men's pair, type 1

Rugby league

• Steve Renouf, Brisbane (1988–1999), Queensland and Australia centre, type 1.^[43]
• Brett Stewart, Manly (2003–), New South Wales and Australia fullback, type 1.^[44]
• Lance Thompson, St George Dragons (1995–2005), Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (2006–2008)

Rugby union

• Rod Kafer, Australian Test player (12 caps, 1999–2000), type 1.^[45]
• Erik Munch-Ellingsen (AECC)
• Henry Slade, Exeter Chiefs
• Chris Pennell, Worcester Warriors and England, Type 1
• Sean Kerr , Ireland, Ulster

Swimming and Running

• Gary Hall, Jr., American freestyler, five-time Olympic gold medallist (1996, 2000, 2004), type 1.
• Shawn Forrest, Australian marathon runner, NCAA runner up 10k, World Track and Field Championships marathon 2013, half marathon all time list for Australia, type 1

Tennis

• Arthur Ashe, United States of America, winner of 3 Grand Slam Titles (1968 US Open, 1970 Australian Open, 1975 Wimbledon), type 2.^[46]
• Billie Jean King, United States of America, winner of 20 Wimbledon titles, 3 U.S. Open titles, one Australian Open title, four French Open titles, and 695 career singles victories, type 2.^[47]

Winter sports

• Kris Freeman, American cross-country skier, type 1.^[48]
• Sean Busby, American professional snowboarder, type 1.
• Chris Southwell, professional extreme snowboarder from UK, 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. Retrieved 30 July 2011. Check date values in: |year= / |date= mismatch (help)
2. "Cutler has Type 1 diabetes, career not in jeopardy". NFL.com. 2008. Retrieved 30 July 2011.
3. Klis, Mike (2 May 2008). "Jay Cutler diagnosed with diabetes". Denver Post. Retrieved 18 June 2012.
4. Bouchette, Ed (26 July 2003). "Diabetic condition sidelines Steelers starting right guard". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 30 July 2011.
5. Graham, Jennifer (2013-08-26). "Saskatchewan Roughrider John Chick shows diabetes no obstacle to football career". Toronto Star. Retrieved 2013-12-02.
6. Quayle, Emma (24 January 2010). "Bulldog has diabetes, but is OK to play on".
7. Butler, Steve (14 November 2014). "Diabetes can't ground Eagle".
8. Guthrie, Ben (29 January 2015). "New diet a big help with Demon's diabetes battle".
9. Zell, Alison. "A Jack of all trades".
10. Quayle, Emma (24 November 2014). "How potential No.1 draft pick Paddy McCartin got his footy career organised".
11. Winston, Lisa (14 November 2007). "Fuld wins Stenson Award". mlb.com. Retrieved 18 June 2012.
12. "M's Morrow, Lowe living with diabetes". ESPN. 1 April 2009. Retrieved 18 June 2012.
13. Bill Gullickson
14. Levy, Dan (19 October 2010). "Dudley Uses NBA Pedigree, Cash in Oregon Governor Run". Businessweek. Retrieved 30 July 2011.
15. // "Toronto Raptor Gary Forbes refuses to let diabetes ruin his dream" Check |url= value (help). Toronto Star. 1 April 2012. Retrieved 2 April 2012.
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17. "McMillan takes a bow". Independent Online (South Africa).
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19. "Swansea sixes". Cricinfo. Retrieved 14 December 2011.
20. http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/13434/Team-Type-1-becomes-Team-Novo-Nordisk-all-diabetic-roster-in-2013.aspx
21. http://finance.yahoo.com/news/team-novo-nordisk-worlds-first-120000732.html
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23. http://www.teamnovonordisk.com/staff/phil-southerland
24. http://www.teamnovonordisk.com/staff/matt-vogel
25. "The star footballer with an insulin pump in his kit bag: Ben Coker is an 'incredible inspiration' who doesn't let diabetes hold him back". 26 September 2015.
26. Fredriksson, Emelie (26 May 2015). ""Var på toa sex gånger per träning"" (in Swedish). Aftonbladet. Retrieved 13 November 2016.
27. "Celebrity Health - Gary Mabbutt". BBC News. 6 February 2006. Retrieved 30 July 2011.
28. Stanton, Jim (4 May 2005). "Charity's on the ball to let fans live the dream". The Scotsman. Retrieved 30 July 2011.
29. Marshall, Dave (21 May 2016). "Footballers with diabetes: Lincoln City players tell their stories". Lincolnshire Echo. Retrieved 13 November 2016.
30. Lara, Miguel Ángel (10 November 2016). "Nacho opens up on struggles with diabetes". Marca (newspaper). Retrieved 13 November 2016.
31. "Legends Join Dundee Hall of Fame". Evening Telegraph. 29 March 2011. Retrieved 5 January 2013.
32. Potter, Jerry (20 September 2005). "Tough challenge old hat for diabetic Verplank". USA Today. Retrieved 30 July 2011.
33. Milewski, Mary (1 December 2004). "NHL's Boynton Scores on Diabetes Control". www.diabeteshealth.com. Retrieved 18 June 2012.
34. Clarke, Bobby (28 March 1983). "A Veteran Hockey Player Takes His Shots—to Control His Diabetes". People. Retrieved 18 June 2012.
35. "Cory Conacher has overcome plenty, including surname". http://www.cbc.ca. 9 October 2012. Archived from the original on 4 September 2013. Retrieved 19 February 2013. External link in |newspaper= (help)
36. "Crombeen Not Held Back by Diabetes". blues.nhl.com. 16 March 2011. Retrieved 18 June 2012.
37. "A Coyote and his dog:Canine companion helps rookie cope with diabetes". http://www.azcentral.com/. 30 October 2015. Retrieved 30 October 2015. External link in |newspaper= (help)
38. http://www.dlife.com/diabetes/famous_people/sports/toby-petersen-biography
39. Pennell, Jay (March 16, 2015). "XFINITY Series driver Jamie Dick diagnosed with diabetes, Earnhardt to fill in". Foxsports.com. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
40. http://www.mensfitness.com/leisure/sports/diabetes-wont-slow-down-racer-charlie-kimball
41. "Ryan Reed". Stop Diabetes. Retrieved 17 March 2014.
42. "Miguel Paludo Partners With International Diabetes Federation". Turner Motorsports. 30 May 2012. Retrieved 11 June 2012.
43. McLeish, Kathy (5 November 2004). "Juvenile Diabetes". Stateline Queensland (ABC). Retrieved 30 July 2011.
44. Magnay, Jacqueline (27 September 2007). "I'll have 20 blood tests: Stewart". Brisbane Times. Retrieved 31 July 2011.
45. Berrett, Nick (8 June 2010). "Wallaby runs with young Pumas". Pine Rivers Press. Retrieved 18 June 2012.
46. "nndb.com, Arthur Ashe".
47. "Tennis Legend Billie Jean King in Match With Type 2 Diabetes". Retrieved 2016-09-28.
48. "Heroes: Kris Freeman". Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Retrieved 18 June 2012.