Former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler, singer Nick Jonas, and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor are just a few celebrities with type 1 diabetes. Their stories inspire and demonstrate the importance of diabetes management and support.

Some openly share their experiences with others who have type 1 diabetes and serve as role models in various ways. Others raise awareness about treatment and the significance of research.

Bret Michaels

Bret Michaels, the lead singer of the band Poison, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was six years old. Despite the diagnosis, he has not let it slow him down. Throughout his music career, he has sold over 25 million records and had 15 Top 40 singles. In addition to his music, he has ventured into film production, writing, directing, and acting.

Michaels manages his diabetes with insulin injections and checks his blood sugar levels eight times a day.

Anne Rice

Novelist Anne Rice was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1998 after falling into a coma brought on by diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which nearly claimed her life. Despite her diagnosis, Rice learned to manage her diabetes and continued to have a successful career in publishing until she passed away from a stroke in 2021. Rice is best known for writing the book “Interview With a Vampire,” which was later adapted into a movie.

Sonia Sotomayor

Sonia Sotomayor is a United States Supreme Court Justice and the first person with type 1 diabetes to ever serve on the high court. Sotomayor was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of seven and began insulin therapy.

In a feature in Contemporary Pediatrics, US Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor shares her lifelong experiences in managing type 1 diabetes. She attributes her successful diabetes management to being vigilant with insulin injections and regularly testing her blood sugar levels. Additionally, she always carries glucose tablets wherever she goes, which is critical to maintaining her high-powered career.

Gary Hall Jr.

Olympian swimmer Gary Hall Jr. is an accomplished competitive swimmer. He was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1999. Despite being told by his doctors that his swimming career was over, he was determined to prove them wrong. He had to learn to increase his stamina without getting fatigued, which required him to get out of the water and check his blood sugar levels every 45 minutes.

In 2000, he was recognized as the fastest swimmer in the world. By the time he retired in 2008, Hall had accumulated 10 Olympic medals, five of which were gold.

Vanessa Williams

Vanessa was trailblazed as the first African-American to serve as Miss America. Since then, she has had a successful career in singing and acting. She is one of the few celebrities who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as an adult and has been actively involved with many health-related charities.

Theresa May

In 2016, Theresa May became only the second woman to serve as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. She was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes late in life and may indeed be the first world leader to serve after a type 1 diabetes diagnosis. She has been very open about her diabetes and has even been seen in public with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) on her arm.

Miguel Paludo

Miguel Paludo is a Brazilian professional racing driver. He currently competes full-time in the Porsche GT3 Carrera Cup Series. Previously, Paludo raced full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, driving for Red Horse Racing and Turner Scott Motorsports. He has achieved four championships in the Porsche GT3 Cup Series. Paludo was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2004 at the age of 21 and has since become an advocate for diabetes awareness and care.

Sharon Stone

Sharon Stone is an American actress, film producer, and former fashion model. She gained international recognition for her role in the erotic thriller Basic Instinct and won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama for her performance in Casino.

Despite being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, Stone has never allowed the condition to restrict her in any way. She serves as an inspiration to many individuals with diabetes worldwide.