Damon Wayans Raises Awareness About Diabetes
Comedy star Damon Wayans, known for his roles in classic shows like “In Living Color” and “My Wife and Kids,” is using his platform to shed light on the risks of diabetes. At 65, Wayans has been managing his own type 2 diabetes, a condition that runs in his family.
In a recent conversation, Wayans shared the moment that made him realize his health was at risk. He recalled, “Back in 2017, I noticed I was going to the bathroom a lot. I thought it was strange because I wasn’t drinking much water.” This issue was soon followed by foot pain, numbness in his toes, and blurry vision. His sister encouraged him to see a doctor, which he now credits as crucial.
During a medical check-up, his blood sugar level was shockingly high at 535 mg/dL. This turned Wayans’ life around, prompting him to make significant changes. He stopped drinking wine and adopted a healthier lifestyle. “I appreciate the simple joys of life now that I once took for granted,” he said.
Wayans emphasizes the importance of a disciplined diet and daily exercise, including weightlifting and yoga, to keep his health on track. He’s also adopted a glucose monitor to manage his blood sugar levels more effectively.
Although he feels in control now, he remains aware of potential long-term complications from diabetes. Recently, he partnered with Genentech’s “All Eye on DME” initiative, which aims to raise awareness about diabetic macular edema (DME), a condition that can cause vision loss.
While he does not have DME, he closely monitors his own health. He has noted some problems with depth perception and knows he needs to schedule an eye exam.
Wayans believes that sharing his experiences can encourage others to seek medical help. He advises those dealing with diabetes not to shy away from seeing doctors. “You might be surprised at how simple treatments can be,” he said. “Confronting your fears is essential; it’s all in your mind.”
As part of a family renowned for their comedic talent, including brothers Keenen, Marlon, and Shawn Wayans, and son Damon Jr., he hopes that his efforts will inspire open conversations about health in his family. “If they see me being proactive, they may feel less afraid to address their own health concerns,” he stated.
Wayans also recognizes the barriers that people face when accessing healthcare but insists that investing in one’s health is worthwhile. “Spending a little now can save so much later,” he concluded.
