NFL quarterback Jay Cutler currently plays for the Chicago Bears, but it was during his tenure at the Denver Broncos that he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. (2024)

NFL quarterback Jay Cutler currently plays for the Chicago Bears, but it was during his tenure at the Denver Broncos that he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. (1)
Author

Name:

Jay Christopher Cutler

Date of birth:

April 29, 1983

Hometown:

Santa Claus, Indiana

Diabetes Type:

Type 1

NFL quarterback Jay Cutler currently plays for the Chicago Bears, but it was during his tenure at the Denver Broncos that he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diagnosis

In May 2008, after losing 35 pounds and feeling continually tired, sometimes before matches, a blood test revealed Cutler had a blood glucose level of 550 mg/dl (30.6 mmol/L).

Following his diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, Cutler began using an insulin pump , which he removed for games. He soon adapted to regular injections instead and blood testing before, during and after games.

Cutler started to cut out excessive carbohydrates and sweets while trying to focus on eating protein and fruit. Before his diagnosis, he readily admitted to eating “anything and everything” and notes his dietary changes as a big adjustment.

“You’re 25 years old, you’re used to eating whatever you want, doing whatever you want. If you want to go out to lunch, go ahead and go. Now, you’re counting carbs and eating healthier and injecting insulin at the table,” Cutler told the Associated Press in 2012.

Cutler reportedly aims to stay around 8-9 mmol/l before kick-off, but has to be wary of adrenaline steering his blood glucose levels higher.

Record breaker

Cutler moved to the Bears later in 2008. Among the records Cutler possesses at the franchise include “Most Career Game Winning Drives” (2009-2014) and “Most Pass Completions in a Single Season” (2009).

These are just two of the numerous records Cutler has set since his move to the team he supported as a child while growing up in Indiana.

Volunteer work

Cutler often visits hospital across the United States to improve public knowledge and awareness about diabetes.
In 2009, Cutler teamed up with Eli Lilly and Campaign for the “Touchdowns for Diabetes” program that funds diabetic camp scholarships.

During that seaso, Lilly sent a child to diabetes camp by donating $1,000 to the American Diabetes Association’s “Camp Scholarship” fund following every touchdown pass that Cutler threw.

Get our free newsletters

Stay up to date with the latest news, research and breakthroughs.

NFL quarterback Jay Cutler currently plays for the Chicago Bears, but it was during his tenure at the Denver Broncos that he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. (2024)

FAQs

How does Jay Cutler manage diabetes? ›

Cutler attributes much of his diabadass success to diet, exercise, constant blood sugar checks and being proactive. He's lowered his sweet intake (unless, of course, he's low - then he'll opt for a Snickers or Milky Way), and limits carbohydrates, choosing healthy proteins, fats, and vegetables instead.

Who has type 1 diabetes in the NFL? ›

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews is perhaps the most famous Type 1 diabetic currently in the league. Gray said while he's never met Andrews, he's in group chats with Miami Dolphins long snapper Blake Ferguson and Jaguars linebacker Chad Muma, both Type 1 diabetics.

Does Jay Cutler have an insulin pump? ›

Cutler's health depends on a small insulin pump (removed for games). He calculates the carbohydrates on his plate and tweaks the pump accordingly. He lifts more to reverse muscle loss. "I'm going to stay healthy," he says.

What is the difference between type 1 and Type 2 diabetes? ›

Diabetes type 1 and type 2 come from different causes: In diabetes type 1, the pancreas does not make insulin, because the body's immune system attacks the islet cells in the pancreas that make insulin. In diabetes type 2, the pancreas makes less insulin than used to, and your body becomes resistant to insulin.

Does Jay Cutler still have diabetes? ›

Being a starting NFL quarterback – as Jay Cutler has been since 2006 – is arguably the most challenging position in professional sports. But try doing it as a type 1 diabetic – as Cutler, 34, has been doing since being diagnosed with the disorder in 2008.

Who is working on a cure for type 1 diabetes? ›

At the Diabetes Research Institute, we have one goal: a cure. With more research, our goal is to effectively reverse type 1 diabetes, restoring the body's ability to normalize blood sugar levels naturally.

