The War and Treaty's Michael Trotter Jr. Says Opening Up About His Diabetes, Ozempic Use Has 'Empowered' Others (Exclusive)

The War and Treaty's Michael Trotter Jr. is hoping others can learn from his health journey.

Speaking with PEOPLE on the red carpet ahead of Opry 100: A Live Celebration in Nashville on Wednesday, March 19, Trotter notes that since recently going public with his type 2 diabetes diagnosis, he has achieved a new level of mental clarity on the subject.

"It was a vulnerability that I needed to access," the singer shares. "So I feel really good. I feel encouraged and I feel like I'm helping someone on their journey."

Related: Michael Trotter First Wrote Songs in Saddam Hussein's Palace in the War. Now He's Healing from PTSD Through Music (Exclusive)

Trotter told The Tennessean in March 2025 that he first realized something was wrong while watching Family Feud at home when host Steve Harvey looked blurry. His wife, Tanya Trotter, quickly rushed him to a local hospital.

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There, he learned his vision problems were a symptom of diabetes.

"When you get that kind of diagnosis and you've seen this disease bully your family for as long as you can remember, you just put your name on a list," Trotter told the outlet, referring to his loved ones' experiences with the condition. "I'm next to be bullied and I'm next to lose to this disease," he recalls thinking.

Since then, he told The Tennessean, he's made positive lifestyle changes, including acquiring his and hers treadmills for himself and Tanya, snacking on veggie trays and keeping up a physically rigorous performance schedule.

His outlook has shifted thanks to the encouragement he's received since going public with his diagnosis, as well as his decision to go on GLP-1 drug Ozempic.

Trotter has partnered with Ozempic manufacturer Novo Nordisk on its new national campaign, "My Ozempic Era," which launched March 3. Per a release, he was inspired to take part in the campaign to seek a better way of life with type 2 diabetes.

Related: The War and Treaty Says 'More Women,' 'Black and Hispanic Artists' Need to Play on Country Radio (Exclusive)

"As a child, I saw my father and several of my relatives struggle with type 2 diabetes," the singer shared, according to the release. "When I was first diagnosed, I knew I had to handle my symptoms with a different mindset and get them under control, especially as Tanya and I embarked on our journey of making music together."

He added that "since starting Ozempic, in addition to eating healthier and incorporating exercise into my routine, I've been able to lower my A1C [blood sugar] and get back to the right rhythm for me, both in my work and my personal life. I am thankful for my Ozempic Era."

Since launching his new role as an ambassador, Trotter has heard from others about their willingness to consider Ozempic.

"Several people have reached out and they feel empowered," he said of the positive results of his reveal. "They feel like, 'Wow, I was a little hesitant to try Ozempic, but now, I'm ready.' "

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