SCORING AGAINST DIABETES

by Charles L. Ray III

I have had diabetes for 17 years. Unfortunately for me, for the first eight years, I chose not to take care of myself. I did not eat right. I ate all the things diabetics were not supposed to eat, then took additional insulin "to compensate for it." I never checked my blood sugar to see how my diabetes was doing, and the worst thing of all, I never used to exercise!

That was my daily routine for eight years. I knew I had to make a change for the better, as I always felt tired, miserable, and cranky. I had spoken with my doctor, Dr. Robert Mountcastle, about an insulin pump. He explained the pump to me very well, and told me I was not a prime candidate for such a pump. I would have to prove myself worthy.

I had to check my blood sugar three times a day for a month, and bring him the results. I had to do all the things I had not done for the first eight years, and I had to exercise. Dr. Mountcastle told me that when I returned to his office with my data, he would know if I was serious about being put on the insulin pump...and that is how I began to take control of my diabetes.

Currently I exercise five days a week, jogging two to three miles, using the Stairmaster for six minutes after the jogging, then finishing with a three-mile ride on the exercise bike. But that's not all.

I eat more fish and chicken now, baked or broiled, and I watch my sodium and fat intake. Because I use an insulin pump, I check my blood sugars eight to 12 times per day.

If I can turn my life around, and take charge of my diabetes, anyone can do it, if they really want to!

Because I look very much like a well-known sports figure, Charles Barkley of the Phoenix Suns NBA basketball team, I have made a number of Public Service Announcements (PSA's). I currently have one airing for the International Diabetic Athletes Association (IDAA), and I am working on another, to help inform African American and other ethnic groups (who have a much higher percentage of developing diabetes) of the organization. Although it is difficult to get sponsorship for billboard and television PSA's, I must admit I enjoy the challenge of making them.

Three years ago, I decided I would try to see if I could somehow interest my famous look-alike, basketball star Charles Barkley, in doing a PSA on diabetes with me. Once I found out through different diabetes publications that his mother had been diagnosed with diabetes, I thought it might happen.

On September 28, 1993, I received a letter from the Phoenix Suns organization, stating that "Charles Barkley is currently unable to participate in any additional charity programs or projects, other than those he has already committed to."

But I haven't given up hope. Several contacts in the Phoenix area have told me that if Charles Barkley were actually to see the progress I have accomplished since 1993, it is very likely he would agree to do a PSA with me. Maybe he'll read this article?

Charles Barkley, I challenge you to a 3 point shooting contest!

A. I will make every 3 point basket that Charles Barkley makes.

B. For every 3 point basket I make, I would like Charles Barkley to donate one hour of time to do a Public Service Announcement with me, to help make everyone aware of diabetes.

Charles Barkley, if you are listening, I look forward to the challenge!