Hey everyone. Your old buddy Big Stew here, wanting to talk to you about something that is serious for a change. I know it doesn't happen often, but I actually do act like a responsible adult from time to time.

You may or may not know, that I was out of work last week, and thanks to my friends Danny Merrell and Mandee Montana, the show still went on. What you dont know is why. I was in the hospital with an infection in my foot, and it is attributed to diabetes.

Yes, I am diabetic. I am not ashamed of it, or trying to hide it. What I would like to do is bring awareness to the disease and some of the complications that are caused because of it.

Back in December I got a blister on my big toe, it got infected, and several dozen rounds of IV antibiotic treatment later, it still had not healed properly. So that meant another surgery, and more medications. I had no neuropothy, or any other symptoms. It seemed to happen as if almost by magic.

So you may be wondering, why are you telling me all this Big Stew? Well it's because I want to encourage each and every one of you to have a glucose screening today!

Find out and be safe, don't be sorry like I was! I am overweight, was lethargic, and using the restroom frequently, not to mention the thirst. I always had a bottle of water close by!

These are all symptoms of possibly being diabetic. Of course, I am not a doctor or in any way qualified to diagnose a medical condition, but that's why you should seek out help if any of these things apply to you.

Check your feet daily, and keep them clean and moisturized, and if you have someone who will help you clip your toenails, have them do it for you! Just a small nick in your skin can cause a raging infection in a diabetic's foot. Finally, make sure you wear proper footwear and socks! Take care of your feet -- they are the only two you are every going to have.

My toe is healing slowly, and with any luck I will be OK. I follow doctor's orders, keep my blood sugar in check, and do what I have to do to make sure this doesn't happen again!

Why did all this happen? Because I just didn't know I was diabetic until it was too late. Take care of yourselves, and each other!

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