8 Famous Celebrities Who Are Thriving With Type 2 Diabetes (And Their Surprising Management Secrets)

Living with a chronic condition like Type 2 diabetes can feel isolating, but a growing number of world-famous celebrities are using their platforms to share their health journeys, proving that a diagnosis is not a life sentence. As of December 2025, their stories offer fresh, real-world inspiration and practical tips on managing blood sugar, from dramatic weight loss transformations to embracing specialized diets and new medications.

This list highlights the most famous stars who have bravely opened up about their Type 2 diabetes diagnosis, providing an up-to-date look at how they are not just surviving but thriving, often through significant lifestyle changes and dedicated health advocacy.

The A-List Stars and Their Unique Diabetes Management Strategies

The health journeys of celebrities often provide a powerful spotlight on the importance of early diagnosis, dedicated lifestyle changes, and overcoming the stigma associated with Type 2 diabetes. Their stories emphasize that with the right plan—whether it's a specific diet, medication, or fitness regimen—it is possible to lead a full and vibrant life.

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1. Halle Berry: The Keto Diet and 'Reversing' Her Diagnosis

Halle Berry is one of the most visible and outspoken advocates for managing Type 2 diabetes through diet and fitness. The Academy Award-winning actress was diagnosed at age 22, initially believing it was Type 1, but later clarified her condition as Type 2 diabetes.

• Diagnosis & Journey: Berry was diagnosed in the 1980s. She has been a strong proponent of a low-sugar, low-carb lifestyle ever since.
• Management Secret: She attributes her success in managing—and what she refers to as "reversing"—her Type 2 diabetes to the Ketogenic Diet. This high-fat, very low-carb diet forces the body to burn fat for fuel, which can dramatically improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels.
• Advocacy: Berry regularly shares her fitness routines and keto-inspired recipes on social media, making her a leading voice for holistic diabetes management.

2. Tom Hanks: The Oscar Winner's Candid Confession

Tom Hanks, one of Hollywood's most beloved actors, brought global attention to the condition when he publicly revealed his Type 2 diabetes diagnosis in 2013 on the Late Show with David Letterman.

• Diagnosis & Cause: Hanks confessed to his doctor that his blood sugar levels had been high "since age 36." The doctor's blunt assessment was: "Well, you've graduated! You've got Type 2 diabetes." He has often linked the diagnosis, in part, to years of dramatic weight fluctuations for movie roles.
• Management Strategy: The actor manages his condition through strict diet and regular exercise. He has been quoted saying that controlling his diet is the biggest challenge but is essential for maintaining his health.

3. Anthony Anderson: A 20-Year Advocate for the Black Community

Actor and comedian Anthony Anderson, known for his role in Black-ish, has been a tireless advocate for diabetes awareness, especially within the Black community, which is disproportionately affected by the condition.

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• Diagnosis & Advocacy: Anderson was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at a young age—either 25 or 29, depending on the source—and has been managing it for over 20 years. He actively works to overcome the stigma of diabetes and encourages others to "get real" about their health.
• Management Strategy: His approach emphasizes an active lifestyle, regular exercise, and a healthy diet, which he sees as crucial components of his treatment plan.

4. Sherri Shepherd: The 50-Pound Weight Loss Transformation

Comedian and talk show host Sherri Shepherd’s journey is a powerful testament to the impact of diet and weight loss on Type 2 diabetes management.

• Diagnosis & Motivation: Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2007, Shepherd was told by her doctor that she was "going to die" if she didn't make a change. This stark warning motivated a complete lifestyle overhaul.
• Management Secret: She successfully lost 40 to 50 pounds by committing to a sugar-free Ketogenic diet and regular fitness. Her experience led her to write the book, *Plan D: How to Lose Weight and Beat Diabetes (Even If You Don't Have It)*.

The New Faces and The Latest in Diabetes Treatment

The conversation around Type 2 diabetes is constantly evolving, with new medications and public figures sharing their stories. These recent updates provide a modern perspective on managing the condition.

5. Eric Stonestreet: Openly Discussing GLP-1 Medications

In a very recent and timely update, *Modern Family* alum Eric Stonestreet has been candid about his health struggles and his current treatment plan for Type 2 diabetes.

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• Diagnosis & Recent News: Stonestreet was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and struggled to manage his health until he found a new approach.
• Management Secret: In 2024, he opened up about using the GLP-1 agonist medication Mounjaro (tirzepatide) as part of his strategy to manage his blood sugar and aid in weight loss. His openness helps destigmatize the use of modern pharmaceutical tools in diabetes care.

6. Billy Gardell: The Post-Diagnosis 170-Pound Weight Loss

Comedian and actor Billy Gardell, known for his role in *Mike & Molly*, underwent a massive health transformation following his diagnosis.

• Diagnosis & Motivation: Gardell was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2020 after a severe COVID-19 scare. This became the catalyst for a major health change.
• Management Strategy: He achieved a dramatic weight loss of 170 pounds (78 kg) through bariatric surgery and a commitment to a healthier lifestyle, showcasing the profound impact of weight management on the condition.

7. Delta Burke: A Family History and Public Struggle

Former beauty queen and *Designing Women* star Delta Burke has been open about her long-standing battle with Type 2 diabetes, which has a history in her family.

• Diagnosis & Advocacy: Burke's public health journey has highlighted the emotional and physical challenges of managing the condition, especially in the public eye.
• Management Strategy: She has focused on diet, exercise, and medication to manage her blood sugar, advocating for self-care and perseverance in the face of a chronic illness.

8. George Lucas: The Creator’s Quiet Health Battle

The legendary filmmaker and creator of the *Star Wars* franchise, George Lucas, is a lesser-known but equally prominent figure living with Type 2 diabetes.

• Diagnosis & Management: Lucas’s diagnosis is often reported to have occurred during a physical examination for the Vietnam War draft, a finding that ultimately kept him out of service.
• Management Strategy: He has since managed the condition with a private but disciplined approach to diet and lifestyle, demonstrating that even the most high-profile individuals must prioritize their health.

Topical Authority: Key Takeaways from Celebrity Diabetes Journeys

The collective experiences of these famous individuals underscore several critical aspects of Type 2 diabetes management:

• The Power of Diet: The success stories of Halle Berry and Sherri Shepherd highlight the effectiveness of a low-carb, sugar-free diet—specifically the Ketogenic diet—in improving insulin resistance and achieving blood sugar control.
• Weight Loss is Transformative: Billy Gardell’s and Sherri Shepherd's journeys prove that significant weight loss, whether through surgery or diet/exercise, can profoundly impact or even "reverse" (put into remission) Type 2 diabetes.
• Advocacy Reduces Stigma: Figures like Anthony Anderson and Tom Hanks have been instrumental in normalizing the condition, encouraging others to seek diagnosis and adhere to their treatment plans.
• Modern Medicine Matters: Eric Stonestreet’s openness about using medications like Mounjaro shows that modern pharmacology is a vital and effective tool for many in their management strategy.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, these celebrity stories offer a clear message: you are not alone, and with dedication to a personalized health plan, a fulfilling life is absolutely within reach.