Lance Bass reveals how his diabetes diagnosis has affected him as a husband and a dad
Lance Bass, who has twins Violet and Alexander with his husband, Michael Turchin, was initially diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, his condition was later identified as Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA).
Lance Bass' diabetes diagnosis has "changed" him as a husband and a dad.
The former NSYNC singer was initially diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, his condition was later identified as Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA), which can be mistaken for Type 2 diabetes because it typically develops in adulthood.
And Lance, 47, hopes that by talking openly about his health, he can teach his and his 39-year-old spouse, actor Michael Turchin's, five-year-old twins, Violet and Alexander, that medical challenges do not define a person and that vulnerability shows strength.
The Bye Bye Bye hitmaker penned an open letter about his experiences of living with diabetes as part of Dexcom's A Letter to Diabetes initiative.
According to People, Lance wrote: "When you first showed up in my life, I thought I had you figured out. I was told I had Type 2, so I changed my diet, adjusted my medications and rethought my routine.
"But something still wasn’t adding up.
"After a lot of questions and advocating for myself, I finally learned the truth: I have Type 1.5 diabetes, or LADA. Apparently, even my diabetes needed to be a little different.
"Whether I’m performing, working or chasing two five-year-olds around the house, managing you has become part of my everyday life."
The Better Place artist's diabetes journey has prompted him to reflect on what matters most in life, particularly his role as a husband and dad.
Lance shared: "Maybe the most unexpected part of this journey has been how you’ve changed me as a husband and a dad. Violet and Alexander are still young, but they’re watching and learning every day.
"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."
The Dancing with the Stars 2008 contestant said hearing others speak openly about living with diabetes has helped him navigate his own journey.
Lance continued: "Diabetes comes with an entirely new language of glucose numbers, insulin, trend arrows and time in range. But connecting with people who truly understand what you’re going through makes all the difference.
"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."
Despite its challenges, Lance admitted his diabetes diagnosis has had some unexpected positive effects on his life.
He concluded: "So, diabetes, I can’t say I’m glad we met. 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."
