Jean Smart is an Emmy-award winning actress most noted for her roles in 24, Sweet Home Alabama and Samantha Who?
Smart was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 13 and reportedly learned to administer her own insulin injections shortly after her diagnosis.
She has also stated that she does a lot of exercise – which can help regulate control of blood sugar levels
After graduating from the University of Washington with a B.A in fine arts, Smart signed on for the hit series Designing Women, where she played the character of Charlene.
She won two Primetime Emmy awards for her role as Lana Gardner in Frasier, with her most recent Emmy coming in 2007 for Samantha Who?
Raising awareness for diabetes
Smart is an ambassador for the Entertainment Industry’s Diabetes Aware, which raises awareness about diabetes, especially the importance of early detection and proper management.
Having lost her father to Alzheimer’s disease, Smart is also a champion for the Alzheimer’s Association.
