Last Monday, Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler turned 25 years old. Three days after celebrating his birthday, word came out that Cutler has type one diabetes.

Until rather recently, type one diabetes was referred to as juvenile diabetes, since this form of the disease was often discovered in children at an early age. However, as medicine evolves, so do our opinions. As Mike Klis pointed out in The Denver Post, actress Mary Tyler Moore, now 71 years old, found out she had type one diabetes in her 30s. Others that lived publicly with type one diabetes included baseball's Jackie Robinson and ice hockey's Bobby Clarke.

Type one is considered the most serious form of diabetes, though through proper care, allows those afflicted with it to live long, productive, and healthy lifestyles. One of those people is former CU All-American Jay Leeuwenburg. Jay played for the Buffs from 1989-1991 and nine years in the National Football League. Last night, Leeuwenberg stopped by the News 2 studios in Greenwood Village after the news about Cutler emerged and reiterated his thoughts about the diagnosis not affecting Cutler's athletic ability, much like it did not restrict his.

Last night Cutler told a Denver television station he had lost weight and as far back as last October said he felt that he had difficulty in the ability to gather his normal strength. He also felt the lack of strength as he attempted to pass the football.

The best news for all involved is Cutler has been now properly diagnosed and what he has is very treatable. Even though he has only been in town since 2006, the city's most scrutinized athlete has been generous in his civic endeavors in our community. This Saturday, Leeuwenburg is hosting a gala event for the area's juvenile diabetes chapter at the Denver Marriott City Center. Knowing Cutler and his penchant to reach out and give back, it may not be long before diabetes has two high profile Denver sports figures raising awareness about it.

Have a great day.

-"z"