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Craig McMillan

Sunday, February 8 2004

Craig McMillan - Dealing with Diabetes

Its the 22nd of February 1998 and Craig McMillan is the talk of New Zealand Cricket. The 21 year old has just smacked 18 fours and 4 sixes and become the fourth youngest New Zealander to reach three figures.

No one knew the toll the four hour and twenty minute innings had taken on him, but they were to find out several hours later.

Craig's Canterbury and New Zealand team-mates were used to the injection routine 4 times a day and his need to take regular snacks but few other people knew about his diabetic condition.

Diabetes had never seemed to stand in Craig's way but his mammoth test innings, followed by the final session in the field had taken it's toll.

McMillan had let his blood-sugar levels drop too much with the excitement and while he was in the press conference with captain Stephen Fleming, it came quite obvious that Craig was not well. His speech got slower and while he knew what he wanted to say, it would come out differently. Fleming sent him back to the dressing room and after some food and a rest, Macca was back to 100%.

Craig had not deliberately kept his condition a secret but at the same time he had never broadcast the news.

He was overheard to say "I am not embarrassed by my condition and I would like to see myself as a role model for kids with diabetes"

"Diabetes has never stopped me from doing anything. You have to watch what you eat and work a little harder on the fitness side of things but I think the end result is more rewarding"

Today Craig McMillan is a senior player of the TelstraClear Black Caps. At only 26 years old, he has a test average of 41.07 with 5 centuries beside his name.

Posted by James