Category: D-Stories

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Dating With Diabetes

Living with diabetes can be a challenging experience, especially when it comes to your relationships. That’s why it’s important to talk to your loved ones about your diabetes diagnosis and how it affects your life. It can help you surround yourself with a more supportive and encouraging environment.

I often compare discussing your diabetes diagnosis to my experience of coming out as gay to friends, family, and potential partners. You can’t do either without accepting yourself and your diagnosis. But when and how you choose to tell friends, co-workers, or someone you are romantically involved with that you have diabetes depends on the person. There’s no golden rule.

I was never comfortable blurting it out at the beginning of a friendship or relationship, but I can understand why others choose to. Conversely, I understand that the longer you wait to tell someone, the harder it is to admit it. After walking the earth as a gay man for over three decades, I can tell you that keeping secrets is not an ideal way to create long-lasting, trusting relationships. At some point in your life, you realize it will never get easier, and it’s better to say it and let the chips fall however and wherever they will.

In our first-ever Diabetes & Relationships survey in partnership with Diabetes Sisters, 50% of the respondents said they tell their friends immediately about their diagnosis.

Co-authors of Divabetic’s ebook, “Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide To Love & Intimacy With Diabetes,” Dr. Janis Roszler PhD, LMFT, CDCES, LD/N, FAND, and Donna Rice MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES offer advice on discussing your diabetes diagnosis as well as issues related to intimacy, fertility, and menopause with the people you care about the most. 

Sadly, it seems that most women prefer telling their friends rather than their lovers about their diagnosis. I assume fear of rejection is the main cause of the hesitation to disclose a diagnosis to a romantic partner. But the embarrassment of living with sexual dysfunction issues related to diabetes for women, including low libido and personal dryness, could also make someone tight-lipped about disclosing a diagnosis.

Romantic relationships play an important role in our everyday lives. But when diabetes enters the picture, it can complicate even the most loving and open relationships. Many people don’t know that diabetes can impact physical and emotional intimacy. Intimacy-related issues can be especially difficult to discuss with a partner or a healthcare provider. But don’t let diabetes hinder the romance. The Sweet Romance series gives you practical information and expert advice to tackle this sensitive subject. These comprehensive, interactive guides cover everything you need to know to enjoy a fulfilling sexual and emotional life despite the challenges of diabetes.

Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love and Intimacy with Diabetes, book one in the series, is your key to a happy, healthy, intimate life with diabetes.

Inside, you’ll find:

  • The common physical and emotional sexual complications of diabetes and treatment options for men and women
  • An overview of diabetes nutrition, physical activity, weight loss, and diabetes medications
  • Information on how aging impacts diabetes management and intimacy
  • Guidance on how to talk to your healthcare collaborators about intimacy-related issues
  • Ideas and techniques for building sexual intimacy and communicating effectively with your partner
  • Tips to help you avoid dangerous or money-wasting fraudulent sexual treatments

Authors Janis Roszler and Donna Rice use humor, helpful examples, and insightful questions to present key topics about sexual health in an engaging, approachable way. This series is perfect for anyone (regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, or health status) looking to rekindle intimacy with their partner or be proactive about their sexual and emotional well-being.

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Ozempic Baby Boom!

Pregnancy may be one of the most surprising side effects for women taking weight loss medications. 
Dubbed “Ozempic babies,” women are reporting on social media that they are becoming pregnant after using GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic (semaglutide) for weight loss.


“[I]ncreased fertility and surprise pregnancy has been well-reported in previously infertile patients, even with modest weight loss (approximately 5%) with lifestyle modification as well as other weight loss medications,” said Dr. Neha Lalani in a Healthline-related article.

One woman said that she started taking Mounjaro for weight loss. Over the first few months, she lost about 40 pounds. Her menstrual cycles, which had been irregular because of PCOS, became normal. And she even felt happier.

“It just made me feel like a whole new person,” she said. “I was in a better mood every single day. This same woman had hoped that losing weight might help her get pregnant. She’d heard about others having success with weight loss while taking the shot. Shortly after, she became pregnant—sooner than she expected!

Another woman admitted she was pregnant on Ozempic and was on the pill!

What’s going on with the Ozempic baby boom? 

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. PCOS causes the ovaries to produce an abnormal amount of androgens, which are male sex hormones. This can lead to hormonal imbalances, cysts in the ovaries, irregular periods, and infertility. 

