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How I Lost 100 Pounds – Amazing Weight Loss Stories

November’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guest, Autumn Reed, who is living with type 2 diabetes, has successfully lost and maintained an amazing 100+ pounds. Autumn, the self-confessed “The Queen of Meal Prep” shares her journey and advice for others interested in transforming their diabetes health exclusively with Divabetic:


Q: Describe your lifestyle before you began your weight loss journey? (Habits, work schedule, priorities, activity level, meals, etc.)
Autumn’s response: My lifestyle before I began my weight loss journey is best described as lazy. I could always come up with an excuse not to eat healthier or exercise. I worked 40+ hours a week, I had my family to feed, this or that body part hurt and my favorite… I’m too tired. My activity level was beyond sedentary. On weekends I would take a nap between breakfast and lunch. I thought exercise was a punishment and why on earth would I want to eat something green.

Q: Have you tried to lose weight in the past? If so, please describe what stopped you. 

Autumn’s response: I tried and succeeded in losing weight in the past, only to gain it all and then some back. Ten years before my diagnosis I lost 125 lbs doing the low carb diet, like the Keto, under a doctor’s supervision. It’s certainly not a diet you can live on forever. 

Q: What triggered this weigh loss? Did any celebrities inspire you? Books?

Autumn’s response: This time my weight loss was triggered by my need to live. My diagnosis of diabetes was my wake-up call to better health. Finding an online support group that promoted “the plate method” was a huge factor in my success.

Q: When were you diagnosed with type 2 diabetes? What were your initial thoughts? 

Autumn’s response: I was diagnosed with type 2 on 12/4/2016 (for the second time).  Approximately 10 years prior my doctor did blood work, gave me Byetta for 3 months, redid my blood work and then said, “go about life as usual”. I was never told how serious it is. I was never told that once you’re diabetic, you’re always diabetic. I wasn’t smart enough back then to stop and realize that I needed to find out about diabetes and change my life. I’m guessing that was probably my lazy, sedentary lifestyle talking.

Q: How did or does your type 2 diabetes factor into your decision to lose weight? How has your self-care routine changed? 

Autumn’s response: My first thought this time around was I would spend the rest of my life never eating what I wanted, ever again.  How could I never eat a cookie or pizza?  My type 2 diabetes factored into my weight loss when I reached 281 lbs. I experienced high glucose crankiness, had no energy and was out of breath tying my shoes or walking from the car to the store.  I knew it was time to change. My self-care has changed tremendously… meal prep is my new middle name.  I also started exercising at least once a day and sometimes twice. Injuries have gotten in the way and caused me to slow down but not stopped me.

Q: Name 1-2 obstacles in your weight loss journey and describe how you managed to overcome them.

Autumn’s response: The 2 major obstacles in my weight loss journey have been a broken ankle and a torn meniscus, which caused my activity level to decrease immensely. It’s very frustrating not being able to enjoy my exercise routines. 

Autumn Reed profiled in Diabetes Forecast Magazine

Q: List 1-3 tips that have worked for you to lose weight and maintain your weight loss. 

Autumn’s response: My tips for weight loss:

1.        Plan meals or plan ahead.I use MyFitnessPal to calorie and carb count my meals, I bought a Fitbit fitness tracker and if I go out to eat, I look at the menu ahead of time.

2.       Hold yourself accountable. Nobody is perfect. If you eat something or do something that makes you feel guilty, own up to it with yourself instead of being hard on yourself. It’s easier to screw up once and move on then to keep repeating it.

3.       Find a support system. Enlist family, friends, a local group or online support – it’s the only way. 

To maintain my weight loss:

1.        Plan meals.

2.       Celebrate every goal met.

3.       See a dietitian. 

Q: Who’s on your team?  Name 1-2 people (friends/family and/or health professionals) and describe the role they have played in helping you manage your health.

