Famous People and How They Deal With Type 2 Diabetes

I remember listening to an interview with Tom Hanks several years ago. He really surprised me by announcing he had developed type 2 diabetes. When someone famous is diagnosed with a disease, it brings it home, doesn't it?

Celebrities have type 2 diabetes too

In the years since that interview, Tom Hanks has spoken about his diabetes here and there. Tom Hanks isn't the only celebrity living with the diagnosis. In fact, several celebrities with type 2 diabetes share ways that they have managed their diagnosis. Often, celebrities also give health advice. Here are some celebrities living with type 2 diabetes, and what they're doing about it.

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks first revealed his type 2 diabetes diagnosis on David Letterman's show in 2013. He mentioned that he had high blood sugar since he was 36 years old, and had finally progressed to having type 2 diabetes. In recent years his name has been misused in advertisements claiming he supports the use of CBD oil to treat diabetes. He has come out each time against these claims.

Sherri Shepherd

The former co-host of The View is all about health and fitness these days. In 2019 she announced on her Instagram account that her A1c was down to 5.4 after giving up sugar the year prior. Shepherd was even on the cover of Woman’s World magazine in August 2021, touting the benefits that the keto diet had on her health.

Drew Carey

The longtime actor, comedian, and host of The Price is Right shocked everyone by his significant weight loss in 2010. He shared that he was living with type 2 diabetes and had a few other health concerns that led him to make lifestyle changes.

Halle Berry

A bit of a controversial figure in the diabetes world, Berry was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 22 years old. She later apparently weaned herself off of insulin and "cured" herself, which is impossible.

It appears that she was misdiagnosed and really had type 2 diabetes all along, and often speaks out about diabetes. Berry even has a health and wellness app called rē-spin. She often gives advice online, including advocating for the keto diet, which she claims has helped her stay healthy.

Randy Jackson

The former American Idol host and record producer was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2003. He used it as motivation to improve his eating habits. In early 2021 he told Tiffany Haddish that he had to "break up" with food. Jackson also had gastric bypass surgery to help him lose weight.

Final thoughts about celebrities with diabetes

Celebrities are people, just like we are, who struggle with illnesses and health concerns just like we do. All of the celebrities mentioned here have changed their lifestyles and improved their health.

Check with your doctors before taking advice

A number of celebrities on this list have lauded the keto diet as being helpful to managing their diabetes. Although many people find it helpful, check with your provider before beginning new diet plans.

Each person has their own individual nutrient and healthcare needs. The Mediterranean diet may also improve blood sugars and appears to be less restrictive, therefore easier to maintain long term.

It can be helpful to look to celebrities for inspiration. But, be sure to check in with your doctor and/or a registered dietitian when wanting to make changes to your lifestyle or diabetes management plan.