Tom Hanks once called himself a “total idiot” when reflecting on his health before being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
The beloved Forrest Gump star revealed in 2013 that doctors had been monitoring his high blood sugar for years before telling him:
“You’ve graduated. You’ve got Type 2 diabetes.”
Hanks later admitted that he hadn’t taken his weight and diet seriously enough and said the diagnosis forced him to rethink his health.
“I was heavy… I was a total idiot,” he said in a later interview.
His story is a reminder that health problems can develop quietly over time—and that ignoring warning signs can have consequences.
Hanks has also been the subject of online speculation after fans noticed his hands shaking during public appearances. However, there is no confirmed evidence that his visible hand tremors were caused by diabetes, so it’s important not to diagnose someone based on a video.
Still, his own words about his health remain a powerful reminder:
Don’t wait for a diagnosis before you start taking care of yourself.
Your health is worth paying attention to today. ❤️