Comedian Paul Rodriguez shares with The Doctors the story of his sister’s lifelong struggle with diabetes. Paul’s younger sister had debilitating diabetes her entire life. She was constantly in and out of the hospital and suffered from epileptic seizures. Towards the end of her life, ambulances were coming to her home 2-3 times per week.
The comedian says his sister would tell him that the worst day he could have would have been her best day. She was suffering so badly that Paul was happy for her when she passed away. He remembers her fondly for her ability to always put on a smile for him; she had a strong faith in God and through it all, he says she kept her sense of humor.
ER physician Dr. Travis Stork describes all the conditions that type 2 diabetes could lead to -- limb amputation, blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes and being bedridden.
Paul says that Latinos suffer disproportionally from diabetes. He attributes that to a diet which commonly includes beans, flour tortillas, meat and very sugary foods. “Our food is delicious and it’s wonderful. But it’s designed to kill us early.”
Paul tries to watch what he eats and has given up alcohol, but he does still smoke, a vice Dr. Travis strongly warns against. Dr. Travis says that quitting smoking is the best decision you could make for your health and urges smokers to call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
To prove to Paul that eating healthier doesn't mean you have to give up your favorite foods, Dr. Travis invites Chef Jimmy on to share his healthy makeover of one of Paul’s favorite Mexican dishes, chicken mole. Check out the delicious recipe here.
