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Mike Echols |
Mike Sinclair |
Jay Leeuwenburg |
What do these players have in common besides life in the National Football League? They all have managed a physically demanding career with diabetes. Mike Echols and Jay Leeuwenburg have had type 1 (juvenile) diabetes, in which the body stops producing insulin, since they were teenagers. They must take insulin. Mike Sinclair was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, in which the body becomes resistant to insulin, three years ago, at the peak of his career. He had to adopt a healthier lifestyle. All three must vigilantly monitor their blood sugar levels and make good choices to keep themselves healthy. Find out how they do it.
Mike Echols is a brand new player, plucked out of the NFL draft by the Tennessee Titans last year.
Mike Sinclair is a longtime League star, having played in the Pro Bowl three times, now nearing the end of his career.
Jay Leeuwenburg was a nine-year NFL starter, has retired from pro football, and is now a third grade teacher.
The players shared their stories in the Winter 2003 issue of Countdown For Kids magazine.