PCOS can make it difficult for women to lose weight, which could be why many are turning to weight loss medications for help. Are GLP-1 drugs able to boost fertility? 


GLP-1 medications aid in weight loss and blood sugar management, which may improve the underlying factors that contribute to infertility. However, experts agree more research is needed to understand how GLP-1 medications can impact IVF outcomes.

In the meantime, numerous women are reporting that they’re having “Ozempic babies” on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns, as these medicines haven’t been studied in people who are pregnant.

“We don’t know the effect of early exposure … on the fetus,” said Dr. Jody Dushay, a physician focused on endocrinology and metabolism at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School.

Dushay said she recommends that women stop taking these drugs two months before trying to get pregnant, as directed in their prescribing information.

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Oprah Winfrey Admits To Perpetuating Toxic Diet Culture 

Is the tide changing toward diet culture? Perhaps, when one of America’s most prominent icons admits to fanning the flames of body shaming and the lack of willpower in millions of Americans trying to lose weight. By ‘Diet Culture,’ we refer to a societal obsession with dieting and weight loss, often characterized by the promotion of restrictive eating habits, unrealistic body standards, and the stigmatization of those who do not conform. 

Recently, Oprah Winfrey acknowledged her role in abetting America’s toxic ‘Diet Culture during a three-hour WW special. For decades, she promoted guilt and shame as well as the redemption of weight loss on her various media platforms, including a cable TV network, magazine, and talk show. 

“I’ve been a major contributor to it. I cannot tell you how many weight-loss shows and makeovers I have done, and they have been a staple since I’ve been working in television,” she admitted.

Sadly, Oprah isn’t the only one. Famous women’s magazines, Morning and Daytime Talk Shows, cartoons, and stand-up routines are rife with weight loss stories, jokes, and new diet programs promising quick results.  

How harmful is our obsession with losing weight by any means possible?

Numerous studies indicate that yo-yo dieting is bad for your heart. Yo-yo dieting, also known as weight cycling, can stress your heart and increase your risk of heart disease. In the short term, regaining weight can cause problems like angina, heart attack, and stroke. The more significant the swings in weight, the bigger the risk.

My boss, Luther Vandross, gained and lost over a hundred pounds at least eight times while working for him. His developing stroke and untimely death at age 54 are primarily associated with a result of weight cycling.  

He, like Oprah, lost a hundred pounds on the infamous liquid diet. But millions of other Americans suffer from this vicious cycle of hating themselves and their bodies for their inability to maintain and sustain weight loss. 

Oddly, Oprah’s confession was part of WW’s slick rebrand as a weight-health company that offers drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. I’m still trying to understand why she confessed in this forum. But I cannot deny she seems to have seen the light since Oprah Winfrey backpedaled from her statements about weight loss medications being an “easy way out” to admitting they’re redemption.

Oprah Winfrey backpedaled from her statements about weight loss medications being an “easy way out” to admitting they’re redemption. 

She added, “I’m absolutely done with the shaming from other people, particularly myself.”

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Beauty & The Beach By Lorraine Brooks

My body in bathing suits

Feels clumsy and gross.

I look at the swimmers

And look at the pool,

And suddenly feel Like a fat ugly fool.

I try to ignore them,

These feelings I feel…

But the bottom line truth is,

The feelings are real.

Will I wear a bathing suit?

Probably not.

I’ll probably stay in my clothes,

And feel hot. 

 
I’ve tried, please believe me,
To listen to those
Who tell me
It’s OK To take off my clothes.
 
Then I look at others
And what comes to mind?
I sense they are judging me
And being unkind.
 
I wish I was comfortable,
I wish I fit in…
I wish I was normal.
I wish I was thin.
 
I wish people saw me
For more than my weight…
I wish that I had
 
A much different fate.
So, hats off to Esther
Who swam like a fish…
Who by all accounts
Was a beautiful “dish”.
 
But I am not Esther.
I’m all I can be…
And sometimes I struggle
Just being me.
 
One more small thing,
I must say it out loud –
If I had a body
Of which I was proud
 
If tank tops and 2-pieces
Were within my reach
I’d be more than happy
To join you at the beach.

Poet Lorraine Brooks will join us for Divabetic’s upcoming Mermaid Parade-themed podcast with Coney Island USA Artistic Director Adam Rinn. She’ll share her newest poem, “Summer Skin,” which tackles many of the same themes in her popular poem,  “Beauty & The Beach.” 

