(Feature Impact) Living with Type 2 diabetes often means making adjustments to your daily routine, especially when it comes to food. Whether you’re living with the condition or supporting someone who is, it can influence everything from meal planning to dinners out and everyday activities. Although adjusting to life with diabetes may take time, you don’t have to give up your favorite foods and flavors. In fact, it can be an opportunity to discover meals that support your health goals while still enjoying the foods you love.

That’s what professional chef and TV show host Kardea Brown did, alongside her husband Bryon Smith, who was recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at age 38.

“When my husband was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, it didn’t mean the end of the foods we love,” Brown said. “It meant I had to get creative. I started reimagining my recipes, so they still carry that same soul, that same comfort, just with ingredients that love him back a little better.”

To remove the guesswork about how certain ingredients affect Smith’s glucose levels, the couple relies on Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor with Libre Assist*, a feature within the accompanying Libre app**. The technology provides real-time glucose insights and can help predict how certain foods may affect his glucose^{^} levels before a meal.

“I open the Libre Assist feature in the app, snap a photo and instantly see how that food might affect me before I even take the first bite,” Smith said. “It even suggests healthier swaps to help lower the impact.”

Small lifestyle changes can also make a difference in diabetes management. Brown recommends:

• Building balanced meals that prioritize non-starchy vegetables, lean proteins and healthy carbs for added fiber.
• Reading labels carefully to ensure you choose ingredients with little or no added sugars.
• Boosting fiber intake with ingredients like lentils, oats, beans and whole fruits.
• Cooking smarter at home by using simple methods like grilling, baking or sauteing with healthy fats, such as olive or canola oil.
• Planning and preparing for success by shopping with a list and planning meals in advance so you always have nutritious ingredients ready to cook.

To learn more about Libre Assist and to see if you qualify for a free^† sensor, visit freestylelibre.us/LibreAssist.

The views expressed in this article should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice. Individual symptoms, situations and circumstances may vary.

* Libre Assist is a feature within Libre app that uses generative artificial intelligence to provide information on how foods could impact your glucose levels. Generative artificial intelligence may not always be accurate, and it should not be used to make treatment decisions.

** The FreeStyle Libre systems apps are only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check the Support section of our website for more information about device compatibility before using the apps. Use of the FreeStyle Libre systems apps may require registration with LibreView.

^{^}Predicted glucose impact is based on user-provided food data and may differ from actual impact, which depends on sensor readings and factors like activity, stress, medication and alcohol. For personalized advice, consult your healthcare provider.

^†Offer available for people who qualify. Visit MyFreeStyle.us to see all Terms and Conditions. Certain exclusions apply. Medicare and Medicaid patients are not eligible. See MyFreeStyle.us for more information.

Important Safety Information: Product for prescription only, for Important Safety Information visit FreeStyleLibre.us.

Shrimp Scampi and Cauliflower Grits

Recipe courtesy of Kardea Brown on behalf of Abbott
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Grits:

Advertisement

• 3          cups low-sodium chicken broth
  
• 1          cup light cream
  
• 1          cup stone-ground grits
  
• 1          cup cauliflower rice
  
• 2          tablespoons butter
  
• 1/2       cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
  
• 1/4       teaspoon black pepper

Shrimp Scampi:

• 2          tablespoons butter
  
• 2          tablespoons olive oil
  
• 4          cloves garlic, minced
  
• 1/2       teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  
• 1          pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  
• 1/2       cup low-sodium chicken broth
  
• 2          tablespoons dry white wine
  
• 1          lemon, juice only
  
• 1          teaspoon lemon zest
  
• salt, to taste
  
• pepper, to taste
  
• 2          tablespoons chopped parsley

1. To make grits: Bring broth and cream to gentle boil; whisk in grits. Cook 10-15 minutes. Stir in cauliflower rice and cook 5-7 minutes. Add butter, cheese, salt and pepper.
2. To make shrimp scampi: In pan, heat butter and oil; saute garlic and red pepper flakes, if desired, 30 seconds. Add shrimp, cook 1-2 minutes per side and remove.
3. Add broth, wine, lemon juice and lemon zest; simmer 2-3 minutes. Return shrimp; toss; season with salt and pepper, to taste; and stir in parsley.
4. Serve shrimp over creamy grits.

