Damon Wayans Almost Ignored These Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms Before Being Pushed to See a Doctor
Damon Wayans thought he was losing blood. That was his first clue something was seriously wrong.
The actor and comedian recently opened up to Fox News Digital about the moment in 2017 when he realized his body was telling him something he could no longer ignore — a story that ended with a type 2 diabetes diagnosis and a complete overhaul of his lifestyle.
More than 40 million Americans — roughly one in 8 — have diabetes, and 90% to 95% have type 2, per the CDC.
The Diabetes Symptom Damon Wayans Couldn’t Shake
“It was like 2017 and I just remember going to the bathroom and peeing so much that I thought maybe my blood was draining out, too,” Wayans said. “And it kept happening and I’m just like — I’m not even drinking that much water.”
The frequent urination wasn’t the only red flag. Wayans also began experiencing pain in his feet, numbness in his toes, delirium and blurry vision.
According to Healthline, this is one of the hallmark warning signs of the condition. Excess sugar in the blood overwhelms the kidneys, which struggle to reabsorb glucose. The body flushes the extra sugar out through urine — and takes a lot of hydration with it, leaving people both running to the bathroom constantly and feeling parched.
A nudge from his sister Kim finally got Wayans to a doctor. The reading came back at 535 mg/dL — high enough that he says he was “scared straight” and ready to make “serious” lifestyle changes. Diabetes also runs in his family.
Results of 100 mg/dL and above are abnormal, with 100–125 mg/dL signaling prediabetes and 126 mg/dL or higher indicating type 2 diabetes, per Yale New Haven Health.
How Damon Wayans Rebuilt His Wellness Routine
Wine was one of the first things to go.
“I used to drink wine, love wine. I don’t drink wine [anymore],” Wayans said. “It’s a much healthier life I’m living, and I’m aware of all the joys that I have now that I just took for granted back when I wasn’t taking care of myself.”
He credits a cleaner diet and a consistent workout routine — weightlifting, burpees and yoga — with turning things around. He also wears a continuous glucose monitor to track how his body responds to food and exercise in real time.
“I know if I lift weights, I feel better, and also I’m burning [calories] for the rest of the day,” he said.
Damon Wayans’ Message to Other Diabetes Patients
Wayans wants people who suspect something is off to stop putting off the appointment.
“Don’t be afraid to see a doctor,” he said, adding that treatments are often simpler than people fear — but only if you actually get diagnosed. He hopes that by speaking openly, others will feel less intimidated about seeking care.
He’s also aware of a barrier many people face: cost. “Even if you have to spend a little money now to get it under control, it’s worth it,” he said. “Because there’s so much life to live, unless you do nothing.”
That mindset is part of why he’s now partnering with biotech company Genentech’s All Eyes on DME campaign, which raises awareness about diabetic macular edema. Wayans doesn’t have DME himself, though he does deal with depth perception issues, per Fox.
“Sometimes God talks to you, and maybe this is something I needed to hear and be a part of in order to keep myself from going blind,” he said.
What Is DME?
Diabetes is the leading cause of new blindness in the United States, according to Prevent Blindness, and DME plays a major role. The condition occurs when fluid builds up in the macula — the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision — and it can progress over months, gradually making it impossible to focus.
Cleveland Clinic estimates that about one in 14 people with diabetes develop diabetic macular edema. With more than 37 million American adults living with diabetes, that adds up fast.
DME symptoms include blurry or double vision, floaters, dark spots and trouble seeing in glare or bright light.
Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms to Watch For
There is no cure for type 2 diabetes, which makes early detection critical. Beyond the frequent urination Wayans experienced, type 2 diabetes symptoms can include increased thirst and hunger, weight loss, frequent infections, tingling in the hands and feet, darkened patches on the skin and dry skin.
The Mayo Clinic identifies insulin resistance as the main driver. When cells stop responding properly to insulin, the pancreas works overtime to keep blood sugar in check — and when it can’t keep up, type 2 diabetes develops. Genetics, excess body fat and a diet heavy in processed foods can all contribute.
You may face higher risk if you have a family history, are older than 45, are overweight, are physically active fewer than three times a week, had gestational diabetes, have high blood pressure or cholesterol, have prediabetes or have PCOS.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
