Don Lemon Lost His Father to Diabetes

Watching someone you love die slowly from mismanaged diabetes complications is difficult. They’re slowly robbed of their dignity and quality of life.

I know firsthand how difficult it is to watch someone suffer from a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes. They’re slowly robbed of everything they took for granted – eyesight, kidney function, memory, and the use of their limbs.

I often tell myself that if I had known that mismanaged diabetes could cause something so destructive as a stroke, I would have done something to stop it. But could I?

Most people with diabetes face mountains of shame and blame regarding their condition. They don’t want anyone telling them what to do. Their narrowminded, stubborn attitude quickly leaves you shaking your head and waving a white flag to surrender. Then, you’re forced to witness the painful consequences of mismanaged diabetes.

Madonna famously sang in these lyrics; the road to hell is paved with good intentions in her song, 4 minutes. Is it true?

Many women in the Divabetic community admit their motivation for properly managing their diabetes is their grandchildren.

Broadcast journalist Don Lemon’s father’s early death due to mismanaged diabetes has made him rethink his life goals after his abrupt departure from CNN.

Speaking to reporters on the red carpet, Don Lemon talked about the challenges he has faced in his life, noting the tragic death of his sister in 2018 and losing his father young from diabetes. “Listen, I didn’t lose my job. I lost my sister. A job is something that is not as important as a person,” Lemon said. “I know what’s important in life.”

A few years earlier, he posted on Instagram, “Dad died of diabetes when I was a kid. Glad I can help @JDRF spread awareness for type 1 diabetes (T1D) during #NDAM. Will u spread the word?”

His late father, Wilmon Richardson, was an attorney remembered for being part of a lawsuit that successfully challenged the segregation of public transportation in the family’s hometown of Baton Rouge.

Don was still a child when his father died due to mismanaged diabetes. Common diabetes health complications include heart disease, chronic kidney disease, nerve damage, and other problems with feet, oral health, vision, hearing, and mental health.

37.3 million people have diabetes (11.3% of the US population). Sadly, 8.5 million people with diabetes are undiagnosed. An estimated 96 million adults aged 18 years or older had prediabetes in 2019.

Don Lemon shared that his mother eventually married his late stepfather. He didn’t specify his name.

With a new father figure, Lemon also recalled having a good relationship with his stepfather. There was no lack of love and connection in his family, too.