Famous People Who Thrive With Diabetes

To most people, diabetes can be an ominous sounding disease, especially if one doesn't understand anything about it. You may be surprised to learn that diabetes, even though chronic, is a perfectly do-able condition when you follow the rules of engagement. Below are some of the people who have risen above the stigma of having diabetes and thrive in spite of it. Be inspired!

First off is the beautiful and talented actress Halle Berry. Halle was first diagnosed in 1989 while filming Living Dolls TV show, when she collapsed into a diabetic coma. It was determined at this time that Halle had Type 1 diabetes. Halle gives some of her time to the Juvenile Diabetes Association as a volunteer.

Randy Jackson - American Idol judge, found out he had diabetes 6 years ago after having symptoms of what he thought was a cold or flu. The biggest clue is that he was urinating a lot. Then 10 days after seeing his doctor he gets the shocking news. Diabetes. Randy is involved in an awareness campaign with The American Heart Association, helping to increase diabetes awareness.

Elvis Presley - An iconic legend and influential recording artist beginning back in the 1950s. Elvis died in 1977 at the age of 42 due to heart failure. He still makes money even though he is dead.

Elliott Yamin - American Idol finalist and successful recording artist. Elliott realized he had type 1 diabetes at the age of 16 when he hadn't been feeling well. His mom, who has Type 2 diabetes, tested his blood sugar and found it to be elevated. They decided to visit the hospital ER where his glucose level tested at 870 mg/dl.

Leonard Thompson - Born in 1908 was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 14. He is the first person to receive an insulin injection in 1922. He weighed a fragile 65 pounds and was near death when he began receiving injections of pancreatic extract. He went on to live for 13 more years and succumbed to the complications diabetes at the tender age of 27.

Yuri Andropov - Soviet Premier who died in 1984 after deterioration of his health.

Mike Huckabee - Governor of Arkansas, now in his final term as governor, will mark his exit as the third longest tenured governor of the state of Arkansas.

Sonia Sotomayor - Nominated by President Obama as the first Hispanic nominee to the Supreme court, diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

Sean Busby - Snowboard Champion was diagnosed with Type 1 in 2004 after suffering from an illness. After losing 23 lbs and fighting a serious case of pneumonia, it was determined that he had Type 1 diabetes. He is a volunteer speaker and is the consummate role model for children who must share their lives with diabetes.

Ayden Byle - Famous runner and the first insulin-dependent man to run 4,049 miles across North America, raising money for research to find a cure for diabetes.

Bobby Clarke - National Hockey League playing for the Philadelphia Flyers. Bobby has been dealing with his Type 1 diabetes since the age of 8. As he grew older and his love for hockey flourished, many teams didn't want to hire him because of his diabetes. But he made them see his side of it and was hired by the Flyers in 1967.

Doug Burns – Fitness Consultant was found to have Type 1 when he was just 7 years old, when he was misdiagnosed as having the flu and sent home. As his condition worsened, he was taken to the hospital with a blood glucose level of over 700 mg/dl. He was such a skinny kid that he was nicknamed "bag of bones" and suffered cruel teasing from the other children because of his size.

These famous people took control of their lives, instead of letting diabetes control them. When you take good care of yourself and your health there is nothing that can't be accomplished. You can live with diabetes and thrive as well.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT