Celebrities like Tom Hanks, Nick Jonas, Larry King, Drew Carey, and Venessa Williams are among the 38.4 million people who suffer from one form of diabetes. Even though we primarily get to see their expensive lifestyle, most of them have quietly fought the disease, while others have used it as a stepping stone to inspire their fans and even become advocates for better technology.
Lifestyle changes, exercise, and dieting have helped celebrities with type 2 diabetes overcome the condition. Unfortunately, those with type 1 diabetes are bound to medications as their bodies cannot produce insulin, a hormone that allows the body to convert sugar from food into energy. Consequently, they experience high blood sugar levels that have impacted their personal and professional lives.
These 10 Celebrities have Crossed Paths with Diabetes
1. Tom Hanks
The Academy Award-winning actor has had an impressive career since his debut. He is famed for his comedic and dramatic roles in films and television series such as; “Splash” (1984), “Bridge of Spies” (2015) and “Masters of the Air” (2024). earning him a spot as one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors.
Unfortunately, Hanks is on our list of celebrities living with diabetes. In 2013, the Academy Award-winning actor revealed his diagnosis on the “The Late Show” with David Letterman. He humorously said, “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.”
Even though he joked about it then, Hanks hasn’t had a great journey with the diseases. He has been open about his struggles as well as his commitment to managing the condition. So far, the actor has made healthy lifestyle modifications and has also used his fame to bring attention to type 2 diabetes sharing his experiences and advice.
2. Nick Jonas
Wondering what inspired Nick Jonas’ song “A Little Bit Longer”? well, we gathered that the American singer, actor, and member of the iconic Jonas Brothers was first diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 13. The disease affected my personal life and career and he recalled how he was left feeling lethargic and rapidly lost weight.
This did not just affect his personal life but also his career as he talks about the periods when his blood sugar level would increase just before he went on stage. Regardless, he has learned to stay calm and find ways to live healthy. With his fame, he has also been shining light on the disease which has made him an advocate and role model to many.
In 2008 when he released the song “A Little Bit Longer”, he did not just share his struggles but also empowered those living with the disease not to feel defeated. He noted that in some ways his condition continues to inspire his music and also has an effect on his creative life.
3. Vanessa Williams
Another popular celebrity living with diabetes is Vanessa Williams. She is a singer, actress, dancer, and producer who holds fame as the first black woman to receive the title of Miss America.
Her career in the entertainment industry has earned her several awards including Grammy Award nominations and Primetime Emmys. Nonetheless, it hasn’t been all perfect for the actress who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as an adult. While she has long adapted to a healthy lifestyle, she is also creating awareness and supporting charities that fund diabetes research.
4. Larry King
Larry was an American television and radio host famous between 1985 to 2010 for hosting the nightly interview television program Larry King Live on CNN. He went on to host other shows such as Larry King Now and Politicking with Larry King. While he recorded a successful career in the entertainment industry, the same cannot be said about his health.
Larry was first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 1995 which made him adapt to a new lifestyle and diet. He quit smoking and replaced fatty foods with nutritious fresh fruits and vegetables. Interestingly, he also spent 30 minutes every day dancing as a form of exercise.
His new lifestyle as well as diet and medication proved to be helpful. Even though he was never Diabetes free, Larry King lived up to 87 before passing away in 2021.
5. Delta Burke
The Emmy-nominated actress Delta Burke is another celebrity who has battled diabetes. At the time of her diagnosis, she rapidly gained more weight which many believed may have triggered her type 2 diabetes.
Nonetheless, like others, she has adapted to healthy living and diet. For Delta, managing the condition can be tedious as you’ll have to search for what works for you and stick to it but in the end, it’s worth trying.
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6. Drew Carey
The American television actor and host Drew Carey doesnt need much introduction if you are a fan of shows like “The Drew Carey Show” and “The Price is Right” which have been airing for several years.
In 2009, he was diagnosed with diabetes, and in 2010, he noted that he was free from diabetes and no longer needed medication. As you would find, Carey quickly adjusted his lifestyle following his diagnosis, he completely cut carbs from his diet and began to hit the gym to lose weight. After losing 80 pounds, he also lost his type 2 diabetes.
7. Sherri Shepherd
To fight diabetes, the actress and former co-host of “The View” had to give up her pasta-heavy diet wasn’t so easy but necessary. Even though it took a while, she later replaced fried foods and white bread with vegetables.
She later noted that changing her diet and exercise did not just make her lose weight but also made her feel better.
8. Randy Jackson
It was in 2003 that the former American Idol judge and music producer Randy Jackson was diagnosed with diabetes. Recalling this, he explained how he was rushed to the emergency room following several symptoms. The doctor would later request for a series of tests and after a while, he got the bad news that he had type 2 diabetes and a blood sugar level of 500. He wasn’t so surprised about his condition as his father Baton Rouge Louisiana also suffered the same fate.
Randy’s diagnosis caused him to take on a new lifestyle and even opted for gastric bypass surgery in 2004 to help him shed about 120 pounds. To maintain his weight loss, he religiously hit the gym to play tennis and also took up a healthy diet.
9. Bret Micheals
You may know Bret Micheals as the lead singer of the 80s rock band Poison but did you also know he has been living with diabetes since the age of 6? His career has also been affected by the condition in many ways. He recalls how he collapsed on stage in 1986 due to a low blood sugar episode.
Regardless, Micheals has maintained positivity and continuously advocates for type 1 diabetes care and insulin access to everyone. With his foundation “Life Rocks”, he helps children manage their diabetes and raise funds as well.
10. Halle Berry
Following a strict keto lifestyle for over 3 decades isn’t so easy as it may seem. However, this is the lifestyle Halle adopted to help fight diabetes. The award-winning actress has been in the spotlight for many reasons. In the 2000s her acting talent earned her a spot as one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actresses, This was accompanied by several awards including the Emmy and Golden Globe Award. Halle also made history by becoming the first Black woman to win the Best Actress Academy Awad in 2002.
Despite the success she acquired, diabetes, seems to have robbed her of living wholly. Nonetheless, rather than a condition, she calls it a gift that has given her strength and toughness noting that she had to face reality, no matter how uncomfortable and painful.
