Actor Sue Cleaver discusses ongoing health issue and experiences fainting spells during filming, following her departure from ITV's Coronation Street after 25 years.

Sue Cleaver spills the tea on her health battle following her exit from Coronation Street after a 25-year stint. The 61-year-old, known for portraying Eileen Grimshaw since 2000, has been battling Type 2 diabetes for over two decades, often causing her to feel dizzy during filming.

However, Sue credits a life-saver device—the Dexcom continuous glucose monitor—for helping her regain control of her health[1]. In a recent interview with The Sun, she revealed the challenges she faces maintaining her diabetes while preparing for live shows and major appearances.

The actress explained, "Before I go on stage or live shows, I'd have to prick my finger and check if my sugar is stable enough to carry me through to the interval or do I need to eat." She admits there were moments on set when she felt faint, particularly when she didn't have the time to test her blood sugar levels before going live[1].

Sue also cautioned against the widespread misconceptions surrounding diabetes. She emphasized, "There's a lot of misunderstanding around diabetes. People tell you can't eat chocolate or sugar, but for me, it's about managing my glucose levels before going on stage."

She further added, "If I'm about to go on stage or live shows and I don't know if I'm going to make it if my sugars aren't stable enough, and I don't have time to prick my finger, you tend to think 'let me eat this thing now' and then you tend to feel the effects of it later or during the show."

Last year, Sue made headlines about embracing a healthier lifestyle and losing a considerable amount of weight[2]. She admitted she was still working on battling negative thoughts about her appearance as she continues her health journey.

In an interview with Bella magazine, Sue asserted, "My body is now who I am. My body will change, my size will go up and down, and I don't define myself or get involved in any of those conversations around it." She believes focusing on self-improvement from the inside is what truly matters[3].

"The trouble is when you've got negative thoughts, you hang onto them. So it's learning not to take those thoughts so seriously," Sue revealed in the candid interview[3].

In search of a healthier lifestyle, Sue participated in Dry January in March 2024 and lost approximately 18 pounds, recruiting the help of the Dexcom continuous glucose monitor[4].

Coronation Street star Sue Cleaver insists her body 'doesn't define her' following weight loss[2]
The benefits of continuous glucose monitoring for people with Type 2 diabetes[5]
Personal stories of managing Type 2 diabetes while living an active lifestyle[6]
Inside the world of continuous glucose monitoring for people with Type 2 diabetes
Sue Cleaver embraces healthier lifestyle and weight loss
Sue Cleaver battles negative thoughts about her appearance
Sue Cleaver's weight loss journey after Dry January
The benefits of continuous glucose monitoring for people with Type 2 diabetes
Personal stories of managing Type 2 diabetes while living an active lifestyle

Despite her Type 2 diabetes, Sue Cleaver continues to focusing on fitness and exercise, prioritizing her health and wellness.
In addition to her acting career, Sue is an advocate for medical-conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and often shares insights about therapies and treatments.
Weather notwithstanding, Sue often reflects on the impact of nutrition on her chronic-diseases, particularly Type 2 diabetes.
Throughout her health journey, Sue has learned to balance her calories and incorporated skin-care routines, especially during her parenting years.
When it comes to women's health, Sue is an open book and has been candid about her experiences with Type 2 diabetes and weight management.
Apart from her role in Coronation Street, Sue finds solace in entertainment, from celebrity gossip to enjoying videos about health and lifestyle online.
After adopting a healthier lifestyle, Sue now understands the importance of ongoing medical-care and medicare benefits in managing chronic-diseases.
Thanks to her continuous glucose monitoring device, Sue can now effortlessly adjust her lifestyle to accommodate Type 2 diabetes—even during times of stress and mental-health challenges.
Known for her charismatic personality, Sue uses her platform to raise awareness about chronic-diseases like Type 2 diabetes, addressing mental-health concerns and offering tips on fitness and exercise.
Inspired by her transformative health-and-wellness journey, Sue encourages others to prioritize self-improvement through proper nutrition, regular exercise, and maintaining a positive mental-attitude towards caring for their health.

Actor Sue Cleaver discusses ongoing health issue and experiences fainting spells during filming, following her departure from ITV's Coronation Street after 25 years.