Princess Frog Poems: Toad White


Without a drop of rain, I staged a few of my upcoming Princess Frogs displays for Halloween. It was my first time seeing all the display elements – Princess Frogs, signs, lily ponds, and foliage—together.

I was overjoyed when a young girl passing by screamed, “Princess Frogs!” when she spotted my display. Her mother told me that her daughter loves to dress up as a princess. My target audience gets me!! My display will be on one of New York City’s iconic Halloween Streets, where over 2,000 children trick-or-treat annually.

Everything, except the wigs and crowns, is made from recycled materials – water bottles, pizza boxes, FedEx boxes, paper towels, toilet paper rolls, New York Times newspapers, bubble wrap, coffee cans, lids, and packing foam. 

Toad White 

In the forest so green and wide, 

Lives a toad, Toad White, with seven dwarfs by her side. 

Her skin is bumpy, her voice so low, 

But she is kind and gentle to all she knows

She spends her days hopping and leaping

and her nights on a lily pad, quietly sleeping

The Seven Dwarfs work in a field

harvesting corn that they later peel

She often visits them during the day

and reads them stories to keep them entertained

With her quick wit and sense of humor 

she makes long days pass much sooner 

One day, a prince passes her way, 

And sees  Toad White, a toad so gray. 

He picks her up, kisses her head, 

And suddenly, she is no longer dead. 

Toad White transforms, to her surprise, 

A princess now, before her eyes. 

But she never forgets her humble start, 

As a toad with a kind and gentle heart.

so the couple settles in a castle near a pond

so she will never forget her bond

with seven dwarfs who are her friends

so they all live happily together in the end 

My Princess Frogs display is a twist on the perennial tale Frog Prince. Instead of a woman kissing a frog to break the spell and turn it back into a prince, I wondered if a man would be willing to kiss a frog and turn it back into a princess.

If a man was willing to kiss a frog, would the frog want to be turned back into a Princess? Sarah Ferguson, Diana Spencer, and Meghan Markle‘s comments about a princess’s real life make it clear it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Life as a frog might be much easier than life as a princess.

Apthropologie’s Holiday House In New York City

Decor, Design, and Diabetes

As I strolled down the street in September, I was taken aback by a brownstone adorned with holiday decorations, two months ahead of schedule!

Seeing the lavish garlands adorning the exterior stair railing piqued my curiosity, prompting me to dash up the stairs to unravel the mystery behind Christmas’s early arrival in the Upper West Side of New York City.

Upon stepping through the magnificent oak doors, I found myself in the Anthropologie Holiday House in collaboration with Terrain. This free four-story holiday extravaganza was a dream come true for holiday enthusiasts.

The immersive experience offered a plethora of festive decor available for purchase. It was truly a sight to behold, a treat for the eyes!

For individuals managing diabetes who often perceive the holidays as a time of deprivation, this experience was a game-changer.

The guilt-free enjoyment of holiday decor and decorations was a delightful revelation. It offered a way to savor the holiday spirit without the concerns of excess fat, alcohol, calories, and salt. After all, it’s not the plate but what you serve on it that causes unexpected highs and lows in blood pressure and blood sugar.

One of the most striking sights was the floating holiday tree on one of the upper floors, a truly unique and captivating display.

The checkerboard cabinet in the kitchen caught my eye with its playful design and practicality. It provided a clever solution for concealing a second set of plates and dishware.

The luxurious sheets, lush throws, and comfy duvet covers were irresistible to the touch.

They boasted exquisite designs and unparalleled softness that would complement any bedroom in the house.

The whimsical Christmas tree decorations were equally enchanting.

They featured vibrant colored glass ornaments that breathed life into any home during the holiday season.

Dr. Janis Roszler PhD, LMFT, RDN, LD/N, CDCES, FAND, and Donna Rice, MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES, the co-authors of Divabetic’s new e-book, Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love and Intimacy with Diabetes, offer advice on managing diabetes sexual-health related issues in the bedroom.

The dining room tablescape was a masterpiece for those with a more refined taste.

Anthropologie had collaborated with the MET Museum to create a one-of-a-kind Gilded Age-inspired collection of dishware and crystal.

