National motivational speaker Saul Zuckman will hold an informational session on diabetes at Health Park Medical Center.
Zuckman was first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the age of 51 after being screened at a Diabetes Awareness Month event in a mall near his home.
Over the last 18 years he lost 70 pounds and describes his experiences with diabetes as one of the most challenging of his life.
At 3 p.m. Wednesday, Zuckman will discuss his methods of controlling his diabetes, including his participation in cycling events for a type 2 diabetes cycling club in 12 different states.
“It is more about encouraging people in their own communities to remain active,” said Rachel Bloch, spokesperson for the cycling team.
The club has members all over the United States, she said. There is even a team for people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
The brunt of Zuckman’s talk at Health Park will be centered around leading an active lifestyle.
Although Zuckman was afraid he would not be able to carry on a productive lifestyle with his disease, Zuckman said he received a lot of encouragement from his family.
His treatment for type 2 diabetes includes a proper diet, plenty of exercise and taking Apidra, a medication that helps to control blood sugar.
Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes. If left untreated, it can result in trouble with the eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart.
Approximately 8 percent of the U.S. population, or 23.6 million people, have diabetes.
The community of Southwest Florida is invited to attend Zuckman’s free presentation. Throughout the presentation he will take questions.