Nick Jonas vs. Halle Berry - Celebs and the ‘Betes
Blogging about a public figure under scrutiny for having diabetes made me think about other folks in the media with the ‘betes. There are more famous people out there than you may know that have diabetes – but not all of them talk about it. The most controversial of these celebs seems to Halle Berry, who recently came under fire for her uh…misguided (read: asinine) statement about her diabetes. Berry noted to the media that she “considered herself a Type 1 diabetic” until she “weaned herself of insulin,” and now places herself in the Type 2 category. Halle – can you share your secret please? Because I have been trying for I dunno, 16 years to “wean myself off insulin,” but it seems my beta cells just ain’t havin’ it….right…
Although what Berry said is indeed obnoxious, incorrect, and perpetuates stereotypes and misinformation about diabetes, Berry has never been, nor ever claimed to be, a spokesperson for diabetes. Certainly, that is her own choice to make. But as a popular actress who has graced more than a few issues of People Magazine’s 100 Most Beautiful People in the World, it’s a shame that she doesn’t use her status as a platform for diabetes education and advocacy. In fact, her diabetes remains so shrouded in mystery that it wasn’t until her obtuse statement about insulin that it was revealed that she must be Type 2 (even then only insinuated by her ability to lower her management medications).
There is no requirement as a celebrity to advocate for any particular cause, but it can be argued that as role models and public figures, they have the ability and perhaps obligation to effect change. Celebrities with diabetes (Celebetes? Celebretes?) set the example that dreams and goals can be accomplished, even when living with a chronic disease. The fact that Halle Berry chooses not to speak about her diabetes may perpetuate the idea that diabetes is shameful, limiting, and not something the public should be aware of. It is these kinds of negative stereotypes that keep people from honestly accepting their condition and ultimately seeking care before damage is done. Though Halle Berry may choose to not be a spokesperson for a major charity or product, it is really her lack of any discussion that does the most damage.
In sharp contrast, Nick Jonas, (of the Jonas Brothers fame, in case you have been living under a rock for the last 5 years), is 26 years her junior and already considered to have changed the world of diabetes. Nick Jonas, at the ripe old age of 16 is not only a spokesperson for OmniPod pumps and Bayer meters, but has also created the Nick’s Simple Wins network, which includes his blog, products, and fundraising opportunities driving towards a cure. Nick has become such a diabetes icon that my OmniPod rep here in San Diego says he regularly receives phone calls asking about “the Jonas Brothers pump.” Nick has chosen to be open about his struggles with diabetes management, and has consequently inspired millions of people with this disease to stop apologizing for it and start living their dreams; much like Mary Tyler Moore did years ago as one of the first celebs to come clean about having diabetes.
I guess at the end of the day, diabetes management and what we choose to talk about or not talk about is the decision of the person with diabetes, and that should be respected, celebrity or not. It’s just that if you have the power to reach millions in a positive way, I feel like you have a certain obligation to wield that power for good. I don’t know if that’s a fair expectation to make, but if Nick Jonas can be a ‘betes supastar at 16, Halle can at least classify her Type of diabetes! What say you readers? Do you think celebrities with diabetes have any obligations to talk about it? Leave a comment and discuss!
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Comments
Alexis, did you know that Halle Berry has just become the face of Diabetes Aware,a new website from the Entertainment Industry Association sponsored by Novo Nordisk? I couldn’t find much on the site about her public comments on diabetes though, which I agree are… confusing.
I work for a UK consumer magazine about diabetes, by the way! Called Sweet. http://www.sweetmagazine.org
Best wishes!
I did not know that! WOW! Good for her! I am so glad she is using her star power for something positive…maybe they will help her understand how to make more, uh, educated comments? Thanks so much for checking out the blog - your mag looks awesome, I am going to check it out at greater length later - thanks so much!
In 2004, Halley Berry became the first national ambassador of the National Diabetes Education - Diabetes Aware Campaign with the support of the Entertainment Industry Foundation and Novo Nordisk. The Diabetes Aware Campaign sponsors a website dedicated to teaching people with diabetes how to effectively manage their disease. It also offers a place for family and friends to go to learn more about diabetes and diabetes management.
Wow - thanks for letting me know Rich, I am so glad she is indeed involved in diabetes activism. I hope that through her work with that group that she is able work on how she publicy discusses the disease. Very interesting!
I totally agree with the Halle Berry thing. When I found out that she publicly announced she got rid of her diabetes that really ticked me off. And yes, it does add to the misconceptions surrounding our disease.
I’m happy that Nick Jonas is being active in the diabetes community. On a another note I know Jay Cutler of the (formerly of the?) Denver Broncos was diagnosed last year and has since started his own diabetes organization in Colorado despite the fan ridicule he recieved about not being able to perform well any more. But at the same time, he isn’t speaking out on a BIG, public platform.
I feel that the success of Breast Cancer fundraising has had a lot to do with celebrity endorsements and I really wish diabetes could reach that level as well.
Great blog, keep it up.
Cheers.
Oh yes - Jay Cutler has done such amazing things in such a short time of having diabetes - he is truly inspiring - like you said, he uses a big platform!
Is it weird that I too wrote about Nick in my blog today? Also…is it weird that him having ‘betes makes him hotter? is it weird that I said that and he is 16?
Don’t answer these questions. Love you Lex!