Patrick Peterson Reveals He Has Diabetes

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson has been described as a physical specimen, capable of dominating on the field, but the four-time Pro Bowler revealed he was limited at times last season due to diabetes.

According to Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic, the 24-year-old defensive back admitted to being diabetic but claimed the Cards' medical staff was able to treat it and get his blood sugar under control.

"Coach Arians said in February that you had a blood sugar problem early in the season and that really affected you," Somers said. The 2011 first-round pick out of LSU replied, "Yeah, it did. I'd rather not go into deep detail about that. It was a situation that it occurred during the season. The team docs found it and got it all under wraps."

Peterson provided further clarification via Twitter:

"

I want to take a moment to address the media reports this morning regarding my health. While I did have abnormal sugar levels, I've been working with doctors on a strategic meal plan and workout routine that are reversing these symptoms. I’m grateful that this has been reversible for me and my health is back to normal. Thanks everyone for their concern and well wishes! Now back to my workouts and getting ready for the upcoming season!

"

Although Peterson was selected to the Pro Bowl after registering 48 tackles and three interceptions, he struggled to contain top receivers at times, which wasn't the case in previous years.

Vincent Frank of Forbes.com speculates that Peterson's diabetes may have had an adverse effect on his play in 2014:

"No question it made a big difference and once they found out what the problem was, they put their hands around the throat, wrangled it and we moved forward from it," Peterson told Somers.

The Cardinals and Peterson will look to improve upon what was a productive 11-5 season in 2014.

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