DETROIT – MAY 17: Toby Petersen #17 of the Dallas Stars skates with the puck past Pavel Datsyuk #13 of the Detroit Red Wings during game five of the Western Conference Finals of the 2008 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Joe Louis Arena on May 17, 2008 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
I was diagnosed with diabetes soon after celebrating my fifth birthday in 1983. After the initial shock, my parents decided to make a conscious effort to not let diabetes stand in the way of achieving my goals. I am thankful for that. Their positive attitude has helped me become the active person I am today. From the time I was a little boy, hockey was one of my biggest passions. With the help of my parents and the rest of my family, I continued to play hockey at a competitive level. I found enough success throughout the years to land a spot in professional hockey playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Edmonton Oilers, and currently the Dallas Stars (along with a number of other minor league teams).
DALLAS – MAY 04: Center Toby Petersen #17 of the Dallas Stars skates the puck past Marc-Edouard Vlasic #44 of the San Jose Sharks during game six of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2008 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 4, 2008 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
As a professional athlete, I find myself having to juggle many factors to maintain control of my diabetes. Ice times, meal times, and travel arrangements change from one day to the next, often without notice. I find it important to test my blood sugar as often as possible. I look for emerging patterns in my blood sugar results. This allows me to stay one step ahead of my hectic schedule. I also try not to dwell on the past. If I have a series of high or low blood sugars, I try to learn from it and move on. My vigilance and consistency with the care of my health are the most important factors in having the privilege to play hockey for a living. I choose not to surround myself with negativity. Instead, I spend my time thinking about all the great things I have in my life (great wife, great kids, insulin pump, etc.).
DougsQuest asked Toby to answer a few questions, here was his response:
1. How old were you when you learned you had Diabetes?
I was five years old.
2. What were you most scared of?
At first it was the needles. Then it was the idea of being different. I think the fear of needles is pretty rational. The fear of seeming different was illogical (in hindsight).
3. Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of, and why?
Personal: Helping to raise my two boys. They’re both still quite young but I’m so proud of them and it’s clearly the most important job I have.
Career: I had the opportunity to play on a line with Mario Lemieux. (Why? It’s Mario Lemieux!) Also, playing with Mike Modano (Why? He was my boyhood hero while growing up in Minnesota. Don’t underestimate the magic of childhood dreams!). Growing up, I couldn’t have imagined that I’d ever get to say these things.
4. What do you think the biggest misconception of people living with diabetes is?
People who are uneducated on the disease seem to downplay the severity of it because they see so many diabetics out in the world doing “big” things and leading very normal looking lives. This is true but misleading. Diabetes is very serious and needs as much attention and commitment as we all can muster in order to find a cure.
5. What one piece of advice would you tell a person recently diagnosed with the disease?
Your dreams should remain unchanged. The methods you use and route you take to get there might have to be tweaked but that doesn’t mean the destination should change. The goal will be that much more rewarding with the extra work involved in getting there.
6. What do you attribute your success to?
Perseverance. Aside from dealing with diabetes, most of my personal success came from sticking to a plan and working hard until it was achieved. Adversity comes in many forms. Navigate your way through it and you will learn a lot about yourself and your character. This will help you become more prepared to effectively manage your diabetes.
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 29: Toby Petersen #17 of the Dallas Stars gets free from a sliding Kevin Dallman #38 of the Los Angeles King during the third period at the Staples Center March 29, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. The Stars won 7-2. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
