Padres Pitcher Deals with Diabetes
Add San Diego Padre David "Boomer" Wells to the list of athletes living with diabetes. Wells was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes two weeks ago, and since that time has publicly commited himself to some major dietary changes: "No more starches and sugar. No more rice, pasta, potatoes and white bread. No more fast food."
Kudos to Wells for facing the challenge head on. However, he still has some spring training in front of him in the diabetes education arena. He was quoted in the Union-Tribune as saying that “This is a major lifestyle change. I don't want this going to type 1 diabetes." Type 2 diabetes does not "go to" type 1, of course. We assume Wells is concerned about the prospect of going on insulin to control his diabetes. While insulin can make professional sports a challenge, it is a treatment option that can actually be a huge benefit to people with type 2 diabetes who aren't maintaining good A1cs with diet, exercise, and/or oral meds alone. And many pro athletes with type 2 diabetes continue to excel in their sports after going on insulin.
No way can Mr. Wells become an expert overnight, just hang in there and you will get your education.