American Idol Judge Randy Jackson Partners With Merck, Educates Type 2 Diabetes Sufferers

American Idol judge Randy Jackson has teamed up with drug maker Merck to educate type 2 diabetes about the serious complications that can come about from their condition, including heart disease.

The Grammy Award-winning music producer was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2003 and is now touring the country as part of Merck’s Taking Diabetes To Heart program. The tours main goal is to teach diabetes sufferers how to commit to a diabetes-friendly lifestyle.

Speaking about his push to better his own life after his diagnosis Randy Jackson noted:

“When I was diagnosed with diabetes, my doctors told me that people with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. This was all I needed to know to take my diabetes to heart. I made changes to my lifestyle and worked with my doctors to set goals for myblood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol.”

The campaign is an important push with type 2 diabetes sufferers 2 to 4 times more likely to die from heart disease and 2 to 4 times more likely to have a stroke.  

According to Merck:

“Early and effective management of the ABCs of diabetes — A1C, or blood sugar, Blood pressure, and Cholesterol, is a critical part of an effective treatment plan and can help reduce the risk of heart disease.”

Randy spoke about his new campaign with Fox & Friends this morning:

And here’s an old interview where Randy Jackson talked with Better about Teenage Diabetes during a different campaign (half way through video):

During his speeches Randy Jackson has urged type 2 diabetes sufferers to visit TakingDiabetestoHeart.com where they can learn more about treating type 2 diabetes and sign a pledge that gives them access to Jackson’s personal tips to staying healthy.