We’re thrilled to launch the 2nd annual Love Across Life Stages of Diabetes Survey for Women in partnership with DiabetesSisters. By sharing your experiences, you play a vital role in shaping the future of diabetes care and support.
With approximately 15 million women in the U.S. navigating the challenges of diabetes every day, your stories are invaluable. Our survey aims to highlight the unique experiences of women managing diabetes, providing insights that can enhance care, support, and encouragement.
Stay tuned for the results in March, where we’ll share new insights and approaches to managing diabetes with love and resilience. Your voice matters!
The co-authors of Divabetic’s ebook, Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide To Love & Intimacy With Diabetes,Dr. Janis Roszler PhD, LMFT, CDCES, LD/N, FAND, and Donna Rice MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES offer advice on discussing your diabetes diagnosis as well as issues related to intimacy, fertility, and menopause with the people you care about the most.
I was talking to a friend with type 1 diabetes yesterday, and he shared an experience with me that highlighted the challenges of managing diabetes. His insurance company had miscoded his request for insulin, which caused his pharmacy to be unable to refill his prescription. After hours of phone calls, a trip to the Emergency Room, and a lot of frustration, he finally resolved the issue.
This situation emphasized how difficult and frustrating it can be to advocate for one’s health with diabetes. Many people assume that individuals with diabetes should be able to manage their condition without any problems. Unfortunately, empathy, compassion, and encouragement for those living with diabetes are rarely expressed. Instead, there’s an assumption that it’s “no big deal.”
Statistics show that many people struggle with medication compliance, even with oral medications. It raises the question: why don’t others recognize the courage, determination, dedication, and perseverance it takes to manage diabetes day in and day out, year after year? While I don’t have an answer to that rhetorical question, I do recommend giving yourself a pat on the back, encouraging yourself, and appreciating the hard work you put into managing your health.
Remember, it starts with you. Take a minute to love yourself, and let this post be a reminder to you that we see you, recognize your commitment to your health, and love you too. You are amazing!!!
Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love and Intimacy with Diabetes, book one in the series, is your key to a happy, healthy intimate life with diabetes. BUY NOW
In 2006, just a year after starting Divabetic, Luther Vandross‘s mother, the late Mary Ida Vandross, joined Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek to tape a public service announcement.
What a great lady! Divabetic is national diabetes nonprofit with a mission to empower people to manage their diabetes with confidence, knowledge and inspiration.
Max Szadek shares his experience of being featured in the NAACP Image Awards-nominated documentary Luther: Never Too Much, and his story of discovering Luther Vandross after experiencing a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes.
Max hopes to inspire others to proactively avoid a similar health crisis through advocacy.
Remember, if you notice any signs of a stroke, don’t hesitate to seek help right away – swift action can greatly impact your recovery.
Let’s look out for each other! It’s essential to seek help, connect with a caring community, and share your journey. Philadelphia’s beloved WDAS-FM Radio personality, Patty Jackson, is a true inspiration! After surviving a stroke, she continues to bring joy to her audience behind the microphone and camera.
SAVE THE DATE: Divabetic Holiday Outreach Program at Alumni Hall at Thomas Jefferson University Hosptial,1020 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, on Saturday, November 8, 2025, 11 AM – 1:30 PM. Enjoy a Glam More, Fear Less Fashion Show, Cooking Demonstration, Guest Speakers, Chair Yoga Exercises, and Community Support. Free Admission. ‘
Through the Divabetic (Divabetic.Org) programs, podcasts, and videos, we’ve spread awareness and positivity to hundreds of thousands of men and women.
I’m excited to update you about my journey in diabetes and stroke advocacy! Being featured in the documentary Luther: Never Too Much truly reignited my passion for this important cause. It reminded me how vital it is to gather and support those at risk or affected by diabetes, particularly in the wake of the pandemic.
I took the opportunity to share my personal experience regarding Luther’s health crisis, hoping it could spark a meaningful discussion about the health risks of mismanaged diabetes.
My message to Luther fans is to listen to your body with the same intensity as you listen to your favorite Luther songs.
I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be partnering with the Frasier Family Coalition for Stroke Education & Prevention and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital to present a free diabetes outreach program during National Diabetes Month this coming November!
On the same day I confirmed this program, I had the chance to connect with Patty Jackson, an incredible radio personality and stroke survivor. Patty has been a steadfast supporter of my efforts with Divabetic outreach for the past twenty years. She has consistently uplifted our mission through interviews and social media collaborations.
I’m genuinely grateful to everyone who has been a part of my journey in diabetes outreach. Together, we’re making a difference!
Are you contemplating a manicure but have concerns about the health implications of diabetes? It’s completely understandable, and there are ways to enjoy your pampering safely.
First and foremost, a conversation with your healthcare team can provide peace of mind. Discussing any specific health concerns, particularly conditions like neuropathy, is essential. If you have any open wounds, it’s wise to postpone your visit until you’re fully healed to avoid complications.
Consider a quick foot check with a podiatrist beforehand; it’s a simple step that can ensure you’re ready for a day of relaxation.
When you arrive at the salon, bringing your own tools—a pumice stone, nail polish, and other essentials—can add an extra layer of reassurance. Just remember to clean them at home before your appointment to maintain hygiene.
Also, when settling in for a soothing foot soak, always test the water temperature with your hand first. It’s a small but significant step to ensure your comfort—after all, we want the experience to be just right!
Ultimately, you deserve this moment of relaxation and care. Enjoy your time and take pride in treating yourself!
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.
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.
Patty Jackson has been a storng Divabetic supporter for over a decade. She has participated in our various outreach events at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA as well as promoted our events during her popular show on WDAS.
Photo by Jessica Griffin
Below is an excerpt from her recent story that appeared in ‘The Inquirer’ this past week. Please share Patty’s story and help to spread awareness for stroke:
I’ve been on the radio for 35 years, and I love my job at WDAS. I love my job so much that often it doesn’t even seem like a job, which makes it hard for me to realize how over-worked I might be getting. So over-worked, in fact, that I had a stroke three years ago – my body’s way of telling me to slow down.
My mother had suffered a stroke when she was 81, and I was her primary caregiver until she passed away. Taking care of my mother and my son while juggling the demanding schedule of my career was stressful. But then in the fall of 2015 I lost my mother, which took a toll on my emotional strength like nothing ever had before.
But I trudged on — working at the station seven days a week and doing numerous appearances after work. Nothing like a busy schedule to numb the mind, right?
Out of nowhere, in Nov. 2015, I collapsed. I didn’t stumble over anything. I didn’t trip. I just suddenly hit the ground. But I got right back up and kept moving – I had work to do!
Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It is the number. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States according to the American Stroke Association.
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts (or ruptures). When that happens , part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it and brain cells die.
Stroke can be caused either by a clot obstructing the flow of blood to the brain (called an ischemic stroke) or by a blood vessel rupturing and preventing blood flow to the brain (called a hemorrhagic stroke). A TIA (transient ischemic attack), or “mini stroke”, is caused by a temporary clot.
What are the effects of stroke?
The brain is an extremely complex organ that controls various body functions. If a stroke occurs and blood flow can’t reach the region that controls a particular body function, that part of the body won’t work as it should.
Use the letters in “fast” to spot stroke signs and know when to call 9-1-1.
F: Face Drooping, A: Arm Weakness, S: Speech Difficulty, T: Time to Call 911