Autumn’s response: My husband has been so supportive throughout my journey. He helps with meal prepping and his lunches are the bomb – no more drive-throughs, lol. The online support group Type 2 Diabetes Plate Method Support has been my biggest support of all. Cindy Lou, Ansley Dalbo and Rick Storm just to name a few have been key players in my success. They’ve taught me so much about diabetes, food, my body and exercise. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone who living with type 2 diabetes seeking to lose weight?

Autumn’s response: My advice to any type 2 seeking to lose weight would be talk to your doctor, see a dietitian and do as much reading and research as you can because this is YOUR body. Holidays at first were the worst! Now I just factor in what I WANT to eat and roll with it. If I eat a little extra, I don’t punish myself –  I just know it’s only one meal or snack and move on. No more dwelling on enjoying things I like to eat. 

Q: The holiday season is just around the corner, what tools do you use to navigate the holidays and stay on track with your health?

Autumn’s response: I have been involved in a few online support groups. Diabetes-What to know, Type 2 support and Type 2 Diabetes-Plate Method Support. My goal is to help educate other type 2 diabetics on this disease and let them know that diabetes is a word… NOT a sentence.  My October went very well despite its challenges of health and family issues. This month I plan to research and find more recipes that are health and holiday friendly. I’ll be honest, the online support that I’ve found has really changed my health and my entire life. I help admin in a group and find that I learn just as much from them as they do from me.  I’m not sure about someone I’ve helped directly but it sure does feel amazing to see others posting their weight loss or A1C on the group page. I know to a lot of those people we are their only support. They look forward to the informative and educational posts. We can even lighten the mood with some diabetes “funnies” occasionally. 

Diabetes Late Nite Inspired by Jennifer Hudson

We’re sharing amazing weight loss journeys & ways to help overcome fears related to Hypoglycemia with guests: Vanessa Hunter, Dr. Wendy Rapaport PsyD, Dr. Stewart Harris, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Autumn Reed on Novembers’ Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Jennifer Hudson

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Autumn Reed shares how small changes added up to big results in weight loss in Diabetes Forecast Magazine.

Her A1C went from 7.3 to 5 percent, and she was able to come off her diabetes medications completely. Best of all, she’s less interested in sitting around the house. “I feel like a different person—like the person who was inside all this time but couldn’t get out.”

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Diabetes Time Machine Trivia Game

In celebration of National Diabetes Awareness month and World Diabetes Day we’re encouraging people to learn more about the history of diabetes in a fun, new way with Divabetic’s Diabetes Time Machine Trivia Game!

For example, do you know why is November 14th World Diabetes Day? November 14th is a significant date in the diabetes calendar because it marks the birthday of the man who co-discovered insulin, Frederick Banting. Banting discovered insulin in 1922, alongside Charles Best.

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Diabetes Time Machine Trivia Game

How much do you know about the History of Diabetes?

Understanding the history and its early treatment can help us appreciate how far the understanding, support and treatment of diabetes has come.

Over 3,000 years ago, the ancient Egyptians mentioned a condition that appears to have been type 1 diabetes. It featured excessive urination, thirst, and weight loss.

The writers recommended following a diet of whole grains to reduce the symptoms.

In ancient India, people discovered that they could use ants to test for diabetes by presenting urine to them. If the ants came to the urine, this was a sign that it contained high sugar levels. They called the condition madhumeha, meaning honey urine.

During the third century B.C.E., Apollonius of Memphis mentioned the term “diabetes,” which may have been its earliest reference.

In time, Greek physicians also distinguished between diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus.

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Diabetes Late Nite Inspired by Jennifer Hudson

We’re talking about Weight Loss Journeys & Diabetes with musical inspiration from Jennifer Hudson in honor of National Diabetes Awareness Month on November’s Diabetes Late Nite scheduled for Tuesday, November 12, 2019, 6 PM, EST.

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We’ve watched Jennifer Hudson soar to stardom as her powerhouse pipes have taken her from American Idol back in 2004 to coveted roles in film, theater and TV, including as a judge on The Voice. Throughout that journey, the singer has also had another major life change: She went from a size 16 to a size 6, dropping 80 pounds. The star followed poor dieting practices and finally chose to approach her weight loss in a healthy way after giving birth to her son, David.

