Major League Diabetes

Main Category: Diabetes
Article Date: 26 Jun 2009 - 4:00 PDT

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It may have been the biggest curveball of Seattle Mariners pitcher Brandon Morrow's life: type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Forecast, the consumer magazine of the American Diabetes Association, features an interview with the bazooka-armed athlete in the July 2009 issue. Morrow shares insights on being a professional athlete while managing a chronic disease, his decision to stay in the bullpen, his supportive teammates and his unique and unexpected opportunity to mentor fellow Mariners reliever Mark Lowe, who also has diabetes.

Morrow was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes during his senior year of high school, around the same time scouts were zeroing in on his talent. After experiencing some of the common symptoms of diabetes -- such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, and unexplained weight loss -- Morrow went to see a doctor and was immediately hospitalized and diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. For Morrow, this was a challenge he would meet head on, and in the years since, he has developed a routine that consistently brings out his best performance. He wears an insulin pump (although he prefers to take it off when pitching), checks his blood glucose (sugar) at regular intervals, and incorporates his diabetes management routine into his bullpen routine. "It takes time to learn your body and know what you need to do and how your body will adjust," he says. "It's a long process."

Now Morrow is able to offer guidance and support to fellow pitcher Mark Lowe, who was diagnosed with diabetes just last year. "I think it's good for both of us to have each other there to compare blood sugars and keep each other in good range and not slack off with eating habits or schedules," Morrow says of Lowe. "We were close to begin with... And, you know, this can only bring you closer, to have [diabetes] in common and be able to talk about it and talk about routines and foods."

This friendship, along with the team's support, has provided Morrow with a positive outlook. "You don't really hear about any athletes having diabetes or anything like that," he says. "It was a scare at first. You don't know what to expect. But once you get on track, you realize nothing is really different." Morrow goes on to tell the magazine about his advice for athletes with diabetes, thoughts about staying in the bullpen and his predictions for this season.

The July 2009 issue also brings you answers to crucial questions you may have had about exercising with diabetes: How much aerobic activity should I get? How does exercise affect my blood glucose? When is the best time to work out? Do oral diabetes medications put me at risk for exercise-induced hypoglycemia? What about insulin? How can I motivate myself?

This issue of Diabetes Forecast also brings you information about:

- A Teen on a Mission: The American Diabetes Association's National Youth Advocate speaks to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Convention and lobbies on Capitol Hill.
- A Healthier Way to Lose Weight: ADA-funded researcher looks at weight loss and cardiac complications.
- Not Too Sweet to Eat: Experts share a few tricks to making delicious sugar-free foods.

Diabetes Forecast has been America's leading diabetes magazine for more than 60 years, offering the latest news on diabetes research and treatment to provide information, inspiration, and support to people with diabetes.

Source
American Diabetes Association