A daily dose of DIVA inspiration: After surviving a stroke, Philadelphia’s beloved WDAS-FMRadio personality, Patty Jackson, shared that she wasn’t drinking enough water or listening to her body before her health crisis.
Fast forward nine years, and Patty is staying hydrated and thriving as she continues to bring joy to her audience behind the microphone and in front of the camera. It’s heartwarming to see her enjoying life and spreading positivity!
Drinking water when you feel hungry can help you feel full and reduce snacking. It can also help you identify if you’re actually thirsty, which can be confused with hunger.
Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), sodas, sweet teas, energy drinks and froze coffee drinks, contribute to weight gain. Consider replacing your next sugar-sweetened with water.
Remember, if you notice any signs of a stroke (slurred speech, blurred vision, difficulty raising your arms or smiling), don’t hesitate to seek help right away – taking quick action can make a difference in your recovery.
Let’s look out for each other! It’s essential to seek help, connect with a caring community, and share your journey.
We hope to highlight new tools, available to support your diabetes wellness journey at our upcoming Divabetic’s free program in November 2025 in Philadelphia, PA.
After two weeks of exploring Luther’s health crisis through the documentary Luther: Never Too Much on CNN, I want to take a moment to highlight the inspiring health journey of Luther’s friend, Grammy Award-winning singer Patti Austin.
Patti has faced several challenges, including struggles with weight management and a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. In 2005, she made the empowering decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery.
“I had gastric bypass surgery a year and a half ago, and my life was saved by it, ” Patti Austin said in an interview.
Since then, she has successfully managed her weight, proving that with the right support, change is possible.
Patti’s story serves as a testament to the idea that seeking help can empower individuals to take charge of their health.
While her surgical option may not be suitable for everyone, it’s a reminder to explore the various resources and tools available for improving one’s health an weight management.
If you tune into Patti Austin’s Facebook channel, you’ll see her radiating positivity and joy! Her infectious energy and great sense of humor are truly uplifting.
She looks and sounds fantastic, making it a pleasure to witness her living her best life!
We hope to highlight new tools available to support your diabetes wellness journey at our upcoming Divabetic’s free program in November 2025 in Philadelphia, PA.
Two weeks ago, if your New Year’s goal was to try to drop a pants size or two again, you might have felt the frustration of yo-yo dieting — that pesky cycle of losing weight only to regain it. It can be disheartening!
If this resonates with you, know that you’re not alone! Studies suggest that about 20–30 percent of adults deal with the ups and downs of weight cycling, with many experiencing over seven fluctuations in their weight.
Research shows that it’s common to regain even more than you initially lost when the weight returns. This adds extra challenges, especially when compared to more sustainable methods of losing weight.
Navigating this rollercoaster of emotions, doubts, and negative talk while hearing endless advice about needing more willpower is mentally exhausting. Our environments are also filled with tempting triggers, like those bright neon signs from fast-food restaurants, especially when coming home after a tough day. It’s no wonder it’s easy to slip back into old habits!
Consider making peace with food instead of going to war with your weight. Try to pay attention to your body’s signals for hunger and fullness. Consider embracing mindful eating, listening to your hunger cues, and not labeling foods as “good” or “bad.” This can help minimize your eating habits’ extreme ups and downs and promote healthier ones in the long run.
Remember, weight isn’t everything! Are you happy with your lab results? Are you surrounded by people who love and support you? Do you compliment yourself? Can you allow yourself to be in a photograph without flinching?
While tracking your progress with the scale can be tempting, many other important ways to gauge your overall health are often overlooked. You’ve got this!
Singer Levi Stubbs‘s life journey serves as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale. His iconic contributions to music, particularly through the Four Tops, highlight the beauty and power of artistic expression. Yet, beneath the glittering surface of fame lies a stark reality that many artists and fans overlook—the fragility of health.
The alarming statistics surrounding strokes and health disparities in communities of color are especially poignant in the context of Stubbs’s life. Despite his immense talent and success, he faced significant health challenges, including prostate cancer and diabetes, which ultimately overshadowed his musical legacy. It’s a bittersweet reminder that even the most beloved figures are not immune to the realities of life, and the pressures of a demanding career can often lead to neglecting personal well-being.
The statements from those close to him, like Norman Whitfield, resonate deeply. They remind us that health should be prioritized, not just as a personal responsibility but as a communal one, particularly in conversations about race and health equity. The struggles of Levi Stubbs, Luther Vandross,Ella Fitzgerald, LaVerne Baker and Angela Bofill illuminate a critical narrative that transcends music, urging us to listen—both to the voices of these phenomenal artists and to our own bodies.
