List of sportspeople with diabetes

Improvements in the management of diabetes mellitus in the twentieth century have made it possible for athletes to compete in sport at a professional level. While it is very rare for professional athletes to have type 2 diabetes, a number of notable athletes that have type 1.

Literature on the management of diabetes in competitive sports focuses on the difficulties with balancing energy and insulin intake during periods of strenuous exercise.

The following is a list of notable sportspeople who have had diabetes during their careers. It does not include athletes diagnosed after retirement.

American football

 * Jay Cutler, Denver Broncos (2006–2008) and Chicago Bears (2009–) quarterback, type 1.
 * Mike Echols, Tennessee Titans (2002–2004) cornerback, type 1.
 * Kendall Simmons, Pittsburgh Steelers (2002–2008) guard, type 1.

Baseball

 * Ron Santo, Chicago Cubs (1960-1973) and Chicago White Sox (1974) infielder, type 1, deceased (2010 at age 70).
 * Sam Fuld, Chicago Cubs (2007–2010) and Tampa Bay Rays (2011–) outfielder, type 1.
 * Mark Lowe, Seattle Mariners (2006–2010) and Texas Rangers (2010–) pitcher, type 1.
 * Brandon Morrow, Seattle Mariners (2007–2009) and Toronto Blue Jays (2010–) pitcher, type 1.
 * Jackie Robinson, Brooklyn Dodgers (1947-1956), type 2, deceased (1972 at age 53).

Basketball

 * Chris Dudley, National Basketball Association centre (1988–2001), politician, type 1.
 * Gary Forbes, National Basketball Association small forward (2010–present), type 1.
 * Adam Morrison, National Basketball Association small forward (2006–2010), type 1.

Canoe Slalom

 * Georgia Rankin, Australian Junior Canoe/Kayak Slalom Team K1 and C1 classes, Type 1

Cricket

 * Craig Cumming, New Zealand batsman (11 Tests, 2005–2008), type 1.
 * John McLaren, Australian batsman (1 Test, 1912), died of diabetes aged 34.
 * Craig McMillan, New Zealand batsman (55 Tests, 1997–2005), type 1.
 * Wasim Akram, Pakistan fast bowler (1985–2003), member of the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, type 1.
 * Dirk Wellham, Australian batsman (6 Tests, 1981–1987), type 1.

Cycling

 * Javier Mejías, Spain, type 1.
 * Andrea Peron (cyclist), Italy, type 1

Football/soccer

 * Gary Mabbutt, Tottenham (1982–1998) and Bristol Rovers (1979–1982) defender, UEFA Cup and FA Cup winner, type 1.
 * Danny McGrain, Scotland (62 caps, 1973–1982) and Celtic (1967–1987) defender, seven-time Scottish Premier League winner.
 * Andy Penman, Scotland (1 cap, 1966) and Rangers (1967–1973), Dundee_F.C. (1959–1967) and Arbroath_F.C. (1973–1978) midfielder, Scottish_Football_League winner 1961. Type 1, deceased (1994 at aged 51).
 * Scott Allan, Birmingham City (2013- ) midfielder
 * Benjamin T. Aavik (AECC F.C.) 2012- Type 1.

Golf

 * Scott Verplank, five-time PGA Tour winner, type 1.

Ice hockey

 * Nick Boynton, former National Hockey League defenseman, type 1.
 * Bobby Clarke OC, Philadelphia Flyers (1969–84) and Canada center, sports administrator, type 1.
 * Cory Conacher, National Hockey League center (2011–present), type 1.
 * B. J. Crombeen, National Hockey League winger (2007–present), type 1.

Motor racing

 * Charlie Kimball, IndyCar driver, type 1.
 * Ryan Reed, NASCAR driver, type 1.
 * Miguel Paludo, NASCAR driver, type 1.

Rowing

 * Sir Steven Redgrave, England, five-time Olympic gold medal winner (1984–2000), type 1.
 * Michal Jelinski, Poland, Olimpic gold medal winner 2008, four-time World Champion (2005-2009) quadrouple sculls, type 1

Rugby league

 * Steve Renouf, Brisbane (1988–1999), Queensland and Australia centre, type 1.
 * Brett Stewart, Manly (2003–), New South Wales and Australia fullback, type 1.
 * Lance Thompson, St George Dragons (1995–2005), Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (2006–2008)

Rugby union

 * Rod Kafer, Australian Test player (12 caps, 1999–2000), type 1.

Erik Munch-Ellingsen (AECC)

Swimming

 * Gary Hall, Jr., American freestyler, five-time Olympic gold medallist (1996, 2000, 2004), type 1.

Tennis

 * Arthur Ashe, United States of America, winner of 3 Grand Slam Titles (1968 US Open, 1970 Australian Open, 1975 Wimbledon), type 2.

Winter sports

 * Kris Freeman, American cross-country skier, type 1.
 * Sean Busby, American professional snowboarder, type 1.
 * Chris Southwell, professional extreme snowboarder from UK, type 1.