Angie Stone: 'living my life with diabetes: singer urges African-Americans to take control of the disease—now

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

You may know me best as a songwriter and neo-soul singer, but what you don't know is that I'm living with diabetes, a very serious disease that affects more than 3 million African-Americans nationwide, according to the American Diabetes Association. Because our community is particularly hard-hit by the disease, I'm partnering with Eli Lilly & Co. on the F.A.C.E. (Fearless African-Americans Connected and Empowered) Diabetes Campaign to share my story and be a part of a movement of people, just like me, who face diabetes on a daily basis.

I feel very blessed because my life is in a good place now. I have beautiful, healthy children, a supportive network of family and friends, and [not long ago] I released a new album, The Art of Love & War. On top of all of this, I'm feeling good because I'm successfully managing my diabetes.

But I'm just like a lot of people living with the disease. Getting my diabetes under control wasn't so easy at first. Eight years ago, I was diagnosed with diabetes after I started experiencing a few common symptoms associated with high blood sugar--including frequent urination and excessive thirst. I couldn't stop going to the bathroom, and no matter how much water I drank, I couldn't get enough.

Despite having a family history of the disease, my diagnosis came as a shock because I didn't think I was a candidate for diabetes. Even after I was diagnosed and nay doctor prescribed medication, I didn't truly take the disease as seriously as I should have. I was in denial about my condition and the importance of taking my medication, changing my diet and getting more exercise.

Through trial and error and working with my health care team, I know now that it's important for me to take control and face my disease fearlessly so I can be healthy for myself, my family and my fans.

I want you and our community to be fearless about facing diabetes too. Remember, managing diabetes is possible with the proper medical support and a healthy lifestyle.

--For more information, go to www.face-diabetes.com and www.lillydiabetes.com.

COPYRIGHT 2008 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning