Globally, diabetes is no longer a silent killer. More and more artist, musicians and celebrities are speaking out publicly after being diagnosed with the disease.
Many South Africans remember Sophie Ndaba as Queen from the soapie Generation, but out of the spotlight she’s been dealing with the reality of her health issues. She recently announced her battle with diabetes after she received backlash from her fans for losing "too" much weight.
Kwaito singer and TV actor, Tshepo Mosese also known as Howza was diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic at the age of 20. Although he has a family history of type 2 diabetes, Mosese was surprised that he had developed the condition because he thought it affected older people.
Kwaito singer and TV actor, Tshepo Mosese also known as Howza
Internationally, singer Nick Jonas went public with his type 1 diabetes in 2007. He has said that his symptoms included weight loss and thirst. When diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, his blood sugar was over 700 - and normal blood sugar levels are from 70 to 120.
Singer Nick Jonas Picture: REUTERS
Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks announced he has type 2 diabetes when late-night host David Letterman commented on his newly slim figure in October 2013.
Actor Tom Hanks Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry went into a diabetic coma during a taping of the television show Living Dolls, and was later diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and has since been vocal about her diabetes.
Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry