Damon Wayans Opens Up About Diabetes Scare

It’s not every day that a health scare completely alters your perspective on life, but for comedian Damon Wayans, that’s exactly what happened. In a recent interview, Wayans opened up about a terrifying diabetes diagnosis he received in 2008 that brought him face-to-face with his own mortality and set him on a path of significant life changes.

A Shocking Diagnosis

Wayans discovered he had Type 2 diabetes when his blood sugar levels soared to a staggering 535 – far beyond the normal range of 70-140. This near-death experience, which brought him close to a diabetic coma, was a wake-up call. He realized immediate and drastic lifestyle changes were necessary to save his life.

“When I got diagnosed with diabetes, I needed triage,” Wayans shared. “I needed to take insulin. I had to change my diet and get into exercise because my sugar was at 535, which is not sustainable.” This diagnosis prompted him to learn more about managing the condition and understanding what he could control versus what required medical intervention.

Advocating for Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) Awareness

Beyond managing his own health, Wayans is now using his platform to raise awareness about diabetic macular edema (DME). This serious condition, a complication of diabetes, can lead to temporary or permanent vision loss. He highlighted a particularly concerning statistic: DME affects Black and brown communities two to three times more frequently, leading to vision loss.

Wayans expressed his concern that DME isn’t discussed enough within these communities. “It’s nice to be able to maybe have a voice and lend it to something that’s important,” he stated, emphasizing his desire to shed light on this often-overlooked aspect of diabetes care. His advocacy aims to encourage more open conversations and proactive health measures.

A Legacy of Entertainment and Family

Damon Wayans comes from a legendary entertainment family. The Wayans collective, which includes siblings like Keenen Ivory, Kim, Shawn, and Marlon, rose to prominence with the groundbreaking sketch comedy series “In Living Color.” Their significant contributions to comedy and television were recognized in 2025 when the entire family was inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame.