Tracy Morgan is an American comedian and actor who is best known for his work on Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock. He has been very open about his health issues over the years, particularly after being involved in a devastating car crash in 2014 that nearly killed him. One health condition some fans speculate Tracy Morgan may have is diabetes, though he has never publicly confirmed this.
Tracy Morgan’s Health Issues
Tracy Morgan has experienced several major health crises in recent years. In June 2014, he was badly injured in a multi-vehicle crash when a Walmart truck slammed into the limousine van he was riding in. The crash killed his friend and mentor James McNair, who was also in the van. Morgan suffered a traumatic brain injury, broken ribs, broken nose and broken leg and was in a coma for two weeks after the crash.
Morgan had to learn how to walk again during a lengthy recovery process. Though he has made great strides since the accident, his health remains impacted today. He walks with a cane and has not regained full use of his left hand. The crash has left him with memory loss and mood swings as well. In an interview with Complex in 2017, Morgan said he may never fully recover from his brain injury.
Prior to the crash, Morgan had been diagnosed with diabetes in 1996 during a life-threatening situation. He became ill while filming a movie and was rushed to the hospital, where he fell into a coma for two weeks and was told he had diabetes. Morgan has been open about living with diabetes since then and the need to take insulin and be careful about his diet.
Clues Tracy Morgan May Have Diabetes
There are several clues indicating Tracy Morgan lives with diabetes in addition to his own statements:
- He has spoken many times in interviews about his diabetes diagnosis in 1996 and that he takes insulin every day.
- He follows a diabetic diet and has to be cautious about his sugar intake, especially when drinking alcohol.
- After his 2014 car crash, Morgan sued Walmart claiming he could no longer do simple everyday activities due to developing diabetes and other ailments.
- Tabloids and news sites have published photographs of Morgan over the years checking his blood sugar levels and wearing insulin pump equipment.
- His wife Megan Wollover said in an interview that Morgan has had medical issues, “especially with his diabetes.”
Morgan himself told Arsenio Hall in a 2014 interview, “I have diabetes and high blood pressure and I’m a diabetic, so I have to watch what I eat and take my medicine.” His statements over many years consistently refer to himself as a diabetic who takes insulin and watches his health because of diabetes.
No Official Confirmation
While Morgan has spoken openly about living with diabetes, it’s worth noting that he or his publicist have never officially confirmed this diagnosis. Many celebrities choose to keep certain health conditions private. Morgan may have diabetes that he manages without making any formal statement about it to the media.
Fans have pieced together that he likely has diabetes based on the many clues – his own words in interviews, references to taking insulin and following a special diet, and his wife’s comments. But without an official statement, it’s impossible to say with 100% certainty that Morgan has diabetes.
Lifestyle Changes After 2014 Accident
After Morgan’s near-fatal 2014 car crash, his health became precarious and required major lifestyle changes. His nutrition, fitness and mental health all had to be reevaluated. It’s likely Morgan had to alter his diabetes management during this period.
In the years since the crash, Morgan has spoken about adopting a healthier diet, taking up swimming for exercise, undergoing intensive physical rehab, and surrounding himself with positive people. Having endured such a traumatic injury, he realizes how precious his health is.
“I’m lucky to be alive. I thank God every day,” Morgan told People magazine in 2016. “I’ve been working hard to get better, because I want to get back to comedy and start entertaining again. Still got a long way to go, but I’m hoping to get better every day.”
How Tracy Morgan Manages His Diabetes
While Morgan has not recently given interviews specifically about living with diabetes, based on past statements, here is likely how he manages this chronic condition:
- Insulin therapy – Takes insulin injections daily to regulate blood sugar levels.
- Carb counting – Limits carbohydrate intake by following a diabetic diet.
- Glucose monitoring – Regularly checks blood sugar, may use continuous glucose monitor.
- Exercise – Stays active with fitness like swimming to improve diabetes health.
- Stress management – Manages stress levels since chronic stress can raise blood sugar.
