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.
Changing our diet or mindset can feel like a daunting task, especially when it seems like others are breezing through the process. For our upcoming fee Divabetic outreach on Saturday, November 8, 2025, in Philadelphia, let’s engage in an activity that fosters open discussion and support.
In the comments, think about something you’re considering taking off your plate—maybe a beloved snack, emotion, habit or an indulgence. Then, share something you’d like to replace it with, perhaps a healthier alternative, attitude, or activity that excites you. This exchange can inspire and motivate us all on our journey toward better health.
For example, a friend of mine 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.
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.
Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed by managing your diabetes? It’s completely understandable. Instead of focusing on what you can’t eat, why not shift your attention to the delicious options you can include on your plate?
One effective approach is the Plate Method, which can make mealtime both satisfying and manageable! Start by filling half of your plate with colorful non-starchy vegetables like asparagus, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts—these are not only nutritious but also add a lot of flavor.
Next, dedicate a quarter of your plate to lean proteins such as fish, chicken, beef, or soy foods. Lastly, don’t forget the carbs! The remaining quarter should be filled with wholesome carbohydrates like beans, whole grains, or pasta.
Puting The Plate Method into practice sounds simple, but it can be a bit tricky in practice. So, take your time and make gradual changes to your meals. You might find that tweaking your plate is a great way to enjoy your food while taking care of your health!
Let’s support each other by sharing our thoughts and experiences. Your participation can provide the encouragement we all need to make lasting changes together!
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.
It is a privilege for Max Szadek to be featured in the NAACP Image Awards-nominated documentary Luther: Never Too Much, where he shares his story of discoveringLuther Vandross after experiencing a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes.
He 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.
After surviving a stroke, she continues to bring joy to her audience behind the microphone and camera.
SAVE THE DATE: Divabetic Holiday Outreach Program in partnership with the Frazier Family Coalitionat 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.
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. BUY NOW
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
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.
