Pete Doherty reveals type 2 diabetes 'wake-up call' that turned his world upside down
The Libertines guitarist shared a harrowing insight into his diagnosis, even admitting that he was told to stay off his feet or risk having his toes amputated
Rock icon Pete Doherty has shared a shocking update on his health challenges, opening up about his battle with type 2 diabetes, after admitting he was diagnosed with the chronic ailment in 2024.
In a startling revelation earlier this year, The Libertines guitarist was cautioned to "stay off his feet" or face the grim prospect of toe amputation. Currently, the 46-year-old is unable to slip into regular footwear and has instead turned to clunky orthopaedic sandals for relief.
In a candid chat with The Sunday Times Magazine, Pete admitted that despite his recent diagnosis, the disease likely took hold years earlier as a result of prolonged substance misuse.
He disclosed how he confronted a harrowing scenario in January when he lost sensation in his extremities, leading two toes to turn ominously black. Pete shared: "I can't wear normal shoes at the moment. It was a real wake-up call."
The star elaborated on the precariousness of possibly losing his toes – calling it a "touch and go" moment – highlighting a dire need for a radical transformation in both his personal habits and diet.
Having been clean from drugs since late 2019, Pete acknowledged that excessive drinking exacerbated his condition, adding: "Now I allow myself a gin and tonic once a week, but I've basically not been drinking and have got my blood sugar to a good level, so my toes are healing. But smoking doesn't help...
"If the inflammation gets too bad, you can lose your foot."
Away from cigarettes and alcohol, Pete shared his other guilty pleasureS: "I like Comté [a type of French cheese], Comté on toast. My guilty pleasure is sleeping."
What exactly is type 2 diabetes?
The NHS describes type 2 diabetes as arising when a patient's insulin, a hormone, either isn't effective, or isn't produced in sufficient quantities.
This malfunction leads to elevated glucose (sugar) levels in the bloodstream. It commonly affects adults but can occur in children as well.
What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes?
Symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes may result in serious health issues including vision loss, failure of organs, cardiac conditions and sometimes even necessitating amputation, as Pete highlighted.
Generally, those with type 2 diabetes exhibit several noticeable symptoms:
Feeling very tired
Peeing more than usual
Feeling thirsty all the time
Losing weight without trying to
How is type 2 diabetes treated?
While diabetes remains incurable, it's manageable through lifestyle alterations.
The NHS recommends adopting a nutritious diet replete with fruits, vegetables, whole grains such as wholemeal bread and oats, plus legumes, including chickpeas and lentils.
Other professional tips include shedding excess weight, quitting smoking, moderating alcohol consumption and enhancing physical activity levels.
For comprehensive details on type 2 diabetes management and treatment, click here to visit the NHS website.
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