Despite what many think, people with diabetes can participate in sports. In fact, we see it in just about every major professional sport. Outside of basketball, NFL star Mark Andrews, MLB legend Jackie Robinson, and former MLB players Sam Fuld all were diagnosed with the disease and had very successful careers. All it takes is additional planning and dedication.
When it comes to basketball, NBA players with diabetes include Chris Dudley, Gary Forbes, Adam Morrison, and Earl Monroe. Dudley and Morrison were diagnosed with the disease as teens. Others, like Monroe, didn’t find out they had diabetes until much later in life. They’ve all learned to effectively manage their conditions.
Research on safe participation is increasing. In 2018, the American Diabetes Association published science-based management strategies that let diabetic athletes meet their goals within their needs. Keep reading to learn more about these four incredible stars and their stories.
1. Chris Dudley
Chris Dudley was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when he was 16. At the time, he was already a star high school basketball player. Receiving his diagnosis was frightening because he worried that it meant he could no longer play.
That couldn’t have been further from the truth. Not only did Dudley continue playing high school basketball, but he also played in college and made history as the first NBA player with Type 1 Diabetes.
Dudley founded the Chris Dudley Foundation in 1994. This nonprofit organization helps other kids like him play basketball and participate in sports. It runs camps, offers management education, and provides life-saving supplies to diabetic people living in poverty.
2. Gary Forbes
Gary Forbes was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 19 while playing college basketball. Forbes isn’t the first diabetic athlete in his family. His father also lives with Type 1 Diabetes and is a former Olympic weightlifter.
Forbes played in the NBA and overseas professional leagues. He quickly became a diabetes advocate dedicated to breaking stereotypes about athletes with diabetes. Originally, Forbes hid his diagnosis from his fellow athletes because he didn’t want it to affect his prospects.
This initial concern inspired him to educate others so that younger people wouldn’t face the same stigma. Unfortunately, his NBA career was cut short by a hypoglycemic incident. Yet, this hasn’t stopped him from playing basketball and advocating for other athletes.
3. Adam Morrison
Adam Morrison was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when he was only 13 years old. However, the diagnosis wasn’t surprising. Both sides of Morrison’s family have a history of the condition.
His father was a basketball coach and introduced him to the game. Basketball became a way for him to escape from his challenges. He was lucky to get a chance to establish maintenance rituals at an early age. These rituals helped him soar in college basketball and prove that diabetic athletes can excel with the proper management techniques.
Diabetes has never held Morrison down. However, he is dedicated to raising awareness and supporting research toward a cure. Chris Dudley, another diabetic NBA star, was Morrison’s childhood inspiration, demonstrating how much role models can matter.
4. Earl Monroe
Earl “the Pearl” Monroe didn’t receive his Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis until after his NBA retirement. However, he’s still a major public advocate for the diabetic community.
Now in his 70s, Monroe promotes awareness and encourages restaurants to have diabetic-friendly menu options. He’s dedicated to educating others to get checked if they have a family history. This topic is close to home since he lost his father to diabetes complications.
Monroe promotes the idea that no one is “immune” to diabetes. His diagnosis came as a surprise. Initially, he believed that a former professional athlete wouldn’t be at risk. After a shocking wake-up call, he quickly learned to adapt and advocate for himself.