PHOENIX - To fight Type 2 diabetes, which he was diagnosed with two weeks ago, Padres pitcher David Wells must radically alter his diet. But it doesn't have to be hard, teammate Doug Brocail said.

Brocail was forced into a similar dietary change last year after doctors discovered a severe blockage of his coronary arteries, leading the 39-year-old to undergo two angioplasties.

But a year later, Brocail said he has made the adjustment with ease. And now the veteran reliever - who sits two stalls away from Wells in the Padres' spring clubhouse - is providing the 43-year-old starter with a wealth of advice.

"My biggest thing was having a whiskey with the boys and to stop (chewing tobacco)," Brocail said. "(Wells and I) talk about it every day. We sat down and he said 'Damn, I have to start following your diet.' I said, 'Look, its simple.' "

Wells declined to comment on his condition.

According to the medical Web site WebMD, Type 2 diabetes develops when the body can't produce enough insulin or the body uses insulin improperly. When either occurs, the sugar level in the blood can reach high levels and cause problems in the heart, nerves, kidneys, bloods vessels or eyes.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 to 95 percent of all diabetes cases, and often develops after age 40, hence the name "adult-onset diabetes."

Brocail was a cheese connoisseur before 2006. But giving up Gouda was a sacrifice he knew he had to make. And he's helping Wells understand that pasta, fast food and alcohol can't be part of his daily regimen.

"It's funny because the first thing I do is look at a label and look at saturated fat," Brocail said. "I can't eat that. Everything in moderation.

"(Three) nights ago I had the best steak I've ever eaten. Last year I saw a good-looking pizza in L.A. and I got fed up. It looked so damn good. So I chewed on it, spit it out and got my fix."

Padres trainer Todd Hutcheson said his printer has been spitting out diabetes information right and left since the diagnosis. Hutcheson's main work revolves around orthopedics, but he has tried to assist Wells as much as possible. Wells has also received outside medical help.

"We've done some research to help him with his diet," Hutcheson said. "And we have people who've already spoken with Boomer on what he needs to do. The responsibility lies with him on what he needs to do."

That includes getting ready for the start of the season. Wells has given Padres manager Bud Black and CEO Sandy Alderson little to worry about.

"From what I've been told, it'll be manageable," Black said.

Alderson said the issue was one the team and Wells had to adapt to - quickly.

"It's something he'll have to manage and something we'll have to help him manage," Alderson said. "It's not unprecedented by any means."

That's where Brocail comes in handy. His own habits and his positive influence can't be overlooked.

"He has a beautiful wife and two boys," Brocail said. "He has a lot to live for, so why screw it up? Am I aware of (my diet)? Absolutely. Do I think about it every day? Of course I do because I have to live. But I don't let it rule my life."

Padres notes

RHP Doug Brocail allowed two runs in one-third of an inning and was again affected by a cracked fingernail. Manager Bud Black said the nail affects Brocail's ability to throw breaking balls. … The Padres claimed RHP Justin Germano off outright waivers from Philadelphia. Germano, who has a 4.50 ERA this spring, was a 13th-round pick of the Padres in the 2000 amateur draft and made his major-league debut with the club on May 22, 2004. Black expects Germano to pitch for Triple-A Portland. … RHP Jake Peavy earned the victory in an 11-4 Padres win over the Oakland A's at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Peavy (1-1) pitched 4 2/3 shutout innings, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out six batters. … C Pete Laforest hit his first two home runs of the spring and had four RBIs. … SS Khalil Greene belted his fourth homer and went 3-for-4 with four RBIs. … OF Cedric Hunter had a single, a stolen base, a run scored, an RBI, and a dropped fly ball in his major-league spring debut.

- Contact staff writer Dan Hayes at dhayes@nctimes.com.