The Gluten-Free Diet Powering New York Rangers' Kaapo Kakko

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By Jefferson Adams

January 21, 2020
By Jefferson Adams • January 21, 2020

The Gluten-Free Diet Powering New York Rangers' Kaapo Kakko

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Reviewed and edited by a celiac disease expert.

How the 18-year-old No. 2 overall draft pick navigates the rigors of the NHL with type 1 diabetes and celiac disease.

Caption: Image: CC BY 2.0--kjc9

Celiac.com 01/21/2020 - Hockey fans might know Kaapo Kakko as the NHL's number two draft pick, now playing for the New York Rangers.

Diagnosed with both celiac disease and type 1 diabetes while in his early teens, Kakko has had to adapt his diet and training regimen accordingly. Of course, he avoids gluten and follows a strict gluten-free diet.

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Because Kakko's home country of Finland boasts an excellent socialized health system, Kakko not only received early testing, but also received supervised instruction from medical professionals on following a gluten-free, and diabetic-friendly diet, and adjusting his lifestyle as needed to thrive in the face of his medical challenges.

Like many people diagnosed with celiac disease, Kakko says he didn't feel sick and didn't have any clear symptoms, so popping in to the doctor for a routine check-up and testing positive for both type 1 diabetes and celiac disease came as a bit of a shock.

After nearly a week of medical supervision and instruction, Kakko was released with a good feel for what he needed to do to remain healthy, courtesy of Finland's good medical system.

Joining the NHL as the number two draft pick is a strong indication that Kakko has done a good job of managing his celiac disease and diabetes. What's his secret? Read more about Kaapo Kaako's gluten-free diet at GQ.com

Learn more about the ins and outs of a gluten-free diet at Celiac.com.

Learn more about Kaapo Kakko's diet at GQ.com.
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About Me

Jefferson Adams is Celiac.com's senior writer and Digital Content Director. He earned his B.A. and M.F.A. at Arizona State University. His articles, essays, poems, stories and book reviews have appeared in numerous magazines, journals, and websites, including North American Project, Antioch Review, Caliban, Mississippi Review, Slate, and more. He is the author of more than 2,500 articles on celiac disease. His university coursework includes studies in science, scientific methodology, biology, anatomy, physiology, medicine, logic, and advanced research. He previously devised health and medical content for Colgate, Dove, Pfizer, Sharecare, Walgreens, and more. Jefferson has spoken about celiac disease to the media, including an appearance on the KQED radio show Forum, and is the editor of numerous books, including "Cereal Killers" by Scott Adams and Ron Hoggan, Ed.D.

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