Media & Speaking Inquiries
Interview Taffy Brooks or feature her story because diabetes education doesn’t have to be boring, scary, or full of blame.
Taffy Brooks is a diabetes educator, researcher, and advocate living with Type 1.5 (LADA) diabetes. She’s the creator of The 5 Pillar Promise course, helping adults with Type 1, 1.5, or Type 2 learn how to manage their diagnosis with confidence, humor, and heart. She’s available for interviews, features, and expert commentary on all things diabetes, health mindset, and fighting misinformation.
About Taffy
Taffy Brooks is a nationally recognized diabetes educator, writer, and the founder of Diabetes Online Academy. Diagnosed with Type 1.5 diabetes after a misdiagnosis on 1-1-11, she’s made it her mission to cut through the myths and help others manage their diabetes with grace, grit, and glucose-smarts. A former corporate VP of training, she blends professional clarity with personal experience, delivering both insight and real talk.
Interview and Story Ideas
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Diagnosed on Day One: What I Learned From a New Year’s ICU Stay
Taffy shares her diagnosis story and why so many patients leave the hospital with prescriptions but no preparation. -
The 5 Pillars I Wish Someone Had Given Me on Diagnosis Day
A fresh take on diabetes management framed as five simple, relatable pillars anyone can follow. -
What’s Your Diabetes Type? And Why Your Doctor Might Have It Wrong
A myth-busting dive into Type 1.5, misdiagnosis, and why self-advocacy matters. -
Carbs, Myths, and Memory Loss: The Truth About Food and the Brain
Science meets storytelling to make sense of insulin resistance and the Type 2/Alzheimer’s connection. - The Shame, Blame, Diabetes Game—and How to Opt Out
Taffy tackles diabetes stigma head-on: from the judgment people feel for taking insulin, to the silent guilt many carry about their diagnosis. She reframes self-care as self-respect, especially for those navigating misinformation, cultural pressure, or internalized blame.
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Why I Teach People to Say 'Glucose'—Not 'Sugar'
From a nurse who told her "PWD don’t know that word" to well-meaning relatives asking about her "sugars," Taffy explains how language shapes stigma—and why words like “glucose,” “monitor,” and “manage” matter more than people realize.
Pamela Orr, BSN RN CDCES
Northwestern Medicine - Endocrinology Diabetes Metabolism
“Her relatable storytelling and engaging approach, along with the accompanying graphics, provide for meaningful learning experiences. I truly believe this program will motivate its participants to take charge of their health!”
Kara Clark, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN, CDCES
Diabetes Education Quality Coordinator
Northwestern Medical Group, Endocrinology
“This looks great and info is accurate! I am so impressed with her. It Is very clear she worked really hard on this. I love how her personality and passion shine through. Taffy is helping so many people within the diabetes community. Bravo! ROCK STAR!”
Sample Questions
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You were misdiagnosed at first... what happened, and how did it change your life?
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What’s the biggest myth about diabetes you wish we could retire forever?
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You talk a lot about mindset. What does that have to do with blood glucose?
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What do you say to someone who’s overwhelmed on Day 1 of their diagnosis?
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You talk about “the shame, blame, diabetes game.” How have you seen that play out in real life, and how do we stop it?
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You don’t just teach the science you teach the language of diabetes. Why is word choice so important for patients and providers?
