Diabetes Research Institute Featured on The Balancing Act On Lifetime Television

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Diabetes Research Institute Foundation

Oct 25, 2011, 02:47 ET

Viewers will learn about organization's singular focus on a cure and significant research progress

HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Oct. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As part of its 'Living with Diabetes' series airing through the end of the year, The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television is featuring the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) in several segments to help educate viewers about diabetes and the progress being made toward a cure.

The "Closing in on a Cure for Diabetes" segments begin airing on Thursday, October 27 from 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. EDT. Crystal Sanchez, mom to Matthew, 11, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 5, explains what it was like to learn that her young son has the chronic illness, how it has affected her family and what Matthew endures to manage his blood sugar levels every day.

Kellie Rodriguez, M.S.N., C.D.E., C.P.T., director of patient education at the Diabetes Research Institute's Kosow Diabetes Treatment Center, describes how it truly is a "balancing act" for patients to keep blood sugar levels within the normal range since so many things affect it, like food, exercise and mood, among others.

In another segment, Diabetes Research Institute Foundation President and CEO Robert A. Pearlman speaks about the organization's singular focus on curing those now living with diabetes. As a testament to the significant research progress that has been made, Cyndi Smart, who has been living insulin free for almost six years after receiving an islet cell transplant at the DRI, contrasts her life with diabetes to the freedom she now has.

The promising results achieved thus far with patients like Smart and dozens of others who participated in the DRI's clinical trials give those with diabetes and their families a reason to believe that a cure for diabetes is within reach.

"Millions of children and adults living with diabetes and their families dream of a cure for this devastating disease. At the Diabetes Research Institute, we have one singular goal – to cure diabetes - and we're leading the world toward that goal," said Pearlman. "We are grateful to The Balancing Act for giving the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation the opportunity to educate viewers about the research progress we've already made and our critical mission to end this disease."

The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation is the organization of choice for those who are serious, passionate and committed to curing diabetes. Its mission is to provide the Diabetes Research Institute with the funding necessary to cure diabetes now. The Diabetes Research Institute, a Center of Excellence at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, leads the world in cure-focused research. As the largest and most comprehensive research center dedicated to curing diabetes, the DRI is aggressively working to shrink the timeline toward the discovery of a biological cure for the disease. To learn more about the Diabetes Research Institute and the progress toward a cure, visit www.DiabetesResearch.org or call 1-800-321-3437.

The Balancing Act is America's only one-hour morning show that's about women, for women and trusted by women. Celebrating life and all there is to accomplish, The Balancing Act inspires and empowers with entertaining and educational shows–which helps place women in the best position to achieve success in every area of their lives. Visit www.TheBalancingAct.com to learn more.

SOURCE Diabetes Research Institute Foundation