Actress Aida Turturro Tells Americans to Start Now to Talk With Their Healthcare Provider About Taking Control of Thei...( Emmy Nominated Actress Shares Her Pe...)

Emmy Nominated Actress Shares Her Personal Story and Tips for Better Blood

Sugar Management

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Nov. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As one of the more than 20 million Americans living with diabetes, Emmy nominated actress and Broadway star Aida Turturro is teaming up with sanofi-aventis, a world leader in diabetes care, to urge other Americans with diabetes to reach better levels of blood sugar control. Ms. Turturro's personal story can be seen in an on-line video message (http://www.AidasStory.com) where she discusses how she worked with her doctor to find the right treatment plan.

"I know how hard it can be to live your life while trying to stay in control. Whether you're acting on Broadway or just trying to get through a long workday, managing your blood sugar is a daily challenge that requires patience and support from everyone around you," said Ms. Turturro. "After more than six years, I've learned that there is no easy solution, but I'm overcoming the challenges and getting even better at managing my blood sugar."

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) encourages people with diabetes to track their blood sugar levels using an A1C test, which measures average blood glucose levels over a two- to three-month period. According to the ADA, people with diabetes should strive to keep their A1C score below seven percent.

It is estimated that approximately half of all diabetes patients in the United States are not achieving this target and, prior to taking control of her blood sugar, Ms. Turturro was one of them. "Initially, my doctor recommended diet and exercise in combination with oral medications, but I still wasn't getting my blood sugar under control. Then about five years ago, we added Lantus(R) (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection), a once-daily, long-acting insulin to my overall treatment plan."

The former Sopranos actress
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