We celebrate you for embracing self-care with such dedication! Your commitment to managing your diabetes deserves applause.
Join the Divabetic Self-Love Choir and let your voice shine! Singing your own praises, particularly when it comes to your diabetes journey, is a wonderful way to uplift your spirit and nourish your well-being. Take a moment to acknowledge your progress, reward yourself, and be your own biggest fan.
By recognizing your strengths, you can boost your confidence and empower yourself to continue moving forward with grace and joy! Remember, each step you take is a reason to celebrate. You’ve got this!
Divabetic will be presenting a free diabetes outreach program in partnership with the Frazier Family Coalitionfor Stroke and Prevention at Thomas Jefferson Univeristy Hospital in Philadelphia in November 2025.
Stoke Awareness Community Day – Join Frazier Family Coalition for a day of fun, interactive activities, health education, resources and screening. There will be give-aways and healthy snacks. May 16, 2025, 10am-2pm.
I had a wonderful time running into my dear friend, Divabetic type 1, Leslie, at Martha Redbone‘s brilliant tribute to author bell hooks and her inspiring poetry, featuring my friend, Keith Anthony Fluitt at the Apollo Theater. It brought back fond memories of Leslie attending our free monthly Divabetic Club meetings at the McBurney YMCA in New York two decades ago.
Leslie has been navigating life with type 1 diabetes for over 30 years now, and seeing her again filled my heart with joy. It really transported me back to those vibrant days when Leslie would join our free Divabetic Club meetings at the McBurney YMCA in New York nearly two decades ago.
Seeing her again was such a joy! Leslie has always been a beacon of light and comfort for others living with diabetes, sharing her wisdom and positivity at our gatherings. I fondly remember the impact of Divabetic’s outreach, especially when we hosted ongoing free meetings for women affected by diabetes across New York, Philadelphia, and Cleveland.
This year has been a whirlwind as I balance running Divabetic, supporting Luther Vandross‘s legacy and documentary, creating my art, and managing various commitments while touring with Itzhak Perlman.
Catching up with Leslie was a refreshing reminder to pause, reflect, and appreciate the journey.
On a wonderful note, I’m thrilled to share that I’m teaming up with Dr. Neva White and Catherine Schuller to bring a fantastic, free, and fashionable Divabetic outreach event to life with the Frazier Family Coalition. Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 8, at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital! I couldn’t be more excited about what we have planned!
Changing our diet or mindset can feel like a daunting task, especially when it seems like others are breezing through the process. For our free upcoming Divabetic outreach on Saturday, November 8, 2025, in Philadelphia, let’s engage in an activity, Plate Poetry, that fosters open discussion and support.
In the comments, think about something you’re considering taking off your plate—maybe a beloved snack, negative thought or an indulgence. For example, imagine what your life and health would be like if you removed ‘SHAME’ from your diagnosis. Being diagnosised iwth diabetes is not your fault and blaming yourself can hinder you from seeking help and improving your well-being.
Share something you’d like to put on your plate, perhaps a healthier alternative, positive mindset or activity that excites you.
For example, a friend of mine, Manny, faced the challenging decision to eliminate gluten from his diet due to celiac disease. While the availability of gluten-free options has grown, it still requires significant adjustment, especially for someone who enjoys Italian cuisine. It’s certainly possible to embrace this change, but it’s important to recognize the difficulties that come with it.
Manny chose to put the word, ‘TRY’ on his plate. His first goal was to switch from eating rye bread to quinoa and oats. Experts agree that it takes three months or more of fully eliminating gluten from your diet for your body and immune system to respond.
I often recall the valuable insight from a Registered Dietitian who emphasized, “I focus on telling people what to put on their plate, not what to take off.” This perspective encourages us to view dietary changes as opportunities rather than restrictions.
Philadelphia’s beloved WDAS Radio personality, Patty Jackson, is a true inspiration! After surviving a stroke, she shared that she wasn’t drinking enough water or listening to her body before it happened.
Fast forward nine years, and Patty is staying hydrated and thriving as she continues to bring joy to her audience behind the microphone and camera. It’s heartwarming to see her enjoying life and spreading positivity!
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!
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.
