Broncos' DeMarcus Ware Joins Effort To Tackle Diabetes

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DENVER (CBS4)- A Denver Broncos football player who lost relatives to diabetes is urging people to get checked. DeMarcus Ware is targeting men, in particular, who are reluctant to see a doctor.

The linebacker delivers the hits on the field, but diabetes struck him on a personal level.

Denver Bronco DeMarcus Ware (credit: UCHealth)

"Because I lost both of my uncles. And now my grandmother, she's an amputee. It runs in my family. It really touches my heart," Ware describes in a video.

Through a partnership with the Denver Broncos, UCHealth teamed up with Ware to call attention to men's health issues.

DeMarcus Ware #94 of the Denver Broncos strikes a pose during player introduction before the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 17, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Ware points out, "One point 5 million Americans each and every year are diagnosed with diabetes."

In 2015, JR Sanchez was told he had Type 2 diabetes.

"I just went to the ER and found out I was a diabetic," Sanchez said.

JR Sanchez (credit: CBS)

He was so sick he spent a week in the hospital. Then diabetes took over his life.

"You have to check your sugar before you eat, when you get up, it's at least four times and more a day," Sanchez told CBS4 Health Specialist Kathy Walsh.

Now, Sanchez is in control. He enrolled in a structured, meal replacement weight loss program called 'My New Weigh.'

(credit: CBS)

"It made me lose 24 pounds and get me off the insulin. That was my main goal," he added.

"He (Sanchez) needs no treatment for his diabetes," said Dr. Marc-Andre Cornier, JR's endocrinologist at the University of Colorado Hospital and professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He's also Medical Director of "My New Weigh."

CBS4 Health Specialist Kathy Walsh interviews Dr. Marc-Andre Cornier, University of Colorado Hospital endocrinologist (credit: CBS)

"I see it every day that it works," said Cornier.

Cornier encourages people at risk for diabetes to get help.

Ware says, "Get help early so you can take care of those things, so you can have a longer happier life."

CBS4 Health Specialist Kathy Walsh interviews JR Sanchez (credit: CBS)

'My New Weigh' is at the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center.

LINK: General Screening Guidelines for Men #MANtenance

Kathy Walsh is CBS4's Weekend Anchor and Health Specialist. She has been with CBS4 for more than 30 years. She is always open to story ideas. Follow Kathy on Twitter @WalshCBS4.