Flashy red carpets, highlighted TV interviews, magazine front covers, and overall glitz and glam. We think of these things, and automatically connect them with the celebrities, or highly successful individuals in our society. But for a change, let’s connect these high-charted individuals to a piece of reality; reality that affects people like us.
Diabetes is one of the major causes of premature illness and death worldwide. It comes in different stages, does not discriminate against age, and is, most importantly, incurable. Despite the numerous challenges resulting from a diabetes diagnosis, we can look to Sherri Shepherd (“The View”) for living proof that you can still achieve your set goals.
In 2007, The View co-host Sherri Shepherd was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. “For years, my doctor had told me that my glucose levels were high and that I was pre-diabetic,” Shepherd says.
Diabetes took her mother at age 41, when Sherri was only 23 years old, ultimately putting her at risk of the disease. A family history of diabetes can increase your risk 2-4 times. Unaware of the dangers at the time Sherri was diagnosed only 2 days before “The View” aired in 2007
Finally, after being diagnosed, Sherri took the doctor’s advice and changed her lifestyle. Her highly publicized 41-lb weight loss was her triumph over diabetes.
With a much-improved diet and exercise regimen, Shepherd’s diabetes is now under control, and her career is on full throttle. We can see her on “The View” every morning, her self-titled sitcom “Sherri” on Lifetime Television, and she has even managed to grab the record for being the most booked guest on the “Ellen DeGeneres Show.”
Success is possible through the struggle of diabetes, with proper precautions, some faith, and determination. And in acknowledging this month as Diabetes Awareness, do your part and support the cause.