Randy Jackson Speaks About Diabetes: "An Old Dawg Can Learn New Tricks!" American Diabetes Association

Main Category: Diabetes
Article Date: 22 Jan 2009 - 4:00 PDT

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This year Randy Jackson will celebrate ten years of living with diabetes.  In an interview with Diabetes Forecast, the consumer magazine of the American Diabetes Association, the American Idol judge and Grammy-award winner shares his story of being diagnosed with diabetes, the hurdles he faced, and the path he chose toward better health.

Jackson, who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 1999, was shocked when he learned that he had a chronic disease.  "They were sneaky symptoms," he says.  "Of course, I didn't take into consideration that a history of type 2 diabetes ran in my family, because you always think that happens to somebody else, not you."  But soon after his diagnosis, Jackson took charge.  He turned his diet around from the "Southern-fried" foods he was accustomed to, began to exercise regularly, and after much careful consideration, had gastric bypass surgery.  As a result of these changes, Jackson has set out to talk to people about lifestyle changes that can prevent diabetes and its complications.

"I still check my blood sugar three or four times a day," Jackson comments. "I have to surround myself with healthy alternatives -- in the office, studio, on set, whatever -- so I'm not reaching for something bad, because the habits are still there, I grew up with them."  Jackson has written a new book about his experience with type 2 diabetes that discusses the psychological aspects of weight loss, which he feels are more important that people normally realize. "I've been on 80 million diets, lost a bunch of weight and gained it all back," he states.  "There's more going on here than just food."

Jackson has seen multiple successes in achieving better health as well as his professional career.  Between managing his diabetes, sitting at the judges' table on American Idol, producing "America's Best Dance Crew," and publishing a memoir, he has accomplished a lot since his diagnosis, making many personal changes while building on his career.  "It's like I say in [my] book: 'An old dawg can learn new tricks!'"

Also in the February issue:

Update on glucose control and heart health: Last year a number of major studies were published to look at the connections between cardiovascular health and controlling cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes.  Some of the initial results have been confusing, but Diabetes Forecast offers a few key points to help you and your heart.

In addition, this issue of Diabetes Forecast brings you stories about:

A to Z of Omega-3 -- Why this fatty acid is a must for good health.

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes Before it Starts -- learn what you or a loved one can do to treat pre-diabetes.

 Getting to Know Your Roots

-- new winter recipes that take advantage of nutrient- and flavor-rich root vegetables.

Diabetes Forecast has been America's leading diabetes magazine for 60 years, offering the latest news on diabetes research and treatment to provide information, inspiration, and support to people with diabetes.

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fighting for those affected by diabetes.  The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes.  Founded in 1940, its mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.  For more information, please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit http://www.diabetes.org. 

American Diabetes Association

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