Celebrities Who Manage Life with Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a widespread ailment affecting millions of people worldwide, including celebrities. These well-known individuals face difficulties in controlling their diabetes despite their hectic schedules and notoriety. Numerous famous people have freely discussed their personal stories, leveraging their influence to motivate and increase awareness.

These celebrities are diagnosed with diabetes and yet live with some extraordinary lifestyle changes. They have been a source of inspiration for all of us. Diabetes can be managed and controlled with a healthy lifestyle and a proper workout regimen, and these celebrities are just evidence of staying healthy, fit, and active despite having type 2 diabetes.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 29.7 million people of all ages—or 8.9% of the U.S. population—have been diagnosed with diabetes. While there is no treatment or cure for diabetes, a very effective way to deal with diabetes is through proper diet and workout, also adopting a healthy lifestyle, and staying off guilty indulgence.

Celebrities are no different when it comes to diseases, and the majority of them have been living with diabetes for as many as a few decades. They all have their own fitness and health programs, which have helped them to overcome their shortcomings and stay fit despite the disease. Let us look at these celebrities diagnosed with diabetes and continuing with their charming aura and successful careers:

1. Tom Hanks

Oscar-winning actor from Forrest Gump, Tom Hanks, announced that he had type 2 diabetes in Oct 2013 on the Late Night Show with David Letterman. He acquired a fresh new figure and was asked about it by David, to which he confessed, “I went to the doctor, and the doctor said, ‘You know the high blood sugar numbers you’ve been dealing with since 36? Well, you’ve graduated. You’ve got type 2 diabetes, young man.”

Ever since, Hanks and his spouse, Rita Wilson, have changed their routines. Wilson told People, “We find time daily to exercise and reduce sugar.” “We go on hikes and walks together.” Walking is a great exercise that can help you control your diabetes.

2. Halle Berry

Academy award-winning actress Halle Berry was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 1989. While working on a TV show, “Living Dolls,” she passed out, only to be bedridden for almost eight days before learning she had type 2 diabetes.

Berry started her treatment regimen after being discharged from the hospital. As part of her management strategy, she switched to a diet low in red meat and high in fresh vegetables, poultry, fish, and pasta. To stay active, she also hired a personal trainer and took yoga.

“Diabetes proved to be a gift,” she said in 2005 interview with the Daily Mail. Faced with reality, no matter how unpleasant or uncomfortable, it gave me courage and fortitude.

3. Chaka Khan

In 2011, type 2 diabetes was discovered in the gifted diva responsible for classics like “I’m Every Woman,” “Ain’t Nobody,” and “I Feel For You.” Khan took custody of her baby grandchild at around the same time. Despite her high blood pressure and weight, she was determined to improve her health. “She was my first influence to lose weight and get healthy so I can be their for her,” Khan told the Huffington Post. “I have a new little daughter to raise; I adopted her, so I have to be here.”

Khan lost sixty pounds and managed to control her type 2 diabetes. She says eating a lot of protein is one reason she lost weight. (This has been associated with advantages for individuals having type 2 diabetes and can help lower blood sugar!)

4. Salma Hayek

The term “gestational diabetes” describes diabetes that doctors first discover during pregnancy. When Hayek was expecting Valentina in 2007, she had gestational diabetes.

In 2008, Hayek said to Parents, “I got gestational diabetes, which I didn’t realize at first.” “Pregnant women with elevated blood sugar levels are susceptible to it.” I wasn’t sure if my pregnancy-related discomfort was normal or if there was a more significant issue. One of the symptoms may be nausea, which I experienced for nine months.”

5. Nick Jonas

At the age of thirteen, Jonas was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. He posted a picture of himself in 2018 beside a picture from 2005, the year he was diagnosed, and a caption explaining his diagnosis.

“Today marks 13 years since my type 1 diabetes diagnosis. A few weeks following my diagnosis, I am shown in the photo on the left. Hardly 100 pounds after losing so much weight due to elevated blood sugar levels before visiting the doctor when I was diagnosed with diabetes,” he wrote.

6. Sherri Shepherd

After suffering prediabetes for many years, comedian and former co-host of ABC’s “The View,” Shepherd, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2007.

To control her diabetes, Shepherd first took three separate prescription drugs. Her blood sugar was under control without needing medication after she implemented dietary modifications and established a consistent exercise routine.

In response to a question from U.S. News about how she fit exercise into her daily schedule, Shepherd said:

I must turn my home into a makeshift gym. I perform push-ups against the countertop when my spouse is cooking and I’m just chatting in the kitchen, and I lunge to the laundry room when I’m doing laundry. My son and I enjoy doing side shuffles, lunges, races, and climbing the monkey bars at the park. He appears to be enjoying fun, while his mother appears to be on the verge of passing out.

Shepherd even wrote “Plan D: How to Lose Weight and Beat Diabetes,” a book about living with the disease.

7. Meghan Trainor

Speaking about her experience with gestational diabetes, Trainor visited the “Today” show.

“Got a little, tiny bump in the road — and got diagnosed with gestational diabetes, but it’s manageable, and it’s OK, and I’m healthy now, and the baby’s healthy,” Trainor stated. “I simply need to be mindful of everything I eat. It’s good to know that so many women had this experience and learned so much about food and health.”

Riley, her son, was born in February 2021.

8. Lila Moss

Lila Moss, the 19-year-old daughter of supermodel Kate Moss, shows off her insulin pump without hesitation, much like her mother did.

She disclosed her condition in an August 2020 interview with The Kit.

“I believe that not many people are aware of my diabetes. Since it’s hidden from view, nobody can tell just by glancing at you. “I’m type 1,” she declared.

9. Randy Jackson

This musician, producer, and “American Idol” judge was taken aback when he learned he had type 2 diabetes in his mid-40s.

“I was shocked to learn that I had type 2 diabetes and thought I had a serious illness. Jackson said it affected me emotionally and physically in an interview with NIH Medicine Plus in 2008. “I find food very emotional, so it was difficult to change how I ate.”

Emotional eating is using food as the coping mechanism for intense feelings. If you’re worried about emotional eating, consider seeking help from a physician, nutritionist, or mental health counselor.

Jackson’s physician came up with a plan of care that included diet and exercise to control his blood sugar levels. To assist him in maintaining a moderate weight, he also had gastric bypass surgery.

10. Anthony Anderson

Anderson performs comedic roles. Probably the most well-known thing about him is from “Black-ish.” He also discusses his type 2 diabetes diagnosis candidly.

He has spent around 20 years coping with the illness. His father likewise had type 2 diabetes. Anderson recognized the symptoms and called his doctor when he started experiencing severe thirst and frequent urination.

He is now passionate about raising awareness of diabetes and its connection to heart disease in his capacity as an advocate. At www.GetRealAboutDiabetes.com, he has teamed up with Novo Nordisk. He offers tools for controlling type 2 diabetes and preventing heart disease on this website and shares his own story.

Conclusion

These celebrities show that managing diabetes is possible with determination, lifestyle changes, and consistent care. Through diet, exercise, and medication, they continue to thrive and inspire others facing similar challenges. Their openness about their struggles encourages greater awareness, breaking down stigmas and motivating millions to take control of their health. Diabetes doesn’t have to be a barrier to success; you can manage it effectively with the right approach.

• Nov 2017
  Written by Minu Manisha
• Oct 2024
  Edited by Ankita