As fans, we often celebrate the triumphs of our favorite celebrities, yet we can easily forget the personal battles they may be facing. It’s essential to draw lessons from their stories, recognizing that health should never be taken for granted. Rather than focus solely on their public personas, we need to consider their holistic journeys, full of both shining moments and difficult struggles.
Levi Stubbs‘s legacy is a blend of soulful melodies and a reminder of the importance of health awareness. His approach to singing—living each song deeply—could be extended to how we approach our lives and well-being. It’s an invitation to not only appreciate the music but also engage in self-care and health advocacy, ensuring that we don’t repeat the patterns of neglect that can come with the pursuit of success.
In honoring his memory, let us strive to embrace a fuller understanding of health—one that encompasses not just the physical, but also the emotional and communal aspects of our well-being.
Ultimately, we can ensure that the voices we cherish continue to inspire us long after their passings.
Patti LaBelleinspired me to create the term “Divabetic” during a memorable Luther Vandross Tribute Concert in New York City back in 2003.
Watching her shine on stage, radiant and dressed to impress, she shared, “I have diabetes. Diabetes doesn’t have me.” Her courage and sparkle made me reflect, “You’re not just a diabetic; you’re a DIVA.”
That’s when the idea of “Divabetic” popped into my head. Once I got home, I noted the word ‘diabetic’ in black ink and then creatively added a ‘v’ in red. It suddenly clicked that the ‘v’ symbolized Vandross and the divine divas he loved, like Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, and of course, Patti LaBelle.
I realized that encouraging Luther’s fans to embrace a fresh perspective (“NEW ATTITUDE”) on living with diabetes—just like Patti did—could really transform health outcomes.
For the past twenty years, Patti LaBelle has shown the world that you can GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS, and live well with diabetes every day.
While I don’t remember Luther discussing his diabetes openly, I knew he had a huge support system for his music, but when it came to managing his health, he faced it on his own. Tragically, he suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes at just 52. But you don’t have to follow that path or choose to walk it alone.
It’s essential to seek help, connect with a caring community, and share your journey. After all, living with diabetes can be fabulous! For over twenty years, I’ve been on this mission, all thanks to the inspiration from Patti LaBelle.
Through the Divabetic programs, podcasts, and videos, I’ve reached hundreds of thousands of men and women, spreading awareness and positivity. Let’s live life like a diva!
It is a privilege to be featured in the NAACP-nominated documentary Luther: Never Too Much and to share my story of discovering Luther after he suffered a stroke related to mismanaged diabetes, hoping to help others avoid a health crisis.
My hope is that by sharing our experiences, we can encourage others to take preventative steps for their health. If you live alone, please make sure you have a solid support system in place for any emergencies.
Remember, if you notice any signs of a stroke, don’t hesitate to seek help right away – taking quick action can really make a difference in your recovery. Let’s look out for each other!
ince many of you might be watching the Luther: Never Too Much documentary on CNN, I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about my journey. After discovering Luther, after he suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes, I felt driven to become a diabetes advocate.
I joined Luther’s mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross, on the promotional tour for Luther’s album, Dance With My Father. Sadly, Luther suffered a stroke related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes before the album’s release.
It was a meaningful time as I shared updates about health with the media. After the tour wrapped up, I asked Mrs. Vandross if she’d be interested in participating in the first PSA for Divabetic, produced by my dear friend, Gay Ball O’Brien. Our shared loss made us a powerful team advocating for diabetes education and stroke prevention.
This path led me to found Divabetic.Org, a nonprofit dedicated to reaching out to those at risk, impacted by, and living with diabetes.
The phrase Divabetic is a combination of the word ‘diabetic’ with a ‘V’ for Vandross to celebrate all the divas that Luther loved.
Patti LaBelle, living well with type 2 diabetes, inspired me one night during a Luther Tribute concert in New York City. In the middle of her performance, she boldly declared, “I have diabetes. Diabetes doesn’t have me,” which really struck a chord with me. Her confidence and glamour made me think, “She’s not just a diabetic; she’s a diva!”
When I got home after the concert, I felt inspired to jot down the word “diabetic” in black ink and cleverly add a ‘v’ in red ink. At that moment, it hit me that the ‘v’ stands for Vandross!
A few months later, when I traveled to Philadelphia with Luther to visit his mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross, guess who was there? Patti LaBelle!
I was thrilled to present her with the first Divabetic t-shirt and share how much she had motivated me. Over the years, she’s graciously called herself a ‘Divabetic,’ and it’s such an honor!
