Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is caused by the body’s inability to produce or effectively use insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.
While it can be managed with medication, a healthy diet, and regular exercise, it can still be a challenging condition to live with. Many celebrities have spoken openly about their experiences with diabetes, hoping to raise awareness and inspire others living with the condition to take control of their health.
Nick Jonas
Pop superstar Nick Jonas was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 13. He has since become a powerful advocate for diabetes awareness, using his celebrity status to shine a light on the condition.
In addition to talking openly about his experiences with diabetes in interviews, Jonas also founded the organization Beyond Type 1, which helps individuals living with diabetes connect with each other and access resources.
Halle Berry
Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 22 years old. She has since spoken about her struggles with diabetes, including lapses in treatment that led to hospitalization.
Berry has also become an advocate for diabetes awareness and is known for her commitment to healthy living, which includes following a low-carbohydrate diet to help manage her blood sugar.
Tom Hanks
Actor Tom Hanks announced he had type 2 diabetes in 2013, revealing that years of poor diet and lifestyle choices may have contributed to his diagnosis.
Since then, Hanks has been vocal about his efforts to get his diabetes under control, including changes to his diet and exercise routine. He has also spoken openly about the stigma surrounding diabetes and the importance of educating the public about the condition.
Selena Gomez
Pop singer and actress Selena Gomez was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2015, a condition that may have been brought on by her battle with lupus.
While she initially kept the diagnosis private, she has since become an advocate for diabetes awareness and encourages others living with the condition to take control of their health by eating well and staying active.
Bret Michaels
Rockstar Bret Michaels was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was just 6 years old. Despite the challenges that come with managing the condition, Michaels has been able to maintain a successful career in music and television.
He has also used his platform to raise awareness about diabetes and advocate for research into new treatments and a potential cure.
Paula Deen
Chef and television personality Paula Deen revealed she had type 2 diabetes in 2012, after years of cooking and eating food that was high in sugar and carbohydrates.
Since her diagnosis, Deen has become an advocate for diabetes awareness and encourages others to make healthier food choices. She has also shared her own struggles with managing diabetes, including the challenges of sticking to a strict diet and exercise routine.
Wasim Akram
Pakistani cricket legend Wasim Akram was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1997, while he was still playing professionally.
Despite initial concerns that the condition could end his career, Akram continued to play cricket at a high level for several more years, while also managing his diabetes with medication and a healthy lifestyle. He has since become an advocate for diabetes awareness, particularly in South Asia, where the condition is becoming increasingly prevalent.
Delta Burke
Actress Delta Burke, best known for her roles in television shows like Designing Women, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 1997.
She has since become an advocate for diabetes awareness and has spoken openly about the challenges of managing the condition, including the stress it can cause on a person’s mental health. Burke has also emphasized the importance of early detection and treatment for diabetes.
Randy Jackson
Musician and television personality Randy Jackson, best known for his role as a judge on American Idol, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 1999.
Since then, he has become an advocate for diabetes awareness and has worked to educate others about the importance of managing the condition effectively. He also encourages people to get regular check-ups and to take an active role in their own health.
Cynthia McFadden
Journalist Cynthia McFadden, who has worked for news programs like Nightline and 20/20, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a child.
She has spoken openly about her experiences with diabetes and has highlighted some of the challenges faced by people living with the condition, including the need for constant monitoring and adjustment of blood sugar levels. McFadden has also advocated for greater funding for diabetes research.