On most days, life isn't easy for an offensive lineman once he steps onto the football field. There is the physical nature of the position, injuries to always worry about and, of course, they have the responsibility of protecting the quarterback.
For New Mexico State redshirt offensive lineman Joel Buschmann, he also has to worry about type 1 diabetes, which is usually diagnosed in young adults and children. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin, which is a hormone needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.
"Originally, I was diagnosed with mononucleosis during my freshman year at NMSU,"
Buschmann said. "But I had lost 80 pounds and I was nervous. The diagnosis was then changed to diabetes and I was able to get it under control."
Once Buschmann was diagnosed with diabetes, he started to deal with it and his weight returned.
"It's been tough at times and it weighs on my mind on a daily basis,"
Buschmann said. "I have to take up to eight shots of insulin per day. I just have to be careful and make sure I take care of myself. I'm starting to feel better."
The native of Denver, Colo., is now weighing in the 300-pound range and is back to battling for a spot on the Aggies offensive line.
He is vying for playing time at left tackle with Kyle Smith. Last year, Buschmann played sparingly, but there is a chance he could fit in more this year.
"Joel has come in and done some good things this camp,"
offensive line coach Mason Miller said. "He's worked hard and we just have to monitor him and his condition. It's not easy having diabetes and trying to play college football. Joel is a good kid and hard worker and he's going to work hard everyday and make a great effort to help us."
Buschmann hopes to find the field more in 2008. He feels that having his strength back and the improvement he feels he has made in his overall game, can help the team in some fashion this year.
But just being back to full strength and knowing his situation better has made him appreciative of what he has in his life.
"College football is a great game and I'm fortunate to be involved in it, I hope I can stay healthy and continue to make progress,"
Buschmann said. "We have a good team this year and a good offensive line. I believe we can do some great things this season."
