- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on Twitter
- Share this article on Flipboard
- Share this article on Email
- Show additional share options
- Share this article on Linkedin
- Share this article on Pinit
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Whatsapp
- Share this article on Print
- Share this article on Comment
The Bachelor star Joey Graziadei is opening up about his Gilbert syndrome diagnosis amid concerns from fans about his “yellow eyes.”
Graziadei, who is currently leading season 28 of ABC’s hit dating reality series, shared in an Instagram video on Thursday that he was diagnosed with the condition in high school. Gilbert (zheel-BAYR) Syndrome is a common and typically harmless liver condition in which the liver doesn’t properly process bilirubin, causing the skin and the whites of the eyes to have a yellow tinge due to slightly higher levels of bilirubin in the blood, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Related Stories
“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 said in the clip. “So to give some context on that I have to go all the way back to when I was in high school. I was sick for about a week and a half, and my mom thought it would be a good idea to go to the doctor.”
Graziadei proceeded to explain that blood work revealed a significantly high bilirubin count, which meant there could be potential issues with his liver. After consulting multiple medical professionals and undergoing ultrasound examinations, “They found out that there was nothing necessarily wrong, like hepatitis, but they diagnosed me with something called Gilbert syndrome.”
The Bachelor star also eased his fans’ worries, adding, “I am told that I am healthy.”
“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,” he continued. “It’s something I want to pay attention to more going into this year. I want to get my health right and make sure that I’m all good. But I at least wanted to give some background and let you know that to my knowledge, I am healthy.”
Graziadei also noted his goal this year is to focus on his health more, including staying hydrated and managing stress levels, which can get worse “on a TV show.”
“I do appreciate everyone looking out for me and wondering if I’m OK, but to my knowledge, I’m as OK as can be, and I will continue to look at it,” he concluded. “So thank you very much.”
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day