Celebrities with type 1 diabetes: Making their mark (without making insulin)

Celebrities — they're just like us! While they may seem larger than life, they make coffee runs, take their dogs for walks and get caught in traffic like the rest of us.

In fact, celebrities with type 1 diabetes (T1D) may share a lot more in common with you than you think! They also live with a pancreas that doesn't produce enough insulin, and they also have to focus on daily management tactics to stay healthy.

If you've ever felt like diabetes would hold you back from achieving your dreams, know that those thoughts are totally unfounded. Many world-famous authors, athletes, singers, performers, journalists and Supreme Court justices are tasked with monitoring their glucose levels and treating themselves with insulin — just like you.

Here's an inspiring list of seven celebrities with T1D, who have accomplished amazing feats and made huge contributions to society.

1. Sonia Sotomayor

United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor was diagnosed with T1D at the age of 7 and became the first person with the condition to serve on the legislative body. She made it clear that she feels strongly about making diabetes education part of her mission in life.

In an interview with Diabetes Forecast magazine, Sotomayor said, "I think knowledge is important for a society, generally. So, knowledge about diabetes, which is such a common part of our society today — and growing at alarming rates in terms of diagnoses — suggests that we have to be more open about the disease, more open about its care."

2. Nick Jonas

As the lead singer and guitarist for the band the Jonas Brothers, Nick was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 13. In 2015, he told an interviewer: "At an early age, I had to learn to live with a disease and how it affects how I live my life. I don't want the things I'm able to do or not do be dictated by diabetes. It's not perfect; days can be unpredictable. But at 22, almost 23 years old, I'm aware of what kind of a person I want to be as a result of diabetes."

3. Anne Rice

You may have previously heard of Anne Rice, who is known worldwide as the author of books in the "Vampire Chronicles" series, but did you know that she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1998? After experiencing years of symptoms, she finally sought medical attention as an adult — and not a moment too soon. Rice's diagnosis included a stay in the ICU to treat a blood sugar reading around 800 mg/dL. Since then, she has learned to live with diabetes and has continued to write and publish her popular works.

4. Bret Michaels

After his T1D diagnosis at the age of 6, Bret Michaels was determined to achieve his dreams of a successful music career. And he succeeded, serving as the lead singer of the popular band Poison and penning a number of hit songs. He talks about his diabetes often, sharing his relatable message with the world.

"There is no doubt that a huge part of who and what I am is that I'm a diabetic," Michaels told Diabetes Forecast. "I have great days and I have bad days. I want to say, look, there are complications and it is a tough disease to manage, but I've done it, and I live a ridiculously outrageous, crazy life.'"

5. Mary Tyler Moore

The renowned actress, famous for her roles on The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Mary Tyler Moore Show, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 33. After her diagnosis, she went on to become a world-renowned advocate for diabetes, working closely with advocacy organizations like the JDRF. She's received countless honors during her expansive career, including a Tony award, a Golden Globe and seven Emmys.

6. Jay Cutler

The former Chicago Bears quarterback was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2008. Since then, he's devoted some of his playing time on the field to minding his blood sugars. In interviews, he speaks openly about his life with T1D, often citing his insulin pump and his blood sugar monitor as tools of his trade.

"I didn't want to shy away from it at all," Cutler said in an interview in 2009, referencing his openness about his condition. "I think I can be an inspiration for people dealing with diabetes, especially kids. I think it's important to let kids know they can achieve their goals and dreams, and that even though having diabetes is tough, it's possible to do what you want to do in life."

7. Oren Liebermann

Two-time Emmy award-winning journalist Oren Liebermann was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes while on a worldwide backpacking trip with his wife. Currently CNN's Jerusalem correspondent, Liebermann said he always keeps an insulin pen on hand and gives back to the diabetes community by sharing his story with advocacy organizations around the world.

People of all shapes, sizes, demographics and levels of fame can live full, healthy lives with type 1 diabetes. A diabetes diagnosis doesn't mean life has to become limited! Individuals living with diabetes — just like celebrities with type 1 diabetes — can do anything they set their mind to.

Are you new to diabetes? Looking to learn more about in the ins and outs of living with diabetes? Visit the Edgepark website to access its library of insightful information and actionable advice.