The romantic drama “Purple Hearts,” streaming on Netflix, stars Sofia Carson as Cassie, a struggling singer-songwriter living with type 1 diabetes. She has to ration her insulin while working numerous jobs.
Her lack of access to healthcare sparks a desire to marry someone in the military to get quality health insurance. If that plotline seems a stretch, you’re probably not a fan of 90 Day Fiancé.
Once Cassie meets and marries a Marine, she quickly attains insulin, an insulin pump, and a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). This whirlwind romance also includes lightning-fast medical care.
Although “Purple Hearts” is a break-out hit with over more than 150 million viewing hours, some people have scorned the depiction of the lack of access to affordable insulin. To their credit, the actors and writers consulted with Laura Pavlakovich, founder of You’re Just My Type, and Dr. Michael Metzger, a medical consultant, to create an accurate depiction.
“I think we were all truly blown away by how all-encompassing having type 1 diabetes is”, Sofia Carson said in an interview with Beyond Type 1.
Earlier this year, Congress passed a law that would cap the monthly cost of insulin at $35 for the millions of Americans who rely on the drug.
The Affordable Insulin Now Act, which would take effect in 2023, would limit cost-sharing under private health insurance for a month’s supply of certain insulin products at $35, or 25 percent of a plan’s negotiated price, whichever is less.
Barry Manilow’s classic hit, “I Made It Through The Rain” sparks real-life confessions about overcoming challenges related to diabetes self-care on this episode of Divabetic’s monthly podcast.
Hear how Alyson Williams, who is living with type 2 diabetes, made a triumphant return to the stage after her near-death experience from COVID and “The Rollercoaster Ride Of Diabetes” blogger, FatCatAnna, who is living with type 1 diabetes, opens up about her attempted suicide and managing diabetes in a mental hospital.
Additionally, we’re sharing an honest, no-filter look at the daily grind of living with diabetes and practical ways to help you pivot and stay positive. We encourage others with diabetes to live life to the fullest and apply Barry Manilow’s attitude to their daily lives.
“I believe that we are who we choose to be. Nobody is going to come and save you. You’ve got to save yourself. Nobody is going to give you anything. You’ve got to go and fight for it,” says the Grammy, Tony, and Emmy award-winning music icon with 50 Top 40 hits, 12 #1 singles, and more than 85 million albums.
Guests include The First Lady of Def Jam Alyson Williams, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, diabetes advocate, blogger, and mentor FatCatAnna. Music from The Essential Barry Manilow courtesy of SONY Music. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.