Famous diabetics and tips to keep blood sugar levels in check

Halle Berry
Eating right is the cornerstone
Tom Hanks
Be careful with sugar
Salma Hayek
Steer clear of processed foods
Nick Jonas
Take care of your insulin
Woody Allen
Keep an eye on your eyes
George Lucas
See your doctor regularly
Daddy Yankee
If you're prediabetic, watch what you eat
Elvis Presley
Your feet are important
Diego Maradona
Always seek a professional's advice
Bret Michaels
Stay hydrated
Maintain an active lifestyle
Myrka Dellanos
Early detection helps in management
Stay vigilant
Paula Deen
Diabetes in the twilight years
Keep candy handy
Halle Berry

When Halle Berry was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 22, she took control of the disease by adjusting her diet and staying active. She cut out sugar and adopted “what I now know was basically a keto diet,” she wrote in Women’s Health in 2020.

Eating right is the cornerstone

Yes, what you eat is essential if you have diabetes. While Halle Berry’s diet has been controversial in the diabetes community, experts say to strive for a balanced diet chock-full of protein, omega-3 and low in sugar.

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks let the world in on his battle with type 2 diabetes, though he told people he doesn’t need to inject himself with insulin.

Be careful with sugar

Doctors advise diabetics to be cautious with “diet” products. Don’t be fooled by the label — ‘light,’ which doesn’t necessarily mean something is healthy. These products could be hiding high quantities of sugar.

Salma Hayek

Salma Hayek was diagnosed with gestational diabetes during her pregnancy in 2007. It happens to between 2-10% of pregnant women, according to the Centers for Disease Control, and occurs when a woman’s body can’t produce enough insulin for her and her child.

Steer clear of processed foods

Just like Hayek’s did, gestational diabetes usually vanishes post-pregnancy. But managing it during diabetes again includes eating healthy foods regularly, avoiding processed sugary food and keeping active.

Nick Jonas

The American singer was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 13. Before he was diagnosed he said in an interview organization Beyond Type 1 that he told his parents “something didn’t and they had already seen the significant weight loss and some of the other symptoms so they brought me in.”

Take care of your insulin

Insulin treatment requires extra attention. According to Mount Sinai Hospital, store it between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) when you’re not using it. Make sure it doesn’t freeze in the back of the fridge and don’t use frozen insulin. Some docs advise against using it straight from the fridge, as it could make the application uncomfortable.

Woody Allen

The director’s diabetic condition was not generally known until he received the Prince of Asturias Award for Arts in 2002, stating: “I don’t deserve this award, but I have diabetes, and I don’t deserve that either.”

Keep an eye on your eyes

Just like Woody Allen, who said the disease has caused him to live a healthier lifestyle, diabetics need to be more mindful of many aspects of health. Don’t skip those eye check-ups, as vision loss could be a fallout of diabetes.

George Lucas

Filmmaker George Lucas has been fighting diabetes since his 20s. But just like in his movies, he believes technology makes the fight bearable.

See your doctor regularly

New tech and medical advances are improving the lives of diabetics each day. So, book an appointment with your primary care physician and ask about the latest advances for your condition.

Daddy Yankee

Reggaeton star Daddy Yankee shared some scares he had before discovering he was prediabetic. It’s not quite diabetes, but your body’s early warning system before it develops.

If you're prediabetic, watch what you eat

Apart from exercising, some great foods for prediabetics are oats, lentils, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and beans. If you have this condition, doctors say to keep a tight rein on alcohol and sugar intake, and amp up the fiber and protein.

Elvis Presley

Like others, Elvis Presley was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and his laissez-faire attitude toward his health led to various issues.

Your feet are important

The CDC says diabetics should check their feet every day —even if they feel fine — and talk to a doctor if noticing a cut or blister that isn’t healing. The organization also says to wash your feet every day, never go barefoot, wear shoes that fit well, and keep your toenails trimmed.

Diego Maradona

The celebrated soccer icon, Diego Maradona, found himself grappling with a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, a result of unchecked weight gain and an unbridled lifestyle.

Always seek a professional's advice

Maradona’s case provides a stark warning against the diets you should steer clear of when faced with diabetes. For one, avoid the notorious ‘yo-yo’ diets, as these can leave you more vulnerable to insulin resistance and potential progression to diabetes.

Bret Michaels

The Poison frontman was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of six. He has spoken of injecting insulin three times each day. On concert days, he refrains from overindulging in food before performances and takes a minor dose before going on the stage.

Stay hydrated

Hydration remains a cornerstone of managing diabetes. Strive to drink at least two liters of water daily, as this aids in managing glucose levels.

Maintain an active lifestyle

The recommendation for at least thirty minutes of daily exercise is a sound strategy to regulate blood sugar levels.

Myrka Dellanos

Myrka Dellanos, a prominent television journalist, shared her experience of spiraling into depression upon her diabetes diagnosis.

Early detection helps in management

Diabetes is a challenging diagnosis for many to comprehend. The sooner you engage with your medical professional and adhere to their guidelines, the earlier you will reclaim control over your life.

Stay vigilant

Owing to personal turmoil, stress, and health neglect, patients can encounter several diabetes-related complications, including renal damage and neuropathy. You should always turn to your trusted medical professional if you have any questions about managing the condition.

Paula Deen

The beloved TV chef and personality opened up about her ongoing battle with type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes in the twilight years

Unfortunately, diabetes for people of a certain age often ushers in a series of complications, potentially affecting the heart, blood vessels, eyes, brain, and more. Therefore, it becomes vital to maintain a stringent regimen of diet, exercise, and overall body care.

Keep candy handy

One practical tip for individuals with diabetes is to keep candies or sweets within reach. They can be instrumental in managing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which could occur post-physical exertion or due to inadequate food intake.

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