The design team meticulously studied historical flatware and dishware at the MET, infusing the museum’s cherished pieces with a distinctive Anthropologie sensibility.

The result was a tablescape that set the stage for the entire Holiday House experience.

Set your table in truly artistic fashion with timeless tableware from Apthropologie’s conversation pieces in a variety of modern and classic styles.

Pattern Management is a skill that can help you manage your diabetes like a diva! The happy healthcare host is Mr. Divabetic, and Neva White, PhD, RN, CCRN, CNE, the leader of the Divabetic Club—Philadelphia. These two advocates discuss the basics and benefits of Pattern Management.

Dviabetic Club was a free monthly diabetes wellness program presented in New York, NY, Cleveland, OH, and Philadelphia, PA, that boasted 75-100 participants monthly. Our unique mixture of traditional diabetes education, motivation support, beauty and style tips, and hobby demonstrations offered something for everyone.

Harlem Heaven’s Hats at Harlem Week

Our friend, hat designer Evetta Petty, wowed everyone with a fabulous Hat Fashion show at Harlem Week. Her collection was absolutely breathtaking, drawing inspiration from nature.

Remember, we also partnered with Evetta and her boutique, Harlem’s Heaven Hats, for the “Hat Boxing” diabetes outreach events. It’s been fantastic to work together, and we’re excited for more wonderful collaborations in the future!

This year, Evetta Petty was the first Black milliner to join the Royal Ascot Millinery Collective and the only American representative. Her stunning ‘Blue Note’ hat is in the Royal Ascot Millinery Collective.

“No matter how famous you get, and how wonderful it is that your career has taken off, it means nothing if you don’t manage your diabetes,” says Evetta Petty.


New York Fashion Icon Evetta Petty, the owner and designer of the New York City Hat Boutique Harlem’s Heaven, shares how she stays on track with type 2 diabetes while running a successful small fashion business.

A 12-ounce serving of Coca-Cola contains 39 grams of sugar, more than the recommended daily added sugar intake for both men and women. This is equivalent to about 9.75 teaspoons of sugar.

Fashion Talk With Todd Synder

I attended the creator of New York Fashion Week and author of two volumes of “Fashion Lives, Fern Mallis’s interview with menswear designer Todd Synder at 92Y.


These Fashion Talks are something I always look forward to. You won’t find talks like these anywhere except in New York. 

Fern described her special guest as the patron saint of approachable menswear. She said Tood Synder’s clothes embody ‘cool’ and ‘classic.’ 

I don’t think anyone would consider his clothes edgy. He’s known for turning the J. Crew menswear collections, mostly preppy dressing, into a big business. According to Todd, his customers are looking for beautifully constructed basics. He doesn’t push color, print, or silhouette. As Fern said, his clothes resemble those of an elevated Mr. Ripley.  How many shades of beige are there? Todd Synder probably knows. 

It’s fun to catch Fern during these Fashion Talks, not listening to her guest’s responses. With her head down, looking at her notes, she seems more focused on the next question than the discussion. I’ve seen her do this more than once during the evening.  Don’t get me wrong, I am a big Fern fan. I love what she’s doing and getting top designers to discuss their processes. 

The good news is Todd Snyder has a lot of personality. His down-to-earth, friendly mannerisms made his story so compelling. He was born on a farm in the Midwest, not in a fashion capital as he shared insights into his life, inspirations, and professional milestones. you could tell the key to his success has been hard work and determination. 

From his humble beginnings in Huxley, Iowa, to being voted Best Dressed in high school, reading GQ for the first time was an eye-opening experience that ignited a passion for fashion. While working in retail, Todd Synder hung out in the tailor shop, learning the tricks of the trade. He applied to all the fashion houses in New York before landing his first intern job at Ralph Lauren.
His big break came when one of his bosses noticed the shirt he was wearing in a meeting. It was one of his designs. He said his weekend sewing hobby helped him relax and quickly moved up the design ladder. 

He ping-ponged back and forth from Ralph Lauren to the Gap, J. Crew, and back to Ralph Lauren. Eventually, he left J. Crew in 2009 and launched his label. J. Crew’s success had a lot to do with it. “I wanted a chance to have my own crack at it,” he said. His goal is to create clothes that help guys look their best. Todd mentioned firsthand how clothes transformed lives when he worked in retail. 

