Dodging the dangers of diabetes

By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- Terrence Graves shoulders a heavy load of responsibility for the Ursuline High football team.
That's assumed when you're a starting running back for the defending Division IV state champion.
What makes Graves' success on the football field more impressive is that he does it with type 1 diabetes.
"I get tired and woozy sometimes," said Graves, a 6-foot, 2-inch, 205-pound junior. "You know how you feel when you haven't eaten for a long time? That weakness coming on you?"
To remedy his discomfort and regulate his blood sugar level, Graves takes three shots of insulin each day -- in the morning, at 5:30 p.m. and again at 9:30 -- and eats snacks and meals regularly.
Graves began experiencing symptoms in eighth grade, when his weight dropped 30 pounds in two weeks.
"I didn't really show too much emotion, but my dad [Terry] was really upset about it," Graves said. "It dampened his spirits."
Gwen Graves, Terrence's stepmother, recalled the news being hard on everyone.
"We were very emotional," she said. "We had to learn how to give him his shots, and the first day, we had a baby doll. As soon as I picked up the needle, I busted out crying, and he did, too."
Facing consequences: Graves, a Youngstown native and Campbell resident, wondered whether attending Ursuline was the right move. He wanted to play football for the Irish, but there were doubts about whether his health would allow him to.
"I was crushed," Terry said, of his initial reaction. "I'm thinking, 'All that is over with.' "
Graves wouldn't let it be.
"Now, sometimes," Graves said, "I forget I even have it."
That's because he uses a combination of family support, including that from his mother, Chrystal Jackson, religion and strength to help him carry on.
"Before the games, I pray that it doesn't have an effect on my game," Graves said. "Then I block it out. You can't let that hang over you because you have diabetes."
Still, the reminders are there, and Graves must balance his ball-carrying abilities with regulating his blood sugar level.
"The doctor stressed to [Terrence] that it's his job," Gwen said. "He explained to him that he's like the quarterback and we're his team."
Graves said, "At halftime, I'm eating. When Coach [Jim Vivo] is telling us stuff, I'm eating."
It might be a bologna sandwich or some orange juice, but for Graves it's a necessity.
"I love my mom and dad so much because they take care of me a lot," said Graves, who also consults a dietitian.
"During the season, my mom is always giving my food to the trainer at halftime," he said. "And, at 5:30 on the dot [during practice], she's always here to bring me my dinner."
Graves' battle with diabetes happens behind the scenes. It's in the public setting, on the field each weekend, when he reveals his talents.
Assets: Field vision, speed and cutting ability are what make Graves a threat for the Irish (5-1, 1-1 Steel Valley Conference), who face Austintown Fitch (1-5, 0-1) on Saturday at Stambaugh Stadium.
This season, Graves has rushed for just over 560 yards, with 10 touchdowns, in five games. A hamstring injury kept him out of Ursuline's Sept. 21 game against Cleveland Benedictine, but he played last week against Mooney and plans to play against Fitch.
"It's like sudden death for us now," Graves said. "If we lose another game, we can't make it to the playoffs, so we're out there fighting for our lives."
Meanwhile, Graves continues his fight against diabetes.
"Keep up with your diet. Don't let that keep you from reaching your goals," Graves advised to others with the disease. "You can still do whatever any other person does."
Terry draws inspiration from his son's outlook.
"I'm the father," he said, "but I will always look up to him."
richesson@vindy.com