Lorraine admitted in our recent pre-interview that she initially hesitated to share’ Beauty & The Beach’ with our listeners because she felt it didn’t match Divabetic’s predominant upbeat ‘Glam More, Fear Less’ attitude. 

Ultimately, she read it on Divabetic’s Roundtable podcast, inspired by Esther Williams in 2013. We are so glad she did. The positive response from listeners and blog readers was overwhelming. Her words struck a chord with our Divabetic community in a powerful and meaningful way. Many commented on how much they identified with Lorraine’s feelings in her poem. 

With the Summer months approaching, we decided to share it once again. Whoever you are, wherever you are, however you feel about your body, know that you are not alone.    

Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer. With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, he heads for Coney Island to cater his first party aboard a yacht for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found swimming with the fishes.
Was it an accident or foul play?

Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, a lifeguard lothario, a gypsy fortune teller, and some sequined mermaids, all intent on keeping their secrets buried deep within the sand. Can Mr. Divabetic overcome his green pea phobia in time to prove Coach’s death was a murder, not an accident? Or will he end up floating out to sea? Will he sink or swim? Tune in to find out if he can solve the murder of his former swim coach with the help of his nosey Italian mother and friends. Along the way to revealing the murderer’s identity, he uncovers expert tips for diabetes self-care during the Summer months.

FEATURING Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, USA Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst-Nicolay MEd, NDRT, Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, We Are Diabetes Founder Asha Brown, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Mama Rose Marie, and Seveda Williams. Produced by Leisa Chester-Weir.

Divabetic® (divabetic.org) is a national nonprofit diabetes outreach organization committed to changing attitudes in people at risk, affected by and living with diabetes. We strive to encourage prevention, early action, and above all, education. Check out our free monthly podcasts (available on i-Tunes and BlogTalkRadio) and our free Zoom outreach programs.
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Luther Vandross Listening Party & More

We presented two back-to-back Luther Vandross events, live and virtual, this past April.

On Wednesday, April 17, 2024, we presented the first-ever Luther Vandross: Never Too Much Music & Style Celebration at Thread Lounge in New York, NY.

Our goal was to spotlight the glamour and elegance of Luther Vandross’ performances, including every sparkling rhinestone, crystal bugle bead, luminous pearl, and shiny metallic thread on his breathtaking encrusted tuxedos. Designer Tony Chase’s wonderous mix of sweeping Art Noveau and geometric Art Deco designs helped Luther transport his audience to a magical place. 

Since every show had to look like the first show, these costumes were worn, and their upkeep was a nightmare for Luther’s experienced wardrobe department. Beads would break, threads would snag and pull, and collars would get stained. It was aggravating! 

But, looking back, we can appreciate Luther’s keen eye for detail and his unique way of putting on a spectacular show. Combine these costumes with graceful choreography, sophisticated orchestration, and glorious backing vocals, and you get every heart in the audience melt. 

It’s incredible to think about the level of detail that went into each show, from the costumes and lighting to the choreography and chrome sets, not to mention the phenomenal talents of his band members and backing vocalists. I’m sure Luther’s performances left a lasting impression on everyone in the audience.

This fabulous free event will feature a Panel Discussion with Luther’s backing vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, Luther’s choreographer, James Ervin, a live performance by Keith Anthony Fluitt and Christopher Faison, a Fashion Show curated by Catherine Schuller with Harlem’s Heaven Hats and Modafluer, DJ DAN.C.E, a vendor bazaar with True Serenity Teas, and an inspiring health and weight loss journey with Graffiti Glamour founder, Alicia Mitchell.

The FANDROSS Luther Vandross Listening Party on Saturday, April 20th, spotlighted songs from the recently re-released first album, LUTHER.

Hosted by Luther’s former personal assistant, Max Szadek, we were joined by family, friends, and colleagues: Seveda Williams, Fonzi Thornton, Nat Adderley, Jr., and Carlos Alomar, plus trivia with Robin Clark, Kevin Owens, Michelle Cobbs, Lisa Fischer, and commentary from Luther historian, Leon Petrossian. Additionally, we had rare interviews with Luther Vandross, discussing the early years of his musical legacy.

All photos by Carol Seitz Photography.

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New York Historical Society Lecture on John Adams

I attended this fantastic New York Historical Society lecture on America’s second President. Most people falsely assume the lecture focused on Thomas Jefferson, who was America’s third President. Our second President was John Adams. He was also our first Vice President, serving under George Washington. 