Craft is essential to him. He told Fern that tailoring is front and center in all his design collections. 
He told Fern he’s always looking for people who ‘go the extra mile’ to join his team. 
He has been part of my successful fashion collaborations. First and foremost, L.L. Bean creates high-style New England outdoor gear. Most recently, he started designing for Woolrich’s Black label. He chose to work with Woolrich because he feels the pandemic turned outdoors into a trend. Todd Synder’s outerwear embodies the fusion of Woolrich’s rich heritage, quality, and craftsmanship. The Woolrich Black Label comprises two distinct and complementary lines: Heritage and Technical.

Since becoming an impactful presence on the global fashion stage, Todd Snyder has branched out to create twenty interiors for rustic Maine bungalows for the Hidden Pond resort.  He saw this new collaboration into interior design as an “opportunity to really take a deep dive into Maine aesthetics,” he told Architectural Digest. “What’s so interesting and remarkable to me about this place is that it’s so diverse, area by area. You drive half an hour, and it’s totally different.” Snyder’s narrative is a testament to the blend of heritage, hard work, and visionary creativity.

If you’re watching any of our videos embedded in this post, the American Heart Association recommends that men consume no more than 9 teaspoons of added sugar daily and women consume no more than 6 teaspoons. If the numbers seem tricky, a 12-ounce can of soda contains 8 teaspoons (32 grams) of added sugar!

Easter Parade In New York City

People gather on Fifth Avenue in creative and whimsical Easter finery every year to celebrate the holiday.

Wealthy New Yorkers would stroll down Fifth Avenue following Easter services to showcase their most beautiful dresses and suits.

Over time, the parade evolved to include elaborately creative hats and other crazy headwear, drawing crowds of locals and tourists alike.

Divabetic Image and Style Advisor Catherine Schuller was among the revelers in creative and colorful hats at this year’s Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival.

Anyone can join in the fun. Whether you’ve been planning your ensemble for months, or you just decided to decorate your favorite hat today, go for it!

The Easter Parade feels like a sober Halloween Parade.

It happens in the morning, and most people have left the church. There’s a joyful energy in the air.

How Much Added Sugar Is In Lemonade Tea?

Do you know how much added sugar is in your favorite Summer drinks?

Soda isn’t the only beverage containing sugar. Bottled ice teas, juices, and your favorite afternoon coffee drink are loaded with more sugar than most junk foods. Beverages are the top source of added sugars. Some have more sugar than a glazed doughnut!

A 16-ounce Starbucks Chai Latte at Starbucks has 42 sugar grams or over 10 teaspoons of sugar.

My Turkey Hill Lemonade Tea contains 33 grams of sugar in one serving or basically 8 teaspoons of sugar!

American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that women should consume no more than 100 calories per day, or about 6 teaspoons of sugar, and for men, 150 calories per day, or about 9 teaspoons.

According to the AHA, American adults consume an average of 77 grams of sugar daily, more than 3 times the recommended amount for women. The AHA suggests limiting added sugar to no more than 100 calories per day (about 6 teaspoons or 24 grams) for most adult women and no more than 150 calories per day (about 9 teaspoons or 36 grams of sugar) for most men.

Check the nutrition label to determine how much a beverage contains added sugars. You will see “added sugars” underneath the line for “total sugars.” Make sure to look at the serving size. If your beverage has 2 servings, you have just had double the calories and sugar.

On this episode of Divabetic’s podcast, we talk about ‘THE SWEETEST TABOO’ aka ‘SUGAR’ with musical inspiration from Sade. Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Tameka Milline, Catherine Schuller, Kathy Dolgin aka ‘High Voltage’, and Stephanie MacKendree. This podcast features music from ‘The Essential Sade’ album courtesy of SONY Music.

Mr. Divabetic hosts this podcast on tips, advice, and strategies for turning around a Prediabetes or a Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis. Guests include Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND, and gospel music recording artist, Pat Lacy.

