Connect with others who understand.

sign up log in
Resources
About DiabetesTeam
Powered By

What Tom Hanks’ Diabetes Diagnosis Does for Us

Updated on September 06, 2022
Article written by
Kacie Riggs

When actor Tom Hanks revealed in 2013 that he had type 2 diabetes, a wave of validation washed over the diabetes community: “Wow — even him, too?”

In the summer of 2022, while promoting a new film, Hanks shared some challenges of sticking to his diet. However, rather than beating himself up for veering from his eating plan, Hanks said he recognizes that “falling off the wagon happens to everyone.”

“The important thing is to resume healthy eating,” he said. “If it happens, move on, because if you get stressed, your blood glucose levels will go higher. You’ve got to be kind to yourself.”

Why It Helps When a Celeb Discusses a Diagnosis

Two things happen for us when a celebrity opens up about their health struggles.

First, they help destigmatize diabetes. The condition becomes more visible and relatable. Suddenly, we see our friends and family changing their attitudes toward diabetes and even toward us.

Second, we feel empowered by the will of celebrities to step forward and take control of the narrative about their condition under intense media scrutiny. When they show the world what it means to live with diabetes, they offer a road map and inspire confidence for how we might do the same.

Whether famous or not, any individual who publicly acknowledges their disease performs a brave act in the face of the stigma of chronic disease.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On DiabetesTeam, the online social network for people with diabetes and their loved ones, more than 123,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with type 1 and 2 diabetes.

Is there a notable person who has inspired you? How do you feel about celebrities discussing diabetes? Share in the comments below or post on your Activities page.

Updated on September 06, 2022
All updates must be accompanied by text or a picture.
Kacie Riggs is a content intern at MyHealthTeam. Learn more about her here.

Related articles

Healthy eating is a crucial part of controlling blood sugar if you have type 2 diabetes, and nutr...

Can You Drink Orange Juice if You Have Diabetes?

Healthy eating is a crucial part of controlling blood sugar if you have type 2 diabetes, and nutr...
Although some lifestyle recommendations stand true for pretty much everyone with diabetes, coffee...

Coffee and Diabetes: 5 Safety and Blood Sugar Questions Answered

Although some lifestyle recommendations stand true for pretty much everyone with diabetes, coffee...
Some people living with diabetes wonder whether they should wear medical alert jewelry, a form of...

Diabetes Medical Alert Bracelets: What To Engrave on Yours

Some people living with diabetes wonder whether they should wear medical alert jewelry, a form of...
You may feel many emotions after receiving a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (also called diabetes ...

5 Tips for Adjusting to a New Type 2 Diagnosis

You may feel many emotions after receiving a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (also called diabetes ...
If you are one of the more than 34 million people in the United States living with type 2 diabet...

3 Dairy Foods To Try if You Have Diabetes

If you are one of the more than 34 million people in the United States living with type 2 diabet...
Some people stop drinking alcohol after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. They decide that t...

Can People With Diabetes Drink Alcohol?

Some people stop drinking alcohol after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. They decide that t...

Recent articles

If you’re living with type 2 diabetes (also known as diabetes mellitus), you understand how impor...

Hypoglycemia vs. Hyperglycemia: 5 Not-So-Obvious Differences

If you’re living with type 2 diabetes (also known as diabetes mellitus), you understand how impor...
When a person becomes pregnant, they may develop a temporary form of diabetes called gestational ...

Gestational Diabetes: Pathophysiology, Symptoms, and More

When a person becomes pregnant, they may develop a temporary form of diabetes called gestational ...
There are several strategies to prevent type 2 diabetes, but reversing the condition after you ha...

Can You Reverse Type 2 Diabetes? FAQs on Diet and Lifestyle Changes

There are several strategies to prevent type 2 diabetes, but reversing the condition after you ha...
Cinnamon has attracted a great deal of interest for its potential role in lowering blood sugar le...

Cinnamon and Diabetes: Can It Help?

Cinnamon has attracted a great deal of interest for its potential role in lowering blood sugar le...
Like many people, you probably grew up hearing how important it is to eat your fruits and vegeta...

Are Bananas Good for Diabetes? How They Affect Blood Sugar

Like many people, you probably grew up hearing how important it is to eat your fruits and vegeta...
Many adults can attest to enjoying a glass of red wine from time to time — and people with diabe...

Red Wine for Diabetics: 5 Benefits and 5 Concerns

Many adults can attest to enjoying a glass of red wine from time to time — and people with diabe...
DiabetesTeam My diabetes Team

Thank you for subscribing!

Become a member to get even more:

sign up for free

close