mr-divabetic

[mr-divabetic]

Coney Island Mermaid Parade

[mr-divabetic]

Alyson Williams is not only an Emmy Award-winning Jazz and R&B singer and actress, but she also bravely shares her experience with LADA (Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults). Known for her hit singles in the late 1980s and early 1990s, such as "Just Call My Name," "Sleep Talk," "My Love Is So Raw," and "I Need Your Lovin," Alyson inspires many with her music and her health journey. Living with LADA presents its own unique challenges, especially while touring and performing in different cities. Alyson emphasizes the importance of self-care, encouraging everyone to prioritize their health regardless of their career demands. Seeking support from healthcare professionals can make a significant difference in managing fluctuating blood sugar levels. Remember to treat yourself kindly today! Focus on positive self-talk, engage in self-care activities, and don't hesitate to reach out to loved ones or diabetes support groups. It's a journey we can navigate together, and every step counts! LADA is a slow-developing type of diabetes that shares features with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, making awareness and education essential. You are doing great by taking care of yourself and staying informed. Check out Alyson's new single, "Useless Love," available on all streaming platforms.

[mr-divabetic]

I’m absolutely thrilled about my friend Alyson Williams’ new song, “Useless Love”!

Despite her busy schedule with performances and hosting her radio show, Alyson makes the time to share her diabetes self-care journey with our Divabetic community.

Her new song and dedication to inspiring others have us dancing in the streets!! Keep shining, Alyson!

[mr-divabetic]

At Divabetic, we celebrate creativity, community engagement, empowerment, and a touch of style while promoting diabetes awareness! Our faith-based program, the Hat Boxing Competitions, offers a perfect blend of fun, fashion, and health education, all while honoring the beautiful church hats that congregants love to wear.

Imagine a lively hat fashion show, heartfelt speeches, and testimonials, along with a vibrant art competition that encourages engaging conversations about diabetes. It’s a fantastic way to inspire church divas to manage diabetes and prioritize their health and wellness, both for themselves and their families!

Participants in the Hat Boxing event can unleash their creativity by decorating hat boxes with empowering messages focused on diabetes wellness and self-care. We provide each participant with a hat box, educational materials on diabetes, nutrition information, and fitness resources prior to the competition. They have the option to work individually or as a team to design their hat boxes. On the day of the competition, they will showcase their artistic creations and share heartfelt testimonials about these vital topics. Additionally, there will be a speed boxing competition where teams decorate hat boxes with health messages in a timed format using supplies we provide. Our panel of judges will award the winner a beautiful crown designed by the talented Evetta Petty from Harlem's Heaven Hats!

A big shoutout goes to milliner Evetta Petty, her stylish Aunt Eve, stroke survivor Hazella Rollins-LaVar, and diabetes advocate Michelle Foster for their hard work in bringing these exciting events to life in their communities. Together, we’re fostering a movement that celebrates health, creativity, and community spirit—let’s glam it up and fear less!

[mr-divabetic]

Brandy had a tough time dealing with chronic yeast infections before she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. She affectionately called them "the beastie yeasties" because the pain was truly unbearable. At first, she relied on cranberry juice, which she thought might help, but that wasn’t the right solution, especially as the high levels of added sugars provided little relief. While cranberry juice can support urinary tract health by preventing bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract, it doesn't address yeast infections, which come from a fungal overgrowth.

Feeling embarrassed, Brandy put off visiting the doctor until the discomfort became impossible to ignore. "The burning, itching, and soreness were just too much," she recalls.

When she finally decided to seek help, she learned about the connection between type 2 diabetes and chronic yeast infections. It turns out that individuals with diabetes, especially when their blood sugar isn’t well-managed, are more prone to these infections. The yeast Candida, which causes the infections, thrives in high-sugar environments, and the elevated sugar levels in the blood and urine provide an ideal breeding ground. Additionally, the weakened immune system that often accompanies diabetes makes it more challenging to fend off infections.

Fortunately, Brandy found a good combination of medications, along with a self-care routine that includes a balanced diet and regular exercise, which significantly reduced her chances of getting another yeast infection.

"I feel amazing!" she shares with a smile. "I no longer worry about it, and that makes all the difference!"

[mr-divabetic]

Alison's Story: As Soon As I Was Diagnosed, I Wanted To Fix It

Divabetic Club member Alison was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2001. Reflecting on her diagnosis, Alison said, "I've always been aware of the high blood pressure issues in both sides of my family and had always kept an eye on that. No one in my family had diabetes or admitted to having it, so finding out that I had it was shocking." She continued, “I had just completed a 60-mile AVON Charity Walk the year before and thought I was relatively fit. As soon as I was diagnosed, I wanted to fix it; I was ready to take whatever medication or follow any health program to stop being diabetic. I quickly realized it would take the rest of my life to manage, and it would never go away. I went through a period where I felt my body had betrayed me, and that feeling seemed to last forever.”

