David Wells Is Giving Up Beer Because of Diabetes

Boomer recently found out that he has Type 2 diabetes and it has changed his life both on and off the field. From the San Diego Union-Tribune:

"From the time I found out, I made changes. No more starches and sugar. No more rice, pasta, potatoes and white bread. No more fast food. I've cut out alcohol ... I can still have a glass of wine now and then," said Wells. "I can still run with the guys. But I've got to watch what I'm doing. I'm not drinking.

...

This is a major lifestyle change. I don't want this going to Type 1 diabetes. I want to be around for a while. If you don't take care of this, it can lead to some scary stuff . . . like losing limbs. If anyone has this, it's a red flag, period.

Wells has even said that his energy level in spring training isn't the same since making the lifestyle adjustments. Seems like this will no doubt have a large impact on David Wells and the Padres this season; Wells has a 15.26 ERA through three spring outings (all three have been since he learned he had diabetes).

For more on Type 2 diabetes and its potential harm, continue reading
Also via the San Diego Union-Tribune and webmd.com

The lifelong disease develops when the body can't produce enough insulin, which enables cells to use sugar for energy, or use insulin correctly. In such cases, the sugar level in the blood can get too high and potentially cause problems with the eyes, heart, blood vessels, nerves and kidneys. Controlling blood sugar – by exercising, eating healthfully and taking medication – helps prevent serious complications.

Good thing Wells is taking it seriously.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

3-19-2007 @ 9:37AM

Yankees Blog said...

Hopefully it does not effect his pitching in a bad way. With him eating healthy hopefully he becomes more focused and stronger

3-19-2007 @ 12:56PM

A B said...

I overheard Wells yell at the Padres bat boy, "GET -IN - MA - BELLY!!"

3-19-2007 @ 3:14PM

rich revta said...

Wells is a good guy. Hopefully this lifestyle change will make him healthier. If he lost 20-30 lbs. he might be able to reduce the meds. also. Should not
hurt his pitching except probably less innings. He'll have to get used to it like the other 18 million Americans that deal with Diabetes everyday.

3-19-2007 @ 4:29PM

ed v said...

Its hard to believe that a pro athlete needs to be told he has type 2 diabetes before he starts taking care of himself, especially someone as fat and out of shape as wells

3-19-2007 @ 3:07PM

Mario said...

Positive visualization and eating/drinking healthy/ organic along with an adequate exercise program will help David Wells get back to a normal and fruitful life!
Best wishes!!!!

3-19-2007 @ 3:18PM

David should also read up a little on diabetes. He's making false statements. Type 2 does not evolve into type 1 diabetes. A balanced diet and loss of 20-30 lbs will be better than giving up beer and carbs. He doesn't understand. DW has to be educated.

3-19-2007 @ 5:04PM

Geoffrey Rose said...

Type 2 diabetes is a completely separate disease from Type 1 diabetes. Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes do not become type 1 diabetics.

3-19-2007 @ 4:28PM

Tony Schiavone said...

Remember, Ron Santo is in Cooperstown, and he was diabetic. Good luck David Wells!

3-19-2007 @ 4:41PM

RMM said...

Ron Santo is not in Cooperstown and he lost a leg to diabeties.

3-19-2007 @ 7:27PM

ED said...

Wells was alot of fun to watch and a funny SOB with the press while he was here in Boston....I can only hope the best health for him as he nears retirement...

3-19-2007 @ 5:37PM

dude said...

He should give it up bcuz of that beer gut.

3-19-2007 @ 6:29PM

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3-19-2007 @ 7:38PM

Davey said...

Wells is probably overwhelmed and confused with the info on diabetes. Probably with lingo concerning insulin dependecy type diabetes and those who are controlled with oral medications and/or diet/excercise controlled. Type one diabetes are junvenille onset. Type two encompasses all other age groups. I noted he also talked about cutting out starches and sugars...another misconception people make initially about diabetes. They think if they cut out sugars they can control their diabetes. It is more comprehensive than that. Modifying the carbs, proteins and fats, along with excercise and any type of medications suggested help stablize diabetics to live long and healthy lives. Good luck to Wells.

3-20-2007 @ 11:26AM

Wells jaw is the only thing in shape on is body

3-19-2007 @ 9:03PM

Dave said...

Ron Santo is not in Cooperstown, but he damn well should be.

Ron Santo had his number retired by the Cubs.

Ron Santo lost *both* legs to Type 1 diabetes.

3-19-2007 @ 8:59PM

GMC said...

Good luck to Boomer. I hope that he can turn this setback into a positive. Perhaps when he retires, he can be a spokesperson for diabetes and causes like the American Diabetes Association or Juvenile Diabetes. Health issues are a humbling circumstance. Two athletes with diabetes that come to mind is hockey great Bobby Clarke and pitcher Jason Johnson.

3-19-2007 @ 9:02PM

Ms. Bobbie Weaver said...

I too am a diabetic. Yes, I'm on insulin. I wish the man well. Please take better care of yourself and you'll be around a lot longer. Best Wishes.

3-19-2007 @ 10:57PM

Gary D said...

Ron Santo should most assuredly be in the Hall of Fame for hitting .280 lifetime when runs were very hard to come by in the 1960's facing some fine hurling day in, day out; for walking 90 times a year, consistently knocking in 90 runs and hitting 25 home runs, playing Gold Glove calibre third base, and doing it every day- all with diabetes. If electing this hustling ambassador of the national pasttime to Cooperstown for the quality of his play and grit wouldn't be an inspiration to millions of boys and girls instead of some of these guys abusing human growth enzymes, etc. in the past decade, I cannot say what else would inspire them.

3-20-2007 @ 4:08AM

Roger G said...

The largest mamal known to man kind is a whale I mean David Wells. I will say this fat boy could pitch. Its a shame that he never took conditioning or dieting serious or he would have probably been a Hall of Famer.

3-20-2007 @ 6:07AM

Al S. said...

Catfish Hunter is a former pro baseball player who was a diabetic, and is in the Hall of Fame. Boomer should have little to no issues as long as he takes care of himself. Type 2 diabetes does not transform itself into type 1. It is a different disease. However, Type 1, which was formally called juvenile diabetes, can be developed by adults. In a type 1, the pancreas produces no insulin, so insulin injections are mandatory. In a type 2, the body may produce insulin, just not enough;or, the insulin produced might not be able to be used properly for various reasons. Type 2 diabetics can usually control their glucose levels (and so the disease) by altering their diet, and increasing their excersize. Oral medication also is prescribed fairly often, although in some cases, type 2 diabetics also require insulin therapy. I am a type 2 diabetic who has been taking insulin for over 20 years. Serious illness? YES, but certainly one which can be controlled. Good luck David.

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