NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2007
Randy Jackson's Struggle With Diabetes
"American Idol" Judge Lost A Lot Of Weight, Adopted Healthy Lifestyle
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Play CBS Video Video Randy Jackson's Health Battle Hannah Storm chats with "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson about his battle with diabetes and how he changed his lifestyle for the better.
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Since being diagnose with type 2 diabetes, Randy Jackson has made his health a priority. (CBS/The Early Show)
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Special Report Diabetes Symptoms, treatments, and how to prevent it.
Jackson, who is one of 21 million Americans suffering from diabetes, is looking for people who suffer from type 2 diabetes.
About five of years ago, Jackson weighed 355 pounds and started feeling rundown.
"I was feeling really ill over a couple days, thought I had a cold, was running a high fever," he told The Early Show co-anchor Hannah Storm. "I finally went to the doctor and they said, 'Guess what? You have type 2 diabetes.' It ran in my family and all this, so it was a little hereditary for me, but also it was not healthy living, eating, anything, exercise that I was doing, and I was really heavy at that time."
The diabetes diagnosis lead to Jackson having gastric bypass surgery and he has lost 110 pounds since.
"It really helped to get the disease to a manageable level for me so I could just go on medication," he said.
Jackson was lucky that he received a diagnosis in time for him to develop a healthy lifestyle. Now that he is the spokesperson for the American Heart association's campaign, he is hoping to raise awareness because he says that 1/3 of the people who have the disease don't know it.
Jackson offered some tips for people to prevent diabetes and stay healthy if they develop it.
"I learned to love the treadmill," he said. "I hated it before, but I really love it because of my busy lifestyle. It's something I can always do, jump on the treadmill for 45 minutes."
"Definitely consult your doctor and have regular visits," Jackson said. "Men are really bad about going to the doctor. You should go about four times a year at least. And normalize your blood sugar. Check it all the time and try to eat a balanced diet."
Jackson says he was an emotional eater and, especially coming from the South where fattening comfort food abounds, it was difficult for him to change his habits.
"It's trying to get sensible about that. In diet, I think moderation is the key. Too much of anything is going to be terrible for you," he said.
For more information, go to Iknowdiabetes.org.
Jackson has also been witness to some of the most memorable Grammy moments of all time. You can vote for your favorite Grammy moment at mynightatthegrammys.com.
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