Lance Bass, the former *NSYNC member, has opened up about his experience living with diabetes in a heartfelt letter. The singer, who is now 47, reflects on how the condition has influenced his role as a father to his five-year-old twins, Violet and Alexander, whom he shares with his husband, Michael Turchin. Bass’s diagnosis came during the COVID-19 pandemic and initially led doctors to believe he was suffering from Type 2 diabetes. However, further investigations revealed he actually has Type 1.5 diabetes, also known as Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA).
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In his letter, published as part of Dexcom’s “A Letter to Diabetes” campaign, Bass recounts his journey with the illness, illustrating the challenges and adjustments he has encountered. He recalls how, at first, he believed he understood the condition fully after modifying his diet and medication upon receiving the Type 2 diagnosis. Yet, discrepancies in his health led him to seek further answers, ultimately uncovering the more complex nature of his diabetes.
Type 1.5 diabetes shares characteristics with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes but usually manifests in adulthood, often resulting in initial misdiagnoses. In describing his experience, Bass remarks on the humour he found in having a condition that required its own unique approach, noting, “Apparently, even my diabetes needed to be a little different.”
Through living with this condition, Bass has gained valuable insights, particularly regarding patience and self-care. He describes how managing his diabetes is now an integral part of his life, saying, “Whether I’m performing, working, or chasing two five-year-olds around the house, managing you has become part of my everyday life.”
The impact of diabetes on his parenting style has been profound. Bass expresses that he aspires to set a positive example for his children, teaching them resilience and the importance of looking after one’s health. He explains, “I hope seeing me take care of myself, ask for help, and talk openly about my health teaches them that vulnerability is strength, challenges don’t define us, and taking care of ourselves is one of the ways we show love to the people around us.”
Furthermore, Bass highlights the importance of community in his journey managing diabetes. He notes that connecting with others who face similar challenges has been invaluable to his experience. “Diabetes comes with an entirely new language of glucose numbers, insulin, trend arrows and time in range,” he shares. “But connecting with people who truly understand what you’re going through makes all the difference.”
His candid reflections are not only personal but also aim to inspire others in the diabetes community. Bass expresses his hope that his story will encourage even one person to advocate for themselves and take a more active role in managing their health. “If my experience encourages even one person to ask questions, advocate for themselves, or feel a little less alone, that’s something I’m incredibly proud of,” he states.
In concluding his letter, Bass acknowledges the unexpected positives that have arisen from his diagnosis, despite the challenges posed by the condition. “So, diabetes, I can’t say I’m glad we met,” he writes. “But you’ve taught me things I never expected, introduced me to some incredible people, and reminded me just how powerful sharing our stories can be. And for that, I can say thank you.”
Since his diagnosis, Bass has become an advocate for diabetes awareness, working alongside Dexcom to share his experiences in order to build awareness and support for others living with the condition. His letter was part of a broader initiative that also featured contributions from other notable figures, such as Nick Jonas and Mark Andrews, to commemorate National Diabetes Awareness Month and World Diabetes Day.
In earlier remarks, Bass reflected on how the correct diagnosis has allowed him to better comprehend the symptoms that had previously confounded him. In a subsequent interview, he described the relief that came with understanding his health better, saying, “I felt like I was doing something wrong or maybe there was something else happening in my body, so it was definitely a relief knowing the right diagnosis.”
As he continues to navigate his life with diabetes, Bass remains committed to fostering understanding and connection within the community, putting his celebrity status to use in advocating for greater awareness and support for individuals facing similar challenges.
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