Inspiration And Expert Advice: Famous People

Patti LaBelle Biography

Claim to Fame: Singer
DOB: May 24, 1944
Diabetes Type: 2

Forever known as one of the original divas of R&B music, Patti LaBelle’s first taste of stardom came in 1962 when her group the Ordettes (later renamed LaBelle) was signed with Blue Note Records. Several years, tours and record companies later, LaBelle became the first contemporary African-American act to perform at the Metropolitan Opera. In December of the following year their single Lady Marmalade was a #1 hit that continues to enjoy popularity today. In 1976 the group called it quits and went their separate ways, launching Patti into a highly successful solo career.  Patti’s first #1 R&B hit as a solo artist was If You Only Knew in 1983.  The hits have kept coming throughout the years, and Patti continues to record and tour today. In 2005 LaBelle was honored at Oprah Winfrey’s Legends Ball for her lifetime of achievement.

Music is not Patti’s only passion. She has put her fame to work in the diabetes and health communities as well. Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2005 after fainting onstage during a performance, Patti was not unfamiliar with diabetes; her mother also had the disease. Patti is now a spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association and for the OneTouch Ultra line of blood glucose monitors.

While discussing her diabetes in an interview with dLifeTV, Patti said, “I do manage it.  It doesn’t manage me.”  She adjusts her schedule on the road so that she can keep her diabetes in check, whether it’s taking pills on the plane or working out in the hotel gym.

See Patti LaBelle on dLifeTV.

Find more musicians with diabetes.