 

Candy Decorations for Halloween

This year, I’m starting my Halloween decorations early. I’m using different kinds of candy to decorate my paper mache sculptures to be displayed on New York City’s most iconic Halloween Street on the Upper Westside. I’m attempting to be more crafty.

My goal is to encourage people to indulge in the creativity associated with Halloween instead of candy.

We’re talking about ‘THE SWEETEST TABOO’ aka ‘SUGAR’ with musical inspiration from Sade on this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast. Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Tameka Milline, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Kathy Dolgin aka ‘High Voltage’, and Stephanie MacKendree.

Halloween’s record-breaking sugar consumption and its detrimental effects on overall health are scarier than any ghost story. It’s been reported that consumers gobbled up a record $36.9 billion in candy, gum, mints, chocolate, and other confections in 2021. High intakes of dietary sugars in a worldwide pandemic of obesity and cardiovascular disease have heightened concerns about the adverse effects of excessive consumption of sugars.

The American Heart Association suggests limiting adding sugars to 100 calories per day (about 6 teaspoons or 24 grams) for most adult women and no more than 150 calories per day (about 9 teaspoons or 36 grams of sugar) for most men.

Last year, I used paper mache for the first time to make several sculptures. I was told that the street’s theme was ‘ghosts,’ which proved untrue. Unfortunately, I didn’t learn the truth until completing all my displays.

One of my sculptures was the Ghost of  Lily, the Central Park Zoo Polar Bear (1987- 2004). Lily was the beloved companion of Gus, a 700-pound polar bear that mesmerized tourists. He swam lap after lap in figure-eight patterns, pawing his way through the water with powerful backstrokes. He did this for as many as 12 hours a day. Every day. Every week. Every month. Lily would grin and bear it as she watched and waited for her partner to finish.

This year, I’m using paper mache again to create my sculptures. Although I’m not sharing what my sculptures will be, I have been working on different decorating techniques using candy.

Candy is bright, fun, and festive. Candy colors like yellow, red, orange, and green are eye-catching. Candy corn seems to be the candy most commonly associated with Halloween.  The various variations of two and three-color combinations lend themselves to floral designs.

But working with candy, especially in the Summer heat, is challenging. It’s sticky and melts quickly. I’m storing various types of candy in my refrigerator to keep them from distorting their shape. Using a hot glue gun to affix candy to various materials, such as cardboard and paper, is painful. It doesn’t work. So now, I’m using Elmer’s glue which presents its own set of problems.

Janet and Rosetta Van der Voort, born in the 1800s, were two wealthy sisters whose father rarely let them leave the house unaccompanied. The one place they were allowed to visit was Central Park’s Wollman Rink, where they went ice skating in the winter. The two sisters never married were lifelong best friends, and died a few months apart. Since their death, their ghostly spirits have been seen periodically skating together on the Central Park Pond, wearing the same red and purple outfits they wore over 100 years ago.

Divabetic pays tribute to Central Park’s infamous Victorian ghost sisters, Janet and Rosetta Van der Voort,  in this short video.

 

Diabetes And Cataracts

When you have diabetes, high blood sugars over time can lead to structural changes in the eye’s lens, accelerating the development of cataracts.

You may not notice cataracts since symptoms can be minor until clouding affects the center of the eye, then cataracts can progress rapidly. Other causes of cataracts:

  • Family history
  • Eye injury
  • Eye surgery
  • Repeated eye injections
  • Spending a lot of time in the sun without UV sunglasses
  • Using certain medications, such as corticosteroids

Know the Symptoms

  • Cloudy or blurry vision
  • Seeing double in one eye
  • Seeing halos around lights
  • Being extra sensitive to light and glare
  • Having trouble seeing well at night
  • Bright colors seem faded

How to Prevent Cataracts

  • Wear sunglasses with UV protection
  • Do not smoke—and if you currently do, quit!

Thankfully, cataract surgery can help reverse a cataract caused by diabetes. This short outpatient procedure involves removing and replacing a damaged lens with a healthy artificial lens.

We’re sharing ideas on lifestyle adjustments that can help you live your best life while managing your diabetes on this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast. Our experts offer straightforward, simple, and fun swap ideas for drinks, medications, self-care, and fashion. Plus, we share style tips and words of inspiration to help you maintain a healthy habit.

