DiabetesSisters on Support, Screening & Thriving

Too often, women have had to navigate these additional hurdles alone, without the specialized guidance, education, and emotional support necessary to manage their health effectively. Addressing these gaps is essential to help women with diabetes not just manage their condition, but to walk with confidence through every stage of life.

T1D Strong caught up with Michele Polz, CEO of DiabetesSisters, and Donna Rice, COO, to talk about peer support, early T1D screening, and the organization’s exciting new direction.

Who Are DiabetesSisters?

DiabetesSisters began in 2008, founded by Brandy Barnes, who saw a significant gap in care and community for women living with diabetes. Since then, the group has blossomed, now reaching more than 30,000 people each year with peer support, education, and resources.

Seventeen years later, DiabetesSisters is a highly regarded and influential nonprofit within the diabetes community. Its mission is to empower women of all ages and with all types of diabetes—type 1, type 2, LADA, MODY, gestational, prediabetes, and those at risk—to share their experiences and find the resources to navigate their health journeys.

Michele Polz, a longtime board member since 2016 and now CEO, highlights just how demanding living with diabetes is: “You’re managing the disease 8,760 hours a year. When you leave the doctor’s office, you’re on your own. Through DiabetesSisters (DS), we want to ensure that every person with diabetes is building themselves up for success.”

She adds, “We’re an evidence-based peer support model, grounded in 15 years of qualitative and quantitative results. It’s really astonishing that we’ve had women with us since 2010 who still engage with us.”

Donna Rice, COO and a board member since 2014, reinforces that inclusivity is key. “We want to make sure DS is an open door that provides the right information for you, where you need it most. For a woman newly diagnosed—type 1 or 2—or even at risk, you can find the right resources and fit them into your daily life.”

A Fresh Look, A Timeless Mission

To celebrate its 15th anniversary, DiabetesSisters launched a brand-new website and visual identity. The message is simple: We’re still here, and you can flourish.

The site is designed to be inclusive, easy to navigate, and filled with practical tools for every stage of a woman’s diabetes journey.

T1D Screening: Why It Matters

Most people don’t realize that type 1 diabetes can be detected before symptoms start. That’s why DS teamed up with Sanofi on a national campaign to raise awareness about early T1D screening.

DiabetesSisters has developed educational content and webinars to guide its community—which includes women with diabetes, as well as their caregivers, spouses, and healthcare providers—through every step of the screening process. By clearly outlining the reasons for screening, how to complete screenings, and how to take action based on the results, these resources empower women and their families to make more informed decisions.

“It’s not just about screening those who are already concerned,” Polz explains. “We want to help the general population understand why early detection is so critical.”

The Power of Peer Support

DiabetesSisters is built on 15 years of real-world feedback and results. The programs aren’t just clinical—they’re deeply personal. Monthly virtual peer support meetups give women a place to connect, ask questions, and share what works (and what doesn’t) in everyday life with diabetes.

“Our meetups are a true peer support model,” says Polz. “It’s about making sure women feel nurtured and heard—whether they show up every month or pop in occasionally.”

Rice adds, “In these conversations, women find mentorship and learn through each other’s lived experiences. It’s powerful.”

Addressing Diabetes Burnout

Managing diabetes day in and day out takes an emotional toll. Anxiety, stress, and burnout are all too common. That’s why DS added emotional wellness modules to its support meetups—covering topics like stress reduction, coping strategies, and mental health.

“Our host leaders are really in tune with the emotional side of diabetes,” says Rice. “The space we create is more emotional than clinical—and that’s what makes it work.”

Using AI to Reach More Women

At the Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD) conference in Amsterdam, DiabetesSisters unveiled an AI-driven insights platform.

“Our participation at ATTD 2025 reflects our commitment to innovation, evidence-based diabetes education, and leveraging 15 years of community insights to drive meaningful change in diabetes care,” said Michele Polz, CEO.

By integrating these insights into its value-based peer support model, DiabetesSisters expanded its reach and enhanced engagement among women with or at risk for diabetes—especially those in rural or underserved areas.

“Women with diabetes often face challenges that go unspoken and unsupported,” said Donna Rice, COO of DiabetesSisters. “By leveraging AI as an insights engine, we were able to listen at scale, respond with purpose, and deliver programs that truly meet women where they are.”

The outcome? Smarter, more relevant support content and an expanded roster of experts focused on women’s health.

Bridging the Gap: Misdiagnosis & Missed Opportunities

Unfortunately, many people with type 1 diabetes are misdiagnosed. “We hear these stories all the time,” says Rice. Today, we empower women to ask the right questions and openly communicate with their healthcare team to ensure they are getting the correct tests to diagnose their type of diabetes. Recent advances in science have equipped healthcare providers to assess and diagnose both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. DiabetesSisters provides up-to-date education—not just about diagnosis, but also about what comes next: resources, medication, and support that can be life-changing.

Bringing Support to More Communities—Including in Spanish

DS is also expanding its reach to include more diverse communities. DiabetesSisters has launched Mujeres Siendo Reales – Conversaciones Sobre Diabetes, which translates to Women Being Real – Conversations About Diabetes—a powerful new series featuring two Spanish-speaking women living with diabetes. Through honest, relatable conversations, the series brings culturally relevant resources to life for the Spanish-speaking community.

The series focuses on the ADCES 7 Self-Care Behaviors: healthy eating, being active, monitoring blood sugar, taking medication, problem-solving, healthy coping, and reducing health risks.

“We want to make sure women everywhere feel seen and supported,” says Polz.

Support at Your Fingertips

DiabetesSisters offers a rich mix of virtual programs and on-demand content:

• Monthly virtual peer support meetups
  
• Webinars and workshops
• Email newsletters
• Downloadable resources
• On-demand videos
  

“Everyone connects differently,” says Rice. “Some love face-to-face conversations, others prefer to read or watch a video. We meet women where they are. That’s what true peer support looks like.”

Want to learn more or get involved?

Visit: www.diabetessisters.org

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