NFL tight end Mark Andrews manages type 1 diabetes while maintaining elite athletic performance, treating his vision as a health priority alongside blood sugar control. The Baltimore Ravens star has become an advocate for others living with T1D, using his platform to raise awareness about the disease and its complications.
Type 1 diabetes increases the risk of diabetic retinopathy, a condition where high blood sugar damages blood vessels in the retina. Left unchecked, it can cause vision loss or blindness. Andrews demonstrates that athletes with T1D require a multifaceted approach to health that extends beyond glucose management.
His focus on eye health reflects medical guidance from endocrinologists and ophthalmologists who recommend regular screening for anyone with type 1 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association states that people with T1D should have comprehensive dilated eye exams at least once yearly, with more frequent exams if any signs of retinopathy appear.
Managing T1D at a professional athletic level demands constant monitoring. Athletes must balance insulin dosing with carbohydrate intake, especially during intense training and competition when energy demands spike. Andrews uses continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps, tools that have transformed diabetes management over the past decade.
His advocacy work extends beyond personal health. Andrews promotes education about T1D symptoms and early diagnosis, helping others recognize warning signs before complications develop. High blood sugar levels can cause fatigue, increased thirst, and frequent urination. Early intervention prevents long-term damage to eyes, kidneys, and nerves.
Andrews' approach demonstrates that type 1 diabetes, while requiring vigilant management, does not prevent high-level athletic achievement. His commitment to comprehensive health care including regular eye exams sets an example for the estimated 1.6 million Americans living with type 1 diabetes. Professional athletes managing chronic conditions show others that structured monitoring, proper medical care, and disciplined self