Randy Jackson on Diabetes: An Old Dawg Can Learn New Tricks!

Filed in archive Inspiration , Resources on January 24, 2009

In an interview with Diabetes Forecast - the consumer magazine of the American Diabetes Association - Randy Jackson reveals his type 2 diabetes story, the hurdles and the path to treatment.

This year, Randy Jackson celebrates 10 years of type 2 diabetes:

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.

Also in the February issue of Diabetes Forecast:

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.

Read more from the ADA press release.