Dick Clark goes public with his diabetes to warn of its link to heart disease

Main Category: Diabetes
Article Date: 23 Apr 2004 - 0:00 PST

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Dick Clark disclosed publicly for the first time that he has type 2 diabetes. Mr. Clark, known as "America's oldest teenager," was first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 1994 but kept the news private until now. In support of this announcement, Mr. Clark is joining the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) to launch Diabetes: Know the Heart Part, a national public education campaign to alert Americans to the fact that diabetes and heart disease are closely related. The diabetes and heart disease education campaign is supported by Merck & Co., Inc.

"I've previously shared with folks my personal experience with managing my risk factors for heart disease and now I want people to know that having type 2 diabetes also puts them at an increased risk for a heart attack and stroke," Mr. Clark said.

"The Diabetes: Know the Heart Part campaign message is clear: if you have diabetes, know you are at an increased risk for heart attack and talk to your healthcare provider about managing your risk factors for heart disease."

An estimated 18.2 million Americans have diabetes, yet more than two-thirds of people with diabetes surveyed by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) were unaware they faced an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Compared to adults without diabetes and heart disease, adults with diabetes are at an increased risk of heart attack or stroke - even if their cholesterol is normal. Moreover, adults with diabetes also have the same risk of having a heart attack as adults without diabetes who have already had a heart attack.

"Most adults with diabetes were unaware of their risk for heart disease according to the ADA survey, but research shows it's the leading cause of death among adults with diabetes," said Virginia Zamudio, RN, MSN, CDE, president of the American Association of Diabetes Educators.

"Adults with diabetes need to know that along with working with their healthcare provider to help manage their blood sugar level, it is also important to work with their healthcare provider to help manage their risk for heart disease."

Ms. Zamudio also called attention to the latest guidelines from the ADA, which recommend that for adults with diabetes, LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) should be less than 100 mg/dl. High blood pressure is also common in adults with diabetes, which substantially increases the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular complications.

For adults with diabetes, ADA guidelines recommend a blood pressure goal of less than 130/80 mmHg.

As for Mr. Clark, despite having diabetes, he shows no signs of slowing down either personally or professionally. He continues to produce top awards shows such as the "Golden Globes" and the "American Music Awards" and is the executive producer of the popular family drama, "American Dreams."

"I've made some important changes in my life, and my doctor has me eating healthy, and I exercise regularly, both of which help manage my risk for heart disease," Mr. Clark said. "I encourage others with diabetes to work with their healthcare professional to help manage their risk for heart disease."

Mr. Clark, 74 years old but long known as "America's oldest teenager," will tour major U.S. cities in partnership with community Diabetes Educators over the next several months for Diabetes: Know the Heart Part.

As he crisscrosses the country, he will share his personal experiences in dealing with diabetes and the risk for heart disease. Leading by example, he will encourage Americans who have diabetes to talk with their healthcare provider about how they can help manage their risk for heart disease.

Consumers can order a free copy of Diabetes: Know the Heart Part brochure, which includes strategies for helping to manage diabetes and the risk of heart disease by calling toll-free 1-800-224-4089 or logging onto www.knowtheheartpart.com.

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