James Earl Jonesthe best known being Field of Dreams, The Lion King, Star Warsand many other notable figures, was announced to have died Monday at age 93. The cause of death was not immediately released.
Jones has been working as a diabetes advocate for the past 10 years and first publicly acknowledged that he had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2016.
Here’s everything you need to know about the late actor’s battle with the long-term illness.
When was Jones diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes?
Jones has been open about his struggle with type 2 diabetes since revealing in a 2016 interview that he was diagnosed while on a diet and exercise program in the mid-1990s.
“It was a stroke of luck that we discovered it completely by chance,” Jones said.
He explained: “One day, I fell asleep while sitting on a bench in the gym, and a doctor who happened to be there saw me and said:That’s not normal“
Since then, he has spoken publicly about his diabetes journey, raising awareness and stressing the importance of managing the condition.
How did he control the symptoms?
Jones acknowledged that developing diabetes has been a “tough change,” including giving up his favorite food, strawberry shortcake, but he feels fortunate with the support and resources he’s had, from the doctor at his gym who first encouraged him to get tested, to his family who helped him stay “disciplined.”
“When I was diagnosed, I realized that my whole family had diabetes. They don’t suffer the same way I do, but they understand, and living with diabetes is a family effort,” he explained. “They’ve been my supportive friends,” he added. “And so have my doctors.”
“I had a doctor who recommended I try Invokana and it has really helped me balance my blood sugar levels. I feel lucky because anyone who has that kind of support can become really happy with their numbers.”
At the time of the interview, he had announced a partnership with Janssen Pharmaceuticals to promote Invokana, a type 2 diabetes drug that he has been taking for several years. Known as the “pee drug,” Invokana works by flushing excess glucose through urine.
Jones said her mother and other family members have been diagnosed with diabetes and she was aware that certain ethnic groups were at higher risk, but knew very little about the disease until she was diagnosed.
Reflecting on what she’s learned about health, Jones said, “It all comes down to being in tune with your body. I’m sure it’s telling us something long before we realize it. Since then, I’ve made it my job to be more aware of what my body is telling me.”
Have you been diagnosed with any other illnesses?
In recent years, speculation regarding Jones’ health has been circulating in the media, particularly rumors of a cancer diagnosis. These rumors may have arisen from Jones’s absence from public appearances, particularly since the death of his wife. Cecilia HartJones died of ovarian cancer in 2016, but there is no definitive proof that she was ever diagnosed with cancer.
Jones explained that her time out of the spotlight has meant her focus has shifted from her work to her advocacy efforts.
“I love working and I’ve had the opportunity to take on some very interesting roles in my career so far, but I feel living with type 2 diabetes is one of the most challenging roles I’ve ever had and I’m ready to tell you about it.”
Jones is survived by his son, Flynn Earl Joneshe shared with Hart.
