November 3, 2003

"THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS" TO FEATURE DIABETES STORYLINE DURING NOVEMBER, NATIONAL DIABETES AWARENESS MONTH

Episodes Scheduled To Air November 19-21

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, television's highest-rated daytime drama, will explore the importance of diabetes awareness in several upcoming episodes in an effort to spotlight the disease timed to National Diabetes Awareness Month in November. In this continuation of an ongoing storyline, the sequence will emphasize the importance of disease management. The story arc will be broadcast Wednesday, Nov. 19 through Friday, Nov. 21 on the CBS Television Network.

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS has collaborated with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) to ensure realistic and accurate storytelling that promotes healthy behaviors and provides current information on the importance of lifestyle in controlling blood sugar levels.

The storyline finds Raul Guittierez under extreme pressure brought on by a demanding school schedule and a rocky relationship with his girlfriend, Brittany (Lauren Woodland). As a result, he veers away from his normally healthy diet and stops monitoring his blood sugar levels. This chain of events leads to a potentially health threatening reaction

This issue hits close to home for THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Co-Executive Producer and Co-Head Writer Jack Smith, who has lived with diabetes for more than 25 years. "It's possible to live a normal life with diabetes as long as you control it and don't let it control you," said Smith. "Not treating it with respect can lead to dramatic consequences which I try to explore realistically in the show. Through the characters, I want to emphasize the importance of taking responsibility for managing the disease through proper lifestyle choices."

According to the ADA, diabetes is a disease that prevents the body from either producing or properly using insulin.? Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. There are three major types of the disease, each with their own criteria and treatment methods. In the United States, 17 million people (6.2 percent of the population) have?diabetes. Of this number, 11.1 million people have been diagnosed while 5.9 million remain undiagnosed. Diabetes is often referred to as "the silent killer" because many people remain unaware of their condition.

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"We recognize that television in particular can be an important educational tool to bring greater attention of health care issues to viewers," said Executive Producer David Shaughnessy. "With such a high rate of undiagnosed cases, diabetes is an important disease to spotlight."

The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the ADA has offices in every region of the country, providing services to more than 800 communities.

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, the number-one rated daytime drama for the past 774 weeks, recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. It is broadcast weekdays (12:30-1:30 PM, ET; 11:00 AM-12:00 Noon, PT) on the CBS Television Network. It is produced by Bell Dramatic Serial Company in association with Sony Pictures Television.

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Press Contacts: Cindy Marshall   (CBS)          323/575-2019    cindy.marshall@tvc.cbs.com
         Elise Bromberg  (Y&R)  323/575-4261    elise.bromberg@tvc.cbs.com