Category: Diabetes 101

 was born in 1882, a native from New York, New York. Many people may not recognize the name. Nevertheless, he was the Mayor of New York City during the depression era for 3 consecutive terms from 1934 to 1945. He increased the number of welfare agencies in the city. LaGuardia pushed for an airport in New York City. Many individuals may recognize the last name of LaGuardia from the international airport in New York City.

LaGuardia has an impressive history of being in the political spotlight. He has been a Representative, Deputy Attorney General and Congressman. He also served in the air force during World War 1. Fiorello LaGuardia died in 1947 of pancreatic cancer. He was 65 years old.

Fiorello LaGuardia

Jack Benny was born Benjamin Kubelsky in 1894. He was a native of Chicago, Illinois. Benny was a successful comedian, TV, stage and radio actor. He became a nation icon with a radio program called the Jack Benny show. Benny was a character actor. He was famous for his personality and the method in which he represented himself. Benny had various variety shows that situated sketched comedy. He invited many guests to his shows including Jimmy Stewart, George Burns and Orson Wells. His performances are still talked about to this day. Benny was a genius comedian and is missed by his friends and fans alike. Jack Benny died in 1974 of pancreatic cancer. He was 80 years old.

Benny had juvenile diabetes. He lived with this disease for his whole life. Benny never used his public voice to speak-out about diabetes.

Jackie Gleason was born as Herbert John Gleason in 1916. He was a native of Brooklyn, New York. Gleason is one of the most popular comedians in American history. Not only did he perform the comedic route, he was also known for dramatic roles as well. Most people know Gleason for his role as Ralph Kramden on the hit TV show “The Honeymooners”. His earlier life was troublesome, his father left and his mother died when he was only 19 years old. Gleason began his career on Broadway. “The Jackie Gleason Show” was an hour long variety program in the 50s. This became the second highest rated television show in the United States. Gleason was also a musician playing jazz. He has received an Academy Award for his dramatic performances. Jackie Gleason, an American icon, died in 1987 from liver and colon cancer. He was 71 years old.

Gleason was another comedian with diabetes. Gleason developed type 2 diabetes. While he did not make a direct reference to his diabetes while on-stage, he did become associated with an interesting statement. During almost every appearance, Gleason would say, “How sweet it is.”

Mikhail Gorbachev is one of the most famous Russian leaders of all times. He was born in 1931, a native of Privol’noe, Stavropol region, Russia. Gorbachev worked closely with President Ronald Reagan to bring the cold war to an end. He was the leader of Soviet Union from 1985 until its end in 1991. In 1990, he called for the withdrawal of all Soviet troops from Europe in 1990. Gorbachev was awarded the Noble Peace Prize for his work in bring the Cold war to an end. At present, Gorbachev is the leader of the Union of Social-Democrats. Mikhail Gorbachev is 77 years old.

During his life he has had some fantastic achievements. Gorbachev has another success story as well. He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, but it has not slowed him down. He manages his diabetes with the correct diet and exercise regiment in addition to medication.

Miles Davis is perhaps the most significant musician to date. Davis was born in 1926 from Alton, Illinois. He was best known for his jazz techniques and songwriting abilities. Davis was recording and performing literally all of his life. He began in 1945, recording with blues singer Rubberleg Williams. Davis has played and preformed with all of the greats in blues and jazz history. The instrument of choice was the trumpet; however he played others as well. Throughout musical history, various sounds from the 60s and on were influenced by the styles of Miles Davis. He has won various awards including “Grammy Awards”, “Down Beat reader’s poll” and “Sonning Award”. Davis was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. He was inducted into the Hollywood’s Rockwalk in 2006. Davis achieved a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 1998. He is truly a master of his industry. Miles Davis died in 1991 from a pneumonia which turned into respiratory failure and stroke. He was 65 years old.

The jazz trumpeter had taken some rather unusual steps while trying to control his diabetes. At one point, Davis went to a rejuvenation clinic in Switzerland, where he got a shot of lamb serum.

Patti LaBelle was born Patricia Louise Holt in 1944. She is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is best known for her songwriting and R&B performances. LaBelle has been the founder of two musical groups, Patti LaBelle & the Bluebelles and Labelle. She has had such hit songs as “Take Me for a Little While”, “Lady Marmalade” and “Where Love Begins”. LaBelle is mostly known for her unique singing styles but she has been in various films and talk show appearances. Patti LaBelle, at the age of 64, is still going strong in the music industry.

LaBelle has been struggling with diabetes since 1995. She passed out on stage in 1990. Later a physician spoke with her and asked, “Did you know that you were a diabetic?” Since she has been diagnosed with diabetes, LaBelle has been a spokeswoman for the American Diabetes Association. Her work with this disease did not stop there. She has written two cookbooks for the diabetic community as well as participated in advertisements for the One-Touch Ultra blood sugar tester machines.

Raymond Kroc was born in 1902 from Chicago, Illinois. Kroc never finished high school, he drove an ambulance during World War 1 and he played jazz after the war. However, most individual may remember Kroc as the man that bought the first MacDonald’s restaurant. Kroc being a successful businessman approached the McDonald’s brothers with an offer they could not refuse. The brothers agreed to sell the name and the business to Kroc as long as he kept of the quality that they had worked hard to produce. In 1955, the first McDonald’s chain began in Illinois. Raymond Kroc died in 1984, a few days before his franchise sold its 50th billion hamburger.

Kroc launched the Kroc Foundation in 1969 to assist in research for diabetes, arthritis and multiple sclerosis. The Ronald McDonald house was created for families of children to have a place to stay during hospital visits. Kroc stood for families, community and a helping hand. He felt that the community should be thanked for their support.

Sugar Ray Robinson was born Walker Smith Jr. in 1921, a native of Ailey, Georgia. He was dubbed by many as the greatest boxer of all times. Robinson started his career in 1940. He has preformed in several divisions including Lightweight, Welterweight, Middleweight as well as Light Heavyweight. He has fought some of the greatest boxers in American history such as Henry Armstrong, Tommy Bell and Gene Fullmer. In his career he has won countless matches and awards. Robinson retired in 1965 and was inducted to the International Boxing Hall of Fame 2 years later. Sugar Ray Robinson died in 1989 from Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes. He was 68 years old.

Robinson was diagnosed with diabetes later in his life. He was treated with insulin injections. Complications from diabetes interrupted his life. Robinson’s blood pressure spiked on the night before his mother’s death, and so he was unable to attend her funeral.

Sylvia Chase was born in 1938 and is a native of Northfield, Minnesota. Chase, a diabetic and a journalist was once an unknown radio producer in Los Angeles. She later became a familiar name on 20/20.

Chase won both an Emmy and a Peabody award. She has also won the ATAS Broadcast Journalism Award. Sylvia Chase is 70 years old.