Ex-NFL player will talk about life with diabetes

Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Kendall Simmons will be in Hawaii this week to share his experience with diabetes.

Simmons will speak during an event that recognizes participants in the 2016 Diabetes Care for Life Program at Straub Medical Center. Participants finished an eight-week self-management program.

The free event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday in the Straub Medical Center cafeteria, 888 S. King St.

The first 50 people at the event will receive an autograph from Simmons.

Simmons played for the Steelers from 2002 to 2008. He was diagnosed with diabetes before the 2003 season. Playing with diabetes was a challenge because it was difficult for Simmons to manage blood sugar levels during games. Sometimes it was hard to focus.

Despite the challenges, Simmons started every game in 2005 and contributed to the team’s Super Bowl victory that season.