I don’t think many of us were surprised to hear the other day that Paula Deen was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, but maybe a little surprised that she was diagnosed 3 years ago. Before I get too far into this, let me say that I feel horrible for anyone who has to face this horrible disease, and would never wish it on anyone. That being said, I was a little annoyed when she revealed to Al Roker on the “Today Show” Tuesday morning that she was diagnosed so long ago and just now felt like it was time to tell her millions of fans who take pride in making the butter-drenched dishes she promotes on her shows and in her magazine. I totally get the need to keep private matters private, at least for a time, but she has many platforms available to her that can use to help others, three years seems like a long time to me.
During her “Today Show” interview and in subsequent print interviews, like the one she did for THIS article in the New York Times, Deen recounts preaching that everything should be enjoyed in moderation, she won’t blame herself and stresses that Type 2 can be caused by a host of things beyond diet and who gets it is a sort of “Russian Roulette game'”. Type 2 can be caused by inactivity, age, excess weight, high calorie diets, family history and heredity. We can’t do anything about our family history or our race, but we can do something about what we eat and how active we are. I found it particularly interesting that while she stressed genetics as a factor in multiple interviews, she also said that her grandmother cooked and ate the same way she did and didn’t have it. Maybe it was just me, but it seems as though she’s still in a bit of denial that her diet has something to do with her diagnosis. She has given up sweet tea and is eating smaller portions, though.
Here’s the thing. While I’m glad she’s come out and told the world she has this condition, which may make some people take note about their own lives and see their doctor, it’s interesting that the official announcement came the same day her new multi-platform endorsement of the Novo Nordisk medication (which costs $500/month) was launched. I’m also concerned that she may be more focused on controlling the disease with the and the “lighter” meals she and her sons will promote on the new website, than encouraging prevention. Yes, life doesn’t have to stop for people with Diabetes, but people don’t have to get it, either. She and her sons will be paid by the Pharma company to promote the drug, and as it turns out, they announced Wednesday that they’ll be donating a portion of their profits to charity. What charity and how much? Who knows.
We tend to focus so much time, effort and money on trying to cure or control diseases rather than preventing them. While we all need to take responsibility for our own lives and the choices we make along the way, sometimes we also need a little guidance once in a while. We’re all experts in certain things, but we’re not all experts in health and nutrition and look to others to help us along. While I would never look to Deen for advice on nutrition, it’s a shame that with such a huge following, she’s more focused on promoting a drug rather than promoting a healthy lifestyle which could possibly help prevent the disease from affecting many of her fans to begin with. Hopefully out of all this hoopla, people who are at risk will start making changes and listening to health experts to turn things around and live healthy lives. At the same time, hopefully those who are on a healthy road will stay there!
Approximately 26 million Americans have Diabetes, 90% of whom have the highly preventable Type 2. Let’s focus on spreading the word about healthy eating, staying active and lowering obesity rates and in turn, hopefully, keep people from getting this horrible disease.
Okay, I’m done with my rant. Thanks for reading!
- What do you think about Paula Deen’s announcement and diagnosis?
- What are your thoughts about prevention vs treatment?
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Today’s workout -
- 2x15 cable side twists (ea. side)
- 2x15 squatting row
- 2x20 kick-backs
- 35min elliptical
- 1x40sec plank
- 1x35sec superman hold
- stretching
