TCOYD’s Extreme Diabetes Makeover Reality Show Makes Fall Debut
We are eagerly waiting for the fall premiere of Taking Control of Your Own Diabetes (TCOYD)’s new groundbreaking online reality TV show, Extreme Diabetes Makeover (XDM). Based in San Diego, the show features the true stories of seven people with diabetes (type 1 and type 2) coming from quite diverse backgrounds – one is an astrology consultant, another is homeless, and another is an exercise instructor. Despite these differences, all seven individuals have some things in common: Each had an initial A1c over 9% and a genuine desire to improve his or her condition. Together, these seven individuals embarked on a 20-week journey to better control their diabetes and change their lives.
Spearheading this dramatic turnaround is a team of outstanding medical professionals based in San Diego. Dr. Steve Edelman, an endocrinologist and Professor of Medicine at UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, who has type 1 diabetes is leading the charge. Joining him on the so-called “Diabetes Dream Team” are Dr. William Polonsky (founder of the Behavioral Diabetes Institute and CDE and Associate Clinical Professor in Psychiatry at UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA), Angela Norton (a nurse and CDE at Sharp HealthCare, San Diego, CA), Janice Baker (a dietitian, CDE and medical nutrition therapist at Baker Nutrition, San Diego, CA), and Larry Verity (an exercise physiologist at San Diego State, San Diego, CA). Kim Lyons, a well-regarded trainer on “The Biggest Loser,” will also be making a guest appearance to work with the participants.
Several years in the making, the show, in our view, should be an eye-opener to the many millions of people with diabetes. If you’re interested in watching participants lower their A1c’s, make changes to their daily habits, and cope with the emotional side of diabetes, you can view Extreme Diabetes Makeover on RealAge.com and TCOYD.org. If you are interested in engaging in informational and motivational programs in person, TCOYD will be hosting an event on October 30 in San Diego. Please see TCOYD.org for more information about this event.--KP
