The Bachelor’s leading man, Joey Graziadei, recently addressed concerns from viewers regarding the appearance of his eyes. In an Instagram video, Graziadei revealed he was diagnosed with Gilbert syndrome in high school, a condition that can cause a yellowish tint to the skin and eyes.
Graziadei Shares His Diagnosis Story:
Opening his video with an acknowledgment of the online comments, Graziadei stated, “I wanted to jump on here really quick and talk about something that I’m seeing a lot of comments about, which is Joey’s yellow eyes.” He then embarked on sharing the backstory of his diagnosis, taking viewers back to his high school days.
A Turning Point in High School:
Graziadei explained experiencing an illness lasting a week and a half, prompting his mother to seek medical attention. Blood tests revealed elevated bilirubin levels, raising concerns about potential liver issues. After undergoing consultations with various doctors and undergoing ultrasound examinations, the diagnosis of Gilbert syndrome was finally reached.
What is Gilbert Syndrome?
Gilbert syndrome is a common and typically harmless liver condition. It affects the liver’s ability to process bilirubin, a yellowish substance produced by the breakdown of red blood cells. As a result, individuals with Gilbert syndrome may have slightly higher bilirubin levels in their blood, leading to a yellowish tinge in the skin and whites of the eyes, also known as jaundice.
Addressing Fan Concerns and Taking Proactive Steps:
Graziadei emphasized his overall well-being by stating, “I am told that I am healthy.” He further acknowledged the impact of Gilbert syndrome on his eyes, explaining, “It’s something that does affect the whites of my eyes, it makes it have those jaundice levels, which is why they look a little bit more yellow.”
However, Graziadei also expressed a commitment to prioritizing his health going forward. He mentioned focusing on hydration, stress management, and other healthy practices, especially considering the potential for heightened stress levels in the context of filming a reality TV show.
Graziadei’s Concluding Message:
Wrapping up the video, Graziadei expressed his appreciation for the well-being concerns raised by fans. He reassured viewers by stating, “To my knowledge, I’m as OK as can be, and I will continue to look at it.” He concluded with a sincere thank you to his viewers.
Joey Graziadei’s Transparency and Public Health Awareness:
By openly addressing his diagnosis and explaining Gilbert’s syndrome, Graziadei potentially contributes to raising public health awareness about this condition. While his specific case highlights the generally harmless nature of the syndrome, it also reminds viewers of the importance of consulting healthcare professionals regarding any health concerns.
FAQs:
Q: What is Gilbert syndrome?
A: Gilbert syndrome is a common and typically harmless liver condition affecting the processing of bilirubin, leading to slightly elevated bilirubin levels in the blood and a potential yellowish tint in the skin and eyes.
Q: Is Gilbert syndrome serious?
A: Generally, Gilbert syndrome is not considered a serious condition and does not require specific treatment. However, consulting a healthcare professional is always recommended if you have any concerns about your health.
Q: What are the symptoms of Gilbert syndrome?
A: The primary symptom of Gilbert syndrome is mild jaundice, appearing as a yellowish tinge in the skin and whites of the eyes. However, some individuals with the condition may not experience any noticeable symptoms.
