Let’s Have a Heart-to-Heart about Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Disease
It’s hard to believe that it’s been over a year since we joined forces with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) to launch Know Diabetes by Heart?. This joint initiative to empower people living with type 2 diabetes to turn their diagnosis into determination and reduce their risk of cardiovascular death, heart attacks, heart failure and stroke.
Educational resources combined with a strong support system of family, friends and community can be a major motivator to manage type 2 diabetes and heart health through lifestyle changes. In 2019, we introduced Know Diabetes by Heart national ambassadors — five individuals who are inspiring the 30 Million Americans living with this disease to take charge of their health. I am so grateful to Rob, Jacqueline, Brandon, Hyvelle and Christina for sharing their stories of how they’ve overcome obstacles along the way to live their best lives. Their impact is immeasurable.
The debut of our Know Diabetes by Heart ambassadors featured three motivational talks about vital information often not addressed in a clinical visit. Hear how mental health impacts physical health from Felicia Hill-Briggs, Ph.D., ways to reimagine cooking and eating from Chef Eduardo Garcia, and an inspirational message from Know Diabetes by Heart ambassador Christina Herrera about overcoming heart health challenges as a result of diabetes, which claimed the lives of both of her parents and her younger sister.
Golden Globe Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated actress Angela Bassett has also joined the initiative in honor of her mother. Now, she's encouraging everyone to make short bouts of activity part of their own daily routines.
At the center of our work are real people who continue to wow us all with their bravery, transparency and vulnerability. To learn more about the ambassadors and science-backed tips, please visit KnowDiabetesbyHeart.org.
The American Heart Association is honored to collaborate with the ADA, supported by founding sponsors Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company Diabetes Alliance, and Novo Nordisk, and national sponsors Sanofi, AstraZeneca and Bayer, to combat this national public health threat. With their support and the courage of our Know Diabetes by Heart national ambassadors, we will continue to empower and educate those living with type 2 diabetes to take charge of their diabetes and heart health and to improve their quality of life for years to come!