The mission of Divabetic is to transform lives by changing attitudes, boosting spirits, and encouraging hope and motivation for those living with, affected by, or at risk of diabetes.
I couldn’t turn my back on what happened; instead, I became determined to help Luther’s fans and others learn to keep their house a home and stay healthy.
I focus on preventing diabetes complications, promoting a team approach to self-management, and educating everyone about handling unexpected self-care crises.
Luther suffered a stroke in April 2003, and by November, I was busy selling Divabetic t-shirts with the slogan “Sugar’s The Bitch Not Me” to raise funds for diabetes organizations.
I also volunteered on the national diabetes TV show, d-life, and started offering free coaching classes with two inspiring women who live with type 1 diabetes.
Fast forward to 2006, and I was out there participating in health fairs across NYC, including the Apollo Theater. I hosted monthly diabetes education meetings with a certified educator and launched my first major program, Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes, with support from Novo Nordisk.
Over the next two years, my program gained recognition, becoming the highest-rated diabetes program for Novo Nordisk worldwide!
I continued to bring unique diabetes outreach to major cities, started a podcast, and created ‘man on the street’ videos to empower those living with diabetes.
Divabetic’s Diabetes Plate Poetry “What’ s on Your Plate?” video describes the emotional experience of living with diabetes. An important component of diabetes self-management, but often unaddressed, is the topic of emotional well being.
The Divabetic Club empowers those living with diabetes through media to manage their lives in healthier ways. People living with diabetes face numerous challenges in managing their disease on a day- to- day basis. Divabetic wants to encourage these individuals to stay positive and healthy in their self-management.
Our mission to glamorize good health combines fitness, nutrition, style and positive energy.
Divabetic’s Luther Vandross Tribute podcasts aim to celebrate Luther’s musical legacay, share information on the emotions associated with managing diabetes and the underlying reasons attributed to those emotions, and encourage people to ‘keep their house a home’ by learning to prevent diabetes health-related complications from occurring.
I’ve had the pleasure of creating ten Divabetic mystery podcasts with the amazing Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes!
It’s been such a rewarding experience to empower others through storytelling. Our goal is to encourage listeners to think like detectives when it comes to self-care issues. We help them search for clues regarding unexpected high and low blood sugar readings and report back to their healthcare providers.
After facing challenges, including being unwelcome at a prominent church for being gay, I found support in my volleyball league, Gotham Volleyball.
I launched the Coming Out Project to help others embrace their identities.
In 2017, after Alfa Anderson’s album release (featuring her When Luther Sings tribute song, I organized reunion concerts at Ashford & Simpson’s Sugar Bar in NYC to celebrate Luther’s musical family resulting in the creation of FANDROSS.
I also produced several Luther Tribute podcasts featuring Luther’s friends, peers, collaborators and health educators.
Working with Luther Vandross also inspired me musically. My first foray into lyric writing led to the Billboard Dance Chartting single, That Man Of Mine, with singer songwriter, Cindy Mizelle and backing vocals by Brenda White-King.
I co-wrote UK Soul Chart hit, Mama’s Kitchen Table and the holiday breakup ballad, Pink Champagne with musician, songwriter, producer Ivan Hampden Jr. and singer, songwriter Paulette McWilliams.
I teamed up with the dynamatic sister duo, Crystal Penny, and Ivan Hampden Jr., to pen, Standards, my tribule to the legendary female vocalists whose music compose the soundtrack of my life.
So, thank you all for your concern—I’m doing well, staying busy, and ready to present more diabetes outreach with dazzle this year
We’re talking about coping with diabetes, depression and shame during the holidays on Divabetic’s podcast with musical inspiration from Leona Lewis.
‘Tis the season for family, festivity, and temptations that may disrupt daily diabetes health routines. That means it’s also the season when eating healthy, staying active, and taking medication on schedule is more challenging. The added stress and anxiety of staying on track with your diabetes self-care may cause even those who are usually content to experience loneliness, anxiety, and a lack of fulfillment.
Several studies show that people with diabetes have a greater risk of depression than people without diabetes.
Just like denial, depression hinders good intentions in self-care. It can even make it harder to do things you enjoy.
“I have a best friend who has severe depression, who takes medication and still struggles, so I know how bad it can be,” says Leona Lewis.
Leona’s friend describes herself as having “highs and lows” brought on by circumstance, not a clinical illness.
If you’re feeling down, remember you’re not alone. It’s important to share your feelings with your healthcare team. Seeking help takes courage and can be the first step toward feeling better.
