It's a lifelong health problem that many people suffer from in this area. If left uncontrolled, diabetes can maim and even kill you.
Now research going on in Metairie may help diabetics better control their blood sugar and you can be one of the first to join the study.
The powerful voice of Lady B.J. entertained for years on the Broadway stage and the London stage. But a stroke silenced her gift.
"I don't want to cry, but it really, I miss singing. It hurts a great deal, you know, and I go periodically to hear my friends perform. It makes me feel better," said B.J. Crosby through tears.
That stroke was caused by high blood pressure and diabetes.
"I yawn all the time when I try to sing. I do nothing but cough. My right side is impaired. The muscles are not working properly," said Crosby.
Diabetes has also changed the life of this man.
"What scared me was that the cousins that I had who passed on, did not do anything about it and they digressed from losing a leg, another leg, going blind and the liver and kidney problems and all," said Robert Mayeux.
But after being in denial, insurance adjuster Robert Mayeux realized every day, for the rest of his life, he had to control his diabetes. He lost 25 pounds and went on insulin injections, taking two to five a day. But both Robert and Lady B.J. are hoping to be among the first to try something brand new to control their blood sugar.
"I'm very excited about this new insulin. It is a brand new, novel, long-acting, next generation insulin and it is effective with one injection per day at achieving stable glucose levels. That means, again, rather than (their blood sugar being) up and down, they are going to have a stable profile throughout 24-hour period," said Dr. Eileen Palace, the principal Investigator of the diabetes studies.
Dr. Palace's office in Metairie is one of nearly 90 test sites in 14 countries involved in a clinical trial of a new kind of insulin. Adults with Type 2 Diabetes will get all of their diabetes medicine and medical exams free for two years.
"So the trick is, there is really nothing on the market right now that can help patients to easily and successful help patients achieve glycemic control," said Dr. Palace who is also a therapist and director of The Center for Sexual Health.
Both Robert and Lady B.J. are signing up and hope they qualify for the study.
"I like the idea that one injection a day would take care of it because I'm fairly active. I move around a lot, I don't just stay in an office all day," adds Mayeux.
How wonderful. It would help and it would teach me what I should and should not do," said Crosby.
The study is not only for Type 2 insulin users, but also for people just on certain oral medications. Dr. Palace hopes people who only take pills every day, will be willing to try this.
"I think they should be aware this really is a different critter. This is a neat little pen about this big. You can put it in your pocket, you can carry it with you. It's fairly painless. I've used them, they are not that difficult to use," said Dr. Palace.
And it's using the best treatment every day to control diabetes is the way to long term health.
"It is such a quiet a killer and I am trying not to go at that route," said Crosby.
Lady B.J. says the study is also helping her get medical care since she has no disability, insurance or income.
To see if you qualify call 504-834-4500.
I am a type 2 diabetic,53 year female, very interested in your study. Two years ago I had AC1 level of a 20! I experience sugar spikes on a daily basis and have been diagnosed with stage 3 kidney disease. I would love to be helped by this new drug. I am not working and can dedicate my time to this very important study. My phone number at home is 504-431-8304 or my cell 504-495-7001. My address is 306 Modern Farms Rd. Waggaman, La 70094. My husband's phone number is 504-858-9829. I will anxiously await your response. Thank you.-Voncelle Zeringue