Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler received more than 500 e-mails and letters following his April diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes.

Most of the encouragement came from kids between 8 and 15 who play sports with the serious but manageable disease.

One young fan's reassurance tempered by experience left Cutler smiling.

"One kid wrote an e-mail that said, 'Don't worry, you'll get your courage back,' " Cutler says. "A lot of kids get diagnosed each day who are under 8. I can't imagine their parents having to wake their 3-year-old up three times a night to prick their finger to check their blood sugar level.

"When I get things settled, I want to do something to help raise awareness, especially with kids."

He's already a role model - to teammates.

The 25-year-old quarterback appears to be unaware of all the eyes on him during last week's four-day quarterback camp.

Eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey says Cutler's business-as-usual demeanor in coping with an illness that threatens 21 million Americans is paying unexpected dividends.

Wearing a wireless, small iPod-sized insulin pump during practices to regulate his blood sugar, Cutler is praised by teammates for his mental toughness.

They acknowledge that it's hard to sit out while Cutler is monitored before, during and after workouts by a trainer.

The Broncos are taking their cue from the third-year gunslinger who appears stronger and more mature despite life-altering news.

"Guys look at Jay and the way he's handled things, and their problems don't seem half as bad," Bailey says. "I'm amazed at the way he's handled it. I thought he'd be freaking out right now. But he hasn't shown one sign of emotion.

"He hasn't missed a workout. Jay's a natural leader. He gets it."

The former Vanderbilt quarterback is encouraged after learning how to control the illness responsible for 35 pounds mysteriously melting off his 6-3, 238-pound frame late last season.

Cutler has regained the weight, his energy and fastball. "There's a lot worse things," he says. "It's manageable, something I'll be fine with.

"I'm excited just knowing I'm going to be a better quarterback this year. Last year, I'd watch video the day after a game and say, 'I know I could make that throw.' But some deep balls floated."

He threw to former Vanderbilt teammate Earl Bennett during Bennett's March pro day. His zip was lacking. He was always tired.

Then on April 16, as part of his physical for the strength and conditioning program, he got the blood test that showed his glucose level was four times the normal level.

He now has a personal chef prepare low-carbohydrate meals. He also has a key sounding board.

His former Vandy quarterback coach, Jimmy Kiser, 50, is a Type 1 diabetic since age 29.

"The very day he learned his diagnosis, he bought some books and wasn't feeling sorry for himself," Kiser says. "He's attacking diabetes head on."

Cutler replaced Jake Plummer as the starter the last five games of 2006. He started 16 games last season and had 20 touchdowns with 14 interceptions, throwing for 3,497 yards despite fading to "skin and bones," as business manager Marty Garafalo says.

Cutler won't the first NFL quarterback to play with the disease. Wade Wilson, the Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks coach, was diagnosed in his fifth NFL season and went on to play 14 more.

"Diabetes in general is getting out of control," Cutler says. "There's not enough information out there.

"It'll be easy for me to spread knowledge to help."