Older generations may know Wilford Brimley from his roles in such films as Cocoon and The Thing. He has also appeared in the television programs Our House and The Boys of Twilight. But it is his commercial work that has made him a pop culture sensation. Brimley appeared in numerous advertisements for Quaker’s Oats Oatmeal but it was his work for the American Diabetes Association and Liberty Medical that brought the most attention. YouTube users have made multiple remixes or “mash-ups” of the advertisements and television shows like Family Guy and Saturday Night Live have also made parodies.  Much of the amusement of these commercials comes from Brimley’s pronunciation of “diabetes.”

In 1979, Wilford Brimley had been feeling fatigued, constantly thirsty with frequent urination and he was losing a lot of weight. Encouraged by his friends, Brimley went to see a doctor; he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at the age of 45. Since then he has become an advocate of diabetes management. The commercials Brimley appears in encourage “checking your sugar and check it often” with diabetes supplies that can be delivered to your doorstep. But he also speaks about proper lifestyle changes to help with managing the disease.  

The keys to maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle as Brimley often stresses to those afflicted with the disease are working with a doctor to develop a regime that works best for you, exercise which helps to lower blood sugar. Exercise works best when done regularly exercise. Brisk walking is highly recommended.  As is eating a well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein but avoid foods that are high in saturated fats.

In 2008 Wilford Brimley was given an award for his lifetime of service by The American Diabetes Association. Not only does he speak out about the disease in commercials and interviews, Brimley also visits Veteran Administration hospitals and communities to educate and encourage the residents to manage their disease. He is himself a Marine having served in the Korean War.

An actor and a spokesperson, Wilford Brimley is an excellent example of how an individual can live with Type 2 diabetes with little to no problems. At 79 years old, Wilford Brimley continues to work in film and television. He is also an activist for horse racing and cock-fighting as form of supporting individual rights. He also supported United States Senator John McCain during the 2008 U.S. presidential election.