In everyday life, you run across people with different diseases and conditions. Some are conditions you can see, like skin conditions; others are diseases you wouldn't know about, like diabetes. Diabetes can affect anyone, regardless of age or wealth. Many famous people are afflicted with diabetes; some you may know about already, others can hide it so well you don't see it. Having diabetics in the spotlight is inspiring to those of us 'normal' people affected by it. It gives us someone to look up to, to show us that diabetes is manageable. Below is a list of famous people who have been diagnosed with diabetes. Some you know of, some you may not.
1. Nick Jonas- singer/songwriter
Nick was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 13, and, in my opinion, is one of the most well known diabetics. He visits diabetics in the hospital, in addition to being an advocate for young diabetics, and is definitely a great role model for all diabetics.
2. Nicole Johnson- Miss America 1999
Nicole was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1993. She has been crowned Miss Virginia 1998 and was Miss America in 1999. She was the first diabetic to win Miss America, which shows diabetics that they can achieve a once in a lifetime goal, if they try their hardest. She has used her diabetes to help build her career when not modeling, and has written books and cookbooks to help other diabetics.
3. Charlie Kimball- Nascar Driver
Charlie was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 22, somewhat older than most people when diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. When we has diagnosed, he had to stop racing for that season. The disease didn't stop him, however, and he was back in his car the next season. He has become the first diabetic driver in IndyCar racing. He figured out how to manage his diabetes while having a high-stress career with extreme weather conditions.
4. Anne Rice- Author
Anne was diagnosed with diabetes in 1998, after going into a coma and almost dying. She has been writing for years; her first novel she wrote after the death of her daughter in 1973. "Interview with the Vampire" became her first novel, and she didn't stop writing. Anne Rice is a woman I personally look up to, as I hope to be an author one day. She has shown that if you truly love to write, you will be able to take any tragedy in your life, be it a diagnosis or a death, and come out on top.
5. Sonia Sotomayor- Supreme Court Justice
Sonia was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 7. At that time she wanted to be a detective, but after being diagnosed with diabetes her doctors told her that she may want to look into a new career. She switched gears, and decided to pursue law. She said that at the age of ten, she knew she wanted to become an attorney. She went on to become the first Latina judge, the third female judge, as well as breaking other barriers such as age and religion within the supreme court justices. She is an inspiration not only to diabetics, but to many groups of people. She didn't let anything stop her from achieving her dreams.
6. Sierra Sandison- Miss Idaho 2014
You may have seen Sierra Sandison, or at least heard of her in 2014. She was crowned Miss Idaho in 2014, and openly wore her insulin pump on stage while competing. She showed that we shouldn't be ashamed of the disorder we have; it's just like having glasses, something you live with. I watched clips of her competition after it hit the news, and it was inspiring to see this woman wearing her pump with pride.
7. Will Cross- Mountain climber
Will has been living with diabetes for over 30 years. He has reached the top of many mountains, including Kilimanjaro, Denali, and Aconcagua. He has attempted Mt. Everest twice, however has yet to reach the top. In these extreme conditions, Will has shown he can manage his diabetes. If he can do it when facing extreme heat and cold, he is showing that anyone can do it.
8. Darren Brass- Tattoo artist
Darren has been on "Miami Ink" and is covered in tattoos. Since he is a diabetic, and is tattooing others, he has to make sure he takes precautions to ensure he doesn't drop too low or go too high while tattooing someone. Growing up I always wanted tattoos, but I never knew if I could get them because of being diabetic and the risk of infection from them. Darren is an inspiration to me because he has tattoos, and is proud of them. He didn't let his diabetes stop him from getting, or giving, tattoos.
9. Victor Garber- Actor
Victor was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 12. He's been acting for most of his life; some roles of his include Thomas Andrews in "Titanic", Professor Callahan in "Legally Blonde", Jack Bristow in "Alias". He was in many other movies, TV shows, and Broadway musicals.
10. Gary Hall Jr.- Olympic Swimmer
Gary was diagnosed with diabetes in 1999, at the age of 25. He had already been competing in the Olympics prior to being diagnosed, so after he found out he took some time off to figure out how to manage his diabetes while continuing to swim. Just a year later, he competed in the 2000 Olympics and won many events, as well as set a new record for the 50 meter. He showed that even if diabetes throws you off course a little bit, try hard enough and you can get back and keep pursuing your dreams.
