DIABETES FOUNDATION AND NBC’S “TODAY” SHOW SHED LIGHT ON STATE’S DIABETES EPIDEMIC

JACKSON, MISS. – On October 8, people from around the country turned on their TVs as they jogged at the gym, climbed out of bed, poured themselves a cup of coffee and got ready for work, and all of them saw the same thing– Mississippians finally doing something to counter the diabetes and obesity epidemic!

The NBC morning television “Today” show chose Mississippi as the subject for a story highlighting the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes among children. What they got from a day spent in the state’s capital was an interview with a young girl successfully rising above her diabetes diagnosis and an afternoon jogging in place, clapping and doing jumping jacks with a group of local elementary school children.

Mary Fortune, Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi Executive Vice President, was contacted by the network in June about story ideas and possible interviewees for the show.

“Yes, one in three Mississippi children will develop type 2 diabetes in his or her lifetime if current trends continue,” Fortune said. “But instead of focusing on the negative, we are choosing to focus on the positive health initiatives taking place in our state’s classrooms to prevent type 2 diabetes and ensure that Mississippi children have both good health and bright futures.”

During the recent filming, “Today” show producers Emily McAdam and Max Paul and NBC correspondent Maria Menounos participated in a diabetes prevention program at Madison Crossing Elementary in Madison. Spearheaded by the Diabetes Foundation, the educational program energized the school’s students and emphasized the importance of exercise and healthy eating, especially in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

Research has shown that moderate weight loss coupled with exercise and healthy eating habits can prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Type 2 diabetes accounts for nearly 90 to 95 percent of all diabetes cases in the United States, the CDC reported.

“It was great to see the students so enthusiastic about making healthy lifestyle choices,” said Foundation Associate Director Irena McClain, MPH. “We want to set a positive example for the rest of the country– Look at us being proactive and striving for a healthier Mississippi!”

Another portion of the “Today” story focused on the life of a Mississippi child with type 2, who has struggled with weight and control of her hemoglobin AIC levels. The story chronicled both her successes and challenges.

“The Diabetes Foundation works around the clock to keep healthy diabetes management and lifestyle choices on the minds of every person in Mississippi,” Fortune said. “We do this through school education programs, such as our ‘Sweet Subject’ program for teachers of students with diabetes. We also encourage schools to participate in Mississippi’s School Walk for Diabetes, because we believe wholeheartedly in the importance of educating our children now so that they grow up to be healthy adults.”

“NBC recognized the Foundation’s passion for diabetes education and prevention, and that’s why they reached out to us for help in getting the story off the ground,” McClain said. “We want the world to know that we are taking the necessary steps to make our state a healthier place to live– through educational opportunities, health fairs and screenings, school programs and Camp Kandu for kids with diabetes.”

The DFM is the state’s only nonprofit health organization that provides diabetes research, information, patient services and advocacy. Every dollar raised by the Foundation stays in the state to support these efforts. In addition, 89 cents of every dollar raised goes towards the organization’s charitable purposes. The Diabetes Foundation is the one diabetes organization totally dedicated to all Mississippians with diabetes– from children to seniors.

For more information about the Diabetes Foundation and its programs and services that are available to help Mississippi become a healthier state, visit www.msdiabetes.org or call 1-877-DFM-CURE.