Aida Turturro Takes Charge of Her Diabetes

Meeting Aida

When a warm and bubbly Aida Turturro enters a room, it's hard to remember that she played the coldhearted Janice Soprano, big sister to mob boss Tony, on the HBO series The Sopranos. Sure, there's a physical resemblance. She has the same dark, curly hair and wide smile as the character for which she received an Emmy nomination. But that's where the similarities end.

Aida is friendly and open -- the opposite of the conniving character she played. However, she can be just as passionate as Janice when it comes to one subject: diabetes education. Over a lunch of salmon and tossed salad, the actress explains why helping people gain control of their diabetes has become her personal mission.

"There are so many people who have diabetes yet have no idea how serious it can become, nor how they can control it," Aida says. "I was like that. When I share my life story with others, it helps me remember to stay focused. If I can help them, and they can help me, then together we can make some headway."