Health
Nick Jonas Shares His Diabetes Journey in Music
Health Points
- Nick Jonas, diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 13, often expresses his health journey through his music.
- He emphasizes transparency in his latest album, “Sunday Best,” featuring his continuous glucose monitor on the cover.
- Jonas highlights the daily decisions and emotional impact involved in managing Type 1 diabetes.
For more than two decades, Nick Jonas has transformed his experiences with Type 1 diabetes into heartfelt music and open conversation. At 33, Jonas continues to spotlight his health, making it a visible part of his identity and creative work.
The singer strives for honesty and vulnerability in his new music, wanting fans to see the reality of living with a chronic condition. His use of a continuous glucose monitor is featured on the “Sunday Best” album cover to encourage openness and self-acceptance.
“This album for me was all about transparency. I worked with some incredible co-writers who really helped me articulate some things that I’ve been thinking and feeling for a long time.”
Jonas encourages others to ask themselves if they are being kind to themselves, and he hopes his openness inspires self-reflection in listeners.
“When I looked at the frame and saw [the Dexcom G7 on my arm], I was really excited at the idea of leaning in and not doing a version without it because I want people to see this is the real me.”
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, and people with this diagnosis must carefully manage their health every day. The condition requires ongoing attention but has also shaped Jonas’s perspective and resilience.
“(Diabetes) is a part of my story. It’s part of my DNA at this point,” Jonas says.
He explains that living with Type 1 diabetes comes with hundreds of decisions, from when to eat a snack to adjusting insulin—efforts that become part of daily life, even on busy tour schedules. Jonas suggests that even taking a long walk is beneficial when staying active becomes challenging.
He acknowledges the importance of mental and emotional health for those living with diabetes and finds it encouraging to see more open conversations about these aspects in the diabetes community.
Several songs on “Sunday Best” reference his health journey. For instance, the first track, “Sweet to Me,” reflects on childhood innocence and his diabetes diagnosis with lyrics like, “When the doctor told me there’s too much sugar in your bloodstream, baby, that’s too sweet. It’s just too sweet.”
“When I wrote ‘A Little Bit Longer,’ it was this more negative and harder to comprehend side of living with Type 1. But now I have a real appreciation for it and the experiences I’ve had in my work with Beyond Type 1.”
Through his music, Jonas expresses gratitude for family and the positive impact of sharing his journey with others facing similar challenges. Despite tough days, he maintains a sense of perspective and hope.
He also explores vulnerability in the single “Gut Punch,” connecting with listeners about universal themes of self-doubt and inner reflection. The album’s honesty aims to help others feel less alone in their struggles.
For Jonas, advancements like the continuous glucose monitor have made day-to-day diabetes management more manageable, especially while touring and juggling a busy lifestyle.
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