Category: D-Stories

Diabetes Advocate and ‘We Are Diabetes’ organization founder and executive director, Asha Brown plays the character, ‘Primrose Crump’ in this year’s diabetes mystery podcast, “Suspect Boulevard” scheduled for Tuesday, September 13, 2016, 6-7 PM, EST.

It was such an honor to work with Asha on last year’s diabetes mystery podcast, “Phantom of the Okra”that I begged her to return again this year! Her passion for diabetes advocacy inspires me to GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS!

Asha was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 5 years old. Throughout her childhood, diabetes was simply a way of life because her father had type 1 most of his life as well. She didn’t mind being a little different than her friends and never had a problem explaining type 1 diabetes to anyone who had questions. In fact, diabetes never created an obstacle in Asha’s life until she was old enough to understand that her weight and body size were not completely under her own control. As a dancer, actress and a fitness instructor by the time she was 17, Asha lived for movement and her body’s ability to feel good in its own skin. After reading many articles and books that gave a daunting account of weight gain associated with insulin resistance and diabetes, Asha felt the first stirring of resentment towards a disease she felt was dooming her to an inability to have the physical strength and shape that she knew she deserved and could achieve. And so she started to omit insulin occasionally when it was “necessary” to get things done.

The obsession with maintaining a healthy size and weight while coping with multiple autoimmune disorders (hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome, as well as type 1 diabetes) became a full-time job for Asha during high school and college. The lack of support for type 1 diabetics was also disheartening as most of the information discussed in the media dealt with type 2 diabetes. Asha began to omit insulin for the purpose of weight control. She also started to rely on the numbing effect of ommission to drown out the daily anxieties that people with chronic illness often battle against. She felt it was a cruel joke to have such a passion for dance and performing and to have to constantly “take it easy” due to her low blood sugars, or worry that she would have one when she was on stage. Skipping her insulin shots, or taking less than required to cover a meal, became second nature to her, and for years she struggled with the cycles of omitting insulin, binging, restricting and swearing never to do it again.

Asha wrestled, off and on, with symptoms of diabulimia beginning in her sophomore year of high school, but it began to truly take over her life in her freshman year of college. By then, it dramatically affected every single choice she made in her life, her relationships and her daily routines. The effort to keep her eating disorder a secret became all-encompassing. It wasn’t until she met the love of her life and was married that she began to consider the idea of seeking treatment for her eating disorder. For years, Asha continued to tell herself that she would stop her dangerous secretive behaviors once she was at her perfect weight. The problem with that, of course, is that there’s no such thing as a perfect weight or a perfect body — and, therefore, no end in sight. Asha soon realized she had no idea how to live without her eating disorder. And she knew she could never be the wife and life partner to her wonderful husband or truly follow her dreams of performing until she let go of her destructive behaviors.

Asha took her first step towards living fully in her life again when she had an initial assessment made at the Park Nicollet Melrose Center in 2009. She was strongly encouraged to check into the inpatient treatment program that very day due to the severity and danger of her out-of-control diabetes. And with that, she surrendered. She went through a year of treatment, starting with two weeks of inpatient care and then moving to weekly outpatient appointments, and finally monthly. Along with the wonderful support she received from the staff at the Melrose Center, she realized how supportive her family and friends could be once she finally shared her difficulties with them. Her life began to churn once again with passion, discovery and joy.

Asha’s life today is new and very different after finally coming to terms with her disorder. She is no longer imprisoned by the numbers on the scale or the fear of food. After receiving treatment, she returned to teaching yoga, a passion she had enjoyed years ago before her diabulimia took top priority. She performs often in theaters in the Minneapolis area, and delights in exploring and cooking new recipes and foods. She lives very happily with her beloved husband who has been her grounding source of support and continues to give her the courage to fight the odds associated with her type 1 diabetes, her recovery, and reminds her of so many reasons to never give up.

Asha works with families, patients, and health professionals across the USA. She uses her personal experiences with ED-DMT1 to offer hope and support to those still struggling. She also establishes relationships with eating disorder facilities and diabetes organizations across the county to help connect people to appropriate care. Asha has presented at NEDA, AADE, and JDRF, among others. She writes for Diabetes Health, Diabetes Daily, Glu, Insulin Nation, dlife, DiabetesMine, and other websites. She was a member of the ADA Woman and Diabetes Subcommittee and is a member of Diabetes Advocates and BEDA.

We Are Diabetes is an organization primarily devoted to promoting support and awareness for type 1 diabetics who suffer from eating disorders. We are dedicated to providing guidance, hope and resources to those who may be struggling, as well as to their families and loved ones.

