NFL Star Mark Andrews Champions Diabetes Eye Health Awareness

When Mark Andrews broke his team's touchdown reception record in October 2024, fans celebrated another milestone from the talented tight end. What many didn't know is that Andrews has been managing type 1 diabetes since he was nine years old, bringing the same discipline to his health that he shows on the field.

Andrews credits his parents for teaching him early how to manage his condition. His father, a doctor, and his mother helped him understand that living well with type 1 diabetes means caring for his entire body.

That includes his eyes. As someone who catches footballs for a living, Andrews pays special attention to his vision.

People with diabetes face increased risk for eye complications. Diabetic macular edema, or DME, affects around 750,000 Americans and can cause vision loss if left untreated.

Andrews has seen an eye doctor every year since his diagnosis. "Taking care of my eyes allows my vision to be where it needs to be so I can perform at the highest level," he says.

The 30-year-old knows that managing blood sugar, maintaining healthy blood pressure, and getting annual eye exams can lower the risk of developing DME. He's never had blood sugar issues affect him during a game, though he's experienced dizzy spells at practice.

Andrews doesn't hide the reality that managing diabetes takes constant attention. "Like other diabetics, I've experienced the day-to-day complications of my blood sugar being too low or too high," he admits.

Why This Inspires

Andrews refuses to let diabetes define him, and he's determined to show others they can do the same. He supports diabetes research groups, hosts children with type 1 diabetes at games, and uses his platform to spread awareness about comprehensive diabetes care.

His message to young people with type 1 diabetes is clear and powerful. "At the highest of levels, there are people with type 1 diabetes," he says. "Continue to chase your dreams and never let it define you."

Andrews wants families to know that advanced treatment options exist for conditions like DME, giving people more control over their health outcomes. He emphasizes that proper diabetes management includes regular eye exams, not just blood sugar monitoring.

The tight end takes his platform seriously. "I want to bring light to the importance of managing diabetes and show kids, people, and their families that with proper care, they can achieve anything they set their mind to."

His journey from a nine-year-old learning to manage diabetes to a record-breaking NFL player proves his point: with the right support and consistent care, diabetes doesn't have to limit anyone's dreams.