L C M E D S O C .O R G YOU NEED TO YOURSELF Empowering older adults to prevent and manage Type 2 diabetes By LAURA MCHUGH United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley W ith a family history of diabetes, Annette Rodriguez of Bethlehem, PA, is determined not to let this chronic disease control her life. "My paternal grandparents and father have died of diabetes complications. So, when I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes at the age of 40, I remember thinking, 'I will not be a victim.' It has not been an easy road, but I embrace the journey and focus on my goal to be healthy and free of diabetes," said Annette. Continued on page 14 SPRING 2020 | Lehigh County Health & Medicine 13http://www.LCMEDSOC.ORG