The lecture, titled ‘Making the Presidency: John Adams and the Precedents That Forged the Republic,’ was led by esteemed Author and Historian Lindsay M. Chervinsky in conversation with moderator David M. Rubenstein (who is very funny). They skillfully illuminated the unique challenges that John Adams faced during his presidency and how his actions laid the groundwork for his successors.

Lindsay made the point that John Adams left a significant mark on history by establishing a peaceful transition of power. In the midst of the current political climate, John Adams stands out as a beacon of decency. He lost re-election to his foe, Thomas Jefferson, in a campaign fraught with tension. However, John Adams never wavered in upholding the customs of the presidency. Despite being sandwiched between two of America’s biggest heroes and not having a monument erected in his honor, he still achieved greatness.  Imagine if he had refused to leave office after his adversary, Thomas Jefferson, won. Would we still have a democracy today?  He did not attend Jefferson’s inauguration, choosing instead to travel by public carriage back to his home in Massachusetts.  Lindsay noted that John Adams was not invited to attend Jefferson’s inauguration, and there is evidence to support that his presence could have created chaos. 

Among the intriguing facts I learned about John Adams: he was the first President to reside in the White House, having previously served in Philadelphia, PA. His son, John Quincy Adams, would later become President.

It was also fascinating to discover that the President and Vice President cannot be from the same state, a rule that still stands today. 

When you think you know everything about America’s history, you find out there’s so much more to learn. 

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Divabetic Podcast Interview with Adam Rinn

I’m excited to interview Coney Island USA’s Artistic Director, Adam Rinn, today about the 42nd Annual Mermaid Parade on Saturday, June 22, 2024, on our Divabetic podcast. 

The Mermaid Parade, the nation’s largest art parade, brings together creative minds in art and fashion and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to Brooklyn’s amusement district.

The Mermaid Parade originated to help preserve the tradition of Mardi-Gras-type events that were popular in Coney Island between 1903 and 1954.


Painter, performer, and sideshow historian Joe Coleman will be King Neptune and Queen Mermaid this year with his wife and muse, artist/photographer Whitney Ward. They will officially open the beaches for the beginning of summer and celebrate the sun, sand, sea, and salt air. 

In addition to talking to Adam about the history and spectacle of the Annual Mermaid Parade, we will share Summer diabetes care tips and advice with prominent healthcare collaborators on the podcast.


Adam is a Coney Island native who has worked as a sword swallower, strongman, and variety performer for the past 20 years, so this should be a fun interview!

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Girl Groups & Diabetes

The world of girl groups was an arena of glittering illusions, where the sweet harmonies and coordinated outfits masked the performers’ backstage drama and personal struggles.

The Girl Group phenomenon emerged during a time when male artists dominated music, and this all-female genre of music was a breath of fresh air. The girl groups were created to appeal to the teenage girl demographic, with their high-pitched vocals and lyrics spoke of love and romance.

But behind the scenes, things were not so rosy. The girl groups were mostly created by men who manufactured their names, images, and songs. The performers had little say in these decisions and were often subjected to misogynistic treatment. The notorious Phil Spector was known for his complete control over Ronnie Spector’s life. The girl groups’ success was short-lived, and after achieving colossal success as teenagers, they were quickly dropped by their labels a few years later.

The emergence of Girl Groups right before the Women’s Rights movement raises the question of whether they helped or hindered the challenge against traditional female roles. While their success could be seen as a signal of female empowerment, their songs, primarily focused on finding a man, may have reflected the traditional domestic roles of women as wives and mothers.

As their music lost popularity on radio formats, British acts like the Rolling Stones incorporated elements of the girl group sound into their music, which some argue may have contributed to the genre’s decline. Additionally, the fact that black women backing vocalists have become a mainstay in major Rock and Roll tours raises questions of whether the girl group was a victim of racism and male chauvinism.

The downfall of most girl groups was swift and drastic, with many original members dying young, suffering from substance abuse, or getting pregnant and being replaced. As the decades progressed, cousins, children, or someone in their outer circle would join the group so they could continue to perform. The girl groups’ legacy was tarnished by tales of unrecouped royalties, lawsuits over names and likenesses, and other horror stories.

Today, many of these groups appear in casinos and on Olides circuits. Their wig, girdle, and rhinestone showcases seem cliche. it’s unrealistic to expect someone to look the same way they did 50 years ago. It’s unfair to pressure women to maintain a certain appearance and criticize them if they don’t meet those standards. We should prioritize valuing people for who they are rather than how they look.

