By: Pam Luttenburger
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Lead singer/song writer for the glam metal band: Poison, which has
been around now for 20 years. The group has sold over 22 million
records and has 15 top 40 singles and produced and written music for
Stevie Nicks and numerous other artists. Through his production
company in partnership with Charlie Sheen he has written, directed and
starred in several films and made numerous television appearances.
been around now for 20 years. The group has sold over 22 million
records and has 15 top 40 singles and produced and written music for
Stevie Nicks and numerous other artists. Through his production
company in partnership with Charlie Sheen he has written, directed and
starred in several films and made numerous television appearances.
Bret is a Type 1 diabetic who was diagnosed at the age
of six. "Everyday is an absolute battle" says the 39 year
old Michaels. I don't care what anyone says. You have
to wake up and say to yourself: `I accept I have diabetes
and I'm not going to let it run my entire life. It's a fine line,
a Catch-22, a balancing act. I work to enjoy my life like a
regular human being and at the same time keep my
blood sugar levels as decent as possible." His regular
routine includes insulin shots, glucose tablets and
blood-glucose checks 6-8 times daily to keep his A1C
levels usually in the 7% range. To keep his blood levels
within a normal range he lifts weights, runs or does 100
push ups before he goes on stage. He takes a break in
the middle of a concert to check his blood sugars. If he
knows of fans in the audience that have diabetes he had
been known to offer back stage events and chats with
of six. "Everyday is an absolute battle" says the 39 year
old Michaels. I don't care what anyone says. You have
to wake up and say to yourself: `I accept I have diabetes
and I'm not going to let it run my entire life. It's a fine line,
a Catch-22, a balancing act. I work to enjoy my life like a
regular human being and at the same time keep my
blood sugar levels as decent as possible." His regular
routine includes insulin shots, glucose tablets and
blood-glucose checks 6-8 times daily to keep his A1C
levels usually in the 7% range. To keep his blood levels
within a normal range he lifts weights, runs or does 100
push ups before he goes on stage. He takes a break in
the middle of a concert to check his blood sugars. If he
knows of fans in the audience that have diabetes he had
been known to offer back stage events and chats with
1987
1993
1998
2004
2005
them about his struggle with the disease and how he's working to keep it under control.
Being very active in all areas of his band and the high stress levels that result from that he
says: "As I go along, I'm learning to better deal with my emotions."
His advice to others with diabetes: "Accept that you have the disease-do not live in fear of
it; keep taking your insulin. Keep it under control and also enjoy your life. " He is currently
selling a t-shirt on his website www.bretmichaels.com to raise monies to send children with
juvenile diabetes to camp. Michaels is also working on a TV campaign for juvenile diabetes
in 2006.
Being very active in all areas of his band and the high stress levels that result from that he
says: "As I go along, I'm learning to better deal with my emotions."
His advice to others with diabetes: "Accept that you have the disease-do not live in fear of
it; keep taking your insulin. Keep it under control and also enjoy your life. " He is currently
selling a t-shirt on his website www.bretmichaels.com to raise monies to send children with
juvenile diabetes to camp. Michaels is also working on a TV campaign for juvenile diabetes
in 2006.