30 Celebrities Who Live With Diabetes

21. Chaka Khan

Chaka-Khan
Image courtesy of Chaka Khan/Billboard

Chaka Khan, better known as the Queen of Funk is known for 80s songs such as Through the Fire and I Feel For You.

She was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2011. In addition to her type 2 diabetes, she also had high blood pressure. These diagnoses led her to make radical changes in her lifestyle.

She put behind an excessive lifestyle of drugs and alcohol. She gave up meat and dairy. The singer also started to integrate exercise into her daily life. All that led her to drop 60 lbs.

The singer went on to adopt a vegan lifestyle which helped her wean off her diabetes meds. The 69-year-old singer is still active in the concert scene these days.

20. David Crosby

David-Crosby
Image courtesy of Mike Windle/Getty Images/Courier Post Online

David Crosby is an insulin-dependent type 2 diabetic. He has been suffering from the disease for 40 years.

Throughout his life, David has been open about his struggles with diabetes. However, he has continued to promote the use of calorie-restricted diets for people with diabetes.

He advocates for a low-calorie diet, especially for older people who are less active.

He’s also been a vocal critic of packaged American foods, advising us to avoid these high-calorie products.

As a founding member of the folk band Crosby, Stills, and Nash, David Crosby’s diagnosis of diabetes was a shock. He was the band’s drummer until the group’s name changed.

He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. His illness was not a major detriment, however.

It was an opportunity to refocus Crosby’s life on his music, his family, and his health.

19. Patti Labelle

Patti-Labelle
Image courtesy of Florida State University

Patti LaBelle has been very open about her battle with the disease. She was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 1994.

The soul singer has been active in promoting healthy lifestyles through her appearance and public service.

She has used her celebrity status to advocate for change and educate the public about health disparities among black communities.

She has even used her fame to launch a movement to get the public to take an interest in diabetes. She hopes her story can inspire others to change their diets and live healthier lives.

She encourages people to visit their doctor for regular screenings, as this can help prevent life-threatening illnesses like diabetes. Patti LaBelle’s journey has inspired many people and changed their lives for the better.