Famous Faces of Diabetes

With more than 26 million Americans living with diabetes, it isn't surprising that many celebrities are included in this statistic. Click through our gallery to find out how some of your favorite stars manage their condition on a daily basis.

Bret Michaels' Tip:
Learn to Exchange Foods

"If I have that slice of pizza, I make sure that I take it with a bit of insulin so it doesn't skyrocket my blood sugar. Then, at my next meal, I'll have vegetables with a piece of chicken. If you have that delicious carb, you still want to maintain the balance."

Joan Lunden's Tip:
Promote Healthy Eating at Home

"I didn't understand the relationship between the foods you feed your children and the eating habits you instill in them, and how that will either predispose them to or protect them from chronic illness. I transformed my home and how I shopped, planned meals, cooked and learned to read labels. Even my little ones eat vegetables and fruit at every meal."

Mary McCormack's Tip:
Get Involved—Volunteer

"My work for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) has been the most fulfilling thing I've ever done. Whatever they ask me to do, I do. It's a privilege."

Anthony Anderson's Tip:
Eat Half of What You Normally Eat

"Instead of eating a whole sandwich, I now eat half—and I've cut out the mayonnaise and just use mustard. And I use whole-grain bread. I changed what I put in my body, and I eat less. The weight dropped off!"

Drew Carey's Tip:
Set Goals For Yourself

"Once I started losing weight and getting compliments, I became very motivated. One of my goals was to run a 10k race. I knew I had to be in shape to accomplish that. It's a matter of setting a goal and being committed to exercising and making healthy food choices. I tell people that if I can do this, anyone can."

Elliott Yamin's Tip:
Develop an Active Lifestyle

This former American Idol contestant doesn't let diabetes slow him down. "I play basketball and hike. I live in L.A., and I go hiking in the canyons three or four times a week when I'm home. I also do lots of push-ups, whether I'm home or on the road."

Edward James Olmos' Tip:
Lead by Example

"You can't just tell people what to do. Instead, you have to show them in the hopes that they follow your lead. Set an example. Don't try to tell somebody fighting diabetes, 'Hey, man, you have got to do this, you got to do that, you got to watch this, you got to watch that.' Instead, just do it yourself."

Sherri Shepherd's Tip:
Thwart Temptation by Being Prepared

"I used to walk into any greenroom on the set of a movie or television show and see chips, cookies, candy, bagels, muffins and assorted jellies—all my favorites! It was extremely difficult to eat healthy with all those choices. So now I call ahead and ask if they can stock the table with some protein, or I bring food from home."

Patti LaBelle's Tip:
Be Aware of Your Risk

"A lot of people don't go to the doctor at all to get checked. It's sad that people wait for celebrities such as me and then say, 'Okay, Patti has it, so I should check myself, too.' You should get yourself checked—period."

Nick Jonas' Tip:
Talk it Out

Nick Jonas (featured left) of the Jonas Brothers doesn't stay quiet. "I think that a lot of kids, when they first get diagnosed, feel very alone and like there's no one to talk to, that there's no one who understands. I kind of felt that way at the very beginning, but I got over that very quickly, once I realized that this is something I can manage and that it would be all right. But teenaged kids really need to hear that they are not alone, and that not only am I there for them, but we're all there for them."