Scoring Against Diabetes

Scoring Against Diabetes

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!