While studies show most people who drop significant pounds regain the weight they lose, Jennifer Hudson has managed to keep her svelte figure for the past nine years.

“I’m very careful and cautious of what I’m eating, so I just try to pace those meals throughout the day,” said Jennifer Hudson.

Guests include Vanessa Hunter abnd Autumn Reed, who have both lost over 100 pounds, share their weight loss journeys with us. Additionally, Dr. Wendy Rapaport PsyD, Dr. Stewart Harris, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, will be joining us!

Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from Jennifer Hudson’s  self-titled album, ’Jennifer Hudson’ courtesy of SONY Music.

Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.”

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100 Pound Weight Loss with Type 2 Diabetes on Diabetes Late Nite

November’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guest, Autumn Reed share her hundred weight loss story with listeners on Tuesday, November 12, 2019, 6 PM, EST

Autumn told Diabetes Forecast magazine that she recognizes she wasn’t always pleasant to be around. “I weighed almost 300 pounds,” she says. “I had aches and pains. I was always crabby and tired.” Even short walks—just to the car parked in the driveway—would lead to a loss of breath, making it difficult to leave the house.

Autumn Reed in Diabetes Forecast Magazine

A 2016 diagnosis of type 2 diabetes helped Reed make sense of her health: The exhaustion and moodiness were a result of chronic high blood glucose. “Having diabetes could make you feel so miserable,” she says. “I finally realized that wasn’t who I really was.” With the cause identified, she decided to do something about it.

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Diabetes Late Nite Inspired by Jennifer Hudson

We’re talking about Weight Loss Journeys & Diabetes with musical inspiration from Jennifer Hudson in honor of National Diabetes Awareness Month on Diabetes Late Nite scheduled for Tuesday, November 12, 2019, 6 -7:30 PM, EST.

We’ve watched Jennifer Hudson soar to stardom as her powerhouse pipes have taken her from American Idol back in 2004 to coveted roles in film, theater and TV, including as a judge on The Voice. Throughout that journey, the singer has also had another major life change: She went from a size 16 to a size 6, dropping 80 pounds. The star followed poor dieting practices and finally chose to approach her weight loss in a healthy way after giving birth to her son, David.

While studies show most people who drop significant pounds regain the weight they lose, Jennifer Hudson has managed to keep her svelte figure for the past nine years.

“I’m very careful and cautious of what I’m eating, so I just try to pace those meals throughout the day,” said Jennifer Hudson.

Jennifer Hudson supports the Barbara Davis Center (BDC). BDC’s mission is to provide state-of the-art care to children and adults with type 1 diabetes and to teach patients how to prevent or delay complications. Their research is devoted to finding prevention, cure, and most effective treatment of diabetes and associated disorders.

Guests include Vanessa Hunter, Dr. Wendy Rapaport PsyD, Dr. Stewart Harris, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Autumn Reed.

Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from Jennifer Hudson’s  self-titled album, ’Jennifer Hudson’ courtesy of SONY Music.

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Jennifer Hudson Helps Us Lift Every Voice for Diabetes Awareness

We’re talking about Weight Loss Journeys & Diabetes with musical inspiration from Jennifer Hudson in honor of National Diabetes Awareness Month, November, on Diabetes Late Nite on Tuesday, November 12, 2019, 6 PM, EST. 

Jennifer Hudson

We’ve watched Jennifer Hudson soar to stardom as her powerhouse pipes have taken her from American Idol back in 2004 to coveted roles in film, theater and TV, including as a judge on The Voice. Throughout that journey, the singer has also had another major life change: She went from a size 16 to a size 6, dropping 80 pounds. The star followed poor dieting practices and finally chose to approach her weight loss in a healthy way after giving birth to her son, David.

Jennifer Hudson

While studies show most people who drop significant pounds regain the weight they lose, Jennifer Hudson has managed to keep her svelte figure for the past nine years. 

“I’m very careful and cautious of what I’m eating, so I just try to pace those meals throughout the day,” said Jennifer Hudson. 