We can draw parallels between the challenges faced by girl groups and the struggles of managing one’s health. Getting diagnosed with a life-altering condition like diabetes can be a shock to the system, leaving one feeling defensive, hurt, frustrated, and overwhelmed. The lack of emotional support and proper education often leaves patients feeling blamed by their healthcare providers, leading to complications like stroke, blindness, and amputation rates that continue to rise. Many people give up before even trying to manage their health properly, just like the girl groups were dropped by their record labels after achieving success.

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42nd Annual Mermaid Parade Is On Saturday, June 22, 2024

Coney Island hosts the world’s greatest art parade, the Mermaid Parade, on Saturday, June 22, 2024!

The Mermaid Parade is a unique, artistic celebration of ancient mythology and is considered the official start of the Coney Island summer season. The nation’s largest art parade attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to Brooklyn’s amusement district.

World-renowned painter, performer, and sideshow historian Joe Coleman will reign as King and Queen with his wife and muse, artist/photographer Whitney Ward. For over 30 years, the couple has been frequent prize winners for costumes.

According to tradition, King Neptune and Queen Mermaid will be wheeled through the parade in an antique wicker Boardwalk Rolling Chair from 1923. 

Immediately after the parade, at approximately 4 p.m., Mr. Rinn will lead the Queen and King procession to the beach at 19th Street and the Boardwalk, for the official Beach Ceremony and opening the ocean for the summer swimming season. 

Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer. With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, he heads for Coney Island to cater his first party aboard a yacht for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found swimming with the fishes. Was it an accident or foul play?

Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, a lifeguard lothario, a gypsy fortune teller, and some sequined mermaids, all intent on keeping their secrets buried deep within the sand.

Can Mr. Divabetic overcome his green pea phobia in time to prove Coach’s death was a murder, not an accident? Or will he end up floating out to sea? Will he sink or swim? Tune in to find out if he can solve the murder of his former swim coach with the help of his nosey Italian mother and friends. Along the way to revealing the murderer’s identity, he uncovers expert tips for diabetes self-care during the Summer months.

FEATURING Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, USA Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst-Nicolay MEd, NDRT, Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, We Are Diabetes Founder Asha Brown, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Mama Rose Marie, and Seveda Williams. Produced by Leisa Chester-Weir.

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I Designed Piggy Bank Purses for Modafleur’s Dress Collection

I had a fabulous time as a handbag designer at last week’s Luther Vandross: Never Too Much Music & Style Celebration in New York, where I showcased my niece Jacklene Creekmore’s Modafluer collection.

Jacklene’s collection of bold and beautiful clothing is not just a fashion statement but a reflection of the wearer’s unique personality, allowing them to express their individuality and stand out from the crowd.

To add a touch of Southern charm to the New York audience, Allicia Mitchell came up with big Nashville hair wig designs inspired by Priscilla Presley, Sissy Spacek in ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter, and Lynn Anderson (“Rose Garden”). I sent Alicia my ‘mood board’ with a collection of Nashville superstars sporting the biggest hair I could find!! Thankfully, Alicia and the models were up for the challenge. How many cans of Aqua Net did it take to create these mountains of curls in the 70’s???!!!

One of the night’s showstoppers was my kitschy Piggy Bank purses, which I designed as accessories. I worked in the costume rentals department of the American Conservatory Theatre (ACT) in San Francisco, and I have designed costumes for a few theater shows in the past. So, I thought of bringing some humor to the fashion show and designed these fun purses.

I found plastic piggy banks for just $2.99 at the Dollar Store, and I thought they’d be perfect to add a touch of whimsy to Jacklene’s beautiful dresses. I went to Rainbow, a women’s clothing store near Port Authority, to find women’s belts, and my hunch was right! Their sequin tube tops and pastel sherbet-colored leggings were perfect for a New Jersey girl out for a disco night in New York. I found silver hoop belts for $5.99 each and attached them to the piggy banks with adhesive silver metal hooks ($1.99 each). To make the purses practical, I added small change purses ($4.99) from Target in Saginaw, MI.

I started doubting my Piggy Bank purses when I entered the dressing room and saw all the other designer clothing. I thought, “Are they any good? Will they look stupid on the runway?” But once I pulled them out, the models swarmed around and giggled over them. To my surprise, three models approached me at the show’s end, inquiring about them. I gladly gave them away with a smile!

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