Celebrities with Diabetes
Did you think you are alone? No! You are not in this alone. Many celebrities are struggling with diabetes, and they inspire several people with diabetes across the world to navigate this condition with discipline. Here are a few of your favorite stars describing their journey with diabetes.
Tom Hanks
Back in 2013, the Academy Award-winning actor, Tom Hanks, revealed that he had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. While discussing his latest film on CBS’ “The Late Show with David Letterman,” Hanks announced that he was already a part of the millions of American living with the condition.
During the interview, Hanks shared, “I went to the doctor, and he said, ‘You know those high blood sugar numbers you’ve been dealing with since you were 36? Well, you’ve graduated! You’ve got type 2 diabetes, young man.”
Hanks later explained that ignoring medical advice and choosing to live a poor lifestyle led him to his type 2 diagnosis. Reportedly, apart from maintaining a good diet, the actor engages in one hour of daily exercise without failure. In an interview, he said, “I try to get, every single day, one hour of activity. That can be anything from a treadmill, or a walk, or a hike with a dog, but it has to be one hour every single day.”
Halle Berry
When she was 19 years old, Berry was diagnosed with diabetes. Since then, she has cut out processed sugar and bread from her daily diet. Berry said that her diagnosis made her believe she was going to diet, but later on, she took it in her stride. Her diabetes diagnosis gave her the strength to face the realities of life with more grace.
Today, Halle Berry is reportedly an active volunteer of a significant diabetes charity in the United States, the Juvenile Diabetes Association.
Nick Jonas
Does Nick Jonas have diabetes? YES. At the age of 13, the pop star Nick Jonas was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. However, this did not stop Jonas from being a supporter and advocate for this cause. In November 2019, he wrote on his Instagram, “This experience has shaped how I approach my health – working out, eating well, and always thinking about my blood sugar and insulin needs.”
Since his diagnosis, Nick Jonas became the leading voice in raising awareness about the disease. In 2015, he was one of founding leaders of Beyond Type 1, a charity with the objective of empowering people with T1D. He also joined The Global Movement for Time in Range and talked more about diabetes awareness.
Salma Hayek
During her pregnancy, Salma Hayek was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. She shared in an interview that her family has a history of diabetes, which could be one of the factors behind her diagnosis. For nine months, she reported having symptoms of nausea. Other than that, her weight at the time of pregnancy also contributed to her gestational diabetes diagnosis.
Mary Tyler Moore
If you think of a celebrity who made a significant impact in the world of diabetes awareness and advocacy, that would be the legendary Mary Tyler Moore. At the age of 33, she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Aside from being an American actress, producer, and social advocate, Moore did wonders in changing how people perceived diabetes.
Moore became the international chairman of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation in 1984. It was partly due to her effort that the research funding for type 1 diabetes possible. Her advocacy greatly impacted the research development of diabetes, as well as the use of CGMs (continuous glucose monitors to be covered by insurances).
Paula Deen
In 2009, Paula Deen, an American chef, cookbook author, and TV personality, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. However, it wasn’t until 2012 that she announced her condition to the public. Of course, this drew criticism, but since then, she has spread diabetes awareness and become an advocate for this cause.
In 2012, Paula Deen partnered with Novo Nordisk to promote a new initiative. This initiative helps people manage their condition and prevent more complications associated with type 2 diabetes.