- Regular doctor visits – Sees endocrinologist and other doctors to manage diabetes and other conditions.
These are the typical recommendations doctors make to diabetics for keeping blood sugar stable. It’s likely Morgan follows many of these given his statements on taking insulin, being cautious with his diet, and having related medical issues.
Tracy Morgan’s Diabetic Diet
Morgan has to be very careful about his diet due to having diabetes. Here are some of the key elements of a diabetes-friendly diet he likely follows:
- Eliminating sugary foods – avoids sodas, candy, baked goods to prevent blood sugar spikes.
- Limiting carbs – reduces overall carb intake, especially processed carbs that digest quickly.
- High fiber – eats plenty of foods with fiber like vegetables, fruits, whole grains to help control blood sugar.
- Lean protein – incorporates plant-based proteins and lean meats to help feel fuller for longer.
- Healthy fats – gets healthy fats from olive oil, nuts, avocados which provide energy without spiking blood sugar.
- Avoiding alcohol – limits alcohol which can interact with diabetes medication and cause blood sugar fluctuations.
A diabetic nutrition plan is critical for controlling symptoms and preventing complications. Morgan likely works closely with a dietitian or nutritionist to develop meal plans tailored to his needs.
Impact of 2014 Car Crash on Diabetes
Morgan’s traumatic brain injury and other extensive injuries from the 2014 highway crash likely impacted his diabetes progression and management. Some ways the crash may have influenced his diabetes health include:
- Insulin needs changing – Brain injuries can affect insulin production and require adjustments in insulin therapy.
- Increased risk of complications – Severe trauma puts patients at higher risk of diabetes-related kidney issues, nerve damage, and vision issues.
- Difficulty managing diet – Brain injuries often disrupt memory, concentration and organization skills needed to manage a strict diabetic diet.
- Medication interactions – Had to ensure any new medications taken after the crash did not negatively interact with his diabetes medication.
- Higher stress levels – Coping with health problems and getting back to work increased stress, which can spike blood sugar.
Recovering from the crash likely led to a reassessment of Morgan’s diabetes care. His medical team would have accounted for any new limitations while supporting him to gradually get back to effective self-management.
How Tracy Morgan’s Diabetes Affects His Career
Having to manage chronic diabetes has not stopped Morgan from succeeding as an entertainer. But there are some ways diabetes impacts his work life including:
- Needing breaks to take insulin and test blood sugar
- Carefully planning his diet around work schedules
- Drinking water instead of sugary sodas during events
- Traveling with medical supplies like insulin, glucose monitor, snacks
- Being unable to drink alcohol at events due to medication interactions
- Rescheduling if blood sugar is too high or too low before a performance
- Having medical staff nearby in case of low blood sugar emergency
While diabetes management presents some challenges, Morgan has proven his talent and determination to succeed in his career for over 30 years. Fans respect how open he has been about his health struggles.
Tracy Morgan’s Legacy as a Diabetic Entertainer
As one of the most prominent American comedians living with diabetes, Tracy Morgan leaves behind an important legacy, including:
- Showing millions of fans that diabetes can be managed while pursuing your dreams.
- Using his platform to educate people about diabetic health struggles.
- Inspiring other diabetic entertainers to pursue their passions.
- Advocating for sufficient medical care and financial support for all diabetics.
- Exemplifying determination through surviving a life-threatening car crash and returning to comedy.
- Motivating others with diabetes that the condition does not have to stop them.
Morgan has been awarded by the American Diabetes Association for using humor and his celebrity status to raise awareness. He serves as an outstanding role model for young diabetics who want to achieve great things in the entertainment industry and beyond.
Conclusion
While Tracy Morgan has never made an official statement confirming he has diabetes, strong evidence suggests he lives with the condition based on decades of interviews referencing his insulin therapy, special diet and related health issues. The 2014 Walmart truck crash appears to have exacerbated Morgan’s struggles with diabetes management. However, he has clearly taken exceptional care of his health in recent years. Morgan continues to inspire fans as an icon in comedy who also happens to be living and thriving with diabetes.