Walt Frazier Puts a Slam Dunk on Diabetes Watch my video message about how diabetes has devastated my family and why I am involved in the fight against diabetes. Click here to see the video.

The legendary NBA champion joins forces with the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) and shares his compelling personal message to help empower patients with diabetes:

Q. Why is it important to you to get involved with diabetes education?

Frazier: Diabetes has devastated my family. I've seen loved ones lose their limbs and lives because of diabetes complications. My aunts, uncles and grandparents have suffered from diabetes. Now my nieces and nephews have it or are at risk for it, because of obesity. I've been fortunate not to get it - -but I work hard to help prevent it. I'm not only concerned about diabetes in my family but society, as well. That is why I am partnering with HHC to empower and educate patients and let them know that diabetes is a serious condition but it can be prevented and controlled.

Q. What's your message to patients with diabetes?

Frazier: Take control of your diabetes and don't let diabetes take control of you. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle that involves sensible exercise, good nutrition, regular glucose monitoring, and regular visits to your HHC health care team. Winning involves team work and fighting diabetes involves working with your health care team to reach your goals. Diabetes can affect every part of your body and you should take advantage of the extensive support the New York City public hospitals have available for you, including doctors, nurses, nutritionists, dentists, eye doctors, foot doctors, and diabetes educators. I believe in winning and living with diabetes is a challenge you can win.

Q. What's your advice for people who want to avoid getting diabetes?

Frazier: Education is the key. Learn as much as you can about diabetes. You need to be armed with information, so that you can make major changes to your routine. That's what has helped me. It's best to change your bad behaviors before diabetes is even present. I often tell people they should 1) work with a nutritionist to develop a healthy diet plan, 2) figure out a sensible exercise plan to get physically fit, especially if you are overweight, and 3) have your blood sugar levels tested every 3 months if you have a family history of diabetes. You control your own destiny --- take charge of your health.

Q. How are you taking charge of your health to keep from developing diabetes?

Frazier: I saw how my family suffered from diabetes and I know how I've suffered with the loss of their lives. I didn't want that to happen to me and I didn't want to put my kids through that. As a former athlete, I've always been committed to being fit. I like working out and I try to exercise 4 to 5 days a week. I try to get eight hours of sleep, if possible. My diet now consists of foods that are high in protein and low in carbs. I can prevent diabetes through proper diet and exercise.

Q. What is your opinion about the high incidence of diabetes in the community?

Frazier: I have been working to raise awareness about diabetes for a long time and have seen first hand the prevalence of diabetes particularly in the African American and Hispanic communities. In New York City, the incidence of diabetes has reached epidemic proportions -- mostly due to the growing obesity epidemic nationwide. My advice to people who are at high risk of diabetes or who already have it is to get out, get active, stop watching so much TV or playing computer games. Adopt a balanced diet and put a slam dunk on all junk or fast food. Develop a diet and exercise plan and do it for life, not just a week or two. If you don't take care of yourself now, you'll definitely pay for it later.

Q. What sensible exercise tips do you have for people with diabetes?

Frazier: As you get older, it is sometimes more difficult to do things you usually do, especially exercise. I'm self-motivated and I don't need to work out with anyone. However, my advice to others is to use the buddy system. Try working out with your spouse, friend or family member. You can plan group activities in the park or take long walks in the mall. Make it fun and do a little at a time. Try to maintain an easy flow, as you go.

Q. How do you keep a balanced diet?

Frazier: As an athlete, I have always watched what I ate. But, I eat better now than when I played for the Knicks. During the season, I knew that I could always lose those 5 to 10 extra pounds due to the intensity of the game. But now, I am very strict and more disciplined about what I eat. I try to balance my diet by eating high proteins such as lean meats, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. I also try to limit my carbohydrates like: bread, potatoes, rice and pasta. I've had to educate myself about healthy food choices. As I mentioned earlier, education is key in the fight against diabetes.

Q. Can the average person or a diabetic be a role model for diabetes education?

Frazier: You don't have to be a celebrity to be a role model. When it comes to diabetes education, it's about individuals setting goals and the community working together that counts. If you are a diabetic patient - then talk to others like you and share your struggles and successes. Invite your family members who don't have diabetes but may be at high risk to join your diet plan or exercise program to help them prevent getting it. Whether you are a celebrity or average person, we need to win the fight against diabetes. And as a former New York Knick and NBA basketball champion, I believe in winning!