Jennifer Hudson supports the Barbara Davis Center (BDC). BDC’s mission is to provide state-of the-art care to children and adults with type 1 diabetes and to teach patients how to prevent or delay complications. Their research is devoted to finding prevention, cure, and most effective treatment of diabetes and associated disorders. 

November’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests include Vanessa Hunter, Dr. Wendy Rapaport PsyD, Dr. Stewart Harris, Patricia Addie-Gentle, and Autumn Reed. 

Jennifer Hudson’s Debut Album

Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from Jennifer Hudson’s  self-titled album, ’Jennifer Hudson’ courtesy of SONY Music.  This 2008 self-titled debut album reflects Jennifer’s high-powered soulful style voice which is transcendent and timeless. Guests features on the album include Fantasia on “I’m His Only Woman”, Ludacris on “Pocketbook”, plus the highlights version of “And I am Telling You I’m Not Going” from Dreamgirls. Jennifer first gained notice as one of the finalists on the third season of the FOX television series American Idol. She went on to star as Effie White in the 2006 motion picture adaptation of the musical Dreamgirls for which she won numerous awards including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA and a SAG Award. 13 tracks. BUY NOW

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Wheel of Wellness on NYC’s Halloween Street

Mr. Divabetic kicked off National Diabetes Awareness month, November, one day early by taking to the streets with fun, interactive diabetes advocacy on Halloween night.

He presented Divabetic’s Wheel of Wellness featuring the Energy Up! Sugar Shock demonstration on NYC’s most iconic Halloween Street.

We demonstrated the SCARY amount of ADDED SUGAR in popular drinks (fruit juice, energy drinks, soda, sports drinks and vitamin waters).

Every sugary beverage featured in our presentation contains 6 teaspoons of added sugar. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends no more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams) of added sugar per day for women and 9 teaspoons (38 grams) for men. Limit daily sugar to 6 teaspoons (25 g) for women, 9 teaspoons (38 g) for men. Yet, the average American consumes 17 teaspoons (71.14 grams) every day.

Initially we were a bit skeptical about our message and participation going over like a lead balloon with the crowds. We’re glad we pushed any doubts and fears aside because last night was one of the most amazing diabetes wellness outreach experiences in our 16 year history. Hundreds of kids and their parents were very appreciative of our message and screamed ‘Wheel of Wellness’ as people took turns spinning the prize wheel.

On top of that, we we’re proud to bring some visibility to an invisible chronic illness. People tell us they feel isolated with diabetes so Mr.. Divabetic’s Fruit Suit emblazoned with the word ‘DIVABETIC’ on the back is a friendly reminder that they are not alone.

Thank you to HINT Water for providing our participants with a great tasting, healthy beverage alternative.

We’re talking about ‘THE SWEETEST TABOO’ aka ‘ADDED SUGAR’ with musical inspiration from Sade on Diabetes Late Nite.

Sugar is everywhere. But do we really understand the impact it has on our diabetes health? 

If asked to name sugary foods, you may think of sweets, chocolate, sodas, table sugar, and perhaps even fruit. But sugar also appears in savoury foods such as ready meals, soups, salads and sauces; as well as ‘healthy’ foods such as breakfast cereals and yogurt. Furthermore, starches such as bread, pasta, rice and potatoes also convert to sugar in our bloodstream, having the same impact on our bodies. These ‘hidden sugars’ can add a surprising amount to our daily intake. 

Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Tameka Milline, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP. Kathy Dolgin aka ‘High Voltage’, and Stephanie MacKendree. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from ‘The Essential Sade’ album courtesy of SONY Music. 

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Doctor Dre’s Loss of Vision Linked to Type 2 Diabetes

Celebrated hip-hop-oriented entertainer and educator, Andre “Doctor Dre” Brown has recently lost  his vision from mismanagement of type 2 diabetes.

“My stubbornness put me where I’m at. Now my energy is going to change that,” Doctor Dre told the NYTimes. “We got young people, grown people, old, all having this. We can prevent this. We can cure this. I have an idea how to do it.”