Leona Lewis’ holiday song, One More Sleep, sparks our discussion about how the holidays affect your sleep. Insomnia during the holidays is quite common. The holidays bring parties, overeating, later bedtimes, shopping, overspending, and traveling, which may bring on jet lag. The financial pressures associated with gift-giving can also cause sleep disruption during the holidays.
Changing your behaviors and attitudes and adding more physical activities can go a long way toward eliminating insomnia so you can enjoy a deserved and joyous holiday season.
Traveling or spending time with family can shake up our usual meal routines, too. Megrette Fletcher, a diabetes educator, mentioned in an interview that everything changes and can be quite stimulating when we’re away from home, which might lead us to let our guard down a bit. Common sense says eating too much doesn’t improve the food experience, but when faced with an array of delicious treats, it can be hard to resist. As Megrette says, “Food is part of the enjoyment.” Just because you can’t take the food home with you doesn’t mean you have to eat everything in sight if you’re already full. It’s okay to savor the moment and stop when you’ve had enough!
We also have some fantastic guests on the Divabetic podcast, including experts like Debby Kay and Megrette Fletcher, and inspiring people like singer Leona Lewis, who will be sharing her music from the Christmas, with Love album. Plus, don’t miss our chance to win 6 months of mySugr Pro access in our INSTANT WINNER challenge!
Throughout the podcast, we will feature music from Leona Lewis’s Christmas, with Love album courtesy of SONY Music.
Divabetic’s podcast series is about energizing and empowering listeners living with, at risk, and affected by diabetes! We provide expert advice, inspiring stories from peers, stylish tips, and even some fun music and games.
We aim to encourage everyone to take charge of their self-care, boost their confidence, and truly embrace wellness. Tune in for a fun and uplifting experience!
Founded in 2005, Divabetic was inspired by music legend Luther Vandross, whose personal battle with diabetes ignited our mission.
We proudly bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers, translating complicated medical language into accessible knowledge while boosting confidence and hope.
Recognized by leaders like President Obama and Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Divabetic champions our “Glam More, Fear Less” philosophy, encouraging women to become wellness ambassadors in their families and communities.
Join us on the journey to glamorize good health! Visit Divabetic.
Living with Type 2 diabetes doesn’t compromise the Diabetic Pastry Chef,Stacey Harris’s creativity in the kitchen. After attending culinary school, Stacey taught herself how to make pound cake, pecan rolls, pies, muffins, cupcakes, and other baked goods with about half the carbohydrates in traditional bakery items.
If you’re feeling deprived of your favorite holiday treats because you’re living with diabetes, then check out this new recipe from our friend, Stacey.
From her tasty treats to her outlook on life, this pastry chef keeps things as sweet as can be as well as … sugar-free!
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Grease and flour a 10-inch tube cake or bundt pan. Cream butter and gradually add sugar substitute. Continue creaming until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Blend in extracts and brandy. Gradually add the flour and beat until smooth.
Pour the cake batter into the tube pan. Bake for 1 1/2 hours or until a wooden toothpick comes out clean and the edges of the cake have come away from the sides of the pan. Cool for 20 minutes in the pan before unmolding. Cool completely. Add glaze and arrange apricots and mint on top.
Glaze Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar-free apricot preserves
1Tbsp. apricot brandy or leftover apricot nectar from the can
1 8-ounce can of apricot halves, drained
fresh mint for garnishing
Directions
Heat the apricot preserves until melted. Remove from heat and stir in brandy or nectar. Spread the warm glaze over the cake and sides. Garnish with the apricot halves, which can also be glazed, and garnish with the mint. Enjoy
Stacey Notes for the Best Results:
This recipe is revised from an old Ebony magazine recipe. It is a showstopper! It works well for holidays. I have made it as is. I have also made it using canola butter in place of whole butter. I have successfully made the cake by cutting the butter to 1 cup and adding 1/2 cup sour cream. I suppose yogurt would also work in place of the sour cream. You can read more about Stacey’s experience making her Sugar-Free Apricot Brandy Pound Cake recipe on her blog.
I generally mix my sugar substitutes to get the best flavor, baking properties, and health results. For this cake, I used 1 cup of Splenda, 1 cup of Stevia in the Raw, and 1 cup of Whey Low. Do not try to use Splenda alone unless you’re using Splenda for Baking.
If you’re interested in making over one of your holiday specialties with sugar substitutes, Stacey recommends using a blend of sugar substitutes in your recipe rather than just one for the best results.
