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Every year as the holidays approach, we go one of two ways: We either vow to eat less, eat healthier and be more mindful of our choices; or we jokingly pronounce all holiday meals devoid of calories and fat and just tuck in everything that comes our way. After all, we can always use our New Year’s Resolutions to promise we’ll get back into shape, right?

Cardiologist Kota Reddy wants to remind us, especially this month, Diabetes Awareness Month, that changing a few habits will help us live healthier, happier and more productive lives without diabetes.

Reddy, founder of Reddy Cardiac Wellness and author of the book, “Eat This – Lose That,” contends that prevention is easier than treatment and that if people knew what to eat or not eat, along with a healthy, active lifestyle, reduces the risk of contracting diabetes.

That’s a recipe lots of people may be willing to follow.

After all, according to the American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org):

•    3.2 million, or 13.3 percent, of all African Americans aged 20 years or older have diabetes.

•    African Americans are 1.8 times more likely to have diabetes as non-Hispanic whites.

•    Twenty-five percent of African Americans between the ages of 65 and 74 have diabetes.

•    One in four African American women over 55 years of age has diabetes.

Not only are black Americans more likely to have diabetes, but the complications from the disease strike disproportionately as well. Diabetes is the No. 1 cause of blindness, kidney disease and amputations for African Americans.

Last year, Reddy conducted a free study with 500 patients. During the study, he reported, group members successfully lost weight, reversed diabetes and no longer needed medication. Participants had an average weight loss of 25-50 pounds over 90 days.

The patients were given Reddy Bread, a recipe formulated by Reddy designed not to prevent participants’ sugar levels from rising. The pita-style bread contains soy flour and flaxseed, which contain polyunsaturated fats that help lower the total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, as well as omega 3 fatty acids that help protect the heart and reduces the levels of triglyceride in the bloodstream.

In October, Reddy saw a television news story out of Houston about a 550-pound man with a host of health challenges that left him unable to walk or exercise. He called the station and offered his assistance to the man.

Reddy has said dietary adjustments, fewer carbs and Reddy Bread would likely help the man lose up to 50 pounds in the first month of the program.

The Sugar Land, Texas cardiologist is scheduled to appear on the Tom Joyner Morning Show on Wednesday to share details about Reddy Bread, and his popular diet.

To contact Dr. Reddy, call publicist Elisabet Gonzalez-Barranco at 832-893-9256 or email the doctor at dr.reddytalktv@gmail.com.

Click here for answers to your diabetes questions.