Does Jordan Hicks Have Diabetes?

Jordan Hicks is a professional football player who currently plays as a linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals in the National Football League (NFL).

Hicks is known for his athleticism and impressive on-field performances, but he also has a chronic medical condition that he has to manage in order to play at his best.

Hicks has Type 1 diabetes, a condition that affects millions of people around the world. In this blog post, we will explore Hicks’ diabetes journey, from when he was diagnosed to how he managed it while playing professional sports.

We will also discuss the impact of diabetes on his athletic career, and his decision to skip the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Finally, we will examine the importance of diabetes management for athletes and discuss other professional athletes who also have Type 1 diabetes.

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to a deficiency of insulin.

Insulin is a hormone that regulates the amount of glucose in the blood, and without enough insulin, glucose levels can become too high, causing various health problems.

Causes of Type 1 Diabetes

The exact cause of Type 1 diabetes is not fully understood, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

People with a family history of Type 1 diabetes are more likely to develop the condition, and certain viral infections may trigger the immune system to attack the beta cells in the pancreas.

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes

The symptoms of Type 1 diabetes can develop quickly, often over a few weeks, and may include increased thirst and urination, extreme hunger, weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and frequent infections.

If left untreated, Type 1 diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, and blindness.

Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes

There is currently no cure for Type 1 diabetes, but it can be managed with insulin therapy, blood glucose monitoring, and healthy lifestyle choices.

Insulin can be delivered through injections or an insulin pump, and blood glucose levels should be monitored regularly to ensure they remain within a healthy range.

People with Type 1 diabetes should also maintain a healthy diet, engage in regular exercise, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

In some cases, additional medications may be prescribed to manage complications associated with Type 1 diabetes.

Jordan Hicks and His Type 1 Diabetes

When Was Jordan Hicks Diagnosed With Type 1 Diabetes?

Jordan Hicks was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was in high school. He has talked openly about his diagnosis and how it has affected his life and career.

Hicks has said that he learned to manage his diabetes early on and that it has become a routine part of his daily life.

How Does Hicks Manage His Diabetes While Playing Professional Sports?

Hicks manages his diabetes through careful monitoring of his blood sugar levels and insulin injections. He wears a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to keep track of his glucose levels, and he also has an insulin pump that he uses to deliver insulin as needed.

Hicks has said that his team is very supportive of his diabetes management and that they work closely with him to ensure that he is able to play at his best while keeping his diabetes under control.

Impact of Diabetes on His Athletic Career

Hicks has said that his diabetes has not held him back in his athletic career, but that he has had to be more mindful of his health and manage his condition carefully in order to compete at a high level.

He has also become an advocate for diabetes awareness and education, and he works with organizations like JDRF (formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) to support research and advocacy efforts for Type 1 diabetes.

Other Professional Athletes With Type 1 Diabetes

Hicks is not the only professional athlete with Type 1 diabetes. Other athletes who have successfully managed their diabetes while playing at the highest levels include Jay Cutler (NFL quarterback), Bobby Clarke (NHL Hall of Famer), and Kris Freeman (Olympic cross-country skier).

These athletes serve as role models for others with Type 1 diabetes who aspire to achieve their athletic dreams while managing their condition.

Diabetes and Covid-19

How Does Having Type 1 Diabetes Affect a Person’s Risk of Covid-19 Complications?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with Type 1 diabetes may be at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

This is because diabetes can weaken the immune system and make it harder for the body to fight off infections. Additionally, people with diabetes who have high blood sugar levels may be more likely to experience complications if they contract COVID-19.

Jordan Hicks’ Decision to Skip the 2020 Season Due to Covid-19

In July 2020, Jordan Hicks announced that he would be skipping the 2020 NFL season due to concerns about COVID-19.

As a person with Type 1 diabetes, Hicks may have been at higher risk for complications from COVID-19, and he may have felt that it was in his best interest to avoid potential exposure.

Hicks’ decision was respected by his team and his fans, and he has since returned to playing football in the 2021 season.

Hicks’ decision to sit out the 2020 season highlights the importance of considering the risks and benefits of various activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for people with underlying health conditions.

People with diabetes should take extra precautions to protect themselves from COVID-19, such as wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and following other public health guidelines.

Professional Athletes with Type 1 Diabetes

Note: This table is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all professional athletes with Type 1 diabetes, but rather a sample of some who have publicly discussed their diagnosis.

FAQs

Is Jordan Hicks the only NFL player with Type 1 diabetes?

No, Jordan Hicks is not the only NFL player with Type 1 diabetes. Other players who have publicly discussed their diagnosis include Jay Cutler, Sam Ficken, and Andrew DePaola.

Can people with Type 1 diabetes play professional sports?

Yes, people with Type 1 diabetes can play professional sports, but they may need to take extra precautions and carefully manage their condition in order to perform at their best.

How does diabetes affect athletic performance?

Diabetes can affect athletic performance in a number of ways, such as by causing fluctuations in blood sugar levels, affecting hydration and electrolyte balance, and increasing the risk of injury. However, with careful management and planning, many athletes with diabetes are able to compete at a high level.

How can I support diabetes research and advocacy?

There are many organizations dedicated to diabetes research and advocacy, such as JDRF, Beyond Type 1, and the American Diabetes Association.

Donations to these organizations can help fund research into new treatments and potential cures for diabetes, as well as support education and advocacy efforts.

Additionally, spreading awareness about diabetes and advocating for policies that support people with diabetes can help make a difference.

Conclusion

Jordan Hicks is a professional athlete who has successfully managed his Type 1 diabetes while playing at the highest level of his sport. Hicks’ story serves as an inspiration for others with Type 1 diabetes who may feel that their condition limits their ability to pursue their athletic dreams.

However, it is important to note that people with Type 1 diabetes may be at higher risk for COVID-19 complications, and they should take extra precautions to protect their health during the pandemic.

Hicks’ decision to skip the 2020 season due to COVID-19 highlights the importance of weighing the risks and benefits of various activities during this time.

Through education, advocacy, and careful management of their condition, people with Type 1 diabetes can live full, active lives and pursue their goals, both on and off the field.