Here’s Why Tom Hanks Blames His Lifestyle for Type-2 Diabetes Diagnosis

Whether you know him as the perfect neighbor or the whimsically eccentric Forrest Gump, everyone is acquainted with the exceptionally talented Tom Hanks. The actor has been in the industry for many decades, leaving a legacy of diverse films and projects.

His upcoming movie Here charts a family’s trajectory over the years as they navigate life and everything it throws their way. Hanks will be collaborating with his Forrest Gump co-star and director for the movie. But the allure of silver screen could not help him escape health problems, as he previously revealed to have been diagnosed with diabetes.

Tom Hanks shares Diabetes diagnosis

Being an actor in their late 60s is not easy. Along with the unending pressure of signing good movies, there comes a time when one’s body starts resisting. Nevertheless, Tom Hanks has proved the naysayers wrong by being consistently at it even at 68.

The actor is still doing great movies and delighting fans with his charm on screen. However, his diabetes diagnosis may slow him down as he perhaps shifts his focus to his health. Hanks revealed at the Late Show back in 2013,

I went to the doctor, and he said, ‘You know those high blood sugar numbers you’ve been dealing with since you were 36? Well, you’ve graduated! You’ve got type 2 diabetes, young man.’ I thought I could avoid it by removing the buns from my cheeseburgers. Well, it takes a little bit more than that.

Hanks further claimed that he is focusing on his weight with a more acute lens as that will help get the diabetes under control. While he cannot weigh the same as he did when he was in school or college, Hanks is trying his best to make sure he gets his health back on track.

Tom Hanks blames Laziness for Diabetes

Hanks has undoubtedly had a shimmering career replete with greatest hits and memorable roles. The actor has challenged himself at every turn to get the best out of his abilities. But as it turns out, it was not enough to keep Hanks healthy and away from all ailments.

Revealing what he believes to be the cause of his type 2 diabetes diagnosis, Hanks shared with Radio Times the core reason behind it all,

I’m part of the lazy American generation that has blindly kept dancing through the party and now finds ourselves with a malady. I was heavy. You’ve seen me in movies, you know what I looked like. I was a total idiot.

Despite being a consistent actor and maintaining an active lifestyle on set, Hanks was unable to keep diabetes at bay. His confession may get other people off their sofas and motivate them to work out and eat a healthy diet so that they can avoid the same fate.

Tom Hanks on Managing Diabetes

Exercising and regular physical activity is crucial for managing diabetes. Hanks understood this early on and is including the same to his daily routine. He shared,

I try to get, every single day, one hour of activity. That can be anything from a treadmill, or a walk, or a hike with a dog, but it has to be one hour every single day.

The Elvis actor is also managing his diet to see better results and control the onset of diabetes. From decreasing junk food to adding healthier alternatives, Hanks and his family are taking care of him.

Other Actors Plagued by Diabetes

Apart from Hanks, there are more actors struggling with issues related to diabetes. Larry King, for one, has diabetes and was even diagnosed with cancer. He passed away in 2021. The Eternals actress Salma Hayek was also diagnosed with diabetes after she got pregnant with her daughter.

Diabetes doesn’t just affect older people, since singer Nick Jonas revealed his diabetes diagnosis in 2007. He has been keeping a close check on his diet and physical activity. Moreover, despite heavy physical activity as a quarterback, Jay Cutler couldn’t escape the ailment either, as he learned he had type 1 diabetes in 2008.