Damon Wayans talks about his experience with a diabetes scare.

During a recent interview with People magazine, Damon Wayans opened up about the life-changing experience of almost dying from diabetes. The frightening incident occurred in 2008 when Wayans discovered that his blood sugar levels were at a dangerously high 535, placing him at risk of a diabetic coma. This diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes served as a wake-up call for Wayans, who knew that he needed to make significant changes in order to save his own life.

In order to manage his condition, Wayans needed to take insulin, overhaul his diet, and incorporate exercise into his daily routine. He recognized that these changes were necessary for his survival and began to educate himself on how to properly control his diabetes. Wayans shared with the media outlet, "Just knowing that then set me on a path to learning more about what I can do to control it and the things that I can't do and need to let a doctor do." As Wayans continues to navigate life with diabetes, he has also become an advocate for raising awareness about diabetic macular edema, a condition that can result in vision loss for individuals with diabetes.

Wayans was shocked to learn that this condition disproportionately affects Black and brown communities, with two to three times higher rates of vision loss. He hopes to use his platform to bring attention to this issue and encourage others to prioritize their health. Aside from his personal health journey, Wayans is also well-known for his successful career as part of the Wayans collective.

The family's rise to fame began when eldest brother Keenen Ivory Wayans wrote and directed the hit movie "Hollywood Shuffle" in collaboration with Robert Townsend. This led to the iconic sketch comedy series "In Living Color," which featured Damon, Kim, Keenen, Shawn, and Marlon. In 2025, the Wayans family was honored at the 56th NAACP Image Awards when they were inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame.

The Wayans family continues to make an impact in the entertainment industry and beyond, using their platform to shed light on important issues and inspire others to make positive changes in their own lives. Wayans' personal experience with diabetes has only strengthened his determination to raise awareness and advocate for better health outcomes in underrepresented communities.