Rock legend Pete Doherty has never shied away from controversy, but this time, it’s not his wild past making headlines—it’s his health.

The 45-year-old Libertines singer recently revealed that his doctors have given him a stark warning: if he doesn’t take better care of himself, he risks losing his toes due to complications from Type 2 diabetes.

A Wake-Up Call on Tour

Doherty, who was diagnosed with the condition last year, has been performing from a chair during the last five shows of his European tour.

In a candid moment captured on video during a gig in Munich, Germany, he updated his fans on his condition.

“I saw the doctor today,” he shared, “and he said you need to stay off your feet as much as you can, otherwise you’ll lose your toes.”

It’s a harsh reality for those with Type 2 diabetes, as the disease can lead to serious complications, including nerve damage and poor circulation, increasing the risk of amputation.

Fighting Old Habits

Doherty, known for his highly publicized battle with drug addiction, has taken significant steps toward improving his health.

He once admitted that he had given up the “main poisons” in his life, but staying disciplined remains a challenge.

“I’ve been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. And at the moment, I’m lacking the discipline to tackle cholesterol,” he previously admitted.

His struggle with maintaining a healthy diet has been an ongoing battle, despite repeated warnings from his doctors.

Cheese, Alcohol, and a Love for Indulgence

Speaking to The Guardian, Doherty shared the irony of his situation: “I gave up the main poisons, and my health improved.

Then you get told alcohol, cheese, and sugar are just as bad, and you were healthier when you were on heroin.”

His love for rich foods, particularly cheese, has been well-documented.

He once told the Evening Standard that his doctor urged him to cut back on dairy.

“I have seen a liver doctor who says I need to change my diet—too much cheese, too much milk.

But the cheese is so good, that’s part of the reason I stay here [in France],” he admitted.

A New Lifestyle—But Not Without Vices

Since giving up hard drugs, Doherty has embraced a slower lifestyle.

He now indulges in simple pleasures, such as long lie-ins and experimenting with cocktails.

“I like Comté [a type of French cheese], Comté on toast. My guilty pleasure is sleeping,” he once shared.

But while he has moved away from heroin and ketamine, he still enjoys drinking.

In his interview with Louis Theroux, he was seen sipping rum and chain-smoking, showing that some old habits die hard.

The Shadow of His Past

Doherty has been open about the impact of his former lifestyle. “I was a very sick man,” he told Theroux, acknowledging that years of drug abuse have taken their toll.

He has been clean from hard drugs for three years, but he still fears that “death is lurking.”

His struggles have also been documented in the film Peter Doherty: Stranger In My Own Skin, shot by his wife, Katia de Vidas.

The documentary captures some of his darkest moments, including footage of him using drugs and struggling to perform on stage at the height of his addiction.

Understanding Type 2 Diabetes

Doherty’s story is a stark reminder of how serious Type 2 diabetes can be.

The condition, which affects millions worldwide, occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to it. Symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and weight loss.

In the UK, around 90% of diabetic adults have Type 2 diabetes.

While it can be managed through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and medication, failing to control it can lead to severe complications like heart disease, kidney failure, and, as in Doherty’s case, potential limb amputation.

What’s Next for Pete Doherty?

As Pete continues to navigate his health journey, his fans remain hopeful that he’ll take his doctors’ advice seriously.

With his undeniable talent and enduring charisma, many are rooting for him to make the changes necessary to keep performing—and to keep his toes.

For now, Pete remains in France with his wife and daughter, enjoying a more peaceful life away from the chaos of his past.

Whether he can fully embrace a healthier lifestyle remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—his story is far from over.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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