Regarding her perspective on diabetes, Alison mentioned, “I have some friends and coworkers older than me who have chosen to ignore their diabetes and pretend it isn't life-threatening. I did my research and discovered it was something I could live with, as long as I had proper support and the right mindset.”

"I chose doctors who are 'tough,'" Alison explained. "Doctors who tell the truth, no matter how blunt it may be. They present serious options and hold me accountable when I can do better. My eye doctor is the best one—she not only checks my eyes but also offers support when I'm doing well. She gives me the 'you can do better' look when she notices I’m just meeting the minimum to get by. She encouraged me to exercise more, find activities I enjoy, and stick with them."

"When I was first diagnosed, I lacked a lot of patience—patience to get my health under control, patience with the medication, patience with my doctors, and patience with my mind and body. Over time, I realized that even small steps can make a difference. I spent a lot of time learning about my body, understanding what raises my blood sugar and what to do when it drops, not panicking, making better choices, and finding answers to the questions that frustrated me. Once, at a diabetes walk, I noticed they were serving bagels and juice for the participants, and I felt angry and wanted to complain. Then I saw a kid grab a bagel, cut off a piece, and share the rest with his mom; he took a few sips of his juice box and passed that along too. He wasn’t upset or frustrated; he adapted to the situation and understood his limits. I learned something valuable in that moment."

[mr-divabetic]

One misconception about Divabetic is that we only outreach to women with type 2 diabetes. However, if you trace our roots back to the very beginning, you'll find an army of fabulous Type 1 women warriors who have been with us from the start!  Somehow, I caught the eye of Christine, the JDRF outreach coordinator and a fierce woman living with type 1 diabetes. Not sure if she found me at our Bee A Diva coaching sessions at the YMCA or spotted me dazzling backstage at dLife, but shortly after we connected, the New York Chapter of the JDRF sponsored our first very small diabetes makeover program at MESS Makeup Studios in NYC.

After I shared my dream of crafting a ‘diva’ experience for women with type 1 diabetes, Christine had this brilliant idea of using MESS Makeup Studios as our stage! Walking into that studio, with a row of lit-up mirrors greeting me, I felt like I had just waltzed into a Broadway show — cue the jazz hands!

Our inaugural makeover program was a whirlwind of free makeover services mixed with diabetes education sessions, image services, and exhibits like 'Pearls & (Insulin) Pumps.' Just when I thought we’d keep it low-key, Catherine Schuller, who later joined our national makeover team, dropped the bombshell idea: let’s go live on morning TV! Naturally, we rolled up our sleeves and scrambled to put together a second makeover program for that very same day. Spoiler alert: the morning TV gig fell through, but the nighttime event? A roaring success! We had comedian Trisha Poretti, a fellow type 1 warrior and comedian, lighting up the stage as our guest star!

Jessica Issler, a rockstar diabetes educator, volunteered that night and later joined our national makeover program sponsored by Novo Nordisk. Later, Christine, hosted demonstrations on how to cut and prepare fresh fruits and vegetables at our several makeover programs.

So, there you have it—a fabulous journey filled with sparkle, laughter, and a pack of glucose tablets!

[mr-divabetic]

A Wife Helps Her Husband Take His Diabetes Seriously 

Darlene is a real-life diva who decided to use her vocal talents not just for karaoke night but also to encourage her husband, James, to take his diabetes seriously. Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at 44, James spent the first ten years of his diagnosis ignoring it, hoping it would magically fix itself.

The turning point came when Darlene accompanied James to his doctor's appointment. That day, the doctor delivered some alarming news: "I already see some eye damage." James suddenly looked like a deer caught in the headlights.

Before that appointment, when James would run out of his oral medication, he wouldn't bother to refill it, like a rebellious teenager. 

Darlene, however, knew she couldn't just nag him into submission—after all, she had been married to him long enough to know that wasn’t going to work. Instead, she decided to take the high road and attend diabetes support meetings. Armed with her new knowledge and a touch of determination, Darlene made a doctor's appointment and said, “Guess what? We’re going together!”

Darlene later confessed that she didn’t want to spend their golden years watching James struggle with a myriad of health issues. “You solve nothing going through life with your eyes closed,” she quipped. Besides, she had better plans for their later years—like learning how to dance the tango and traveling the world, rather than sitting in waiting rooms.

Fortunately, Darlene's team approach is paying off. She’s not shy to pepper the doctor with questions, and now James knows that managing his diabetes doesn't mean giving up on life.

So, here’s to Darlene: the wife who uses humor, love, and a little bit of tough love to help her husband live his best life, one glucose reading at a time!

