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Time to Be Careful: National Diabetes Month Is Here

As most are aware, November is National Diabetes Month—a time to reflect, reset, and recommit to protecting our health. But let’s be honest: the timing couldn’t be trickier.

We’ve just come through Halloween, with candy bowls still lingering on counters and desks. And Thanksgiving is up next, bringing sweet potato pie, stuffing, and second helpings. It’s a season of comfort food, but also a season of quiet danger.

There’s a good chance many will add a few pounds in the coming weeks—and for those who are prediabetic or already fighting the fight, that weight gain could tip the scale toward crisis.

This blog highlights two compelling stories—one about a comedian and another about a father who created a basketball dynasty—both offering lessons that serve as a wake-up call. To begin, let’s focus on the situation with the SNAP program.

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Feeding America’s Most Vulnerable.

As of November 1, 2025, SNAP benefits have been suspended due to the ongoing government shutdown. That means 42 million Americans—including families, elders, and disabled individuals—did not receive their monthly food assistance. The USDA issued a stark message: “The well has run dry.”

Due to the ongoing government shutdown, SNAP benefits were not issued on November 1. As of this morning, the USDA has confirmed that partial November benefits will be distributed using emergency contingency funds. Most recipients will receive about half of their usual amount, though payment dates remain uncertain and delays are expected. New applicants and emergency requests may not be fulfilled this month. The disruption is widespread—and for millions of low-income Americans, it’s a moment of crisis.

This crisis hits hardest during a season of rising food costs and holiday temptations. For many, SNAP isn’t just supplemental—it’s survival. And now, with no benefits issued and no clear timeline for restoration, low-income households are left scrambling.

Some states, like Massachusetts, are deploying emergency funds and legal action to challenge the suspension. But even with lawsuits and contingency plans, the reality remains: millions are at risk of going hungry.

“Poverty is not red or blue,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “If you’re relying on that $187 a month to feed your family, we have failed you.”

This moment demands more than outrage—it demands discipline. Because when the system stalls, our choices become even more critical. And as you’ll see in the next two stories, ignoring the signs can cost us everything.

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Damaon Wayans: The Wake-Up Number That Almost Took Him Out.

Damaon Wayans comes from a legendary family of comedians—laughter was the language, and money wasn’t scarce. But comfort can be a trap. When food is always available, and stress is masked by humor, bad habits can grow quietly. And for Damaon, they did.

He recently revealed that his blood sugar hit 535 mg/dL—a number so high, it placed him on the edge of a diabetic coma. That number isn’t just scary—it’s life-threatening. And it didn’t happen overnight.

“My sugar was at 535. It was supposed to be between 80 and 120.”

The warning signs had to be there. When your glucose is hovering around 300, your body speaks—fatigue, thirst, blurry vision, mood swings. But sometimes, we don’t listen. Or we think we can push through. Or we’re too busy making others laugh to check in with ourselves.

Since that scare, Damaon has made serious changes. He now eats from his garden daily, choosing fresh vegetables over processed snacks. Some people talk about it, even joke—but he’s clear: he doesn’t care what others think when it comes to his health. He knows now that many of the foods he once loved were loaded with hidden sugars.

“Even if the label says ‘fructose’—it’s still sugar. Anything that ends in ‘-ose’ is sugar.”

He’s now on insulin, wears a glucose monitor, and is walking a new path. We don’t know his current status, but we’re wishing him well as he continues his journey. His story isn’t just about numbers—it’s about not waiting until it’s too late.

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LeVar Ball: From Dynasty Builder to Diabetes Warrior.

LeVar Ball made headlines as the outspoken architect of a basketball dynasty. He’s the father of three athletic sons—Lonzo, LaMelo, and LiAngelo Ball—each groomed from childhood to dominate the court. Lonzo was drafted No. 2 overall in 2017, LaMelo became NBA Rookie of the Year in 2021, and LiAngelo pursued both basketball and music. LeVar didn’t just support their careers—he engineered them, launching Big Baller Brand, founding the Junior Basketball Association, and turning fatherhood into a full-blown media strategy.

But in 2025, LeVar’s story took a sobering turn. After years of unmanaged diabetes, he developed a severe blood infection that led to multiple amputations—first his toes, then his foot, and eventually part of his leg below the knee. He spent over a month in the hospital, underwent several surgeries, and received multiple blood transfusions.

“I had an infection that started spreading through my blood due to not paying attention to my diabetes,” he said. “Don’t feel sorry for me.”

He’s now adjusting to life with a prosthetic and a new routine—one that demands vigilance, humility, and healing. His sons stood by him, but even with support, the journey is personal.

This isn’t just about LeVar. It’s about the millions of Black men who face higher risks of diabetes-related amputations—often due to delayed diagnosis, limited access to care, or simply not knowing the signs.

“Legacy isn’t just about what you build—it’s about what you protect.”

LeVar’s legacy now includes a new message: discipline isn’t just for the court—it’s for the kitchen, the clinic, and the quiet moments when no one’s watching.

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Final Thought: From Discipline to Compassion.

I know this blog is a little longer than usual—but that’s because diabetes is personal. It’s a cause that has impacted my life, and it’s scary to think that eating the wrong foods could lead to death—or the loss of a limb.

When you’re young and active, you might get away with it. But if you’re in my generation, you have to be very careful about what you eat—even when you want to reward yourself.

As a veteran with a low-percentage disability, I’m part of the low-income generation. And I’m grateful for the help from the SNAP program. I’m not ashamed of that help. If the program runs out, I’m prepared—I’ve stocked up on beans, lentils, and other staples. And if we reach the point where food pantries become the only option, I won’t participate—not because of pride, but because I want those resources to go to families with children who need it most.

Finally, if you have a little extra to spare, don’t forget about the homeless. There’s a brother who sleeps in a shopping cart outside a local store. Every so often during morning on my walk, I will pick up extra apples, bananas, etc.—whatever I can—and give it to him to start his day. I recently got a chance to talk to him, and I truly wish I could do more.

If you’d like to read my blog on the shutdown, please click the link below.