I have to share with you my frustration and disappointment in Paula Deen's announcement on The Today show Tuesday morning. Mrs. Deen announced that the rumors are true she does have type II diabetes. For that I am sorry for her. My frustration comes when she prefaced the announcement of having the disease by saying that she learned of this news, from her doctor three years ago!

Mrs. Deen has a following of millions and apparently she has been living in denial for three years. Some would say that she was just making money off of her high-fat and high calorie foods/cooking. In fact, Al Roker, even asked her if she were not worried about critics saying she was just trying to get richer before she had to change her ways in public. She, of course, denies this. She showed no remorse over this delay of information. In fact, she even recalled the time when she told Oprah Winfrey, that she was her cook not her doctor.

So now she announces that on her website you can now go and get diabetic information. I think she has learned a new way to make money. Plus, now she openly admits that she is being paid by a drug company to endorse their product for diabetes treatment.

It is only after the shock and disbelief calms down, that’s when you begin to change your ways. I can't help but believe that Paula Deen changed her ways. She looked thinner on The Today show Tuesday.

I mentioned frustration and disappointment; as I write this blog, I now know I am dealing with anger, as well. I have to say, shame on Paula Deen for not making this announcement at least two years ago. She could have been changing lives for the good starting two to three years ago. Wow!

Diabetes often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless. Recent studies indicate that the early detection of diabetes symptoms and treatment can decrease the chance of developing the complications of diabetes.

Type I Diabetes:

• Frequent urination
• Unusual thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Unusual weight loss
• Extreme fatigue and Irritability

Type 2 Diabetes:*

• Any of the type 1 symptoms
• Frequent infections
• Blurred vision
• Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
• Tingling/numbness in the hands/feet
• Recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections

*Often people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms

Here are some alternatives to the usual fatty snack foods.  For instance buy a bag of carrots instead of a bag of chips. There are many healthy snacks out there such as: seven stalks of celery are only 45 calories, one cup of strawberries 46 calories, seven almonds 49 calories, 15 baby carrots is only 52 calories.  When you buy condiments, start thinking sacrificing taste for health and buy the “low fat” or “fat free” version. 

You can prevent or delay the onset of type II diabetes through a healthy lifestyle. Change your diet, increase your level of physical activity, maintain a healthy weight...with these positive steps, you can stay healthier longer and reduce your risk of diabetes.

So, how does Mrs. Deen's announcement make you feel? Does it frustrate you that she has been cooking with gobs of butter, high-fat and high calorie foods, encouraging us to try her recipes for the last three years, knowing she has diabetes and that you may have diabetes. too?

Let me encourage you, to look after yourself. Look over the symptoms I have listed above and go see your doctor and get tested for diabetes.

For more information on wellness coaching and to learn more on how you can control your weight, I can be reached at 678–793–5399 or contact me through my website at www.lifecoachDoug.com

I would like to help you, because Wellness Matters for Life.