In 2013, Hollywood icon Tom Hanks revealed on The Late Show with David Letterman that he had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Following the announcement, he took steps to better manage his condition by incorporating exercise into his routine, shedding some pounds, and adjusting his eating habits.
At the time, Hanks said he had been dealing with high blood sugar numbers since he was 36 years old. Speaking to Letterman then, the Forrest Gump and Toy Story star said his doctor warned him that he was prediabetic but ignored the signs.
He shared what his doctor told him: “You know those high blood sugar numbers you’ve been dealing with since you were 36, well you’ve graduated. You’ve got type 2 diabetes, young man.” Uncertain he’d be able to make such a change, Tom replied: “Well, I’m going to have type 2 diabetes then because there is no way I can weigh [what I did] in high school.”
Hanks mentions that although he hasn’t always been significantly overweight, the process of gaining and losing substantial weight for various film roles may have contributed to his condition. For instance, he gained almost two stone for A League of Their Own by indulging in junk food and skipping exercise.
According to Hanks, he could reverse the diagnosis if he lost weight. “My doctor says if I can hit a target weight, I will not have type 2 diabetes anymore,” he added.
What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a very common health issue that leads to high sugar (glucose) levels in the bloodstream. Symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, losing weight without trying to, itching around your penis or vagina, repeatedly getting thrush, cuts or wounds taking longer to heal and blurred vision. However, many individuals may not experience any noticeable symptoms at all.
This condition can heighten the risk of serious complications affecting your eyes, feet, heart, and nerves. As a chronic condition, it can impact your daily life, potentially requiring dietary changes, medication, and regular health check-ups.
The underlying cause is related to a hormone in the body known as insulin. It is often associated with factors such as being overweight, lack of physical activity, or a family history of type 2 diabetes.
The NHS says: “Type 2 diabetes is often diagnosed following routine blood tests. However, you should see a GP straight away if you have any symptoms of diabetes or you’re concerned about your risk.” You need to keep an eye on your health and have regular check-ups if you have type 2 diabetes because it can lead to:
- heart disease and stroke
- loss of feeling and pain (nerve damage)
- foot problems, like sores and infections, which could lead to amputation if not treated
- vision loss and blindness
- miscarriage and stillbirth
- problems with your kidneys
- sexual problems, like problems getting or keeping an erection
Controlling your blood sugar level and having regular diabetes check-ups is the best way to lower your risk of complications. The Know Your Risk tool from Diabetes UK can help you find out your risk.
Diabetes UK says: “We estimate that more than 5.8 million people in the UK are living with diabetes, which is an all-time high. Our data shows that almost 4.6 million people in the UK live with diabetes diagnoses. Additionally, nearly 1.3 million people could be living with type 2 diabetes who are yet to be diagnosed.”
Tom Hanks said family genetics played a part
Hanks, 68, said he was more at risk of the condition due to his family history and genetics. “I think I was genetically inclined to get it and I think it goes back to a lifestyle I’ve been leading since I was probably seven, as opposed to 36,” he said.
“Part of it is because of my genes and part of it is because of the horrible lifestyle that I led of eating anything I wanted. So now the first thing that I do is I try to take care of that.”
How Tom changed his lifestyle to lose weight
Despite his initial resistance, the star has made several life adjustments over the years that have helped him lose weight. According to reports, the actor eats a diet rich in whole grains and fibre, avoids simple sugars and refined carbohydrates, and trades in trans fats for mono- and polyunsaturated fats. He also eats nuts, poultry, and fish.
Following his diagnosis, Hanks lost weight through daily exercise and a strict diet and vowed not to take roles that involved large fluctuations in his weight. He added: “I try to get, every single day, one hour of activity. That can be anything from a treadmill, or a walk, or a hike with a dog, but it has to be one hour every single day.”
In a previous interview with Radio Times, the actor confessed that he had been quite foolish regarding his weight and relationship with food, describing himself as a “total idiot”. He said: “I’m part of the lazy American generation that has blindly kept dancing through the party and now finds ourselves with a malady. I was heavy.
“You’ve seen me in movies, you know what I looked like. I was a total idiot. I thought I could avoid it by removing the buns from my cheeseburgers.” Despite his early naivety about healthy eating, Tom said although he is careful about his diet now, he has a few slip ups.
“I watch what I eat to the point of boredom,” he said. “Every now and again I cheat to the point of self-loathing. That’s it. So after that, I have some coffee, read the paper, get up, get the workout out of the way, take a shower.”
What you can do if you have type 2 diabetes
Work with your doctor to establish goals for managing your diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Adhere to your diet and exercise routines, and take any medications as prescribed. Learn how to dispose of medical supplies properly.
If you smoke, consider quitting. Smoking increases the risk of complications from diabetes by harming your heart, lungs, and blood vessels. If you need assistance in quitting, reach out to your healthcare provider.
Always consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider before using any over-the-counter medications. Ensure you receive vaccinations for influenza and pneumonia as your healthcare provider advises. Also, make it a point to schedule regular check-ups and screenings for potential diabetes complications as recommended.