WELCOME TO
Diagnosed Not Defeated
Welcome to one of the most dynamic blogs about living with diabetes. Explore an array of informative categories about being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 
and type 1 diabetes. I’ve had the “privilege” of being diagnosed with both types of diabetes. In 2011, I was diagnosed with type 2 and eight years later in 2019, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. As a person living with LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults) my platform provides the unique experience of understanding both types personally. Being misdiagnosed has been an emotional experience, but I try to find the light. One way is by reminding myself that I’ve wanted to bridge the types since my blog began and believing that last year God answered that prayer.
I hope you’ll enjoy my posts about living with diabetes. They include topics such as recipes, fitness, travel, faith-based perspectives, and much more. Stay as long as you like and come back often.
” I enjoy Phyllisa’s in-person workshops because she makes diabetes management easy to understand. I have attended a few sessions and I always leave motivated.”
Pam L.
” I am a caregiver and reading Phyllisa’s blog posts give me insight into what my loved ones might be experiencing. They don’t always tell me how they are feeling and I appreciate reading her honest and open-reflections on the challenges and triumphs of life with diabetes.”
Marlene A.
Latest Posts
We Had A Good Thing (My 1st Poem About Diabetes)
Although I've been writing poems since I was 12 years old, this is my first poem about diabetes. Leave a comment and tell me what you think about it--I put my heart and soul into it. If you want the [...]
Great New Book on Diabetes Burnout
Yes, I am a diabetes blogger. Yes, I talk about diabetes all the time. But the truth is...diabetes is completely exhausting at times. To have to ALWAYS think about what your pancreas is or isn't doing is another full time [...]
The Color Run…So Much Fun, but NEVER AGAIN!
The Color Run in Abu Dhabi was amazing! The Color Run is a run for the entire family. Big kids and little kids alike can enjoy a 3 mile walk with a smile. It's like a street party. The winners [...]
You Only Get One (a non-diabetic post)
As the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the choices that I made in life that have landed me here. Here in this place in my life, here alive on this day, here in this location, [...]
Review of Glucerna Advance
I have been enjoying drinking Glucerna shakes for the past two years. Until now, my favorite has been the Glucerna Hunger Smart Shakes. I drink them on my busy mornings as a breakfast replacement. They are perfect for when I [...]
The Diabetes Walk that I Didn’t Walk
I was so excited about attending my first diabetes walk in the UAE. Walk 2013 was going to be my moment to triumph. The doors opened at 2pm and I made sure that I was there on time. I am [...]
My First 5k Run
A few months ago, with the support of my husband and my friend Amy, who lives in Qatar, I decided to participate in the Dubai Women's Run (5k). Training for the 5k was a little more challenging for me than [...]
Things I Use to Do, I Don’t Do No More (Sweet Tea)
In honor of Diabetes Awareness Month, I'm going to give you a little insight on how much my life has changed in the past two years by telling you about things I miss from my life, B.D. (Before Diabetes). This [...]
It’s November….Diabetes Awarness Month
Today marks the beginning of a very special month...Diabetes Awareness Month. We each can do our part in bringing awareness to diabetes and supporting those who have to manage diabetes everyday. Diabetes is a 24 hour/7 days kinda thing so [...]
