Della Reese

Q: How did you find out you had diabetes?

I had no idea that I had it. I was working on "Touched by an Angel." I started down the stairs in the house where I was living, and it was as if somebody hit me in the head with something. I sat down on the steps, not having any idea what was wrong with me, but then it was gone. Just completely gone. I got in the car, went to work, went to hair, makeup, got dressed, and went to do the scene.

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Q: Why do you think diabetes is hitting young people nowadays?

I used to get a hamburger. It would be a patty, a slice of tomato, a piece of lettuce, and a couple of slices of pickle. Now you get one that's so big you can't get your mouth on it.

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Q: How did you change your life after you were diagnosed with diabetes?

I changed my mind. When you change your mind, you can change your life. I changed my mind about some things. I've worked all my life; so, all I had to do was lie down. I had to change my mind. I hate the word "exercise," so I changed the word to "activity."

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Related Episode

July 5th, 2004

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Recommended Web Sites

The Children with Diabetes Foundation assists people living with diabetes and support the work of scientists and physicians searching for a cure

Children with Diabetes is an online community for kids, families and adults with diabetes.

The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools has information on tools that can help staff and students prevent or delay diabetes-related complications.