Type 2 diabetes is something that many people deal with, so if you happen to have this condition, you’re definitely not alone, as big names in the spotlight are there with you.
Over 37 million people in the US have diabetes, and out of those, 90–95% are diagnosed with type 2. When your body doesn’t use insulin the right way or doesn’t produce enough, this causes blood sugar levels to rise, and this is what type 2 diabetes basically means.
Some symptoms? Feeling always thirsty, wiped out, and may constantly need to run to the bathroom.
A lot of celebrities manage type 2 diabetes, and even if the struggles can look similar, everybody has a unique journey. Doctors usually indicate a game plan that includes eating better, maybe medication, staying active, and finding ways to maintain stress. A support system is very important because it takes a lot of energy and effort to stay on track when dealing with this condition.
The good part is that it is absolutely possible to live a vibrant, active life, with type 2 diabetes.
Let’s see some celebrities who are living proof that type 2 diabetes won’t defeat you when you have the right mindset
Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks opened up about his type 2 diabetes back in 2013. “I went to the doctor, and he told me, ‘You know those high blood sugar numbers you’ve been dealing with since you were 36? Well, congratulations! You’ve graduated! You’ve got type 2 diabetes, young man,” he humorously shared with TV host David Letterman.
His approach to the topic was playful, explaining how initially he thought he could just ditch the buns on his cheeseburgers, only to realize soon that it took a lot more effort than that.
It’s crucial to make changes when receiving a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, but the most important part is to make the changes manageable in the long run.
More than modifying your diet, adjustments might involve changing portion sizes, timing your meals, and maybe even trying different approaches, such as intermittent fasting.
Larry King
Larry King was diagnosed in 1995, eight years after he survived a heart attack and underwent bypass surgery. Finding out about his diabetes determined him to make some major lifestyle changes, and he started by quitting smoking.
He switched fatty foods with fresh veggies and fruits, and he included regular exercise in his routine. Something Larry really loved was dancing, and he had a habit of moving for at least 30 minutes a day. Dancing was a go-to way to stay active for him.
The legendary TV and radio host had a simple but effective way of managing diabetes: eating what he enjoyed but healthier, finding fun in moving, and always following the treatment plan. Larry King passed away at 87 in 2021 after a long, full life.
Halle Berry
In 1989, the Academy Award-winning actress had a scary moment while working on “Living Dolls,” the TV show she was part of. She suddenly passed out, ending up in a coma for seven days until the doctor managed to stabilize her blood sugar. She was diagnosed with diabetes.
Out of the hospital, Halle jumped right into taking care of her health. She changed her diet, focusing on fresh vegetables, fish, chicken, and pasta, deciding to cut out red meat. To stay active and healthy, Berry hired a personal trainer and added yoga to her routine.
Her outlook is pretty inspiring, especially since looking back she considers that her diabetes turned into a gift that gave her strength and toughness because she needed to face reality, uncomfortable or painful as it was.
Randy Jackson
The musician received the surprising diagnosis in his mid-40s. He was taken aback when he found out.
He explains how seriously he took it, hitting him hard not only physically but also emotionally. For him, it was difficult to change his eating habits because food was tied to his emotions.
When we turn food into a mechanism to cope with feelings, it becomes emotional eating. If this is something familiar to you, it’s helpful to reach out to a doctor, dietician, or even a mental health counselor.
Randy Jackson worked with a doctor, and they managed to craft a treatment plan that included a balanced diet and a solid plan of exercise to keep his blood sugar in check. With time, he also decided to have gastric bypass surgery to help him maintain a healthy weight.
For people with diabetes, especially the ones who are overweight or obese, it’s recommended to lose up to 15% of their starting weight.
Jackson feels like he’s living proof that managing this condition is possible, as he took charge of his health, a fact that made him stronger and eventually, a happier person.
Sherri Shepherd
Comedian Sherri Shepherd got her diagnosis in 2007, after living with prediabetes for years.
Doctors define prediabetes as higher than normal sugar levels but not high enough for the diabetes diagnosis. People can live with prediabetes for several years without realizing it, and while some might develop the conditions, others might not, especially if they manage to change their lifestyle in the meantime.
Sherri was initially on three different medications to help her manage the condition, but after significant changes in her diet and exercise routine, she found that blood sugar could be kept in check without needing medication.
Some people decide to manage diabetes only by lifestyle changing, by following an eating plan, regular exercise, and managing stress. Others might still need medication or insulin to stabilize their blood levels. No matter the method, the key is to maintain blood sugar at a safe level to avoid complications and prevent the diabetes from progressing.
Asked about how she fits her exercise routine in her day-to-day life, Shepherd says that she likes to turn her house into a mini gym. She does lounges while doing laundry and pushups against the kitchen counter. Outside, she climbs the monkey bars, goes running, and does side shuffles with her son in their walks to the park. The conclusion to their little adventures is “he has fun, and I’m just trying to not pass out.”
She believes that diabetes isn’t a death sentence, and she wrote a book called Plan D: How to Lose Weight and Beat Diabetes. Due to her specific prediabetes conditions, she advocates for people who have this information about their health to not ignore it and take control of their health.
Drew Carey
One year after being diagnosed with diabetes, in 2009, Drew Carey, known for The Drew Carey Show and The Price is Right, made so many lifestyle changes that he announced he doesn’t need medication anymore to control his diabetes.
Not everyone can do the step to stop taking medication, and while this is perfectly fine,
Lifestyle changes play a key role in managing diabetes. After letting go of his medication, Drew gives credit to this decision for his weight loss. However, it’s important to consult a doctor before any drastic change in your diet or exercise routine.
Remember that weight stigma in healthcare is a real issue. This is something that can prevent people from seeking the care they need, leading to worse health outcomes. Weight goals can be a goal, but working with a healthcare professional can help you do it in a safe way that will actually work long-term. Maintaining a healthy weight is not the only focus, eating the right way will keep you healthy.
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