Welcome to the Home Court of Diabetes Restaurant Month!

I'm Earl "The Pearl" Monroe, and I'm excited to be a part of the first-ever Diabetes Restaurant Month program. You may know me from my professional basketball-playing days in New York and Baltimore. I've faced many challenges on the court throughout the years, but one of the biggest challenges that I've faced has been off the court. You see, long after hanging up my high-tops, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Receiving the diagnosis was tough, but I learned how to take small steps toward a healthier lifestyle—including eating right and getting exercise—and I want to share what I've learned with you!

I make an effort to stay physically active and to eat healthy foods, but one thing I have found especially challenging over the years is dining out. In my pro-basketball days, I spent a lot of time eating meals on the road, so I know how hard it is to maintain a healthy diet when eating out. With type 2 diabetes it can be even more difficult, but I'm here to show you that it's possible by making smart choices!

I've teamed up with Merck for the Diabetes Restaurant Month program to challenge restaurants to make popular menu items diabetes-friendly. That way, people with diabetes, like you and me, can enjoy healthier meals at our favorite restaurants. These dishes will be available at selected restaurants in your city, and I'm challenging YOU to change the way you approach dining out by taking small steps to stay healthy. Sound good?

Visit a participating Diabetes Restaurant Month restaurant in your city! I'll be visiting participating restaurants to sample these delicious diabetes-friendly dishes soon.


I know first-hand that eating right and fitting exercise into your schedule can be difficult, but by taking small steps toward healthier decisions every day, it is possible to maintain a diabetes-friendly lifestyle. This Web site is a great resource for practical information on how to start getting healthier—and I'm challenging you to take the first step today!