November is the National Diabetes Month, in the United States. The official sponsor of the month is the American Diabetes Association (ADC) and they have named it as the American Diabetes Month, but others simply refer to it as diabetes awareness month or the National Diabetes Month. The Association’s theme for 2011 is “I raise my hand to stop Diabetes.” During this month, the Association will honor those, that have worked to prevent the spread of Diabetes throughout the community. Remember that Diabetes is not something that cannot be controlled. There are many examples of people suffering from diabetes, who have managed to achieve their goals without being discouraged by the disease in any way. Here is a list of some inspirational celebrities who have managed to put the disease behind them and became successful in their respective genres.
Celebrities With Diabetes:
1. Halle Berry
Academy Award-winning actress, Halle Berry is one of the most well known African American actresses known for her roles in films such as ‘Monster’s Ball’ and ‘X Men’. She has successfully worked around her Diabetes to achieve global stardom. Life was going smooth for the actress till 1989, when the actress suddenly went into a diabetic coma during a television show. Berry, who was diagnosed with type-1 Diabetes, has since played an active role in spreading education and awareness to overcome the disease.
2. Bret Michaels
Bret Michaels, the lead singer of the popular rock band, Poison and also well known as a VH1 reality star (Rock of Love) is another example of how to successfully integrate Diabetes in ones life without allowing it to hamper any daily activity. Michaels has been an active speaker on the disease, who usually gives advice about living with diabetes to the people worldwide. Michael’s mantra for those suffering with any type of diabetes is to not to let the disease ruin one’s life and that, life has to be enjoyed while taking regular insulin injections. Bret has been quoted in interviews as saying that a positive outlook has enabled him stay in a good physical shape by having matter and music overwhelming his mind.
3. Gary Hall, Jr
Gary Hall, Jr. became, not only a real life Olympic hero by winning the Olympic gold in swimming in the year 2000 after having been told by doctors that he would never be able to compete at the highest level again, but is also, champions the cause of spreading awareness and offering positive advice to people suffering from Diabetes. His foundation for Diabetes supports cure focuses on research, even as he serves as a spokesperson for the Diabetes Research Institute [DRI]. Hall’s advises and inspires people living with Diabetes to learn everything about managing Diabetes and keep checking blood sugar levels at regular intervals without failure.
4. Sharon Stone
Sharon Stone, the American actress, film producer and former fashion model first made headlines, when she burned the silver screen in the erotic thriller ‘Basic Instinct’ is also known to be suffering from type 1 Diabetes. Stone, in her own words, has confessed that she never allowed her medical condition to restrict her in any way and is now, not only known for her movies, but also, as an inspiration to people with diabetes worldwide. Stone, in recent years, has done charity work for the Carousel of Hope Diabetes fundraiser.
5. Randy Jackson
The Grammy Award-winning producer Randy Jackson has, not only worked on over 1,000 gold and multi-platinum albums, but is also, the spokesperson for the American Heart Association’s The Heart of Diabetes campaign was named after the former ‘American Idol’ judge, Randy was diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes about ten years ago. Jackson, who was a self-confessed emotional eater worked his way slowly to change his eating habits and lost over 100 pounds successfully, in order to, keep his blood sugar levels under check.
6. Mary Tyler Moore
She is the perfect example of someone, who has successfully managed to live with Diabetes for a long period of time, without running into any major Diabetes induced complications. Moore, who was diagnosed with the disease almost 30 years ago, at the age of 33 has since then become the international chairwoman of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
7. Jean Smart
Jean Smart, who is best known for her role in the hit TV shows like ‘Designing Women’ and ’24’ was diagnosed with type 1 Diabetes at the age of 13. She is one of the prime examples of how anyone with Diabetes is no less capable than others to work around their disease by learning to give herself insulin injections, within days of receiving her diagnosis. With her diabetes under control, Jean, not only has a bright successful acting career, but also, made it a point to dedicate herself as an activist in the battle against type 1 Diabetes.
