Tennis Olympic champion Alexander Zverev makes diabetes public and establishes a foundation

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Alexander Zverev: Wants "to give something back"

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Gonzalo Fuentes / REUTERS

Tennis Olympic champion Alexander Zverev has made his longstanding diabetes public.

At the age of four, the native of Hamburg was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

“I didn't give it much thought when I was a little boy, but later more and more.

I want to show that you can make it a long way with this disease, "said Zverev on Saturday.

At the same time, he announced the establishment of his foundation »Alexander Zverev Foundation – Aufschlag gegen Diabetes«.

Zverev fights back after ligament injury

"Now, many years later and also with the success behind me, I feel comfortable and confident enough to go public with this initiative," the 25-year-old continued.

He wants to be a role model for people who are already ill, but also a support for the children "who can still avoid getting diabetes with an active life and the right prevention".

In addition to providing insulin and other essential medicines, his foundation finances projects for affected children and young people.

"I'm in the privileged situation of leading a life that I always wanted to lead," said Zverev, who is currently working on his comeback after suffering a severe ligament injury in rehab.

Zverev sustained the injury in the semifinals of the French Open against Rafael Nadal in June.

He is aware that not all children are so lucky, says Zwerev: »It is therefore very important to me to give something back and to help other affected people on their way.«

Diabetes is a metabolic disease, which means that the body can hardly or no longer produce any insulin.

Type 1, as with Zverev, has not yet been cured, so those affected have to inject insulin for the rest of their lives.

(You can find more articles on the subject here)

mey/dpa