We Are Diabetes also advocates for living well and living strong with type 1 diabetes. The daily challenges of living with this disease, as well as the emotional and financial toll it takes, can oftentimes result in a sense of defeat or isolation. We help those who feel alone in their chronic illness find hope and courage to live healthy, happy lives!

DON’T MISS: Suspect Boulevard on Tuesday, September 13, 2016, 6-7 PM, EST. Our third annual Diabetes Mystery Theater Podcast, ‘Suspect Boulevard’ revolves around dogs, dementia, diamonds and diabetes. This special mystery theater production is loosely based on Billy Wilder’s film, Sunset Boulevard. Guests include: Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, ‘We Are Diabetes’ organization founder, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDE, CDN, ‘Good Like This’ Author Peter Arpesella and Mama Rose Marie.

Throughout the podcast we will spotlight the wonderful music by the National Philaharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Charles Gerhardt courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic hopes to inspire you to become a Diabetes Detective will this third installment of Diabetes Mystery Theater podcast.

Save

Save

February’s Diabetes Late Nite features special guest, Asha Brown who hosts Type 1 TV (T1TV), an independent voice on living with type 1 diabetes.

T1TV programs aims to inform, educate and inspire with on demand programming.

T1TV host, Asha Brown is the founder of the We Are Diabetes organization. She was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 5 years old. Throughout her childhood, diabetes was simply a way of life because her father had type 1 diabetes most of his life as well. She didn’t mind being a little different than her friends and never had a problem explaining type 1 diabetes to anyone who had questions. In fact, diabetes never created an obstacle in Asha’s life until she was old enough to understand that her weight and body size were not completely under her own control.

As a dancer, actress and a fitness instructor by the time she was 17, Asha lived for movement and her body’s ability to feel good in its own skin. After reading many articles and books that gave a daunting account of weight gain associated with insulin resistance and diabetes, Asha felt the first stirring of resentment towards a disease she felt was dooming her to an inability to have the physical strength and shape that she knew she deserved and could achieve. And so she started to omit insulin occasionally when it was “necessary” to get things done.

T1TV presents original programming – available several times per month. Some programs will be presented in a mini-series manner since programs are meant to be short and easy to take in any time of the day – any – any time your busy schedule permits.

Don’t miss the dazzling diabetes advocate, Asha Brown on February’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2015, 6-7 PM, EST.

LISTEN NOW: January’s Diabetes Late Nite hosted by Mr. Divabetic

http://vimeo.com/channels/853320/115350694

Save

May’s Diabetes Roundtable podcast special guest, Liz Wolff, the owner of Cure Thrift Shop in New York, NY. This busy wife and mother is We hope Liz’s story helps to empower you to manage your diabetes with confidence, knowledge and inspiration (like a diva!) this month.

Diagnosis To Diva Story: I was diagnosed 18 years ago when I was 11 years old. I was a pretty mature 11 year old and was completely comfortable with my diagnosis. With the help of my parents, I immediately jumped into learning how to manage the disease and live a normal and healthy life. But, after a few years, adolescence took control and I was no longer the “model diabetic.” From around the time that I was 14 years old until I was 21, I was completely non-compliant. I rarely tested my blood sugar and took insulin according to how I felt. At one point my a1c was as high as 13! Finally, after getting married at 21, I realized that I could no longer be selfish about my life and my health. I took baby steps – testing a couple of times a day, then 3-4 times a day, until I got used to the new lifestyle. By the time that I was 22 years old, I completely turned my diabetes life around.

Biggest Self-Care Issue or Concern: My biggest self-care concern was always about having a baby. I feared that all of the years of being non-compliant would prevent me from having a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivering a healthy baby. Fortunately, after a tone of testing and tight control, I was given the OK by my doctor to try and conceive. 14 months ago, on my 17 year anniversary of being diagnosed, I delivered a wonderful and healthy baby boy.

Special members of healthcare entourage: My endocrinologist, Dr. Jason Baker is my diabetes hero. He has opened my eyes to a new way of managing myself and my diabetes. He completely guided me and held my hand throughout my pregnancy.

Diabetes Associations/Organizations/Publications You’re Affiliated With: In 2008, I opened Cure Thrift Shop. We are a philanthropic thrift shop benefiting the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation. Outside of Cure Thrift Shop, I participate in various fundraising events to raise money for the DRIF.

Favorite Diabetes Resource: Omnipod – it has changed my life Favorite Celebrity Diva (and why): Bethenny Frankel – she is completely self-made,confident, hilarious, and successful.

