Damon Wayans, the comedic force behind beloved characters from “In Living Color” to “My Wife and Kids,” is now facing a different kind of challenge: raising awareness about the silent threat of diabetes. For years, he’s privately battled type 2 diabetes, a condition deeply rooted in his family history.
The turning point came in 2017 with a startling and frightening symptom. Wayans found himself making constant trips to the bathroom, convinced something was terribly wrong. It wasn’t just frequent urination; he felt a disturbing sense of depletion, as if something vital was draining from his body.
This unsettling experience quickly escalated. Pain flared in his feet, his toes went numb, and a disorienting delirium set in, blurring his vision. It was his sister, Kim, who finally insisted he see a doctor – a visit he admits he likely would have avoided.
The diagnosis was a stark wake-up call. His blood sugar registered a dangerously high 535 mg/dL. The news hit him hard, instantly shifting his perspective and igniting a commitment to change. He describes it as being “scared straight” into action.
Simple pleasures had to be sacrificed. A longtime enjoyment of wine was relinquished, replaced by a dedication to a healthier lifestyle. Wayans now embraces a life of mindful choices, appreciating the joys he once took for granted.
Discipline is now a cornerstone of his daily routine. Each morning begins with a rigorous workout, a blend of weightlifting, bodyweight exercises like burpees, and restorative yoga. He even utilizes a glucose monitor to understand how exercise impacts his blood sugar levels.
Despite feeling in control, Wayans understands the potential for long-term complications. This led him to collaborate with a campaign focused on a particularly devastating consequence of diabetes: vision loss.
Diabetic macular edema (DME), a condition where fluid buildup in the retina threatens clear vision, affects a significant number of people with diabetes. While Wayans hasn’t experienced DME himself, he’s vigilant about monitoring his own eye health, noticing subtle changes in depth perception.
He views his involvement as a potential message from a higher power, a chance to protect his sight and inspire others. DME occurs when damaged blood vessels leak fluid, distorting vision and potentially leading to blindness if left untreated.
This condition disproportionately impacts Black and Hispanic communities, affecting approximately 750,000 diabetics in the U.S. Early diagnosis through a simple eye exam is crucial, yet often delayed.
Wayans’ most important message is simple: overcome the fear and see a doctor. He emphasizes that treatments are often straightforward, but only accessible with a diagnosis. Ignoring the problem only allows it to worsen.
He hopes his openness will encourage his famously close-knit family – including brothers Keenen Ivory, Marlon, and Shawn, and son Damon Wayans Jr. – to prioritize their own health and engage in honest conversations about well-being.
Acknowledging the financial and logistical barriers to healthcare, Wayans stresses that investing in one’s health is an investment in life itself. Even a small upfront cost is worthwhile when weighed against the potential consequences of inaction.
For Wayans, this isn’t just about managing a personal health condition; it’s about empowering others to take control of their own lives and face their fears head-on, ensuring a future filled with clarity and joy.
