Cutler Brings Diabetes Crusade to His New Home

The new Bears' QB is committed to diabetes awareness in Chicago.

By MAGGIE HENDRICKS

Updated 11:15 PM CST, Sun, Jun 14, 2009

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Jay Cutler's career in football completely changed after he was diagnosed with, and learned to manage, diabetes. As soon as he was diagnosed and learned to manage his diabetes, he completed more passes, was sacked less, and threw fewer interceptions.

Now, as the new quarterback for the Bears, he is ready for another change in his career as he is expected to help bring the Bears to the next level. One thing that has not changed is his commitment to diabetes awareness.

Cutler had his first event in Chicago to raise money and awareness for diabetes. He answered questions from kids from La Rabida, Children's Memorial, Rush and Stroger Hospitals, and they were much tougher than anything he's faced from the Chicago media.

'''Will you win the Super Bowl? Will you win the first game? How do like Chicago? What's it like to be a quarterback?' Little kids are funny,'' Cutler said. ''They don't really have a filter. They will say whatever is on their mind, and you've got to love them for that.''

Cutler wants to make children with diabetes feel normal about their condition. He is quite open about how often he tests his blood sugar, and that managing the disease is a struggle for him, just as it must be for them.

'Being diabetic isn't going to hold me back at all. Every day is a struggle, though. Every day is different. You have to stay on top of it. You have to manage it. It's part of who I am now.''

That is a welcome message for anyone out there getting discouraged by the constant monitoring that diabetes requires.