Celebrities Who Have Spoken Publicly About Living With Diabetes
Diabetes is far more common in Hollywood, sports, and politics than most people ever realize.
Behind famous smiles and public success stories are daily routines that involve monitoring, management, and resilience. When well-known figures speak openly about living with the condition, it grabs attention for a reason.
Those stories challenge assumptions, reduce stigma, and quietly prove that a diagnosis does not cap ambition, talent, or impact.
1. Tom Hanks (Type 2)
In October 2013, Hanks mentioned his blood sugar concerns on David Letterman and confirmed he has type 2 diabetes.
Public attention followed as Tom Hanks revealed a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, turning a private health issue into an open conversation. Years of dramatic weight changes tied to movie roles played a meaningful part in reaching that point.
Candid remarks about rising numbers framed the diagnosis as a serious wake-up call rather than a headline grab.
2. Nick Jonas (Type 1)
Thirteen is already a whirlwind age without adding daily insulin injections. Jonas learned he had type 1 diabetes as a teenager, right when his music career was taking off.
He didn’t hide behind his celebrity status.
Instead, he became a voice for young people navigating the same diagnosis, showing up at awareness events and sharing his routine openly. His willingness to discuss glucose monitors and insulin pumps made the invisible visible for fans everywhere.
3. Sonia Sotomayor (Type 1)
Early years shaped resilience as Sonia Sotomayor managed type 1 diabetes with discipline and determination.
Throughout a remarkable career, she has spoken openly about living with the condition. Ambition stays intact in her story, showing chronic illness does not set a ceiling.
Law school demands, courtroom battles, and eventual hearings at the Supreme Court of the United States unfolded alongside careful insulin management.
4. Theresa May (Type 1)
Running a country while managing type 1 diabetes sounds like the plot of a political thriller.
Theresa May revealed she has type 1 diabetes after being diagnosed in 2013 (in her 50s), and she discussed continuing public life while managing it. She spoke about the daily reality of insulin and the importance of staying vigilant with her health.
Her transparency during high-pressure leadership moments sent a powerful message. You can handle a nation and handle your blood sugar at the same time.
5. Mary Tyler Moore (Type 1)
Purpose grew from a diagnosis, turning advocacy into a lifelong mission tied to diabetes research.
Public visibility followed as Mary Tyler Moore lived for decades with type 1 diabetes and spoke openly about daily challenges and emerging hope.
Meaningful impact came through work with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, helping drive funding and national attention toward the cause. Lasting proof arrived in the form of real progress, showing how celebrity influence can translate into tangible change against chronic illness.
6. Larry King (Type 2)
Behind the microphone and those famous suspenders, Larry King managed type 2 diabetes while interviewing presidents and movie stars.
Public interviews often included candid discussions about the condition, with no attempt to gloss over daily realities.
Straightforward tone carried over from broadcasting style into how health was addressed. Lifestyle adjustments and the value of staying informed came up repeatedly in those conversations.
7. Jay Cutler (Type 1)
Playing quarterback in the NFL while managing type 1 diabetes requires precision both on and off the field.
Jay Cutler was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2008 and spoke publicly at the time about continuing his NFL career. He spoke publicly about the logistics of insulin management during games and practices.
His story resonates with young athletes who worry that diabetes might sideline their sports dreams. He showed that elite performance and chronic illness can coexist with the right plan and mindset.
8. Bret Michaels (Type 1)
Life on tour with a rock band is demanding enough without factoring in type 1 diabetes.
Michaels has discussed his condition in major media coverage, sharing how he manages his health while performing for thousands of fans. He’s been candid about the challenges of maintaining routine when your schedule is anything but routine.
His openness has helped normalize the idea that rock stars check their glucose levels just like everyone else with diabetes.
9. Randy Jackson (Type 2)
A type 2 diabetes diagnosis pushed Randy Jackson toward major life changes shared publicly with honesty and humor. After that, he underwent gastric bypass surgery, which resulted in a substantial weight loss (often reported to be more than 100 pounds).
Public advocacy followed, with a spokesperson role focused on diabetes awareness and education. Transformation resonated widely, inspiring many people to take personal health more seriously.
Clear proof emerged that meaningful change stays possible, even when an initial diagnosis feels overwhelming.
10. Drew Carey (Type 2)
After a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, Drew Carey has described major lifestyle changes and significant weight loss in interviews. Major changes followed in diet and exercise, leading to weight loss and improved health markers.
Honest conversations about the process struck a chord with fans facing similar challenges. Difficulty never got softened or glossed over.
Real work took center stage as he explained what managing the condition actually required to regain control of health.
11. Patti LaBelle (Type 2)
Decades of music built a powerful bond with audiences, while openness about type 2 diabetes created another kind of connection.
Public conversations followed as Patti LaBelle spoke honestly about a diagnosis and the steps taken to manage it.
Education and prevention sit at the center of that message, alongside personal responsibility for health. Encouragement to get tested and stay informed reaches fans directly.
Advocacy efforts have also raised awareness in communities where diabetes rates remain especially high.
12. Sherri Shepherd (Type 2)
A 2007 diagnosis marked a major turning point that television audiences watched unfold in real time.
Public discussion followed as Sherri Shepherd described how the news reshaped daily habits and long-term views on health.
Honesty about fear and a steep learning curve struck a chord with viewers facing similar moments.
Education and proactive management became recurring themes, amplified through a visible public platform. Knowledge emerged as the central takeaway, reinforcing how informed choices can shape life with a chronic condition.
13. Billie Jean King (Type 2)
Billie Jean King has said she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2007, and she’s spoken publicly about managing it.
She has discussed living with the diagnosis and the importance of staying active and informed. Her athletic background gave her a unique perspective on managing health challenges.
She continues to inspire people both on and off the court. Her openness proves that champions face struggles too, and sharing those struggles helps everyone play a better game.
14. Paula Deen (Type 2)
In January 2012, Paula Deen confirmed on NBC’s Today that she had type 2 diabetes (diagnosed about three years earlier). Long associated with Southern cooking, Paula Deen faced criticism and pointed questions tied to that diagnosis.
Public response included noticeable changes to recipes and lifestyle choices, with those adjustments shared openly with longtime viewers.
Cultural tension surfaced along the way, underscoring how closely food traditions and health realities can collide.
15. Chaka Khan (Type 2)
Generations have grown up with an unmistakable voice as a soundtrack, while openness about type 2 diabetes added another dimension to a lasting legacy.
Chaka Khan has discussed being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2011 and making changes afterward.
Willingness to share personal experience helps reduce stigma and encourages others to seek support. Ongoing performances continue to inspire, showing that a diagnosis does not quiet a voice or limit impact.
Disclaimer: This article discusses public statements by well-known figures about living with diabetes and is intended for general informational and entertainment purposes.
It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Health experiences vary widely, and readers should consult qualified healthcare professionals for guidance specific to their circumstances.
Public reports can change as new interviews or clarifications emerge. The content is provided for general informational and entertainment purposes and is not legal, financial, or professional advice.
