Bowden- Living Successfully With Diabetes Air Date:  October 20, 2006

He's one of the all time wining coaches in college football, leading the Florida State Seminoles to victory for 30 years now. But what many of you may not know is Coach Bobby Bowden has his own personal battle off the sidelines with diabetes.

Coach Bobby Bowden had lead the Florida State Seminoles to win some amazing games, but a discovery at his annual physical a few years ago, presented a different type of challenge for the coach. "I was diagnosed probably about 4 or 5 years ago - diabetes II. There's a difference."

The majority of diabetics in our country have Type II Diabetes. Certified diabetic educator Jeanne Struve stresses there are ways you can live successfully with this disease. "When you are diagnosed with heart disease or cancer there's not a lot you can do yourself, but when it comes to type II diabetes there's so much you can do. This is something that you can manage."

Patients with this disease must monitor their diet and blood sugar levels, as well as exercise regularly to avoid health problems. Coach Bowden admits it's a struggle, but he's never let the disease keep him sidelined. "I just have to watch my diet you know, and I am careless about it a lot because I love sweets. You know to me, when I eat dinner at night, if I hadn't had something sweet, it doesn't seem like I've had dinner, you know it."

Coach Bowden will turn 77 this November, but says he's never felt better. He credits much of his health to his wife and his belief in his faith to keep him going strong.