"When I found out I had type 2 diabetes, I was upset because I knew nothing about the condition and I had nothing to fight it with," said Della Reese. "I have since learned that I have the power to make meaningful changes in my life and that my diabetes management plan plays a big part in staying happy and healthy."
Type 2 diabetes is an epidemic in the United States, with approximately 17 million Americans currently diagnosed with the disease. In Nevada alone, nearly 6.2 percent of the population is affected by diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels, which occur when the body cannot make enough insulin or does not respond normally to the insulin it makes, a condition called insulin resistance. The hormone insulin, which is made in the pancreas, helps the body to change food into energy.
Diabetes is primarily a self-managed disease in that patients are responsible for following their healthcare professional's recommended lifestyle and medication plan. In fact, more than 95 percent of diabetes care is in the hands of the patient. Unfortunately, however, approximately 50 percent of patients do not take their medication as prescribed and healthcare professionals have little control over patient behavior between office visits.
"If you take an active role in managing your disease, you can be stronger than diabetes. I'm living proof!" said Della Reese. The "Della Reese: Stronger Than Diabetes" campaign is sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline.
"Take Della's Challenge: Be Stronger Than Diabetes"
People interested in learning more about type 2 diabetes can receive a one-of-a-kind copy of Take Della's Challenge: Be Stronger Than Diabetes, a booklet filled with quick tips and true-life advice on managing type 2 diabetes as well as Della's favorite diabetes-friendly recipes. Also included is a free motivational music CD to encourage a more active lifestyle featuring one of Della Reese's songs. The free booklet and CD can be obtained by calling the toll-free number 1-866-463-6342 or by visiting http://www.delladiabetes.com/.
As part of her visit to Las Vegas, Della will share what she has learned from her healthcare team about managing type 2 diabetes:
* Talk about it - now! Ask your healthcare professional about aggressively managing your diabetes and insulin resistance, a major underlying cause of the disease. * Set goals. Test your blood sugar levels regularly. Also, to make sure you're in control, have your doctor test your A1C level (a marker
of long-term blood sugar control). The American Diabetes Association recommends a target A1C level of less than 7 percent. * Keep a healthy, balanced meal plan. There's no single, "right" diabetes diet. Work with your healthcare professional to develop a plan suited to your personal needs. * Get moving. After talking to your doctor, start a physical activity program that incorporates your everyday activities, like walking the dog, gardening or taking the stairs. Exercise can help with weight loss as well as reducing insulin resistance. * Stick with it. Follow your recommended meal plan, stay active and, when appropriate, take your medication regularly as prescribed by your
healthcare professional. If you don't, you may be at risk for serious diabetes-related complications.
