Lance Bass: I Was Terrified After Type 1.5 Diabetes Diagnosis

When I found out I had diabetes in February 2021, I thought it was a death sentence. I was in denial, especially since I ate a healthy diet and exercised.

Still, for months, I felt exhausted and run down to the point where some days it was hard to get out of bed. Part of me was relieved to understand why I was experiencing these symptoms, but I was mostly overwhelmed and scared about the unknowns of how this could change my life.

I knew about type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but like many people, I didn’t fully grasp how they’re different. And what threw me for a bigger loop: I have the less common type, 1.5.

My diagnosis hasn’t slowed me down

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, while type 2 diabetes is more related to lifestyle factors like obesity and lack of exercise, along with genetics. Type 1.5 diabetes is when your pancreas slowly stops producing insulin in adulthood, usually around age 40, which is what happened in my case.

As you might expect, my social media algorithm has gotten much more health-focused since I’ve been grappling with my diabetes diagnosis. I’ve seen hundreds, maybe thousands, of videos offering tips and tricks to manage glucose levels. It can be overwhelming, especially when the diagnosis is still fresh.

One of my primary worries when I was diagnosed was what this would mean for my on-the-go lifestyle. Would I have to slow down? I found out the answer was no. I could still be just as social and fulfilled as ever.

Between *NSYNC reuniting for Dreamworks’ Trolls, children’s book press tours, new TV projects, and hosting the Christmas tree lighting at The Grove — or even volunteering at the local animal shelter — I’ve realized diabetes didn’t hold me back. It’s just something I manage along the way.

Integrating my family into my diabetes management routine has been helpful, too. My husband always asks me if I’ve packed my insulin before I leave the house, knowing that I can be forgetful in packing my supplies.

My two 3-year-old kids also think it’s fun to watch me change my CGM sensor, used to measure glucose levels providing real time readings, and like to see my glucose levels on my phone. I try to explain my diabetes to them in a kid-friendly way. Even though they might not fully understand it yet, I think it’s important to be open about it with them.

Fun fact: I’ve also learned that people with diabetes can still consume sugar. However, they need to manage it carefully. Sure, I can have the birthday cake, but just a few bites. It’s about balance, checking my glucose levels, monitoring the way I eat, and portion control. And now I can get away with housing Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups on my nightstand in case my glucose levels drop in the middle of the night.

I’ve figured out my new lifestyle

I feel lucky to have diabetes during a time when it’s much easier to manage than it was five years ago. The first time a CGM sent information to a cellphone was in 2015, and since then, they’ve gotten more accurate and discreet.

At the beginning of my diagnosis, I was constantly pricking my finger to measure my blood sugar. It was incredibly time-consuming and challenging to keep up with.

Now I use a Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitor (CGM) — which I am now an ambassador for — that has made it easier to manage my diabetes. This small wearable measures my blood glucose and helps me identify factors that maintain my glucose levels, such as incorporating electrolytes and weightlifting.

With the help of doctors, I’ve figured out what lifestyle adjustments work best for me. I’m increasingly wary of the health information I see on social media, especially if it isn’t coming from a licensed professional. Now that I’m blocking out the noise, I’m the healthiest I’ve ever been and feel confident managing my diabetes.

I’m calling 2025 my “year of yes,” which to me means taking every opportunity to travel and experience everything I can. This is a 180 from how I felt in the early days of my diabetes diagnosis.