I do not believe that Cole Porter lost use
of his legs due to diabetes.
His legs were injured in a horseback riding accident.
The horse actually rolled over him once,
and then again the other way...
He endured multiple surgeries, and he kept both injured legs
for at least a decade afterward,
as his wife Linda insisted that they not be
removed.
Upon her death, one was removed.
he did use a wheelchair, walk with canes,
and assistance.
And i have heard that jack cassidy story so many times,
that i believe it, even if it is apocryphal (sp?)