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
I coined the phrase “Divabetic” watching Patti Labelle on stage during a Luther VandrossTribute show in New York City in 2003. She said, “Diabetes doesn’t have me. I have diabetes.” Her bold, outspoken attitude about living with diabetes inspired me. I wish more people would adopt her approach and speak about living with diabetes. Informing your friends, co-workers, and family members about how to treat high and low blood sugar levels doesn’t just help you. It helps them, too.
Talking about diabetes isn’t always easy. But opening up could help you with coping with diabetes if you need it. If I had known more about my boss, Luther Vandross‘s type 2 diabetes, maybe I could have helped prevent his stroke from occurring.
Hopefully, Patti LaBelle’s iconic song, New Attitude, can inspire you to talk about your experience living with diabetes.
It can be hard to get started, or it’s just not the right moment. Maybe it’s easier to deal with your diabetes alone.
Help Us Light the Way During National Diabetes Awareness Month (November)
Approximately 96 million American adults—more than 1 in 3—have prediabetes. Did you know that over 80% don’t know they have it? Prediabetes increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
This November, join Divabetic’s Blue Candle initiative and encourage your friends, co-workers, and family members to be screened for pre-diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers a quick, easy online Pre-Diabetes risk test.
Be by their side when they check, and share your experience of living well with diabetes so they can see that living well with diabetes is possible. Together, we can help others come out of the dark, address their diabetes health status, and start living their lives to the fullest.
Clarence Waldron talks about his stroke, recovery, working as Senior Editor and Writer of Jet Magazine, and his memories of Luther Vandross and Aretha Franklin.
Twenty years ago, Clarence interviewed Luther’s mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross, for Jet Magazine after Luther suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes.
Clarence’s story is an excellent reminder of why it’s essential to ACT F.A.S.T. if you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke. The acronym FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time) has been used by the National Stroke Association, American Heart Association, and others to educate the public on detecting stroke symptoms. Earlier treatment results in a greater chance of recovery, a reduced likelihood of permanent disability, and a lesser need for extensive rehabilitation.
We’re sharing excerpts of interviews from our favorite Divabetic podcasts over the years.
This excerpt is from our Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis Turnaround podcast with Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND, and gospel singer Pat Lacy.
Jill Weisenberger is recognized internationally for her expertise in nutrition, diabetes, and prediabetes. She worked as a nutrition counselor, diabetes educator, and health coach in hospitals, research, and private practice settings. Jill helps leverage resources, recipes, and scientific insights to find better ways to improve eating and smart living, reduce the risk of mismanaged diabetes health-related complications, and support better health. Jill Weisenberger is the author of Prediabetes: A Complete Guide, 2nd edition, Diabetes Weight Loss Week By Week, 21 Things You Need to Know About Diabetes and Your Heart, and The Overworked Person’s Guide To Better Nutrition. Additionally, she offers the Prediabetes Meal Planning Crash Course, Prediabetes Turnaround, Type 2 Eating Guide, and a Stick With It Video Course. Gospel Singer
Pat Lacy, who has worked with The Sounds of Blackness and Luther Vandross, shares her experience living with type 2 diabetes and how she modified her lifestyle to take charge of her health. This podcast features music from Pat Lacy’s upcoming gospel album, I’m Taking You To Church.
Click this linkfor the full Prediabetes & Type 2 Diabetes Turnaround podcast.
Divabetic (Divabetic.org) presents a month-long showcase celebrating 10 years of diabetes podcasting. Each of the featured podcasts spotlights our favorite guests, topics, poems, games and/or musical inspiration. Enjoy!
On Day 14, we’re spotlighting tonight’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast inspired by Patti LaBellle. Back in 2003, Patti LaBelle inspired me to coin the phrase ‘Divabetic’ when she said “I have diabetes, diabetes doesn’t have me.” Her outspoken attitude about living with diabetes pierced my heart as I sat in the audience. I wished that Luther had spoken to me about his diabetes and how to help him in case there was an emergency. Of course, you can’t turn back the clock. All I can do is share my experience with you in the hope you will be motivated to involve your family, friends and co-workers in your daily diabetes self-care.
Tonight’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast also signifies a new milestone in diabetes outreach for Divabetic. For the past decade we have produced at least one podcast each month of every year.
“All great achievements require time,” said Dr. Maya Angelou. She added, “Nothing will work unless you do.”
I staged a ‘comeback’ and so can you!
Back in July 2010, I was brokenhearted and discouraged. A full year had passed since Divabetic lost it’s major funding for it’s national outreach program, Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes and there was no light in sight. I felt like a failure. I was staring at a pile of rejection letters from numerous foundations and pharmaceutical companies requesting funding and another pile of requests from women with diabetes and/or certified diabetes educators begging us to bring Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes to their city. So it’s probably not a shock to learn that I said, “no” when it was suggested that I host a podcast.
Why would I want to do something new when I had just failed so miserably and let so many people down?
Starting over is not easy. However, I’ve had to do it several times in my life. In 2003, when I found my boss, Luther Vandross after he suffered a devastating stroke related to mismanagement of type 2 diabetes. In 2005, when Luther Vandross died and I lost my job (as well as my identity). In 2009, when Divabetic lost it’s major source of funding. Somehow after suffering every one of these ‘soul punches’ I persisted and so can you! That’s the message of this milestone.
Thank you to my team, our guests, SONY Music and you, our listeners for an amazing decade of diabetes podcasting. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for your help in helping me get back my groove. GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS!
