Damon Wayans opens up about health, raises awareness for diabetes-related vision loss

Comedy icon Damon Wayans has gone from spreading laughter to spreading awareness about diabetes risk.

The actor, best known for his roles in “In Living Color,” “Major Payne” and “My Wife and Kids,” has been living with type 2 diabetes, which runs in his family, for several years.

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Wayans, 65, shared the moment he realized the situation needed to be taken seriously.

SIMPLE LIFESTYLE CHANGES COULD REDUCE THE RISK OF HEART ATTACK FOR MILLIONS, SCIENTISTS REPORT.

“It felt like it was 2017 and I remember going to the bathroom and peeing so much I thought maybe I was bleeding too,” he said. “And it just kept happening and I was like, I don’t even drink that much water.”

This frequent urination was followed by pain in his feet, numbness in his toes, delirium and blurred vision.

“My sister Kim took me to the doctor because I probably wouldn’t have gone,” Wayans said.

CARRIE ANN INABA SHARES HER MANAGEMENT STRUGGLE WITH HIDDEN, INVISIBLE DISEASE: ‘THE TRUTH’

After the doctor revealed that Wayans’ blood sugar was critically high at 535 mg/dL, he was “straight up scared” of making “serious” lifestyle changes.

“I used to drink wine, I loved wine. I don’t drink wine [anymore]“I live a much healthier life and am now aware of all the joys I took for granted when I wasn’t taking care of myself.”

Damon Wayans (right) and his son Damon Wayans Jr. (left) appears on “The Jennifer Hudson Show” in October 2024. The actor has been living with type 2 diabetes for several years. (Chris Haston/WBTV/Getty Images)

Wayans said he stays “disciplined” with a healthy diet and exercises every morning, which includes a mix of weight lifting and strength training using his own body weight, such as burpees and yoga.

“I also wear a glucose monitor, so I know what exercise is doing to me [and] “It lowers my blood sugar,” he said. “I know if I lift weights I feel better, plus I get burned.” [calories] for the rest of the day.”

GRANDDAD’S Simple Changes Reverse Pre-Diabetes Diagnosis That Left Him ‘Petrified’

Although Wayans feels his routine is under control, he still risks long-term diabetes complications.

The entertainer recently worked with biotech company Genentech’s “All Eyes on DME” campaign, a movement to spread awareness about diabetes-related vision loss.

Damon Wayans performs a stand-up routine at the “All Eyes on DME” awareness event in New York City on April 23, 2026. (Genentech)

According to Genentech, diabetic macular edema (DME) is a complication of diabetes that can lead to vision loss.

While Wayans himself doesn’t have DME, he constantly monitors his own symptoms, including depth perception issues, and admits he “needs to be treated.” [his] eyes checked.”

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

“Sometimes God speaks to you, and maybe I needed to hear that and be a part of it so I wouldn’t be blind,” he added.

What to know about DME

This condition occurs when fluid leaks from weakened or damaged blood vessels (called retinopathy), causing accumulation in the macula, a small area in the middle of the retina that is responsible for clear vision.

If left untreated, this accumulation can cause partial or complete vision loss, according to Genentech.

DME can be diagnosed by an ophthalmologist through a visual acuity test, eye exam, or optical imaging. (iStock)

DME, which can occur in patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, is the leading cause of vision loss in “working age” diabetic patients.

Research shows that this condition occurs in approximately 750,000 people with diabetes in the United States and disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic populations.

CLICK FOR MORE HEALTH NEWS

Some symptoms of DME include blurred or double vision, floaters or dark spots, difficulty seeing colors or objects when there is glare, seeing straight lines as curved or twisted, or seeing objects as different sizes when one eye is closed.

This condition can be diagnosed by an ophthalmologist through a visual acuity test, eye exam, or optical imaging.

Actor Damon Wayans attends the FOX Fall Party at Catch LA on September 25, 2017 in West Hollywood, California. Wayans’ biggest advice to diabetic patients is “don’t be afraid to see the doctor.” (Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)

Wayans’ biggest advice to diabetic patients is “don’t be afraid to see the doctor.”

“You’d be surprised how simple the treatments are, but if you don’t know what it is, you can’t treat it.” [and] “If you never get diagnosed,” he said.

CLICK TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

“It’s important that we put our guard down, let our egos down, and overcome fear because it’s all in your head.”

Wayans, a member of the iconic Wayans comedy family that includes Keenen Ivory Wayans, Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans, as well as his son Damon Wayans Jr., said he hopes doing his part to spread DME awareness will help his family talk more openly about health.

Actors Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Damon Wayans and director Keenen Ivory Wayans pose at the premiere of the movie “White Chicks” at the Village Theater in Los Angeles, California on June 16, 2004. Although Wayans himself does not have DME, he constantly monitors his own symptoms. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

“If they see that I’m not afraid, maybe they’ll be less afraid,” he said. “And if I could go home and really talk in depth about the treatments…especially if I had it done myself, I think they would be more open to the treatment.”

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION

Wayans acknowledged how cost and access barriers can deter people from seeking medical help.

“Even if you have to spend some money now to get it under control, it’s worth it,” he said. “Because there’s only so much life to live as long as you don’t do anything.”