Diabetes can’t slow Buffalo Grove’s Adam Goyke

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is perhaps the most high-profile professional football player with type 1 diabetes.

People with type 1 diabetes don’t produce insulin in their bodies, so they have to inject insulin and closely monitor their blood sugar. Whatever you may think of one of the NFL’s most polarizing players, you probably don’t think much about Cutler being a diabetic because he keeps it under control.

The same can be said about Buffalo Grove senior defensive lineman Adam Goyke.

“For him it’s normal, but I think it’s pretty courageous and cool what he’s able to do,” Bison coach Mike DiMatteo said. “He’s (an inspiration) for other kids in similar situations.”

At least once — and often multiple times — during practices and games, Goyke has to prick his finger and put it into a device that measures his blood sugar. Based on that reading, he sometimes has to inject himself with an insulin shot. He keeps a bottle of Gatorade handy and prefers eating peanut butter and jelly before games — instead of the traditional pregame meal of pasta — so that he knows exactly how many carbohydrates he is consuming.

“I try to keep my blood sugar as stable and consistent as possible throughout the day,” Goyke said.

Goyke never considered letting diabetes prevent him from what has always been his favorite sport. His older brother, Taylor, played football for the Bison, and Adam Goyke attended those games from a young age.

“I always looked up to him when I was little, so that got me into football,” Adam Goyke said.

Adam Goyke became a starter at outside linebacker by the end of his junior season. This year, the 5-foot-9, 200-pounder has embraced a position change to defensive end.

“I like it because it’s a more physical position,” he said. “You don’t have to (drop) into pass coverage. You’re always lined up and getting ready to hit somebody.”

Through three games, the Bison (1-2), coming off a 38-6 loss to Palatine, know exactly what they will get from Adam Goyke. Buffalo Grove will play host to Barrington at 7 p.m. Friday.

“He hustles to the football and is one of the most consistent players on the defensive line,” Buffalo Grove defensive coordinator Jeffrey Vlk said. “He knows this is his last season of high school football and he never takes a play off.

DiMatteo said Goyke’s practice habits set a good example for his teammates, especially the younger players.

“He doesn’t like to come off the field,” DiMatteo said. “He’ll take reps on the (scout) team to help simulate the opponent. He’ll do whatever is needed to benefit the program.”