On Sunday, January 27th, SIRIUS' Lighten Up with Richard Simmons will be dedicated to diabetes awareness. Simmons, one of America's most loved fitness experts, will discuss the importance of diabetes awareness as well as its related health issues.

Richard will be joined by experts from The American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, and a friend and resident doctor of Richard Simmons, Dr. Frederic Jackson. All will be available to answer questions and concerns regarding diabetes.

American Idol judge Randy Jackson, who was diagnosed with diabetes in 2001, will be a special guest on Lighten Up with Richard Simmons on Sunday, January 27th. According to a recent article in The Washington Post, Jackson joined with the American Heart Association and Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America in a program called The Heart of Diabetes. The program is "designed to encourage people to pay attention to possible diabetes symptoms so that if they do have the disease, they can begin treating and managing it early, significantly reducing their risk for cardiovascular disease."

According to American Medical News, diabetes affects 7% of the United States population. The American Medical News reports that more than 14 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes, and another 6 million are undiagnosed, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Every Sunday on his SIRIUS show, Richard reads faxes, letters and emails from people who need a little lift or a little push, and calls them directly to give advice, provide a proverbial shoulder to cry on or just make them laugh.

Lighten Up With Richard Simmons — the weekly health, fitness and diet show — airs Sunday 3 pm - 6 pm ET on SIRIUS Stars Ch. 102

For more information on Lighten Up with Richard Simmons, visit: www.sirius.com/richardsimmons