When was Jay Cutler diagnosed with diabetes? ›

Type 1 diagnosis

In May 2008, after losing 35 pounds and feeling continually tired, sometimes before matches, a blood test revealed Cutler had a blood glucose level of 550 mg/dl (30.6 mmol/L). Following his diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, Cutler began using an insulin pump , which he removed for games.

Do Type 1 diabetics get drafted? ›

Civilian positions are covered by federal law and regulations that prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of disability. Military positions are exempted from the protections of the Rehabilitation Act and the Army and Air Force medical standards for enlistment state that diabetes is disqualifying.

Who has type 1 diabetes on the Chiefs? ›

Noah Gray, a standout tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, was diagnosed with T1D during his freshman year at Duke University. Despite the life-changing diagnosis, he remained determined to pursue his dreams.

Is Halle Berry type 1 diabetic? ›

Her award winning acting career is evidence enough that having diabetes does not have to hold you back. It was during the taping of the television series 'Living Dolls' in 1989 that Halle Berry lapsed into a diabetic coma. Shortly afterwards she was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus type 1.

What does Jay Cutler eat now? ›

Protein-Packed Meals

Protein is the kingpin of Cutler's diet. He starts his day with a hefty serving of eggs or a protein shake. Chicken, turkey, lean beef, and fish are his primary sources of muscle-building protein.

What does Jay Cutler do for a living now? ›

Cutler has not competed in a while and has turned his focus to his company, Cutler Nutrition, which is a bodybuilding supplement business. However, he also has promotions and other business ventures on social media. Arguably, he's been just as successful since he retired, if not more.

What is the life expectancy of a type 1 diabetic? ›

Life expectancy estimates for individuals with type 1 diabetes in these reports ranged from approximately 65 years of age to 72 years of age. The CDC currently estimates the average US life expectancy is 76.1 years, the lowest figure since 1996.

What are the A1C levels for prediabetes? ›

Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test

In general: Below 5.7% is normal. Between 5.7% and 6.4% is diagnosed as prediabetes. 6.5% or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.

Can type 2 diabetes be reversed? ›

There's no cure for diabetes and no way to completely get rid of it. However, diabetes can be reversed in most people. Reversing diabetes means carefully managing blood sugars to a point where medications are no longer necessary, and staying at that manageable point through a healthy routine of diet and exercise.

What is Olympia medication for diabetes? ›

Ozempic® is a medicine for adults with type 2 diabetes that, along with diet and exercise, may improve blood sugar. While not for weight loss, Ozempic® may help you lose some weight. Adults with type 2 diabetes taking Ozempic® lost up to 14 pounds. Ozempic® is not a weight-loss drug.

Can you be a bodybuilder with diabetes? ›

Can people living with diabetes build muscle? The answer is an emphatic yes – they can and they should! Regular weight-bearing exercise can do wonders for your muscle and bone health.

What do diabetic bodybuilders eat? ›

The key is to cut out bad carbs such as. refined, processed carbohydrates found in white bread, potatoes, pasta and rice from your diet and replace them with good , unprocessed carbs from fruit and vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds and whole-grain versions of bread, pasta and rice.

How does Halle Berry manage her diabetes? ›

The diet she follows is popularly known as the “keto diet”. It is a ketogenic eating regime, i.e. an eating plan based on increasing fat intake and decreasing carbohydrate intake. This programme is believed to reduce insulin intake while keeping blood glucose levels stable.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Arielle Torp

Last Updated:

Views: 5421

Rating: 4 / 5 (41 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Arielle Torp

Birthday: 1997-09-20

Address: 87313 Erdman Vista, North Dustinborough, WA 37563

Phone: +97216742823598

Job: Central Technology Officer

Hobby: Taekwondo, Macrame, Foreign language learning, Kite flying, Cooking, Skiing, Computer programming

Introduction: My name is Arielle Torp, I am a comfortable, kind, zealous, lovely, jolly, colorful, adventurous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.