[mr-divabetic]

In the spirit of PRIDE month, I’ve got a little story to share that’s equal parts embarrassing and enlightening. Picture this: I came out to Diana Ross! Well, sort of. In reality, I came out of the bathroom at Ashford & Simpon's Sugar Bar and inadvertently swung the door open and smacked her right in the face. Talk about making an entrance! Not exactly how I envisioned meeting my idol.

My little mishap got me thinking about the parallels between coming out about my sexuality and accepting a diabetes diagnosis. Both journeys can involve navigating through the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Let me tell you, it can feel like a never-ending merry-go-round—just when you think you’ve resolved yourself from issues of shame, regret and guilt, you find yourself back at the start. You know those moments when you’re tempted to tuck your identity or health status away? Well, guess what? Life has a funny way of saying, “Surprise! It’s time to come out again!” or "time to check your blood sugars in public"!

And those thoughts—“Why did this happen to me?” and “One day I didn’t have diabetes, and the next, it’s like I woke up with an unexpected low”—are all too familiar.  And checking your blood sugars in public just like a public display of affection between two men or two women can unlock a bushel of insecurities. It’s easy to wish for a magic prayer to make it all go away, just like many gay men and their families have wished to pray away their identities. But spoiler alert: that doesn’t work!

At the end of the day, I’m gay, and I bring that vibrant sensibility to my diabetes outreach. Think camp humor, rainbows, and possibly too much sequins, all mixed into my mission to connect with the community. In a world where division seems to be the theme, I’m proud to be a bridge—representing those of us who don’t fit neatly into any box.

So, here’s to embracing our quirks, spreading some joy, and maybe even dodging a bathroom door or two along the way! Happy PRIDE!

[mr-divabetic]

Cloaked in mystery yet making an entrance reminiscent of the fabulous Alexis Carrington from "Dynasty," our enigmatic star, Delores Denial, certainly made an impression at the American Diabetes Association's Diabetes Expo—she really stirred the pot! Midway through the world's most traditional diabetes lecture, there she was, standing up in the audience, scoffing at the warnings, waving her hands like a conductor at an off-tune symphony, and declaring she was “bored” and had “other things” to attend to. Can you imagine? Delores Denial’s unexpected appearance and emotionally charged outburst embodied how many people initially react to their diabetes diagnosis, often stemming from feelings of fear, worry, and guilt. Many of us deny aspects of our prediabetes or type 2 diabetes diagnosis due to feelings of stigmatization and judgment, along with a lack of understanding about the disease and self-care protocols. We might not fully acknowledge the severity of our condition or may downplay the need for lifestyle changes and medication. Denial can manifest in thoughts like “one bite won’t hurt,” “I’ll go to the doctor later,” or “my diabetes isn’t serious,” according to the American Diabetes Association. A major shoutout to the brilliant Catherine Schuller for creating such a captivating character who stole the show. The crowd was practically glued to their seats! Styled as if she had just stepped off a primetime soap opera set, Delores Denial wasn’t just a surprise guest; she became a catalyst for conversation, sparking more genuine discussions than I ever anticipated. Here’s to transforming diabetes education into an unforgettable experience—it was a smashing success!

[mr-divabetic]

It's exciting to be involved with the Luther: Never Too Much documentary. It's amazing to see how well it's resonating with audiences!!!

[mr-divabetic]

Next month, the original Birkin handbag is set to be auctioned, and it is likely to fetch a record-breaking amount. This bag symbolizes a value that exceeds its contents, which presents a contradiction for someone living with diabetes.

During our free monthly meetings at Divabetic, we emphasized the importance of preparedness in self-care. Being ready for unexpected high and low blood sugar levels is essential. A source of fast-acting carbohydrates (such as glucose tablets), glucagon, a glucose meter, test strips, lancets, insulin, syringes or insulin pens, ketone test strips, healthy snacks, water, and hand sanitizer are far more precious to people with diabetes than the bag that holds them. After all, no matter its value, a handbag cannot save a life.

Interestingly, the Hermès Birkin bag was created for actress Jane Birkin. It was designed in 1984 after she expressed her frustration while on a flight about not being able to find a suitable leather bag for travel, especially one that could serve as a carry-all for young mothers. She shared her thoughts with Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas, saying, "Why don't you make a bag that's four times the size of the Kelly bag that you can leave open?" This inspired Dumas to design a black leather bag specifically for her, which later became the iconic Birkin bag. Jane Birkin receives $40,000 annually in royalties for the use of her name.

Being prepared—whether you’re carrying an expensive bag or a well-used knapsack—can significantly improve the management of diabetes, no matter where you are going or what you are doing.