Developing these habits isn’t always easy. Adapting to a new routine can be tricky, and it’s often tempting to want to return to old ways if we don’t see immediate results. One of the biggest mistakes people make when forming a new habit is taking on too much too quickly.  Focus on what’s working in your diabetes self-care plan before overhauling diabetes management. Instead of decluttering the entire house, why not focus on one room or closet? Why not focus on the calories you drink rather than everything you eat?  If you want to eat healthier, try replacing one dessert daily with a piece of fruit rather than cutting out sugar completely. If you’re going to get into hiking, start with a walk at lunchtime. Setting small goals you can achieve will help keep you motivated along the way.

Guests include Catherine Schuller, Poet Lorraine BrooksPatricia Addie-Gentle RD, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, MEd, NDTR, and Mama Rose Marie. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.

The main themes of Divabetic’s diabetes mystery podcast GypsiesTramps & Peas are positive body image and summertime diabetes self-care tips.

Here’s a quick synopsis: Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic, finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer. With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, he heads for Coney Island to cater his first party aboard a yacht for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found swimming with the fish. Was it an accident or foul play? Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, a lifeguard lothario, and some sequined mermaids, all intent on keeping their secrets buried deep within the sand. Can Mr. Divabetic prove Coach’s death was a murder, not an accident? Or will he end up floating out to sea?

Will he sink or swim? Tune in to find out if he can solve the murder of his former swim coach with the help of his friends, some sassy mermaids, and a cooky fortune teller. Along the way to revealing the identity of the murderer, he uncovers expert tips for diabetes self-care during the Summer months.

USA Today Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Seveda Williams, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, Mama Rose Marie, and Poet Lorraine Brooks help the fruit suit clad sleuth in this seaside adventure.

This year’s mystery podcast features music from the original cast recording of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music.

Mr. Divabetic Raises Awareness At Feria de Salud Festival in The Bronx

The happy healthcare host, Mr Divabetic raises awareness for diabetes in a fun, new way at the American Diabetes Association’s Latino program, Feria de Salud, at St. Mary’s Park in the Bronx, NY.

The annual Feria de Salud Festival offers free health screenings and education to South Bronx residents about diabetes.

Approximately 1,717,067 people in New York, or 10.7% of adults, have been diagnosed with diabetes. An additional 456,000 people in New York have diabetes but don’t know it, significantly increasing their health risk. Sadly, the Bronx is home to five of city’s worst 10 neighborhoods for diabetes-related deaths.

Play along as Mr. Divabetic challenges various American Diabetes Association staff members, Dr. Ileana Vargas – Rodriquez, Mimi Gonzalez BS, RN, with the food game, ‘Serve, Taste or Trash!’

You might be surprised by the results. In the game, players are 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 delicious than cooked 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.

Are You Living With PreDiabetes? 

Why should I care about prediabetes? The sooner you know you have prediabetes, the sooner you can take action to reverse it and prevent type 2 diabetes. Click HERE to take a quick PreDiabetes Risk Test.

The CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program helps people with prediabetes make lasting lifestyle changes to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Working with a trained coach teaches you to eat healthy, add physical activity, and manage stress. With other participants, you’ll celebrate successes and work to overcome challenges. If you have prediabetes, now is your time to take action Click HERE for program details.

Mr. Divabetic is a 2011 WEGO Health Activist Award finalist and the happy healthcare host of Diva TalkRadio. Diva TalkRadio is Divabetic’s dynamic free online and mobile podcast channel where tens of thousands of fans, followers, and listeners turn to laugh a little and learn a lot. The channel features a line-up of live and archived programs and specials.

Do you need some inspiration to help you make healthier choices? Tune in to this episode of Divabetic popular podcast focused on Healthy Swaps. With a few simple swaps, you can help live your best life while managing your diabetes. Our experts offer straightforward, simple, and fun swap ideas for drinks, medications, self-care, and fashion. Plus, we share style tips and words of inspiration to help you maintain a healthy habit.

