Celebrities discuss diabetes during National Diabetes Month

Jet, Nov 3, 2003

With November as National Diabetes Month, a number of celebrities who have the disease are speaking out to help others cope with it.

"Touched by an Angel" TV star Della Reese wants people with diabetes to realize that they are "stronger than diabetes."

She's the lead spokesperson of a new educational campaign, "Della Reese: Stronger Than Diabetes," that teaches people how to manage their disease.

Reese has type 2 diabetes, often called adult onset diabetes. "A few years ago I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.... I felt upset because I knew nothing about the condition and I had nothing to fight it with. I have since learned that I have the power to make meaningful changes in my life by committing to following a healthy routine with my eating habits, exercise plan and medication for type 2 diabetes."

Actor Robert Guillaume of "Benson" TV fame discovered he had diabetes after he suffered a stroke several years ago. "It is not a hopeless situation--you can learn to monitor your blood sugar levels to see where you are. When you visit your physician, request to have your blood glucose levels tested. Learn the signs. Learn to notice and understand how you feel, how you respond and where your energy level is at any given point. Talk to your physicians and keep them informed if you have concerns."

Guillaume, who stars in the upcoming holiday feature film Big Fish, adds, "Get concerned about your health.... Work with your doctor to get the best results. It all boils down to personal health maintenance. Be proactive. Get involved. Your health really does matter."

Diabetes is a disease that affects the way the body converts food into energy. It affects an estimated 17 million Americans and can lead to such complications as heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, amputation and blindness, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

This month, the ADA is working on a campaign, "Diabetes Sundays," within the organization's church network to get the message out about the treatment of diabetes and to tell patients what they should ask their doctors during their visit.