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Sep 17, 2019 · Watch the Film: A Touch of Sugar. More than 30 million Americans have diabetes – that’s about 1 in 10 adults – and 90 to 95% of them have type 2 diabetes. A Touch of Sugar dives into the diabetes healthcare epidemic that affects every community in the United States, told through the voices of people united in their struggle with this ...
Jun 13, 2019 · A Touch of Sugar explores the complexities of diabetes by directly reflecting the perspective of those actually living with diabetes, giving type 2 the multidimensional attention it deserves. This film makes it clear that this is a disease that requires far more than just diligently checking blood sugar, and the challenges perpetuated by ...
Apr 24, 2019 · A Touch of Sugar: Directed by Ani Simon-Kennedy. With Nelea Absher, Gevon Anderson, Tracey Brown, Viola Davis. A Touch of Sugar dives into the diabetes healthcare epidemic that affects every community in the United States, told through the voices of people united in their struggle with this chronic disease.
- (6)
- Documentary, Short
- Ani Simon-Kennedy
- 2019-04-24
Apr 25, 2019 · Acclaimed Actress Narrates Documentary Aimed at Confronting America’s Type 2 Diabetes Crisis KENILWORTH, N.J. - Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, announced today that its documentary film, A Touch of Sugar, will debut during the Tribeca Film Festival on Thursday, April 25 as a part of Merck’s program America’s Diabetes Challenge: Get to Your Goals ...
- Overview
- Interviewing Actress Viola Davis on Her Diabetes Connections
- Where to View the Film and Find Diabetes Resources
The advocacy face of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes may be getting a facelift soon with a new documentary film called “A Touch of Sugar.” It’s narrated by actress Viola Davis who is best known for her roles in movies like Fences and TV show How To Get Away with Murder, and features personal stories of D-peeps of various ethnicities and walks of life in hopes of bringing a fresh level of discussion about the growing T2D epidemic and rise of prediabetes in the United States.
The film debuted in late April at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, and is being rolled out publicly soon. Its name ties in directly with Viola’s southern roots (from South Carolina) and how any form of diabetes is often referred to as “a touch of the suga’ ” in that part of the country. Viola herself lives with prediabetes and has sisters living with type 2 diabetes.
The film is backed by pharma company Merck as part of their “America’s Diabetes Challenge: Get to Your Goals” program, which urges T2s and those at risk of prediabetes to connect with healthcare professionals to focus on improved health management.
“The film touches on pressing issues affecting patients and families nationwide, such as barriers to treatment, stigma, lack of access to care and nutritious foods, and the need for culturally relevant management tools,” the website explains.
To bring these challenges to life, the documentary follows three patients through their personal journeys — Shenekqual Robertson-Carter, who’s preparing for her wedding; Stewart Perry, who’s heading to Capitol Hill; Niurka Rodriguez, working to provide for her family; and Susie Katona, who is searching for guidance.
“The film demonstrates the resiliency of the human spirit and contests the national perception of life with type 2 diabetes,” says American Diabetes Association CEO Tracey Brown, who lives with T2D herself and also stars in the film. “As someone living with the disease, I stand proudly with our community and encourage everyone to share what it’s like to live with type 2 diabetes, so we can awaken the world to the everyday realities of this disease. Everybody’s voice counts and matters.”
DM) Hi Viola, can you share your own prediabetes and your family’s T2 story?
Viola) My two sisters, Dianne and Delores, have type 2 diabetes and they’re at different points in managing it. I also had a great aunt who had diabetes and had both her legs amputated before succumbing to it, and my paternal grandmother lived with it too. As to my own prediabetes, I was diagnosed during a routine doctor’s visit and (A1C) blood test about a year-and-a-half ago. So it’s been a part of my entire life, being born into the South… when you got ‘the suga’ you just got the suga’. That’s it. Nothing else as far as how to manage it, and no talk about living with it or being anyone’s advocate. You just got it and sort of waited, until it overcame you. That’s been my experience.
What changed in your life when that prediabetes diagnosis came?
I don’t feel prediabetic. That’s why I was surprised by it. I feel tired sometimes, but most of the time my exhaustion comes from my schedule. Right now, I don’t feel that way because I’m free. I don’t feel those symptoms as much right now. Beyond that, I had to really think about everything in my life as to my health. That meant re-educating myself and assessing many things, including the relationship with my doctor and how he keeps track of my glucose and A1C levels.
It’s been very, very difficult for me. I would be lying if it wasn’t difficult, because I’m 53 and am in menopause. So I got a trainer and am very good about working out, but it’s more than that. It’s not just about exercise and eating healthy, it’s about eating “diabetic healthy” as I tend to say. That means watching the fruit, the carbs (the good and bad kinds), even what sparked my prediabetes and whether it was hormone-related or not. It’s all about the management, and how to turn (my health) around. That’s where I am right now, trying to figure it all out and see the wider picture of diabetes.
Did you get any education early on about diabetes?
Beyond Viola, we’re excited to see other notable diabetes voices in the film, including ADA CEO Brown as well as D-Dad Stewart Perry, who’s lived with type 2 for almost three decades and is highly involved in diabetes advocacy issues.
A spokeswoman for Merck tells us there’s no set date yet for the film’s public debut, but they’re working urgently to make sure it’s available soon at film festivals, community screenings across the U.S., and eventually a release in theaters. Many groups — including government officials, educational institutions, healthcare providers, advocacy groups, and faith-based organizations — have already expressed interest in viewing and sharing the film.
Those interested can request a DVD for their community screening at www.atouchofsugarfilm.com, we’re told, and can also follow the America’s Diabetes Challenge Facebook page for future updates on the documentary.
We look forward to viewing this new documentary before long — possibly at a special screening being planned for the upcoming ADA Scientific Sessions in San Francisco in early June.
Interestingly, we have word that the ADA, the country’s biggest diabetes organization, will be announcing a “major rebranding” effort later this week — and that will capture the theme behind this new A Touch of Sugar documentary film.
With half the American population living with diabetes and/or prediabetes, the ADA is anxious to refresh its image to be more appealing to a wider swath of people, and make sure those people know they aren’t alone and have access to help they may need. We’re excited to see where they take it. Stay tuned!
Apr 30, 2019 · A routine blood test told her that she had prediabetes, which means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, a precursor to Type 2 diabetes. It was this personal connection and call to ...
Cast. Viola Davis. More at IMDb TMDb. Share. Ratings. ★. 1 ★★½ rating (100%) ★★★★★. A Touch of Sugar dives into the diabetes healthcare epidemic that affects every community in the United States, told through the voices of people united in their struggle with this chronic disease.