Developing these habits isn’t always easy. Adapting to a new routine can be tricky, and it’s often tempting to want to return to old ways if we don’t see immediate results. One of the biggest mistakes people make when forming a new habit is taking on too much too quickly.  Focus on what’s working in your diabetes self-care plan before overhauling diabetes management. Instead of decluttering the entire house, why not focus on one room or closet? Why not focus on the calories you drink rather than everything you eat?  If you want to eat healthier, try replacing one dessert daily with a piece of fruit rather than cutting out sugar completely. If you’re going to get into hiking, start with a walk at lunchtime. Setting small goals you can achieve will help keep you motivated along the way.

Guests include Catherine Schuller, Poet Lorraine BrooksPatricia Addie-Gentle RD, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, MEd, NDTR, and Mama Rose Marie. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.

New York City Pride March 2023

Thank you to all of the AMAZING ALLIES in my life. The ‘A” in LBGTQAI+ is an essential part of our community.

Yesterday morning I was overcome with emotion thinking about how vital my ALLIES have been in my life. I can’t imagine my life without them. My family, friends, co-workers, employers, neighbors, and leaders have walked beside me and provided me with strength, laughter, joy, love, and community with each step of my journey of self-acceptance.

Your love, friendship, support, kindness, and respect mean so much to me as I live my truth. You make it safe for me to show every shade of the RAINBOW in my heart and soul.

Sadly, many people around the globe, like me, don’t feel safe or enjoy the same freedoms. I’m grateful to their ALLIES too.

I appreciate my trans and nonbinary community members for feeling safe to be who they are in my presence.

The Pride March is an opportunity to see the vastness of our community. All the different sizes, shapes, ages, races, and genders of people in our community. It’s a vitamin to the soul to know you’re not alone.

I feel overcoming the SHAME associated with being gay is similar to the SHAME associated with a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Feeling pride in something others think is shameful is a powerful tool for guiding you to live your best life. It’s not easy to overcome the inner negative thoughts and emotions, but it is worth it.

On this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast, Mr. Divabetic spotlights LGBTQAI+ people living with, affected by, and at risk of diabetes with music from Indigo Girls.

Research shows that LGBTQAI+  people have unique health disparities and worse health outcomes than their heterosexual counterparts regarding diabetes care and education.

Guests include The Flood Girls The Small Crimes of Tiffany Templeton, Author Richard Fifield, and Heart Health advocate and fabulous drag queen, Mutha Chucka, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES.

Mr. Divabetic stops by the Gay Pride March in New York to raise awareness for diabetes in a fun, new way. The first March was held in 1970 and has since become an annual civil rights demonstration. Over the years its purpose has broadened to include recognition of the fight against AIDS and to remember those we have lost to illness, violence, and neglect.
Mr. Divabetic plays his food game, Serve, Taste or Trash! with participants and crowd goers to help encourage people to read nutritional labels. You might be surprised by the facts. In the game, you are given three choices of popular snack foods: a Kit Kat White Chocolate bar, a Balance Bar (Yogurt Honey Peanut), and a Vita Coco Pure Coconut Water with Orange, 11. 1 fl oz. To play, you must decide which item you’d serve, which you’d taste, and which you’d trash. Can you tell which one contains the most sugar? Kit Kat White Chocolate bar contains and the Balance Bar (Yogurt Honey Peanut) both contain 18 grams of sugar and a Vita Coco Pure Coconut Water with Orange, 11. 1 fl oz. Contains 20 grams of sugar.

We’re talking about ‘Diabetes & Pride’ on this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast with musical and identity inspiration from Ricky Martin.

Since Ricky Martin came out in 2010, he’s been a prominent voice for LGBTQ+ rights in the U.S. and his native Puerto Rico. Ricky Martin said, “I just wanna be free,” upon receiving GLAAD’s Vito Russo Award, which honors gay entertainers who promote equal rights. Martin opened up his life to Vanity Fair in its April 2012 issue and spoke candidly about his twins, Matteo and Valentino, and his longtime partner, Carlos Gonzalez.

As an openly gay man, Mr. Divabetic is honored to shine the spotlight on members of the LGBTQ+ community living with diabetes. Guests include Stephen Bernstein, Greg Rubin, Maria Salazar, Maya James, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.