Ben Vereen is a prime example that life does not have to end after a diabetes diagnosis.
The Broadway triple threat is one of 26 million Americans living with diabetes in the U.S.
Vereen recently spoke to Dr. Manny Alvarez, senior managing health editor of FoxNews.com, about his campaign to raise awareness about the disease.
The campaign is called S.T.A.N.D, which stands for ‘Start Taking Action Now for Diabetes.’
“I’m urging Americans to take a stand,” Vereen said. “There are seven million people who don’t even know they have it.”
Vereen was diagnosed in 2007 after experiencing dry mouth, frequent urination and fatigue.
After collapsing, he went to the hospital and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Immediately, Vereen said he felt fear of the unknown.
“I was listening to all the rhetoric, ‘you are going to die, they will amputate your leg,’” he said. “And all these things can happen if you don’t take care of yourself . . . but my doctor told me to exercise and change my eating habits. Now I’m leading a healthy life. It’s not a death sentence.”
Visit standfordiabetes.org for more information on Vereen and this campaign.
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