We’re celebrating Divabetic’s 10th Year Podcast Anniversary with music from the world’s most famous “Divabetic”– Ms. Patti LaBelle. She has inspired us to adopt and promote a ‘NEW ATTITUDE’ about living with diabetes!
Thank you to our loyal listeners for sharing your stories, questions, concerns, and successes with us over the past decade. Our aim has been and continues to be to broaden the appeal of diabetes education with music, beauty/style, games, real-life stories, cozy mysteries radio dramas, and laughter.
10th Year Podcast Anniversary guests include: Patricia Addie-Gentle, RN, CDE, Lorraine Brooks, Dr. Andrea Chisholm OB-GYN, Luther McRae, Mama Rose Marie, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Seveda Williams, Catherine Schuller, Terri Seidman and special guests.
Our monthly podcasts are dedicated to Music Lovers living with, at risk and/or affected by diabetes. We aim to be the epicenter of the circle of care, a link between patients and their health care providers, a translator of clinical speak and a bridge between denial and acceptance, fear and confidence
Divabetic was inspired by the late music legend, Luther Vandross and created in 2005 by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, who, as Vandross’ assistant of 14 years, witnessed his boss, mentor, and friend struggle in silence and solitude with the diabetes and its related complications. Since its inception, Divabetic has presented outreach programs in 15 major U.S. cities, reaching hundreds of thousands of women, their families and health care professionals.
Experience more of our GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS philosophy at divabetic.org
July’s Divabetic Inspiration, Ms. Patti LaBelle performs tonight on A Capitol Fourth on PBS and NPR, July 4 at 8 PM. EST. TUNE IN
It seems only fitting on the 4th of July to reflect back to the time when Patti LaBelle’s electric persona sparked my desire to become a diabetes advocate.
Yes, it’s true the world’s most famous ‘Divabetic’, Patti LaBelle inspired me to coin the phrase ‘Divabetic’ in 2003. During a Luther Tribute concert at Madison Square Garden she stopped singing and admitted to the sold-out audience that she was living with type 2 diabetes.
Ms. Patti LaBelle said, “I have diabetes, it doesn’t have me.’ and I thought to myself as I looked up at her on stage, ‘she’s a DIVA, not a diabetic’.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
It’s always been inside of you, you, you
And now it’s time to let it through
Seconds later, I realized that the ‘V’ in ‘Divabetic’ was a subtle reference to my boss, Luther Vandross’s last name. These initial thoughts are what pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and pursue diabetes advocacy. Shortly thereafter, I started making ‘Divabetic’ t-shirts as a one-time diabetes fundraising effort. My t-shirts had ‘Divabetic written on the front and ‘Sugar’s The Bitch. Not Me.’ written on the back.
I personally gave Patti LaBelle one of my first Divabetic t-shirts and told her that she inspired me to coin the phrase ‘Divabetic’. We were both visiting Luther’s mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross at her home in Philadelphia, PA. I told her how much I appreciated what she said up on stage and mentioned that I wished Luther could have been as open and forthright about his diabetes as she is.
Of course, I’ll never really know what would have happened if Luther had adopted Patti LaBelle’s attitude. Could he have avoided a major health crisis? All I know is that I wouldn’t have felt as helpless as I did when I found him on the floor of his home after he suffered a debilitating stroke.
Since the day I presented Patti LaBelle with a Divabetic t-shirt, she has happily proclaimed herself a ‘Divabetic’ on TV and radio and in magazine interviews. She has helped me to show women living with, at risk, affected by diabetes that they are NOT alone.
https://youtu.be/kxCcTfAkaE0
Let Ms. Patti LaBelle inspire you to create your very own entourage of healthcare professionals to live with diabetes like a diva!
According to the American Diabetes Association, your diabetes wellness healthcare team should include: your primary doctor, endocrinologists, registered dietitian (RD), certified diabetes educators (CDE), eye doctor, podiatrist, dentist, therapist, and loving, caring friends, family and co-workers.
You just gotta ignite the light
And let it shine
Just own the night
Like the Fourth of July
My journey may seem ‘glamorous’ but the truth is that diabetes devastated my life and my dream. It silenced Luther Vandross’ beautiful voice. I encourage you to make time and ‘keep your house a home’ by learning to prevent a diabetes health-related complication such as stroke from occurring.
We’re celebrating Divabetic’s 10th Year Podcast Anniversary with music from the world’s most famous “Divabetic”– Ms.Patti LaBelle. She has inspired us to adopt and promote a ‘NEW ATTITUDE’ about living with diabetes!
Thank you to our loyal listeners for sharing your stories, questions, concerns, and successes with us over the past decade. Our aim has been and continues to be to broaden the appeal of diabetes education with music, beauty/style, games, real-life stories, cozy mysteries radio dramas, and laughter.
10th Year Anniversary Podcast guests include: Patricia Addie-Gentle, RN, CDE, Lorraine Brooks, Dr. Andrea Chisholm OB-GYN, Luther McRae, Mama Rose Marie, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Seveda Williams, Catherine Schuller, Terri Seidman and special guests.
One lucky listner in our random drawing will win aDario Blood Glucose Meterstarter kit. This all-in-one pocket-sized device can track blood sugar fluctuations and trends and identify hyper/hypoglycemic episodes right from your smartphone, providing readings within as little as 6 seconds. It’s scientifically proven, HIPPA compliant, and includes Dario Coaches to offer support and motivation to help manage your diabetes.
We’d like to acknowledge everyone who has taken measures to protect our Divabetic community members living with diabetes and their loved ones by wearing cloth face coverings and social distancing.
