American Idol’s Randy Jackson: “My diabetes diagnosis had a silver lining!”
When Grammy-winning producer and former American Idol judge Randy Jackson was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, he could’ve been singing the blues. But instead, the condition inspired him to lose 120 pounds, and now he’s helping others live long, healthy lives!
Maybe I have the flu…i feel terrible,” Randy Jackson sighed wearily to a nurse in the emergency room one Saturday. But minutes later, a doctor stepped in and delivered news that would change Randy’s life forever: “Your blood sugar is dangerously high— over 500. You have Type 2 diabetes.”
The news hit Randy like an 800-pound piano. “My dad had diabetes, but I never thought it would happen to me,” he confessed to the doctor. “But I kept putting unhealthy food in my mouth, knowing it could kill me.”
Reeling and worried, Randy feared, How am I ever going to turn things around?
Overcoming lifelong habits
For years, Randy had many warning signs of the disease. Raised on Louisiana cooking, he was addicted to fried and sugary foods. “The ‘Dawg’ loves Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory!” he’d tell friends with a laugh. His sedentary job in the recording studio also allowed the Grammy winner’s weight to ratchet up to 355 pounds. “You’ve got to get it together,” his doctor had urged. Even his dentist, noting worrisome changes in Randy’s gums, had pushed him to have his blood sugar checked. But like many others, Randy had dragged his feet, even after his symptoms—like feeling tired, sweaty and thirsty—intensified. But with his life on the line, Randy knew, I can’t put this off; it’s time to take action.
A new lease on life
Over the next few months, Randy sought help from a nutritionist to formulate a healthier diet plan. He also focused on portion control. “Don’t deprive yourself—try a couple of bites to enjoy the flavor,” he was advised when he battled cravings for his favorite Baton Rouge cooking.
After shedding 16 pounds, Randy decided to undergo gastric bypass surgery. “This is only a jump-start to get you moving in the right direction,” his doctor reminded him. “There’s no magic pill, it’s still work.”
After recovering from the procedure, Randy shed more weight and began to enjoy greater mobility. He took up tennis and realized the more he moved, the better he felt. By monitoring his diet, exercise and medications, plus controlling his stress with yoga and meditation, Randy successfully lost 120 pounds—and has kept it off!
Today, 18 years later, Randy is energetic and healthier than ever. “I always say there’s a silver lining to my diagnosis—it forced me to take control of my health,” he shares. And now he’s helping others do the same by teaming up with Colgate Total and Diabetes.org to remind diabetics—who are twice as likely to develop gum disease—to also tune in to their oral health.
And as he reflects back on that day in the ER when he nearly died, Randy is grateful that he got the chance to transform his life. “Life is precious and short, we have to make sure we’re living our best everyday reality!”
“We have to make sure we’re living our very best every day!”