Favorite Movie and/or TV Show: All Bravo Reality shows – it’s my guilty pleasure, Girls, Game of Thrones, Mad Men

Favorite Song: “Our House” – Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young

Motivating Mindset: My experience with diabetes has not been exactly smooth. There are absolutely days when I just let myself go and don’t take care of myself the way that I should be. My inspirations are my husband and my son – I NEED to be alive and well for them. I want to live a long and healthy life.

Your Motto: Hold onto yourself.

TONIGHT: May’s Diabetes Roundtable Inspired by Kate Middleton featuring Mr. Divabetic,Catherine Schuller, Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE, Kathy Gold RN, CDE, Mama Rose Marie, the Digital divas(Taryn and Jessica), Molly Lepeska from 100Campaign and Liz Wolff, the owner of CURE Thrift Shop in New York, NY http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/05/14/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-kate-middleton

Save

Save

Save

Tim Brand from ‘My Bleeding Finger’ Blog is our special guest on Divabetic’s upcoming Diabetes Roundtable podcast scheduled for Tuesday, September 10, 2013, 6 – 7 PM, EST. Here’s Tim’s ‘Diagnosis to Dude’ story:

Name: Tim Brand

Status: Father of 2 girls with Type 1 Diabetes

Diagnosis: (Month/Day/Year) April 1 2009, and April 10 2011 at ages 3 and 3 ½

Diagnosis To Dude: Two fold, in the endocrinology clinic at children’s hospital telling the certified diabetes educator (CDE) that they would need to send a nurse to our house to help us, I couldn’t do that kind of care. She said you can do it, later that night I gave our daughter her first shot of long acting insulin. Two years later I checked youngest daughter and she had a BG of 501. Then I began to write and advocate for Type 1 Diabetes and my 2 girls that live with it. Before I wrote, I could do all the diabetes care, I became a vocal advocate after 2^nd diagnoses. I could no longer site on the bench.

Biggest Self-Care Issue or Concern: Societal ignorance that puts my daughters at risk and or the FDA.

Special members of healthcare entourage: My wife, she is a d-mom extraordinaire, the entire DOC and of course our Endocrinology team. We have a great team, our girls hugs our Endocrinology and CDE when they see them. They encourage us and tell us we are doing a great job. They are always upbeat and positive. I’ve never heard a negative word from them. The DOC because they are always there to vent to, ask advice and encourage me on hard days.

Diabetes Associations & Organizations Affiliated With:

http://diabetesadvocates.org/ We are a collective of individuals and organizations that offer expertise, resources, and support to those touched by diabetes. We believe that connecting with others living with and caring for diabetes, and providing emotional and anecdotal support, goes hand-in-hand with the support of a healthcare provider.

http://bleedingfinger.com/ My personal blog on Type 1 Diabetes. I tell the story of my 2 girls with Type 1 Diabetes and advocate on issues related to Diabetes.

http://www.tudiabetes.org/ Tudiabetes, a community of people touched by diabetes. I am a member and supporter.

Favorite Diabetes Resource: Dlife.com

Twitter Account: @bleedingfinger

Favorite Diabetes Self-care Product: G4 by Dexcom. Its help my wife and I get more sleep. Very accurate.

Motivating Mindset:

I have 2 daughters diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes exactly 2 years apart. They were both 3 years old when diagnosed. I motivated to help them stay healthy and keep life as normal as I can. I never want them to feel like they are a burden to me and my wife. It our job to take care of them diabetes and all; it’s our job to love them diabetes and all. It is scary to have a child diagnosed with Type 1, but you can do it. Just take the info your endocrinology team lays out and follow that. You will learn to adjust and a few months everything slows down and you will find a new normal for your family.

Your Motto: Tomorrow can’t wait, enjoy what you have today and make as many people smile around you as you can. ‘Carpe Diem’ is also a good motto.

Save

Save

Tonight, The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic presents a diva style approach to diabetes empowerment on this podcast for fashion lovers on his Buy, Borrow or Burn! Fashion Review podcast at 6 – 6:45 PM, EST on #blogtalkradio

Biggest issue: I don’t check my blood sugar as I should. I am so easily distracted and constantly forget to check. I now have alarms set to remind me. My daughter also reminds me to check.

Healthcare Entourage: My daughter, Jolie is my motivation. She counts carbs with me and reminds me to take my meds on time. I just switched hospitals. I’m starting with Jacobi Medical Center now. I’ve only been there twice, but the staff in the Endocrine Clinic is really nice and supportive.

