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Diabetics on the Margin

Black History Month 2022: Black Health and Wellness

I celebrate black life and stories, past and present every day. But today is the last day of Black History Month and in light of this year’s theme –Black Health and Wellness, I thought it fitting to revisit a favorite blog post of mine—“Black Panther: A Reflection on Blackness and Diabetes.” I originally wrote this ...

Protecting My Joy, Still Carrying Hope: A T1D’s Reflection on Racism, America and the Diabetes Community

All images by my husband, Alfred Sarpeh. I’m protecting my joy. I’m catching my breath. I took an intentional break from the diabetes online community in June because being black in America is hard. The mental toll of the pandemic was taxing enough, especially as as a member of a vulnerable population. My fears of ...

JALS Event: Invisible Identities: A Conversation on Diabetes and Disability (6.22.19)

Just a Little Suga' presents Invisible Identities: A Conversation on Diabetes and Disability. This event will take place on Saturday, June 22nd from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm at The BGX (Black Gotham Experience) Studio, located at 192 Front Street in NYC. Description: Panelists will unpack what it means to identify ...

Diabetic on the Margin: Monique

Monique reached out to me almost a year ago asking to share her journey with her Diabetic Alert Dog, Waimea. In her message to me, she stated, "I never realized before...how little our culture knows about service animals." She continued, "I know I can't be the only black person with a service animal," Since then, Monique has ...

Diabetic on the Margin: Phyllisa

I can’t remember how I first stumbled upon Phyllisa’s platform. It may have been a moment where I casually searched Instagram for hashtags and people that referenced blackness and diabetes. Regardless, when I found her page, I was drawn to a satirical skit that dissuaded folks from relinquishing their diabetes care to ...

Reflections and Recommendations: Diabetics on the Margin (Part II)

The following article is a continuation of recommendations outlined in Part I (here). These takeaways are in response to the Diabetics on the Margin event hosted in partnership with Beyond Type 1. 5.) RECOMMENDATION: Craft Robust Solutions that Consider Everyone: Vivian Nabeta of the Sonia Nabeta Foundation reminded us ...

Reflections and Recommendations: Diabetics on the Margin (Part I)

  During the Diabetics on the Margin event hosted in partnership with Beyond Type 1, panelists voiced concerns that applied to the general diabetes community. We discussed navigating feelings of guilt when dealing with management, desiring respect when consulting with healthcare professionals, and dealing with the ...