You may know Ethan Carey-Prendable as #7 in baseball, or #42 in football, but do you know who he is off the field? 

Ethan was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes back in September of 2018, he was only in 8th grade or around 13-14 years old at the time. When asked at his initial reaction to the news, Ethan states, “I kind of was in denial at first, it was a hard thing to accept.” 

He further explains how isolated he felt, how it made him not want to go out, and he lost a few friends after his diagnosis. But as time passed and his diagnosis wasn’t much of a shock, he was able to regain his friendships and it “worked out.” 

Even if Ethan was able to solve the issues in his personal life, sports has been a prominent challenge for him. As an athlete, he states, “I have to be more cautious at practice, like just checking my sugar, making sure I’m feeling good during practice, and just have to be more aware.” This disease certainly hasn’t prevented him from being captain of the varsity football team as a new player and player on the varsity baseball team. 

According to MedicalNewsToday, diabetes amongst athletes is common and can develop in everyone. Symptoms in diabetic athletes can include tiredness, soreness, and blurred vision. But with these symptoms come treatments, which are limiting your calorie intake, exercising regularly, and eating a well-balanced meal. 

But if you’re an athlete with diabetes, you aren’t alone. Popular diabetic athletes Jay Cutler for the ChicagoBears, Mike Echols for the Tennessee Titans, and Chad Muma for the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

While diabetes can be a difficult challenge for some, many such as Ethan Carey-Prendable were able to persevere through it.