Christopher Biggins is a renowned entertainer across television, theatre, film and radio. He was 61 when diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2010.
Among his more well-known roles include Lukewarm in the sit-com Porridge and the part of Widow Twankey in the pantomime production of Aladdin.
Despite his success in serious roles, Biggins has also hosted game shows such as Surprise Surprise and appeared in children’s TV shows such as Rentaghost and Brendon Chase.
In 2007, he won the reality TV show I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here, while he has also participated in Come Dine With Me.
Type 2 diagnosis
Biggins attributes his type 2 diabetes diagnosis to the rich foods and free champagne he was afforded at various entertainment functions. He weighed 18 stone upon his diagnosis.
He manages his condition with metformin and through physical activity , which keeps him able to appear in a number of different roles.
While he has not been instructed to avoid specific foods, he has reduced his sugar intake and tries to eat more healthily.
Biggins has since become an ambassador for Diabetes UK and publicly stresses the importance of diabetes awareness and the need for more funding into research.
