CHICAGO — In a candid revelation, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker disclosed that he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes two years ago. Since then, he has been on a transformative health journey, losing 80 pounds through a regimen that includes GLP-1 medication. This is the first time the governor has publicly shared his diagnosis and treatment details.

Governor Pritzker, a Democrat, began his GLP-1 treatment following medical advice that without significant intervention, he would require lifelong insulin therapy. The weight loss and health improvements have significantly impacted his daily life, making his diabetes management a notable success.

The governor's health revelation comes amid rising speculation about his potential candidacy in the 2028 presidential race. For the past two years, Pritzker has parried inquiries about his noticeably slimmer figure, even playfully addressing his transformation at the Gridiron Club's annual dinner in Washington, D.C., earlier this year.

Pritzker's struggle with weight began in childhood, a challenge compounded by the early loss of his father to a heart attack at 39. The stress of his gubernatorial duties further escalated his health concerns, culminating in the diabetes diagnosis that spurred his current health regimen.

Former President Donald Trump has previously targeted Pritzker’s weight in personal attacks. However, Pritzker has consistently framed his weight loss journey within the context of health rather than politics.

In a recent interview with CBS, Pritzker shared that the GLP-1 treatment curbed his appetite almost immediately, describing the sensation as "the strangest feeling." His regimen also includes improved diet and exercise, contributing to his significant health turnaround. Impressively, his treatment has been so effective that he is no longer on insulin and shows no diabetic or prediabetic levels.

Pritzker's wife, MK Pritzker, expressed her support for his health journey, emphasizing her desire for his longevity. The governor has also become a familiar figure on Chicago’s Lake Michigan walking path, using his exercise routine as an opportunity to engage with constituents.

While Governor Pritzker remains non-committal about a presidential run, he is actively involved in the political landscape, chairing a political action committee that is injecting substantial funds into Democratic House races for the 2026 midterms.

The governor’s personal health story coincides with Illinois' decision to cover GLP-1 medications for diabetes patients, a policy he passionately supports. During his interview, he recounted an emotional encounter with a woman who credited the policy with saving her life, highlighting the personal and policy-based impacts of his administration's health care initiatives.

Governor Pritzker’s journey underscores a commitment to health and public service, with his personal challenges and triumphs shaping both his governance and public persona.