Hoda Kotb shared on May 28 that her youngest daughter, Hope, has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. This revelation came as Hoda made her return to the TODAY show for the first time since January.
The longtime TODAY co-anchor opened up about her daughter’s diagnosis, coinciding with the launch of her new wellness brand, Joy 101.
Hoda took a break from the show to spend more time with her daughters, 6-year-old Hope and 8-year-old Haley. While Hope’s diagnosis wasn’t the sole reason for her departure, Hoda explained that it “definitely weighed in” on her decision to step away.
As she told TODAY.com, parents of children with Type 1 diabetes are constantly monitoring their child’s health. “You’re distracted all the time,” she said, recalling how she would check on Hope frequently during her time at TODAY. “You just get a priority check in your life.”
Speaking with co-anchors Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin, Hoda emphasized how her life priorities shifted. “I can be here, worrying about what’s happening to Hope in the morning and at night, or I can be at home, relieved that I’m able to see her and be with her.”
Hoda, 60, left TODAY in January after seven years as co-anchor and nearly 30 years at NBC News. Her final day on the show was emotional, as she signed off on January 10, 2025.
Four and a half months later, Hoda returned to Studio 1A to update viewers on her life and her new routine. She explained that, while she’s still dedicated to her career, being there for her girls, especially as Hope adjusts to life with Type 1 diabetes, is now her top priority.
Hope’s health condition, which is a chronic autoimmune disorder that prevents the pancreas from producing insulin, requires constant monitoring. “Hope is fine for most of the day,” Hoda shared, but there are moments when extra care is needed. “I was adding it up—five minutes at breakfast, five minutes at lunch, five minutes at dinner, sometimes overnight. That adds up to half an hour. The rest of the time, she’s like every other kid.”
Hope’s health issues began more than two years ago. In February 2023, Hoda took two weeks off from TODAY due to a “family health matter,” later revealing that Hope had been hospitalized for a sudden illness. At the time, Hope was 4 years old and spent several days in the ICU.
By March 2024, Hoda updated her fans, confirming that Hope’s health had stabilized and that the family was focused on managing her condition long-term.
Hoda recalled the early signs of Hope’s diabetes. “She looked like she had the flu, and we literally had to race to the hospital,” Hoda said. “And then we found out it was Type 1 diabetes.”
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system mistakenly destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Without enough insulin, sugar builds up in the blood, leading to high blood sugar levels. Left untreated, this can cause serious complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis, which can be life-threatening.
Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and extreme hunger. There is currently no cure for Type 1 diabetes, and those affected need to take synthetic insulin daily to stay healthy.
While Type 1 diabetes is most common in children between the ages of 4 and 7, it is a prevalent condition in the U.S. and one of the most common chronic diseases affecting children.
Despite Hope’s condition, Hoda is determined to let her daughter live as normal a life as possible. “Don’t put your worry on your kid,” she advises other parents. “Watch them, but don’t burden them with your worry. Let them be kids and give them what they need when they need it.”
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