Favorite Diabetes Equipment: I miss my Medtronic Insulin Pump (it broke a few months after the warranty was up and my insurance won’t pay for a new one). I use the Humalog Pen…it’s simple, quick, discreet & painless.

Sense of style: I am simple and sensible. I dress for comfort because I work with kids.

I look best in: Flirty sun dresses and wedge sandals.
Famous Fashion Icon I Identify with: I say Marilyn Monroe; classy & sexy

Buy, Borrow or Buy‘s guests include: Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Kendra Charisse Porter body expert, style architect and founder of Honor You ( image consulting agency), Dalia Strum, consumer and business strategic digital media expert and fashion-related social shopping consultant and special guest, Alexis living with type 1 diabetes from New York City.

TUNE IN: Buy Borrow or Burn Fashion Review on 7/30/2013 6:00 PMEDT #BlogTalkRadio http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/07/30/buy-borrow-or-burn-fashion-review

http://youtu.be/eFg7fcdqO4g

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Roundtable podcast Inspired by Esther Williams #BlogTalkRadio http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/07/09/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-esther-williams

Save

May’s Diabetes Roundtable podcast special guest, Molly from Amsterdam is a mother of three and has been living with diabetes since 1999. But juggling the roles of wife and mother haven’t stopped her from getting involved with 100Campaign to make insulin available to everyone. We hope Molly’s story helps to empower you to manage your diabetes with confidence, knowledge and inspiration (like a diva!) this month.

Diagnosis To Diva: I’m a Midwestern girl, built of sturdy farm stock people who are quiet hard workers and don’t complain. I was raised learning to look at every obstacle in life and just “get over it, and on with it.” When I was first diagnosed, after spending the weekend in the hospital because of blood sugars over 900 and being shoved back into the world a few days later with really not much more than the knowledge of how to inject an orange with insulin, I figured I’d better just get on with it. I was a senior in college (in the middle of mid terms!) – 2 months away from graduation, about to start my career. I basically just figured it out all on my own – and didn’t really talk about it to anyone. I lived the next ten years with my diabetes this way – doing well but not really speaking much about my diabetes.

The irony of course of this is that I worked in global health and was a huge proponent of encouraging those most affected by a condition – be it HIV, diabetes, etc to be at the forefront of the advocacy. In 2010 I began working for a diabetes youth empowerment organization called AYUDA. Here I was surrounded by other amazing vivacious young people who were living “out loud” with diabetes- unashamed to test blood in front of crowds – wearing their insulin pumps outside their clothes- and I was still in hiding. Finally I realized I had to get out there and practice what I preached. I tested my blood sugar at a meeting in front of strangers. I spoke at a global meeting and finally talked about my experiences as a person living with diabetes. It was invigorating and liberating to finally become a full fledge member of this diabetes community. It was a huge step for me and ultimately helped me improve my diabetes health as well!

Biggest Self-Care Issue or Concern: I think now that I’m a mom of three kids and a husband who travels quite a bit for work, my main concern for myself is just watching my lows when I’m alone with kids.

Special members of healthcare entourage: My kids! Inspire me every day to stay healthy and live a long long long life!

Diabetes Associations/Organizations/Publications You’re Affiliated With: Founded in 2012, the 100 Campaign is a global movement committed to tearing down the barriers to access to insulin for all that need it. Disheartened by the lack of global action towards access to insulin, a small team of advocates with experience in diabetes communities in resource poor settings came together to launch the 100 Campaign.

Favorite Diabetes Resource: my Medtronic pump!

Favorite Celebrity Diva: Tina Turner. She’s overcome so much on her own to become not only an inspiration and an icon but a unflappable cool customer with the most amazing legs. Ever.

Favorite Movie and/or TV Show: The Graduate/Project Runway

Favorite Song: Always (Atlantic Starr)

Which Diva inspires you the most? Your 3 choices are: Carol King, Carol Burnett and Florence Henderson ‘Carol Brady’. Carol Burnett. Proof that women have a sense of humor!

Motivating Mindset: Diabetes is a journey – not a destination. Your in it for the long run so dont stress every single bump in the road. For me the most important thing I learned was that everyone is totally different on how you handle your condition – there is no “right” way to do it. When thinking about your cafe you are your best advocate!

Your Motto: Pedal to the metal!

COMING SOON: May’s Diabetes Roundtable Inspired by Kate Middleton featuring Mr. Divabetic,Catherine Schuller, Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE, Kathy Gold RN, CDE, Mama Rose Marie, the Digital divas(Taryn and Jessica), Molly Lepeska from 100Campaign and Liz Wolff, the owner of CURE Thrift Shop in New York, NY http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/05/14/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-kate-middleton

Save