Mark Lowe(right) is a relief pitcher for the Seattle Mariners. He spent last year getting used to a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes made just prior to the 2008 season. However, lifestyle changes did not significantly alter the situation and he began losing weight through the off-season (as much as 15 pounds). His diagnosis has been changed to Type 1 diabetes and he is now treated with insulin.
Now, it's not an everyday occurrence to see a Type 1 diabetic relief pitcher in the major leagues. However, the Mariners have two.
"Brandon has been through it and can watch over it," Mariners trainer Rick Griffin said. "That helps me a lot."
Brandon Morrow knows exactly what Lowe is experiencing: the multiple times each day he takes a small needle and pricks the tip of his finger to test his blood glucose, or sugar, levels; the subsequent insulin shots that help his body respond properly to his sugar levels; the feelings of lethargy when his body bottoms out.
So while Lowe has a trainer, a team doctor, a team nutritionist, an endocrinologist and is trying to set up appointments with a diabetes-specific nutritionist, his greatest resource is his bullpen mate just a few feet away.
Brandon Morrow has been a Type 1 diabetic since his senior year in high school. He is a pump-treated diabetic
Now, it's not an everyday occurrence to see a Type 1 diabetic relief pitcher in the major leagues. However, the Mariners have two.
Brandon Morrow(lower photo) recentlyjoined Lowe in the Mariners' bullpenand has, most likely, been Lowe's best asset in dealing with his diabetes.
Brandon Morrow has been a Type 1 diabetic since his senior year in high school. He is a pump-treated diabetic
Read the full USA Today storyhere.