Photos: (Getty)
Not only is it Movemeber for men's health, Lung Cancer Awareness Month, but Novemeber is also Diabetes Awareness Month! According to our pals over at DoSomething.org, "25.8 million people (or 8.3 percent of the U.S. population) have diabetes".
So, it's clearly a big issue that many Americans face and DEF worth taking a few minutes to discuss. As it's a health issue that many face, many celebrities have spoken out on their personal experience with this chronic illness. From the studly Nick Jonas, to the beyond talented Tom Hanks, they have used their platform to get people talking (which we love)!
+ Nick Jonas
Nick Jonas is a worldwide heartthrob, musician, actor, and a massive advocate when it comes to Diabetes. After being diagnosed at the young age of 13, Nick began to create a national dialogue on young teens dealing with this disease. He recently opened up to the Huffington Post by saying, "It's a daily struggle. From the time I was diagnosed, almost eight years ago, until now, it's just been about taking it day by day and really trying to find the small victories."
+ Halle Barry
After Halle Barry collapsed on set in 1989, and went into diabetic coma, she woke up seven days later realizing something was totally not right. She quickly learned she was a diabetic. Although it may have been a scary thing to hear at the young age of 19, Halle turned it into a positive. The actress bravely revealed, "Diabetes turned out to be a gift," she says. "It gave me strength and toughness because I had to face reality, no matter how uncomfortable or painful it was."
+ Tom Hanks
Last month, Tom appeared on Letterman where he shocked many by revealing his diabetes diagnosis. The Oscar winning actor told David, "I went to the doctor and he said, 'You know those high blood sugar numbers you've been dealing with since you were 36? Well, you've graduated,' " Hanks told Letterman. " 'You've got Type 2 diabetes, young man.'" By appearing on a massive late night show like Letterman is a great way to shine a light on the cause! Bravo to Mr. Hanks!
+ Salma Hayek
While Salma was pregnant with her daughter, she was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. This particular type of diabetes often occurs for pregnant women who have no previous history of diabetes, but have a high blood glucose level during pregnancy. Salma stated, "I got gestational diabetes, which I didn't realize at first. I was nauseated for nine months, which can be one of the symptoms. If I had it to do over again, I wouldn't eat so much fruit at the beginning. I didn't know that eating fruit that is high in sugar is not recommended when you have gestational diabetes."
+ Ray Allen
Miami Heat star, Ray Allen, became a fierce advocate for juvenile diabetes after his son was diagnosed. Ray even went straight to Capitol Hill to testify at a senate hearing! He spoke honestly by saying,"The Miami Heat, we played 106 games this past season. We had game days, practice days, travel days, even a few off days; days to rest, days to heal, days to rejuvenate, recharge. But for Walker here, and … a lot of kids here in this room and a lot of people living with diabetes, there are no off days."
+ Crystal Bowersox
After capturing the attention of many through her talented vocals on season nine of American Idol, she also became known for battling diabetes. During American Idol, the singer went to the hospital for a complication of her diabetes and decided to share her journey with the world. Crystal told Diabetes Health, "I didn't want anyone to know I was diabetic. I didn't want that special attention, I wanted to be on an equal playing field with everyone else there." We are glad you did take that leap into a vulnerable position, and by doing so you are helping so many others out there!
