Diabetes is a condition that affects millions of people around the world, and even some of the biggest names in entertainment, sports, and politics live with it every day. Many celebrities have chosen to speak openly about their diagnosis, helping to break down stigma and inspire others to take charge of their health.
Their honesty shows that diabetes does not have to stop anyone from achieving great things. Here are 15 famous stars who have shared their personal journeys with diabetes.
1. Nick Jonas
At just 13 years old, Nick Jonas was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, a life-changing moment he turned into a mission. He co-founded the nonprofit Beyond Type 1 to support others living with the condition.
On stage, he proudly wears his continuous glucose monitoring device without hiding it.
He even wrote the song “A Little Bit Longer” about his experience. Nick proves that a serious health condition can become a source of strength and purpose rather than a setback.
2. Halle Berry
Halle Berry received her diabetes diagnosis at age 22, which pushed her to rethink everything about her lifestyle. She became a passionate advocate for the National Diabetes Education Program and was named an ambassador in 2004.
Her approach focused on healthy eating, regular exercise, and staying consistent with her medical care.
Berry has spoken candidly about how managing her condition became part of her daily routine. Her story reminds us that a diagnosis can be the starting point of a healthier, more intentional life.
3. Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks surprised many fans when he announced his Type 2 diabetes diagnosis live on “The Late Show with David Letterman” in 2013. He admitted that his blood sugar had been running high for over two decades before the official diagnosis came through.
Rather than panic, he described his condition as manageable with the right habits.
His straightforward, calm attitude toward the news helped normalize conversations about Type 2 diabetes. Hanks shows that even Hollywood legends deal with real health challenges just like everyone else.
4. Mary Tyler Moore
Mary Tyler Moore was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in her 30s, and she channeled that experience into decades of advocacy work. She served as the international chair of JDRF, formerly known as JRDF, from 1984 until her passing, dedicating enormous energy to funding research for a cure.
Her commitment to the cause went far beyond a celebrity endorsement. Moore used her platform to genuinely push for scientific progress, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire the diabetes community worldwide.
5. Sherri Shepherd
When Sherri Shepherd was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2007, she used her platform on daytime television to talk about it openly and honestly. She shared the real challenges of adjusting her diet and adding exercise to her routine, making her story relatable to everyday viewers.
Shepherd did not sugarcoat the difficulty of making lifestyle changes, but she also celebrated the progress she made. Her willingness to be vulnerable on camera helped many fans feel less alone in their own health struggles.
6. Patti LaBelle
Patti LaBelle’s diabetes diagnosis came after she collapsed on stage, a dramatic wake-up call that changed her relationship with food forever. She overhauled her cooking style, cutting down on calories and oil, and eventually published healthy cookbooks to share her new approach with fans.
LaBelle’s story is a powerful reminder that a health scare can spark meaningful transformation. Her cookbooks became a way to turn a personal challenge into something that could benefit others dealing with similar dietary needs.
7. Anthony Anderson
Anthony Anderson received his Type 2 diabetes diagnosis later in life, and he has been candid about how unexpected and challenging that news felt. Managing blood sugar, adjusting eating habits, and fitting medical routines into a busy acting career all presented real hurdles he did not shy away from discussing.
By talking openly about the condition, Anderson helped raise awareness in communities where diabetes is especially common. His honesty encourages people to get tested early and take their health seriously before complications arise.
8. Vanessa Williams
Vanessa Williams has spoken with deep emotion about her Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, particularly because she lost her grandmother to complications from the same disease. That personal loss gave her diagnosis a sense of urgency and a reason to prioritize her long-term health above everything else.
Rather than letting fear take over, Williams focused on building healthy habits and staying consistent with her care. Her story carries a heartfelt message: honoring the memory of a loved one can become the motivation to take better care of yourself.
9. Bret Michaels
Bret Michaels has lived with Type 1 diabetes since he was just 6 years old, making him one of the longest-standing celebrity advocates for the condition. He openly discusses the daily reality of insulin injections and blood sugar monitoring, refusing to let the routine slow down his rock and roll lifestyle.
After winning “The Celebrity Apprentice,” he donated his $250,000 prize to the American Diabetes Association. That gesture said everything about where his priorities lie, even at the height of fame.
10. Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2008 while already playing professional football, a sport that demands peak physical performance at all times. Rather than stepping away from the field, he adapted by wearing an insulin pump and closely tracking his blood sugar levels throughout games and practices.
Cutler called his diabetes “manageable” and kept competing at the highest level of the sport. His career stands as a reminder that with the right tools and mindset, a diabetes diagnosis does not have to sideline your biggest goals.
11. Lila Moss
Lila Moss, daughter of supermodel Kate Moss, made headlines when she walked the catwalk proudly displaying her insulin pump for the world to see. She was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and made a bold choice to wear her medical device openly rather than conceal it beneath her outfit.
That decision sent a powerful message to young people who feel self-conscious about their health devices. Lila is redefining what it means to own your story, turning what some might see as a flaw into a statement of confidence and pride.
12. Ed Gamble
Ed Gamble has a genuinely unique approach to living with Type 1 diabetes: he makes it funny. The British comedian weaves his experiences with the condition into his stand-up shows, finding laughs in the daily routines that come with managing blood sugar.
Beyond the humor, he has noted that his diabetes diagnosis actually improved his overall health awareness in unexpected ways. Gamble’s ability to find comedy in difficulty is a refreshing reminder that a positive attitude, even a laughing one, can make a tough situation much easier to handle.
13. Theresa May
Theresa May was in her fifties when she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, a time when she was already managing one of the most demanding jobs in the world as UK Prime Minister. She addressed the news with characteristic composure, stating simply that diabetes is “just part of life” and that it was a case of getting on with it.
Her matter-of-fact attitude challenged the idea that a serious diagnosis must define or limit a person. May’s example shows that responsibility and ambition do not have to pause for a health condition.
14. Drew Carey
Drew Carey’s Type 2 diabetes diagnosis turned out to be a turning point that completely reshaped his lifestyle. He cut carbohydrates dramatically, committed to regular exercise, and shed a significant amount of weight in the process.
The results were so effective that his doctors eventually told him he no longer needed diabetes medications.
Carey shared his journey publicly, inspiring fans who were facing similar health battles. His transformation is a striking example of how lifestyle changes, when taken seriously, can have a profound impact on managing and even reversing Type 2 diabetes symptoms.
15. Sonia Sotomayor
Sonia Sotomayor has managed Type 1 diabetes since childhood, carrying glucose tablets and monitoring her blood sugar through some of the most high-pressure moments of her legal career. Serving on the US Supreme Court while managing a chronic condition is no small feat, and she handles both with quiet determination.
She also wrote a children’s book encouraging kids to embrace their differences, including health conditions. Her message is clear: what makes you different can also make you extraordinary, if you choose to own it.