James Earl Jones remained active for 30 year with Type 2 Diabetes until his recent death

James Earl JonesPhoto byWikipedia

James Earl Jones was a role model in more ways than one

Deadline reports that iconic actor James Earl Jones passed away at age 93. In the midst of his stellar career, which included portraying the king in Coming to America, voicing Darth Vader in Star Wars, and playing Mufasa in Disney's The Lion King, he was a pro in a different area.

The actor was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in the 1990s and managed to stay on top of it for 30 years. The American Diabetes Association reveals that 10% of Virginians (around 743,000) have been diagnosed with the disease.

The University of Cambridge reports that Type 2 Diabetes who have heart disease have a reduced life expectancy of up to 15 years. Good Housekeeping interviewed Jones in 2018, and he shared that he has worked to manage his Type 2 Diabetes and remain active.

Each case is different, but the story of James Earl Jones should encourage Virginians with the disease that it is possible to live long lives despite the diagnosis.