[mr-divabetic]

I'm currently reflecting on the incredible experiences I had during my time with Divabetic, and it truly brings a sense of joy. Each memory serves as a reminder of the impact we made through our outreach efforts. I'm immensely grateful to everyone who participated, partnered, and offered their encouragement along the way. Divabetic's dedication to education and support has been a source of strength for me, especially during the challenging moments following Luther's stroke, which stemmed from mismanaged type 2 diabetes. I invite everyone to explore more about this vital work on the Divabetic blog

[mr-divabetic]

Madhatters: When The Fashion Flock Endangered Birds

It’s hard to conceive, but nearly five million birds once fell victim to the cruel demands of fashion in the early 20th century. Wealthy women sought feathers as the ultimate accessory, often flaunting eagles and peacocks. Some even wore hats made entirely of egret feathers without a moment’s regret. Others sought out designers who created earrings fashioned from hummingbird heads and their beaks. : https://divabetic.org/2025/06/08/madhatters-when-the-fashion-flock-endangered-birds/

[mr-divabetic]

Since her initial diabetes diagnosis, Judith, a 63-year-old inspiring figure living with type 1 diabetes, has never stopped moving. She participates in aerobic dance and Tai Chi classes, bicycles, and walks 16 miles every Sunday. Despite never considering herself athletic, Judith's can-do attitude is a source of inspiration for everyone around her.

"When I turned 40, I was so surprised just to be alive and healthy, it was its own celebration," Judith laughs. "I think we're given things in our lives that shape our lives, like diabetes has shaped mine. On a trip to Canada, I realized diabetes was going to go with me wherever I went, so I may as well become friends with it. Life is so short, and I've learned to enjoy both living with moderation and gusto!"

Judith was a long-time star at our Divabetic Club, always poised, stylish, and friendly. You might even start to wonder if she ever had a hair out of place. But let’s not forget the time she bravely shared her own experience with a low blood glucose episode. Picture this: she went shopping and, to her surprise, completely blanked out on how she managed to get home. When she arrived, she found a pineapple on her coffee table and thought, “Oh great! I’m home, and apparently, I’m also a tropical fruit enthusiast now!” Her openness about her diabetes misadventures made her relatable and, honestly, the life of the party.

Living with diabetes is like navigating an obstacle course filled with judges who all have differing opinions on how to manage it.

Admitting that your self-care journey is anything but straightforward is both brave and liberating. So here’s to Judith, the queen of turning life’s surprises into dance breaks! Cheers!

[mr-divabetic]

In my gut, I had a hunch when I signed up to host Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes at the Riverside Church in New York that it might be our swan song after three glorious years as Novo Nordisk’s top diabetes outreach program in the US: https://divabetic.org/2025/06/06/waving-goodbye-to-our-national-outeach-with-a-feather-boa-part-1/

[mr-divabetic]

magine Yourself Riding in A Limousine, Not An Ambulance 

My journey as a diabetes advocate has been a rollercoaster of challenges and surprises, but I have to say, getting my moment in the spotlight in *People* magazine definitely gave me a turbo boost! 

Looking back at what we accomplished to make diabetes education feel less like a doctor's visit and more like a party is nothing short of mind-blowing. My presentations at the Pittsburgh American Diabetes Expo? Absolutely spectacular!

Our superstar, Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes educator, Jessica Issler, RD, CDCES, was practically inundated with requests to join us at the American Diabetes Association's Annual Expo in Pittsburgh. Seriously, it felt like I was getting a hundred messages, all screaming, “You absolutely HAVE to come!” Terri Seidman, our incredible Pittsburgh Program Director and a true type 1 diabetes warrior, caught wind of Divabetic and became our number one fan. I half expected her to show up with pom-poms—thankfully, we had plenty from our events!

After what felt like a high-stakes negotiation session (move over, peace treaties!), I finally agreed to host a Divabetic area at the ADA Expo. But I had one must-have: a white limousine prominently displayed in our section. Yes, you heard me right—a limousine! I know what you’re thinking: “A limo for diabetes?” But here's the deal: when most people think of diabetes, they picture an ambulance, and I wanted to change the narrative! I envisioned a glamorous ride symbolizing the fabulous life you can live with a little self-care.

I called upon my favorite designer, the fabulous Susan McCaslin, who created a sign that read, “With Proper Self-Care, You’re Not Just Riding in an Ambulance, You’re Cruisin’ in a Limo!” Talk about an attention-grabber!

Then the big day arrived, and I was all set for my diva-betic moment. But Terri hit me with the ultimate plot twist: she couldn’t get the white limousine. My heart sank faster than a lead balloon! I thought I was doomed. But just when I thought my dreams were crashing down, Terri led me to our Divabetic area and—ta-da!—there it was! A vintage white convertible, sparkling like it was ready to star in its own Hollywood film! I was over the moon—who needs a limo when you’ve got a classic like this?

Now that’s what I call a diabetes makeover! Talk about elevating the game!