Oti Mabuse reveals pre-diabetes diagnosis as Loose Women stars shocked: ‘It’s about trying to get back to a point where I feel strong’

‘It’s not about being skinny. It’s about being strong’

Former Strictly pro Oti Mabuse opened up about living with pre-diabetes on Loose Women today (November 6), leaving the show’s panellists shocked.

The dancer, who gave birth to her first child, a daughter, in December last year, explained that she was first diagnosed with gestational diabetes, which runs in her family.

Oti Mabuse looking up on Loose Women
Oti Mabuse appeared on Loose Women today and spoke about her baby girl (Credit: ITV)

Loose Women today: Oti Mabuse shares health condition

Discussing her motivation for keeping fit and healthy after her daughter was born, she dismissed the idea of ‘snapping back’ and said: “My reason for getting back into fitness was that I found out I was pre-diabetic, actually.”

It’s about trying to get back to a point where I feel strong, I can handle my food, and keep my sugar levels alright.

Host Charlene White interjected “Really?” before Oti continued: “I am still pre-diabetic, and it’s about trying to get back to a point where I feel strong, I can handle my food, and keep my sugar levels alright.

“And it’s not about being skinny. It’s about being strong. It’s about being able to play with my daughter and have fun with her,” she added to applause from the audience.

Charlene White on Loose Women today
Anchor Charlene was shocked at Oti’s diagnosis (Credit: ITV)

Diabetes explained

The exact cause of gestational diabetes is unknown. But it’s thought that the placenta – which provides the foetus with water and nutrients – produces hormones that prevent the mother’s ability to use insulin effectively.

Pre-diabetics, meanwhile, have a higher than normal blood sugar level. However, it’s not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle changes are advised to stop type 2 diabetes from developing.

In September, Oti discussed her weight loss following the birth of her daughter. She shared on Instagram that she went from a size 18 to a size 10. She said: “I started to change how I approached food, movement, and how I looked at my own body. This journey isn’t about getting skinny. It’s about gaining strength, confidence, and discipline in a way that feels sustainable and true to me.”

Oti Mabuse smiling
Oti gave birth to her first child last year (Credit: Cover Images)

Will Oti be on I’m A Celebrity this year?

Also on Loose Women today, Oti addressed the rumours that she’ll be taking part in I’m A Celebrity this year. The show’s set to begin on November 17. But the dancer did her best to not give anything away.

Charlene teased: “Now there is a question I have to ask because your winter might actually be quite warm,” as Oti pretended to sip her drink to avoid answering the question.

When asked if she’s a fan of the show, she said: “I love I’m A Celebrity, I really really really do. Since I came to this country, it’s been one of the shows I’ve watched and am a huge fan of.”