Nick Jonas Says He Was ‘Close to a Coma’ When He Was Diagnosed With Type 1 Diabetes

Nick Jonas has spoken publicly about living with type 1 diabetes on numerous occasions, and has been a strong advocate for being proactive in managing the disease. “You must go see your doctor and get your check-ups and make sure you’re in the healthiest space you can be in because it’s going to make every aspect of your life better,” he told People earlier this year, prior to joining his brothers and bandmates on tour.

Jonas was 13 years old when he was first diagnosed: his parents took him to a doctor after he started to lose weight and crave sugary drinks. In a recent interview, Jonas recalled that had he not received medical attention there and then, things could have got a lot worse.

“I was very close to a coma,” he said. “Like a day away, if I hadn’t gone to the hospital.”

After being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, Jonas remembers being afraid that having a chronic condition with a constant reliance on medication would have a negative impact on the rest of his life. “I kept asking my parents — am I going to be okay? I was just so concerned that it was going to limit my ability to do all the things I wanted to do. I was very scared — it’s a big life change.”

“I found out very quickly it’s a very manageable disease,” he added, “as long as you’re really diligent.”

Ironically, Jonas told that story during a profile with Cigar Aficionado. According to the Centers for Disease Control, smokers are up to 40 per cent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Additionally, people who smoke face additional trouble with regards to managing the disease: for example, they may experience issues with insulin dosing.

There are all kinds of ways you can lower your risk of diabetes, including making changes to your diet and making sure you get enough sleep. According to new research, lifting weights has also been linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. And a new DNA test can help you assess your risk.