"There is an unspoken bond that naturally exists among women with diabetes.  It's always wonderful to see the burden of living with diabetes lifted from women when they attend a PODS meetup and connect with other women who understand them." -- Brandy Barnes, Founder

PODS (Part of DiabetesSisters) Meetups were piloted in central North Carolina in January 2010.  These monthly meetings are held in a DiabetesSisters member's home at 7pm on a week night.   The meetings are informal and open to women of all ages with all types of diabetes (type 1, type 2, type 1.5, gestational, pre-diabetes, etc.) regardless of whether their diagnosis was yesterday or 30 years ago.  The purpose of PODS meetings is to provide a safe, nurturing environment for women with diabetes to take time away from others and truly focus on their health.  In addition, PODS meeting participants have the opportunity to offer and receive informative and supportive advice from other women who are living with diabetes. 

Due to the success of the first PODS meetups and the number of women who have expressed an interest in starting PODS meetups in their own city, these meetings will be replicated in a number of cities throughout the US in the Fall of 2010.  Please check our Event Calendar to see if/when a PODS meetup is taking place near you.  Due to the fact that these meetings are held in a DS member's home, you must email the PODS Meetup Coordinator, Kelli Turner ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ), for the exact location of the meetings.  If you are interested in starting a PODS meetup in your area, please contact Kelli Turner at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  for a PODS starter packet.    

January 15, 2010; Raleigh, NC 

The Inaugural PODS Meetup Attendees: Lesley Gray (type 2), Pat Lewis (type 1),

Shandra Botts (type 1), Kelli Turner (type 1), RoseMarie Holsing (type 2), and Brandy Barnes (type 1)