15. Lea DeLaria
Orange Is the New Black star Lea DeLaria blames her genes for the onset of her diabetes. Her mother and brother have diabetes as well.
What started with a pain in her abdomen led to a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. At first, she was worried about the disease. Her love for pasta was something she could not give up.
With the help of the Clinical Diabetes and Berrie Center, she was able to treat and manage her diabetes.
According to the actress, diabetes is not something to be embarrassed by and at the same time, it’s not something to take lightly.
She takes advantage of public platforms to raise awareness about type 2 diabetes and the many treatment options available.
14. Damon Dash
Damon Dash has lived with Type 1 diabetes all his life. The American mogul launched the Dash Diabetes Network (DDN).
The network was designed to raise awareness of the disease. It also encourages PWDs, also known as people with diabetes, to live a healthy life despite the disease.
Aligned with the slogan, health is wealth, the network features actors, doctors, musicians and PWDs. They discuss diabetes and how it is possible to live with it comfortably.
According to Dash, the disease is not a weakness nor is it a death sentence. He adds that it is possible to manage and live with diabetes.
13. Gabourey Sidibe
Gabourey Sidibe has been a favorite of many ever since her 2009 appearance in Precious. The talented actress and a regular on Empire, she was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes as a result of her obesity.
The actress has a total makeover of her lifestyle. In May 2016, she underwent bariatric weight loss surgery.
Ever since her operation, she has maintained a healthy lifestyle. The once 300-pound actress was able to drop 150 lbs.
The positive changes she has integrated into her lifestyle have inspired a lot of her fans. At the same time, they have raised awareness of the importance of good health to manage diabetes.
