“Taking control of your oral health is crucial. There is so much going on in our mouths with everything we consume and ingest. Knowing that you’re twice as likely to get gum disease if you have diabetes was an eye opening moment,” Brown said of her 2013 diagnosis. “I use to get regular cleanings every six months – now I go every three months.”
As for the steps Brown’s taken to improve her health, the 45-year-old revealed that “every day is a struggle.”
“We [those with Type 2 diabetes] have to make a daily decision to live better. Instead of reaching for a glass of sweet tea, choose water; park further away from the mall or work and walk. Moving around just a little bit, goes a long way,” said Brown.
In addition to her campaign, Brown tells BlackDoctor.org she also keeps a close eye on loved ones. “Any time a friend may be showcasing symptoms that they could be at risk, I say ‘Hey, have you had your levels checked?’”
Overall, Brown hopes that her story will educate and encourage others to take control of their health. “I hope that people really enjoy our videos,” said Brown of an upcoming series of ‘Laugh Out Loud’ videos. “We aren’t trying to make light of the diagnosis — at the same time, we want people to laugh and learn – they [the videos] came from the heart.”
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