Since getting to the NHL, New York Rangers rookie Kaapo Kakko has been open about his life with type 1 diabetes and celiac disease. He was diagnosed with both conditions five or six years ago, he says.

As a result, Kakko has had to manage his diet and lifestyle in different ways, but beyond the adjustment, it hasn’t been a hurdle in his playing career. In an interview with GQ, Kakko went in-depth on his gluten-free diet in the NHL and his own experience with diabetes and celiac, while also encouraging young athletes growing up with either condition to keep going.

“I know you said you don’t remember exactly when you were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and celiac, but do you remember how you felt when you got that news?

When they said it, I didn’t even know what celiac was. It was a little hard, I remember. I didn’t expect it. But over the next couple weeks I tried learning about celiac and gluten-free food. I learned it wasn’t so bad. [...]

Were you worried at all at the time that this might affect your ability to be a professional hockey player someday?

I think diabetes was a bigger thing. It took some time to adjust, but it’s turned out to be not so bad. And celiac, it’s very easy. I know so many guys who also eat gluten-free, including one of my friends. You get into a normal routine of what you eat, when you practice, and you figure it out. [...]

What would you say to others who play sports and are growing up with diabetes or celiac?

When I got it, I thought, can I play anymore? But I trusted myself and kept going. If you trust in yourself, then it’s easier. You can play hockey and do whatever you want to do.”

It’s always impactful, especially for younger hockey players, to hear from actual NHL players who deal with the same medical conditions as them, and Kakko’s willingness to speak about his life with diabetes and celiac can go a long way.

Remember, one of the best to ever do it, Flyers legend Bobby Clarke, was also a type 1 diabetic, and one of the young athletes he inspired, a fellow by the name of Max Domi, recently had the chance to meet him.

Paying it forward, Domi has long worked to open doors for young athletes with diabetes.

h/t GQ