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About DiabetesSisters, 501(c)3 DiabetesSisters is a North Carolina based non-profit health organization dedicated to improving the health and quality of life of women with, and those as risk of developing, diabetes; and advocating on their behalf. The vision of DiabetesSisters is to provide a centralized location for women with diabetes around the world to come together to support and empower each other while also sharing practical, useful information about the disease and its treatment in order to improve overall health and quality of life. Brandy Barnes, MSW, Founder and Executive Director of the organization, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1990. Over the last two decades, she has worked tirelessly to help others with diabetes through a variety of positions in the diabetes field, including research, education, advocacy, and sales. She established DiabetesSisters in January 2008 based on her personal experience with the unique challenges faced by women with diabetes and the few resources available to address them.
DiabetesSisters is unique in the diabetes field in its singular, yet broad focus on women’s issues and needs. To address the various ways women prefer to connect with others and receive education, DiabetesSisters has developed innovative, user-friendly programs that are available 24 hours a day around the globe. For women who prefer to learn through quiet observation, DiabetesSisters provides Weekly Blogs from real women with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, as well as pregnancy and diabetes. For women who prefer indirect interaction with other women who have diabetes, want to ask questions and find support, the Women’s Forum provides ongoing opportunities. For those who want a one-on-one support from another woman who is living with diabetes, the Diabetes Buddy Program is available to match her with a woman who has the same type of diabetes and is close in age. If a question arises between visits with her healthcare team, a member can submit a question online via our Ask Our CDE Column and receive a prompt answer within 48 hours. For legal questions, particularly those involving the Americans with Disabilities Act, members can submit questions at any time via the Diabetes & The Law Column and our attorney will provide a prompt answer. Through a partnership with Intelecare Corporation, DiabetesSisters offers a free Medication & Appointment Reminder Program which provides reminders via email, phone, or text message. Women can also Learn the Facts about diabetes by reading unbiased articles about Early Detection, Women and Diabetes, Types of Diabetes, and Diabetes Treatment. Members may learn about the latest findings of clinical research, the emergence of new equipment and medications, and any other breaking news in the diabetes field by reviewing Diabetes News Briefs. The Sweet Treats Boutique provides a variety of items from books to t-shirts to foot lotions that are chosen with the needs of women with diabetes in mind. Members also receive our Monthly Newsletter which features an “everyday woman” with diabetes and provides a Monthly Nutrition Tip from our Nutritionist among other articles. Although the organization is relatively young, its unique mission has captured a nationwide audience through features on the TODAY Show website and in the American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Forecast magazine. The organization also received critical acclaim at the 67th Annual American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions in a presentation entitled, “Whose Idea Is It Anyway?:A Collection of Innovative Ideas.” Partnerships and collaborations have been essential in building a diverse, actively engaged audience of women with diabetes who are serious about improving their physical and emotional health. We work with state and national government agencies, national corporations, private practitioners, women’s organizations, and diabetes organizations, to help us carry the message of education, support, and empowerment to women with diabetes around the country. During the first 18 months of existence, the organization enrolled over 1300 members from 142 countries and made 180 successful Diabetes Buddy matches. In addition, the website saw 30,539 visitors. Not only has the organization continuously built its membership base, but it has also established itself as a well-respected resource for women with diabetes in the diabetes community. In January 2009, DiabetesSisters received a capacity building grant of $9,535 from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation for board, strategic and resource development. For more information on DiabetesSisters, please visit www.diabetessisters.org. |
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