 He spoke to WABC about complications stemming from his struggle with type 2 diabetes.

“I had my retinas reattached, so I didn’t go totally blind from the diabetes. In the reattachment, I have scar tissue behind my eyes, so when that kind of fluctuates, my vision comes back,” he said.

Long-term mismanaged diabetes can lead to high blood sugar levels that damage small blood vessels over time. This damage can lead to problems with a part of the eye called the retina. This can create blurred vision. In a person with diabetes, fluid can move into and out of the eye due to high blood sugar levels.

Dre has been fighting type 2 diabetes for years, which has caused him to also lose a toe, according to ABC.

“I have a foundation called the Doctor Dré V.I.C (Visually Impaired Can) Foundation.

From 1989 to 1995, he co-hosted “Yo! MTV Raps” with Ed Lover,  the tv show that did more than any other to make rap music and hip-hop culture global phenomena.

Diabetes-related retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness in American adults and it affects over 1 in 4 of those living with diabetes, while 4% have severe cases of retinopathy. Diabetes-related macular edema is a swelling that can occur with retinopathy.

November has been declared by Prevent Blindness as Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month to educate the public on the effects of diabetes on vision, risk factors and treatment options. Prevent Blindness offers a variety of free resources dedicated to the education of diabetic eye disease at preventblindness.org/diabetes.

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Learn How Much Added Sugar is In Your Favorite Drinks on Halloween Streets

We’re taking Divabetic’s unique brand of Diabetes Outreach to the streets! With eye opening, hands on, Scary Sugary Drinks demonstrations about how much sugar is in popular drinks (fruit juice, iced teas, sodas, sports drinks) on NYC’s Halloween Streets.

Sugary drinks are responsible for almost half the added sugar consumed by American children, but many parents aren’t aware of how much sugar is in the drinks they serve their children.

Last year, nearly two-thirds of the $2.2 billion in beverages marketed to children contained added sweeteners, according to a report released last week by the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity at the University of Connecticut.

A 20-ounce bottle of soda could have the same amount of sugar as 16 chocolate mini doughnuts. You wouldn’t want your children to eat that much sugar. So why let them drink it? A large amount of added sugar can be hiding in drinks. That’s why it’s important to always check the back of the bottle. Read the list of ingredients and the nutrition facts label to see how much sugar is in your drink.

How To Figure Out The Added Sugar In Your Favorite Drink

If you drink the entire container, you’ll need to multiply the grams of sugar in one serving by the total number of servings in the container to calculate the total grams of sugar. Then, divide total grams of sugar by 4 to get the total number of teaspoons of added sugar in the drink.

Stop by, win fun prizes and enjoy #HINTWater samples.

Hint water contains only water and delicious fruit flavors. No sugar, no diet sweeteners, no calories. Whole30 approved. 

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1 in 4 Americans Ration Insulin

1 in 4 Americans have rationed insulin due to prohibitively expensive costs according to Beyond Type 1‘s helpful website.

If that’s you, you’re far from alone – and it’s not your fault. 

If you need insulin now!

If you are in emergency need of insulin right now, always go to the emergency room. The below resources address those struggling to afford monthly costs (CLICK HERE FOR FULL LIST). 

Manufacturer Discount Programs

  • If you take Lilly insulin (Humalog, Basaglar): the Lilly Diabetes Solutions Call Center Helpline provides personalized assistance for finding your best cost option (as long as you take Lilly insulin). Call 833-808-1234 9am to 8pm ET Monday to Friday. If you have high-deductible health insurance or are uninsured, you may be eligible for Lilly insulin at 40% discounted through BlinkHealth but this is not available if you are insured through Medicaid or Medicare. Additionally, if you are uninsured or have Medicare Part D, and meet certain income parameters you may be eligible for free insulin through LillyCares.
  • If you take Novo Nordisk insulin (Fiasp, NovoLog, NovoRapid, Levemir, Triseba): Patient Assistance Program provides free insulin to those who qualify, which is limited to those with no private insurance and who do not qualify for federal insurance programs and who are at or below 400% of the federal poverty level – with a few exceptions.

