Famous F.A.C.E.s With Type 2 Diabetes: Meet Anthony and Angie

When Anthony was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes eight years ago, he felt confident—perhaps overconfident—that he could beat the disease. With a family history of diabetes, Anthony felt he was "in-the-know."

But, in reality, he wasn't.

Anthony, like many people facing diabetes, needed to educate himself. He quickly learned that he had risk factors for type 2 diabetes, such as being overweight and not exercising enough, both of which he could work on. Anthony realized he needed to change his ways to actively manage his type 2 diabetes. He began making healthier food choices, exercised more regularly and worked with a dedicated medical team, including an endocrinologist and nutritionist, to educate himself about how to keep his blood sugar in check. Now he's in control, and can continue to do the things he is passionate about, such as acting, comedy and golf.

Anthony understands that a positive attitude, coupled with small and steady changes, are the keys to living well with type 2 diabetes. Anthony joined the Fearless African-Americans Connected and Empowered (F.A.C.E.) Diabetes movement in 2010 to share his experience with African American communities throughout the U.S. He believes you, too, can be inspired to make the necessary changes to better manage your type 2 diabetes.

Anthony's advice: If you take medication, stick to your regimen. Talk to your healthcare provider about a diet and exercise program that is right for you. Above all, empower yourself—with the love and support of your family—to fearlessly face your type 2 diabetes.

Eleven years ago when Angie was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, she was shocked. She never knew that her family history and being African American would put her at such a high risk for type 2 diabetes. Since her diagnosis, she has come to learn a great deal about type 2 diabetes and understands that African Americans are especially hard hit by the disease. That's why she's encouraging the community to come together to face type 2 diabetes.

Two years ago, Angie joined the F.A.C.E. Diabetes initiative because she wanted African Americans with type 2 diabetes to better understand how to control their disease. She now knows the importance of connecting with diabetes educators and registered dietitians, and arms herself with the tools and resources needed to manage and treat her type 2 diabetes.

Angie believes that you will find these simple changes are an easy way to begin a healthier lifestyle. If you're unsure about changing your diet or exercise routine, talk to your healthcare provider about your personal diet or exercise regimen. Join Angie in her quest to fearlessly face type 2 diabetes!