Chapter 1: A Personal Health Scare

Recently, I faced a health scare that shook me to my core. With the ongoing pandemic, I found myself in a state of home quarantine, worrying about my health. As I turned 53, I noticed some weight gain and decided it was time to check my blood sugar. The last time I tested it months ago, my levels were already above normal.

To my shock, my reading was 250. I double-checked, and it read 350. Panic set in—was this the end? Should I rush to the ER, knowing I might end up hospitalized? The thought of being quarantined there was daunting.

Perhaps my glucose meter was malfunctioning? After all, it had been unused for a while, and maybe the strips were outdated or the batteries dead. Taking a deep breath, I called the pharmacy for a new meter. Thankfully, online shopping made it easy, and a replacement arrived within an hour. Testing again, I found my level at 109—still high, but not as alarming as before.

I wasn’t dying; I was just a bit clueless—much like Tom Hanks himself!

Is Tom Hanks really an idiot? The beloved Hollywood star once humorously described himself that way during a 2013 interview with Radio Times. “I’m part of the lazy American generation that has been dancing through life and now finds ourselves with a malady,” he admitted. “I was heavy—you’ve seen my movies. I was a total idiot.”

In a memorable appearance on The David Letterman Show in 2013, Hanks recounted his struggle with high blood sugar since his 30s, which eventually led to a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

“I went to the doctor, and he told me, ‘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,’” Hanks shared.

Since that diagnosis, Tom Hanks has joined the ranks of 37.3 million Americans living with diabetes, which accounts for 11.3% of the U.S. population, according to the CDC.

Chapter 2: The Harsh Reality of Diabetes

Living with diabetes is no walk in the park. My mother suffered kidney failure due to complications from the disease, spending her last years reliant on dialysis. She passed away peacefully in 2021, leaving behind the stark truth about diabetes's dangers.

Diabetes can wreak havoc on your eyes, kidneys, and heart. As Dr. Jon LaPook mentioned in a 2013 CBS News segment, a significant study showed that a combination of diet, exercise, and weight loss could reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by an impressive 58%.

Many still hold the misconception that only overweight individuals can develop diabetes. My mother was not obese when she received her diagnosis in her 60s. While obesity can double the risk, even those who are slightly overweight can hinder insulin's effectiveness. Approximately 15-20% of people with diabetes are of normal weight.

Genetics, lifestyle, and aging can also play critical roles in diabetes risk. Even though Tom Hanks didn't appear overweight in 2013, his fluctuating weight due to acting roles highlights that diabetes can affect anyone.

As we age, our pancreas's ability to produce insulin diminishes, and our bodies become less responsive to it. Combined with a genetic predisposition, these factors can lead to diabetes.

Dr. LaPook concluded that lifestyle changes are our best defenses against diabetes. While it may sound monotonous, it is far preferable to the alternative of suffering from the disease.

Chapter 3: Understanding and Managing Diabetes

According to the CDC, over 37.3 million Americans suffer from diabetes. To put this into perspective, it's akin to the entire population of Canada being diabetic.

Diabetes is a challenging condition to manage, but there are strategies that can simplify the process. Understanding the disease is essential.

Symptoms of Diabetes

The number of individuals diagnosed with diabetes has been rising since 2014, and it’s crucial to learn how to identify symptoms early to prevent severe complications. Each year, around 795,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with diabetes, and another 79 million have prediabetes—high blood glucose levels that haven’t yet escalated into full-blown diabetes.

If left unchecked, those with prediabetes are likely to develop type 2 diabetes, with over 371,000 diabetic-related deaths occurring annually in the U.S.—90% of which are due to cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, one in three individuals with diabetes may face complications such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, or eye diseases.

Fortunately, timely detection and appropriate treatment can significantly alter outcomes. Living a healthy lifestyle can help prevent many cases of prediabetes.

What is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels that are not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes. It’s a serious condition that can escalate to type 2 diabetes and other health issues if not addressed. Lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, can effectively manage prediabetes, which currently affects millions in the U.S.

It’s vital to consult with a doctor to create a personalized plan for managing diabetes or prediabetes.

The Importance of Lifestyle Changes

In the U.S., diabetes affects more than 37.3 million people, a number that continues to rise.

Diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce sufficient insulin or when the insulin produced is ineffective. Insulin is crucial for storing and utilizing energy from food. Without proper insulin function, the body struggles to process sugars and starches effectively.

With an estimated 1.5 billion people worldwide at risk of developing type 2 diabetes—a figure projected to reach nearly two billion by 2030—prevention and management remain essential.

Cognitive Complications

Research has established links between diabetes and cognitive decline. One study indicated that middle-aged adults with type 1 diabetes are significantly more likely to experience cognitive impairments compared to those without diabetes.

As we’ve reiterated, making lifestyle changes is vital.

Final Thoughts

Tom Hanks has recently starred in a film titled A Man Called Otto, portraying a curmudgeonly character. This year, we witnessed a different side of him when he was filmed expressing frustration at paparazzi for crowding his wife, Rita Wilson, risking her safety.

I find myself becoming increasingly irritable lately. I used to feel much better when I was ten pounds lighter and my blood sugar was under control.

Most of us know what we need to do to improve our health. The pressing question is, are we ready to commit to lifestyle changes?

At 53, I realize the urgency of making changes—just as Tom Hanks reflected upon his own health. I must act swiftly to incorporate exercise, better eating habits, and shed at least ten pounds.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your health regimen.