Damon Wayans Sr. Has One Piece of Advice for His Community After Getting His Diabetes Diagnosis at 47 (Exclusive)

Damon Wayans Sr., the acclaimed actor and comedian known for his role in the television series *In Living Color*, is using his platform to advocate for greater awareness and proactive health management, particularly within minority communities. After being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2008, Wayans faced a dramatic wake-up call about his health, prompting him to alter his lifestyle significantly.

Reflecting on his diagnosis, the 65-year-old actor disclosed that he had approached the brink of a diabetic coma, with his blood sugar levels dangerously high at 535. In a candid conversation with PEOPLE, Wayans described his need for urgent medical intervention during that critical time, stating, “I needed triage.” His health scare became a catalyst for change; he realised he needed to take insulin, modify his diet, and incorporate exercise into his daily routine.

In a bid to foster healthcare awareness, Wayans has joined forces with Genentech and the organisation Diatribe to launch the ‘All Eyes on DME’ campaign. This initiative aims to demystify medical care for individuals in the Black and brown communities, where a historical mistrust of healthcare services often discourages individuals from seeking help. “We have a lot of fears where I come from, with hospitals and doctors,” he explained, highlighting a cultural tendency to rely on self-diagnosis and temporary fixes, such as purchasing over-the-counter eyeglasses without consulting a professional.

Wayans emphasised the importance of understanding one’s health, particularly regarding serious conditions such as diabetic macular edema (DME), which can lead to significant vision loss in diabetes patients. He noted that individuals from Black and brown backgrounds are two to three times more likely to experience vision loss due to this condition, underscoring a critical healthcare disparity that is often overlooked. “It’s not really discussed in those communities. It’s nice to be able to maybe have a voice and lend it to something that’s important,” he said.

The actor’s message to those hesitant to seek medical assistance is simple: “there’s no crime in knowing.” He underscored that understanding one’s health situation can empower individuals to take action and manage their conditions more effectively. Wayans encourages people to inquire about their health and not shy away from necessary conversations with healthcare professionals.

Adding a lighter touch to a serious subject, Wayans believes that humour can be a vital coping mechanism. “I think if you can laugh, it’s not that bad,” he stated, celebrating the inherent ability to find humour even in difficult situations. His philosophy is that laughter can break down barriers, prompting individuals to consider seeking help: “Once we laugh at ourselves… we can start going, ‘maybe I should just go see a doctor.’”

Wayans’ approach serves as a call to action, particularly within communities that may have unspoken fears about engaging with the healthcare system. He articulates a persuasive argument—that ignorance can have dire consequences: “It doesn’t hurt to know, but it can hurt not to know. It can be life-threatening,” he cautioned.

In launching the ‘All Eyes on DME’ campaign, Wayans not only seeks to promote understanding and proactive health management but also to encourage a shift in mindset regarding healthcare. By addressing these fears head-on and promoting the importance of professional medical care, Wayans hopes to inspire others to prioritise their health and seek the help they need.

Through his own journey and newfound advocacy, Damon Wayans Sr. is dedicated to changing the narrative around health in marginalised communities, proving that with knowledge, support, and a bit of laughter, managing health conditions like diabetes can become less daunting.