William N. Waite
Beaver
Lucky for Bill, he can put his toolbox aside, I won’t be reviewing any exercise equipment in this issue. Instead, I am going to put the focus on an epidemic that is becoming more a serious issue—an issue that today effects many baby boomers as well as those who are younger.
I recently had a fun interview with Jerry Mathers (Theodore Cleaver) who grew up in America’s living rooms when he starred as “The Beav” in the iconic television series, Leave it to Beaver. Now grown up, Jerry is educating people about diabetes, a condition he’s had for the past twenty years. A good portion of his time is devoted to awareness of this disease. Jerry says he is very open about having diabetes and is here to help those for those who have this disease live longer and healthier lives.
In 1997, Jerry received a devastating diagnosis from his doctor. He was told that he had three to five years to live, if he didn’t get his Type 2 diabetes under control. Jerry was shocked. He had several businesses, and one that he managed was a catering business that catered events for many Hollywood television studios. He was feeding 500 to 800 people a day.
In our interview Jerry said he thought that by sampling the pastry chef’s desserts and dining he was living the good life. However, the king size portions along with Jerry’s lack of exercise soon resulted in him gaining 60 pounds. In his way of thinking, he thought the doctor would only ask him to lose weight and that would be the end of story. Instead, he was told his blood glucose was through the roof. It was between 400 and 500 mg/dl, and that he had very high cholesterol and blood pressure. A lethal combination.
Jerry was completely blown away with his diagnosis. I asked him if he had any symptoms. He did say he was very tired and that contributed to his being overweight. I said it was good that his loved ones were persistent and had him get a check-up. And at this point I’m thinking, “dead man walking.” With Jerry’s great sense of humor, I certainly could have shared this thought with him.
Jerry said it wasn’t that he was just fat, but obese. Then he added that he felt he fit in with everyone else around him since they all looked like him. This was just too funny. It wasn’t exactly what he was saying that was funny, but how he said it.
Jerry made a big transformation. He weighted 230 pounds with a 44-inch waist. He lost 60 pounds in 6 months. For exercise, he started walking about one and a half to two hours every morning. He said he does it consistently. If the weather is bad, Jerry walks up and down the stairs at his home. He tests his blood glucose regularly and found out how certain foods affected his levels.
Jerry began to eat a more sensible diet. He began eating everything in what he calls “portion control.” By checking his sugar, Jerry knows how much he can eat. He continues to take his medication for cholesterol and high blood pressure but no longer needs any drugs to control his blood glucose levels. I did ask him about taking insulin and he said he doesn’t take anything for the diabetes, since he was able to control it with proper diet and exercise.
Jerry is now 69 years old and has a 32-inch waist that demonstrates that his weight under control. When stress levels go up so does your blood sugar levels. Exercise is the key for lowering body fat, fighting insulin resistance, and improving nerve function when you have Type 2 diabetes. Jerry lectures at various health related events throughout the country on this subject. He has been a spokesman for many diabetes related issues that encourage people and help them to manage their Type 2 diabetes.
Both Jerry and I agree it’s essential to have a regular exercise program, which promotes good health and makes it easier to control diabetes. There are many programs such as Tai Chi, Yoga that are also great diabetic stress reducers. Other good picks are walking, bicycling, swimming, stationary bicycling, aerobics and weight training.
Type 2 diabetes is on the rise and if you are feeling fatigued, especially after meals, urinating more than normal, feeling thirsty often, having blurred vision, itchy skin, or sudden weight loss, these could be symptoms. So, be sure to always get your regular physicals. Type 2 diabetes may have no symptoms in its early stages and kind of creeps up on you.
As the Beav and I were ending the interview, I asked about his TV brother Wally Cleaver. He said while Wally was doing just great and that they don’t live far apart. They do see each other and never lost touch throughout the years.
Jerry and I would like to comment that as with any other exercise program, always consult your physician before you begin. Read more about Jerry at www.jerrymathers.com.
Since my interview with Jerry back in 2017 he is still staying healthy. Unfortunately, his friend and brother in Leave it to Beaver Tony Dow died in 2022. He was 77 years old.