The retired NBA All-Star player was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the age of 40. At first, he was in shock and denial about the disease, but that soon changed into action. He is now an active member in the diabetes community, working to educate and raise awareness about the disease.
2. Halle Berry
The actress has type 1 diabetes, meaning her body fails to produce enough insulin to break down the body’s sugar for energy. People with type 1 diabetes require insulin injections and oral medications to control their blood sugar levels. Berry has been an active advocate for diabetes research.
3. Damon Dash
The co-founder of Rock-A-Fella Records was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at an early age. As a result, he’s been a strong supporter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
4. Aretha Franklin
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The “Queen of Soul,” who recently released the new album, “Aretha Sings The Great Diva Classics,” is a type 2 diabetic.
5. Randy Jackson
In 2001, the former “American Idol” judge learned he had type 2 diabetes after dealing with obesity. Since then, he has lost weight through exercise, dieting and gastric bypass surgery.
6. Patti LaBelle
The soul singer was diagnosed with diabetes after she was rushed to a doctor after passing out onstage. Now she has added exercise and healthy eating to her routine. She has also written a healthy cookbook.
7. Sherri Shepherd
The comedian and former co-host of ABC’s “The View” has described her type 2 diabetes diagnosis as life saving because it forced her to change her eating habits and lifestyle.
8. Della Reese
The veteran actress and singer was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes after blacking out while alone at home. While she knew little about the disease at the time of her diagnosis, she went on to become a spokeswoman for the American Diabetes Association.
9. Vanessa Williams
The actress and former Miss America, who has type 1 diabetes, has been an ardent supporter of diabetes charities.
10. Anthony Anderson
The star of ABC’s “Black-ish” television series has type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease. It occurs when the body stops producing enough insulin or the cells ignore the hormone produced in the pancreas. Anderson has worked to raise awareness about the disease, especially after losing his father to disease and whose mother has also been diagnosed with diabetes.
