10 Celebrities Who Have Shared Their Diabetes Diagnosis

Source: Singer Bret Michaels. Source: Blabbermouth.

Today, diabetes poses a huge threat, and the cases of diabetes are expected to incrase. According to the World Health Organization, diabetes was the leading cause of 1.6 million deaths in 2015. And, it also has been projected that it could even lead to more deaths in 2030, and be tagged as the seventh leading cause of death worldwide.

Diabetes can happen to anyone, no matter their age, gender, and status, so celebrities aren't exempt from this disease. Here are the top 10 celebrities who have been candid about their diagnosis, both type 1 and type 2:

1. Tom Hanks 

Although diagnosed in 2013, Academy Award winner, actor, and filmmaker, Tom Hanks, made headlines in 2016 when he publicly shared his battle with type 2 diabetes. In an interview with the Radio Times, he said he had blindly kept dancing through the party and now finds himself suffering from the condition. Living with the disease has definitely made him speak out on this issue. He now constantly reminds everyone to look after their health, especially if they have some red flags already. He shared that he blames himself for getting the condition for having lived his life the way he used to in his younger years.

2. Larry King

In 1995, American television and radio host Larry King was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, Larry King shared how his health and lifestyle influenced each other. Before being diagnosed with diabetes, he underwent bypass surgery in 1987. This was when he decided to change his lifestyle, such as quitting smoking and living a healthier routine. Despite living a healthy lifestyle, still, he was diagnosed with the disease, so family history may have had a hand in his diagnosis. Being a lifelong disease, he has learned how to manage it and make sure it can fit with his lifestyle and work. At 84, he is still fit and has a positive attitude towards his health.

3. Bret Michaels 

Band Leader of Poison, Bret Michaels, has been living with type 1 diabetes ever since he was six years old. He said his diagnosis at an early stage was a blessing in disguise. He has since then accepted his condition. He shared that at an early age, he received a daily injection of insulin to keep him going. According to him, he does not follow any strict diet; however, he takes a specially formulated diabetes supplement every day. 

4. Nick Jonas

At the age of 13, Pop Singer Nick Jonas was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. In an interview with Diabetes Forecast, he shared he is in his best health because of the way he has learned to manage his disease. His active lifestyle has helped a lot in managing his condition, and he always makes sure to carefully watch and monitor what he eats. Also, he is always in check on how long he should stay in the gym and even how long he should be seated in a studio. Knowing that his condition is a lifetime disease, he learned how to program his mindset in order to still live a full life despite diabetes. He shares that he takes full responsibility for his condition and does not depend on others for him to get better. He even said that the condition is like a blessing in disguise because if it were not for the disease, his mental awareness would not be as strong and as sharp as it is now.

Read on to learn the 6 other celebrities who have been candid about their diagnosis of diabetes.