When "American Idol" was really just beginning to take off, Randy Jackson was dealt a crushing blow in the form of a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. He admitted to HealthDay, "Diabetes snuck up on me. I didn't know I had it, and it was a huge wake-up call to get my health together." Although he began changing his lifestyle habits soon after, the star underwent a gastric bypass procedure in 2003. The wake-up call and effect the health condition had on his physical and mental health spurred him to become a spokesperson for diabetes awareness.
Jackson has told his story in interviews with WebMD and Entertainment Tonight, especially after being spotted in public having to use a cane. In 2014, the music industry veteran partnered with Everyday Health, Inc. to launch "Diabetes Step by Step," a platform that offers resources, education, community, and awareness surrounding diabetes. Jackson said of the launch, "Diabetes is an issue that is near and dear to my heart, and this is a tremendous opportunity to educate people on diabetes prevention and control," via PR Newswire.
A few years later, in 2019, he founded Unify Health Labs, which sells health products that align with the holistic approach that Jackson has taken with his health. The former judge has managed to keep off the 114 pounds he has lost during his journey with Type 2 diabetes, and in his Instagram posts, the music producer looks fantastic.
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