The Real Life Diabetes Virtual Happy Hour is Growing!

The Real Life Diabetes Virtual Happy Hour takes place every Thursday from 5 – 6:15pm CST. The theme or activity has attendance growing because we have a TON of fun with folks who “get it”.  This event is a great place to meet new people, connect with old friends and hopefully lift your spirits as you roll into the weekend.
Checkout a few fun pics below and be sure to click on the Happy Hour logo to register. (more…)



To Love A Diabetic by Poet Nichole Acosta

The Real Life Diabetes Virtual Happy Hour has brought SO many interesting PWD together. We thoroughly enjoy basic pub talk, poking fun, cracking jokes, live music, embarrassing some of us crappy trivia lovers, etc. Recently I connected with a woman who wowed me with her written word skills.
* I feel confident you will enjoy this reading as much as we did.
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Real Life Diabetes “Virtual” Happy Hour(s)

I’ve hardcore quarantined since March and recently started to feel the impact it has on me mentally. I miss my friends, I miss strolling the aisles of Target, I miss spending too much time looking at fresh produce, I miss brunch and definitely miss happy hour at a local watering hole. As I shed tears writing this post, I thought – why not do something about it. (more…)



A Healthy Spin On A Protein Packed Tuna Salad

With all of us spending more time in kitchen it was time to get cracking on a new recipe, but considering what I’ve been whipping together is ridiculous, I reached out to my friend, Brent Wilson, RD, CDE and Director of Nutrition & Wellness at i2U Culinary Solutions. I had the pleasure of interviewing Brent and co-owner, chef Jonathon Stranger on Mini-podcast #1: Food Is Medicine a few months ago. They know what they’re talking about – I hope you enjoy. (more…)



Surviving the Spanish Flu While In Another Country

I felt compelled to write this post after reading a NY Times article about pandemic mortality rates over the decades. In 1999, I gave myself a graduation present to visit a friend in Paris, France to celebrate the millennium. My family warned against the trip because of the uncertainty of Y2K, but that didn’t stop me. My friend was a nanny for the US Ambassador and I knew my time in France would not be the typical tourist adventure. I headed out with a HUGE backpack and cannot recall what diabetes supplies were on board.  (more…)



2019 Year In Review: Diabetes Advocacy Domination & Discoveries

As my Diaversary soon approaches, I take time to sit in silence and reflect on what I’ve learned, more specifically, in my diabetes world. New technology & pump therapies, apps, partnerships, #insulin4all campaigns, etc. have me a bit exhausted, but hopeful for the future. Below are a few 2019 highlights I would like to share.

Podcasts Released: 18 episodes found on various podcast platforms and HERE on the DDG podcast page.
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The Fear of Diabetes Complications Linger in the Background

Yesterday, in a bit of a panic, I reached out to friends and family because I was scared, really scared. The ugly cry kept me from sharing my real fears – was it just a gallbladder episode or something worse? Within an hour, I was headed to the ER, but not before packing a bag – insulin, needles, pen needles, extra sensor, skin tac, tester, test strips, healthy snacks, low BG snacks, journal, phone charger and head phones. (more…)



Amber is Pleasantly Surprised by her Home A1c Test

I was pleasantly surprised by the result and contacted the founder of the machine… He shared the home test airs on the side of being a little low – BUT what the hell – I will take it.

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June Real Life Diabetes Happy Hour – Joplin, Missouri

I’m packing up the Subaru and heading to Joplin, Missouri to attend the Stick It To Diabetes fundraiser hosted my the Mercy Foundation. What better way to bring PWD together than a happy hour? (more…)



I Am Perfectly Imperfect

I’ve been holding onto this post for awhile, but while geeking out on Netflix documentaries, I stumbled upon Brené Brown’s – A Call to Courage. Damn her! I’ve been a huge fan of Brené and find she pops into my life exactly when I need her. It is time for me to be vulnerable… (more…)