"American Idol" judge and performer Randy Jackson was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2001, when he weighed 360 pounds. "I was in the worse shape of my life," Jackson, now 51, told Newsweek magazine. Even though his father had been diabetic, he thought he just had a cold -- until he went to the doctor and was diagnosed with diabetes.
In addition to treatment with medication, Jackson underwent a gastric bypass operation that reduced his weight to 230 pounds. He has given up the pies and cakes he grew up with as a child in the South. Jackson's diet today includes plenty of vegetables and very few sweets. "Food is for nutrition now," he told Newsweek. He is also helping the American Heart Association get the word out about the heart risks associated with the disease.
Victor Garber, 57, has been acting most of his life. He has been nominated six times for Emmy Awards and has mastered television, film and stage performances. One of his most important roles, however, came early in his life -- when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 12.
Garber learned to manage his diabetes while growing up and starting a busy career. Back when he was in the early years of dealing with diabetes, he had to test his urine four times a day in addition to taking insulin shots. But throughout his illness, Garber always stayed focused on his career. The actor now works with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to help raise awareness and money for diabetes causes.
Do you have more information about this topic? If so, please click here to contact the editors of ABC News.
