Divabetic Club 2025

Join us for our upcoming free Divabetic outreach program in partnership with the Frazier Family Coalition and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital on Saturday, November 8, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA.

For the past twenty years, Divabetic has been presenting free diabetes outreach in persona and online for thousands of women living with, at risk and affected by diabetes.

This month’s topic was ‘Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself.’

These free monthly motivational meetings are for people touched by diabetes in Philadelphia, PA, Cleveland, OH and New York.

Pattern Management is a skill that you can help you to manage your diabetes like a diva!

Mr. Divabetic talks to author Riva Greenberg about her new book, 50 Diabetes Myths That Can Ruin Your Life and the 50 Diabetes Truths That Can Save It at the Divabetic Club – NYC.

The Divabetic Club presents an upbeat mix of diabetes education and support. The safe environment of the Divabetic Club allows for participants to voice their failures and frustrations without judgement. It’s fondly referred to as a 12 step program for women living with diabetes by health professionals and patients alike.

Diabetes Late Nite podcast host, Mr. Divabetic and co-star Poet Lorraine Brooks joined comedians Tom Ragu and Nicky Sunshine on stage for a special performance at the Greenwich Village Comedy Club. As the member of the Diabetes Late Nite podcast team, Poet Lorraine Brooks writes original poems specifically for each monthly Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

Mr. Divabetic challenges Poet Lorraine Brooks to play his favorite game, Shady Sugar to help raise awareness for the alarming amount of added sugar contained in many of today’s most popular beverages. If you play along you just might be surprised by the results: Dannon Dairy Drink Mango flavored (28 grams of sugar), VitaCoco Lemonade (30 grams of sugar), and Red Bull Energy Drink (39 grams of sugar).

Did you know the average American consumes around 22.2 teaspoons of added sugar every day? Both the World Health Organization and the American Heart Association (AHA) note that we should really be eating only a fraction of that amount. The AHA says that adult women should get 5 teaspoons (20 grams) of sugar per day, adult men 9 teaspoons (36 grams), and children 3 teaspoons (12 grams). If you quickly do the math, you’ll soon discover that one 12 fl oz Red Bull Energy Drink is way more than the recommended daily average.

Divabetic’s Exclusive Angela Bofill Podcast

With her strong, distinctive alto, Angela Bofill carved a niche as an outstanding interpreter of soul ballads and became a mainstay on the Quiet Storm radio format. Angela Bofill suffered two strokes but neither stroke could take away her positive, humorous personality and her fighter spirit.

Angela Bofill released 10 studio albums and numerous hit singles, including I Try, This Time I’ll Be Sweeter, and Angel Of The Night,  and was also inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2023. 

After she lost the ability to sing, she returned to the stage for The Angela Bofill Experience in which she skillfully narrated her life story, while her band and other singers.

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the US. As many as 5 to 14 percent of stroke survivors have a second stroke within one year.

Goodbye Guesswork

Have you heard of a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)? It’s a device that tracks blood glucose levels continuously, providing real-time data to help manage diabetes and eliminate guesswork.

CGMs use a small sensor inserted under the skin to measure glucose levels. The sensor transmits data to a receiver (smartphone) that displays glucose levels and trends so you and your healthcare providers can identify patterns and potential problems with blood sugar levels. 

Medicare and commercial insurance plans cover CGMs, but eligibility and specific coverage details vary.

If you’re tired of the challenges without answers, it might be time to talk to your healthcare collaborators about getting and qualifying for a Continuous Glucose Monitor. 

Barbie & Ken Podcast on Love, Sex and Intimacy with Diabetes

For the past 64 years. Barbie has been a part of our lives, a cultural touchstone, or the quintessential image of what a woman should be but never will be – a sex or beauty object. Greta Gerwig’s big screen makeover and the related marketing blitz are making us revisit and reevaluate Barbie’s impact on our lives, including our sex lives.

After all, if Barbie and Ken are confused about what to do at sleepovers, you might be too, especially if you’re dealing with sexual health issues related to diabetes. Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in nearly all countries. People with diabetes experience sexual dysfunction more often than the general public.

TAKE THE SURVEY

Divabetic Podcast guests: 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, available on Amazon.

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. Inside you’ll find: The common physical and emotional sexual complications of diabetes and treatment options for men and women. An overview of diabetes nutrition, physical activity, weight loss, and diabetes medications Information on how aging impacts diabetes management and intimacy. Guidance on how to talk to your healthcare provider about intimacy-related issues. Ideas and techniques for building sexual intimacy and communicating effectively with your partner. Tips to help you avoid dangerous or money-wasting fraudulent sexual treatments, Authors Dr. Janis Roszler and Donna Rice use humor, helpful examples, and insightful questions to present key topics about sexual health in an engaging, approachable way.

This series is perfect for anyone (regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, or health status) looking to rekindle intimacy with their partner or be proactive about their sexual and emotional well-being.

In Bed With Barbie & Ken Podcast features music by Doug Clay.

Love Across Life Stages Of Diabetes Survey for Women

Happy Galentine’s Day! We’re thrilled to launch the 2nd annual Love Across Life Stages of Diabetes Survey for Women in partnership with DiabetesSisters.

TAKE THE SURVEY

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.

To celebrate your contributions and the strength of our community, we’re excited to announce that two lucky respondents will win a $50 gift card, perfect for enjoying lunch with a Galentine of your choice! 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, help readers navigate the emotions related to a diabetes diagnosis and issues related to intimacy, fertility, and menopause with the people they care about the most. 

Divabetic Pattern Management Tips

Pattern Management is a skill that you can help you to manage your diabetes like a diva! The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic and Neva White, the leader of the Divabetic Club – Philadelphia discuss the basics and benefits of Pattern Management. Free Divabetic Club meeting mixing diabetes education, support and style advice have been presented in New York, NY, Cleveland, OH and Philadelphia, PA.

Divabetic will partner with the Frazier Family Coalition to present a free program in November 2025 at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

Romantic relationships play an important role in our everyday lives. But when diabetes enters the picture, it can complicate even the most loving and open relationships. Many people don’t know that diabetes can impact physical and emotional intimacy. And intimacy-related issues can be especially difficult to discuss with a partner or a health care provider. But don’t let diabetes hinder the romance. Divabetic’s Sweet Romance ebook series is here to give you practical information and expert advice to tackle this sensitive subject. These comprehensive, interactive guides cover everything you need to know to enjoy a fulfilling sexual and emotional life despite the challenges of diabetes

FLASHBACK: Phyllis Kornbluth talks about how her participation in the Divabetic Support Meeting, have help changed her life for the better.

Enjoy this animated scene from Divabetic’s 10th Annual Original Mystery podcast, Murder Plain As Vanilla, streaming on YouTube, Spotify, iTunes, and BlogTalkRadio.

Divabetic mystery podcasts are not just for mystery lovers. It’s an engaging way to learn about diabetes and self-care. Amidst colorful characters, thrilling adventures, and delightful settings, we offer health and wellness tips to help you take charge of your diabetes self-care. We also promote the idea of thinking like a detective when you experience unexpected blood sugar fluctuations. Look for clues, gather data, talk to witnesses (friends, co-workers, and family members ), and present your ideas to healthcare professionals for solutions. A team approach to managing your diabetes is also a great idea.

Safe Manicure Tips

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!

Patti Austin’s Remarkable Health Journey


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.

Yo-Yo Dieting


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!

Remembering Levi Stubbs

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.