Salma Hayek And 10 Other Celebrities Who Have Had Diabetes
Actors, singers, athletes and other celebrities have confessed their fight against diabetes and have given more visibility to this disease that affects around 9.3% of the world’s population.
Many celebrities with diabetes have spoken about the impact this disease has had on their careers and overall quality of life. By sharing their experiences, they have helped raise awareness about relevant aspects of the condition, such as symptoms and care to control it.
Figures such as Salma Hayek, Tom Hanks, Nick Jonas, Halle Berry and other celebrities talk about the challenges they have faced after their diagnosis and how they have managed to control it through healthy habits. Keep reading!
1. Salma Hayek
Hollywood actress and producer, Salma Hayek , was diagnosed—in 2007—with gestational diabetes during the pregnancy of her daughter Valentina. A weight gain of around 18 kilos, added to her family history, was linked to the disease.
The problem with this condition, during the gestation period, is that it can affect the normal growth of the baby and increase the risks of childbirth. Fortunately, the actress was able to carry a pregnancy without complications, after making some strict adjustments to her diet and implementing an exercise routine.
2. Nick Jonas
In 2005, Nick Jonas achieved worldwide fame with the Jonas Brothers ; However, it was also the year in which he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just 13 years old. According to the singer’s testimony, it was some abnormal symptoms that made him suspect that something was not right .
Today, Jonas has become an important ambassador for the disease. He is co-founder of Beyond Type 1, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and counseling those suffering from this condition.
Additionally, in 2020 he helped launch an online resource called GetInsulin.org , a tool designed to ensure stable, long-term access to insulin for patients with diabetes.
3. Gary Hall Jr.
In 1999, Olympic swimmer Gary Hall Jr. went to the doctor after several episodes of prolonged fatigue and constant thirst. The diagnosis: type 1 diabetes. At the time, Hall was told that his condition limited his ability to compete.
However, it was a matter of months for Hall to show that the illness was not the end of his career. In 2000 he took home his first individual gold medal in the 50 meter freestyle race. Then, in 2004, he again repeated first place.
A strict healthy diet, in addition to insulin injections , were decisive in facing the effects of the disease. Today, Hall is an inspiration to other athletes who have just received this diagnosis.
4. Halle Berry
The famous Hollywood actress was barely 20 years old when she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, a form of the disease in which not enough insulin is produced. This caused her to go through several health crises and she, in fact, was in a coma for several days.
According to some of his most recent statements, he follows a ” keto diet ” plan to manage the condition. It is a feeding program in which fat consumption is increased and the presence of carbohydrates is greatly reduced.
Hypotheses suggest that its adoption helps maintain stable blood glucose levels; However, more studies are needed. Doctors recommend consulting each case individually and not following diet models without supervision.
5. Tom Hanks
The American actor and film director—who is also an Oscar winner—is one of the famous people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes . In this disease, insulin resistance increases as time passes; In addition, diet and lifestyle can exacerbate it.
Regarding the latter, the actor declared that the diet he followed for some of his film roles could have been decisive in the development of the disease. Therefore, currently he has focused on following a healthier diet and habits . During a 2016 interview for Radio Times , Hanks spoke about his illness
6. Isabel Pantoja
Spanish singer Isabel Pantoja has faced serious complications due to diabetes. In 2015, she was treated for diabetic nephropathy that arose secondary to high blood sugar levels. This complication occurs when the disease is not adequately controlled.
7. Daddy Yankee
In 2016, Daddy Yankee was taken from the emergency room to a clinic in the city of Cali, Colombia, where he was diagnosed with prediabetes . At the time, this situation forced him to cancel his concerts and put his musical career on pause.
This condition occurs when blood glucose levels are above what is considered normal, but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Fortunately, changes in diet and physical exercise helped the Puerto Rican to control it.
8. Nacho Fernandez Iglesias
Nacho Fernández, a prominent soccer player for Real Madrid and the Spanish Soccer Team, is another of the famous people with type 1 diabetes. He received his diagnosis at the age of 12 and it was discouraging because, at first, it was thought that this would limit his career.
However, after consulting with several specialists, he was recommended not to abandon the sport and follow a strict diet to control the disease. Since then, he has followed a healthy diet adapted to his needs ; It also maintains strict schedules and quantities that are supervised by professionals.
9. Alexander Zverev
Alexander Zverev, who has established himself as one of the most famous tennis players in the world, has type 1 diabetes. Although he received the diagnosis since he was three years old, it was only a couple of years ago that he made his illness public.
The German athlete must constantly inject insulin to keep his blood glucose levels under control. In addition, he follows a strict diet plan that adapts to his condition and his sporting needs.
In interviews he has given on this topic, the tennis player has shown his conviction that the disease is not a limitation for the sport: “I want to show that you can go far with this disease” – he stated.
Through Zverev’s foundation he supports children and young people affected by this form of diabetes, providing them with insulin and other essential medications.
10. Sharon Stone
Sharon Stone was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, which requires daily insulin injections. Beyond this, the actress and producer has confessed that she has “no secret” to control the disease.
It presumes that your good health is the result of “all the good, healthy things” a person should do: eat well, exercise, sleep, and be happy. At 65 years old, and with a successful career, he is an inspiration for patients fighting this pathology.
Celebrities Have Become Leaders In The Fight Against Diabetes
Young athletes and Hollywood celebrities who suffer from diabetes are an important example of the impact that this disease has on health, and how habits, diet and exercise affect its management.
Their experiences with the disease have served to inform millions of people around the world about how it manifests itself, what symptoms it can cause and what risks they can face.
Likewise, many have become an example of improvement by building successful careers, even after receiving the diagnosis at an early age.