The nonprofit organization, Beyond Type 1,  offers these solutions if you need help getting insurance coverage (CLICK HERE FOR FULL LIST).

If insurance is not an option through your employer or you are unemployed, head to Healthcare.gov. From there you can explore health insurance and assistance options based on your state, income, and specific circumstances.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) has a publication called “Financial Help for Diabetes Care” explaining programs which may provide additional coverage for medical expenses for a person with diabetes. View online here.

Insure Kids Now! – Every state in the nation has a health insurance program for people under 18. This website is offered by the US Health and Human Services Department to help navigate getting insurance – or call 877-Kids-Now

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Music by Destiny’s Child on October’s Diabetes Late Nite

We’re talking about the skyrocketing cost of insulin on Diabetes Late Nite with T1International’s US Advocacy Manager, Allison Bailey, Mary Ann Hodorowicz RD, MBA, CDE, Jessica Clark and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and music from Destiny’s Child. 

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Join the advocacy movement

Explore tools + actions you can take to get involved with access advocacy here. 

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Mr. Divabetic Raises Awareness for Diabetes at Columbus Day Parade

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic raises awareness for diabetes in a fun, new way at the Columbus Day Parade in New York, NY.

More than 35,000 marchers took part in the parade, which featured the giant head of Christopher Columbus mounted on a float. Onlookers waved Italian flags while police officers wore Italian-American sashes over their uniforms and music blasted from bagpipers and marching bands. “It’s one day of the year that we can be proud to be Italians,” one parade-goer said.

Mr. Divabetic plays his nutrition game, “Serve, Taste or Trash!” with New Yorkers along the parade route to hilarious results. In the game, you’re given three choices of fruits and vegetables. You must decide which one you’d serve, which one you’d taste and which one you’d trash. Before you decide to “trash” a veggie for good, why not try to eat it raw? Raw veggies can be more appetizing than their cooked counterparts to people who aren’t crazy about vegetables.

The flavors of raw veggies can be milder than those of cooked ones. And the texture is crispy, rather than mushy. Let Mr. Divabetic inspire you to eat more fruits and vegetables.

Tune in to Divabetic’s free monthly podcast, Diabetes Late Nite hosted by Mr. Divabetic on blog talkradio.

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.oin Divabetic’s facebook page, follow Mr. Divabetic on Twitter and learn more about sponsorship opportunities and event details visit: www.divabetic.org

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic plays his new food game, “Serve, Taste or Trash” at the fifth annual Summer Streets – NYC:

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Jennifer Hudson Helps Divabetic Celebrate National Diabetes Awareness Month in November

We’re talking about ‘Weight Loss Journeys & Diabetes’ with musical inspiration from Jennifer Hudson on November’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast in honor of National Diabetes Awareness Month. 

We’ve watched Jennifer Hudson soar to stardom as her powerhouse pipes have taken her from American Idol back in 2004 to coveted roles in film, theater and TV, including as a judge on The Voice. Throughout that journey, the singer has also had another major life change: She went from a size 16 to a size 6, dropping 80 pounds. The star followed poor dieting practices and finally chose to approach her weight loss in a healthy way after giving birth to her son, David.

While studies show most people who drop significant pounds regain the weight they lose, Jennifer Hudson has managed to keep her svelte figure for the past nine years. 

“I’m very careful and cautious of what I’m eating, so I just try to pace those meals throughout the day,” said Jennifer Hudson. 

Jennifer Hudson supports the Barbara Davis Center (BDC). BDC’s mission is to provide state-of the-art care to children and adults with type 1 diabetes and to teach patients how to prevent or delay complications. Their research is devoted to finding prevention, cure, and most effective treatment of diabetes and associated disorders. 

Guests include Vanessa Hunter, Dr. Wendy Rapaport PsyD, Dr. Stewart Harris, Patricia Addie-Gentle, and Autumn Reed. 

Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.”

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