Yes, there are professional athletes with Type 1 diabetes, but when were they diagnosed? As a Type 1 diabetic who was diagnosed at age 19, it's quite a frightening thing to go through. I was afraid to leave my parents house for months after being diagnosed. After 11 years with it, I'm sure I could be comfortable signing a professional contract (not that I am even remotely athletic or anything) because I know what I have to do, know my limits, etc. to take care of myself, but if I were to be offered a contract shortly after I was diagnosed...no question I'd have to turn it down. It's not like millions of dollars will make it go away or make it any easier to deal with. A millionaire with type 1 diabetes has to check their blood sugar multiple times a day, take enough, but not too much insulin, count carbs just like my broke butt has to do.