Macaroni and Cheese with Chickpea Pasta

Recipe courtesy of Kardea Brown on behalf of Abbott
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Pasta:

• 8          ounces chickpea-based, gluten-free pasta

Bechamel Sauce:

• 2          tablespoons butter
  
• 3          tablespoons almond flour
  
• 1          cup half-and-half
  
• 1/2       cup heavy cream
  
• 1/2       cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  
• 1          teaspoon Dijon mustard
  
• 1/4       teaspoon garlic powder
  
• 1/4       teaspoon smoked paprika
  
• salt, to taste
  
• black pepper, to taste

Cheese Blend:

• 1          cup medium cheddar cheese, shredded
  
• 1/2       cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
  
• 1/4       cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Topping:

• 1/2       cup shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheese
  
• 2          tablespoons almond flour (optional)
• chopped parsley

1. Preheat oven to 375 F and grease baking dish.
2. To make pasta: Cook pasta al dente.
3. To make bechamel sauce: Melt butter and whisk in almond flour, 1-2 minutes. Slowly add half-and-half, heavy cream and broth. Stir until thickened. Season with mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika and salt and pepper, to taste. Remove from heat.
4. To make cheese blend: Mix cheddar, gruyere and Parmesan. Stir half the cheese blend into bechamel sauce until smooth. Stir in pasta.
5. Layer pasta and cheese sauce in dish: half pasta, half cheese and repeat. Top with reserved cheese and almond flour, if desired.
6. Cover with foil and bake 15-20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10-15 minutes uncovered until golden.
7. Rest 5 minutes, garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Red Velvet Layer Cake with Almond Flour

Recipe courtesy of Kardea Brown on behalf of Abbott
Prep time: 25 minutes
Bake time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 30-60 minutes
Servings: 12

Cake:

• 2          cups almond flour
  
• 1          cup whole-wheat pastry flour
  
• 1          tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  
• 1 1/2    teaspoons baking powder
  
• 1/2       teaspoon baking soda
  
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
  
• 1 1/2 cups monk fruit-allulose blend
  
• 3          large eggs
  
• 1/2       cup plain unsweetened Greek yogurt
  
• 1/3       cup avocado oil
  
• 3/4       cup buttermilk
  
• 1          tablespoon distilled vinegar
  
• 2          teaspoons vanilla extract
• red food coloring (optional)

Whipped Cream:

• 6          ounces cream cheese, softened
  
• 1/3       cup powdered monk fruit
  
• 1 1/2    cups cold heavy whipping cream

Berry Drizzle:

• 1/2       cup no-sugar-added wild berry jam
  
• 1-2       tablespoons water
  
• 1          teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Filling and Topping:

• 2          cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

1. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease or line three 8-inch pans.
2. To make cake: In bowl, mix almond flour, pastry flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt and monk fruit-allulose blend. In separate bowl, mix eggs, Greek yogurt, avocado oil, buttermilk, distilled vinegar, vanilla extract and red food coloring, if desired. Combine dry and wet ingredients until smooth. Divide evenly into pans and bake 18-22 minutes. Cool completely.
3. To make whipped cream: Whip cream cheese and monk sugar until smooth. Add cream gradually and whip to medium-stiff peaks. Chill.
4. To make berry drizzle: Warm berry jam with water and lemon juice, if desired, until pourable; cool slightly.
5. To assemble cake: Layer cake, whipped cream, jam and berries; repeat for three layers. Top with berries and drizzle.
6. Chill 30-60 minutes before slicing.

Photo courtesy of Abbott (Bryon Smith and Kardea Brown, a paid partner)

SOURCE:
Abbott

Please leave this field empty

HUNGRY FOR MORE?

Discover a feast for your senses with our Food & Drink Blog, a tantalizing part of STM Daily News. Get the latest articles, recipes, and foodie news delivered straight to your inbox. Satisfaction guaranteed!

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE THE LATEST RECIPES & FOODIE NEWS, PLUS SOME EXCLUSIVE GOODIES!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

(Feature Impact) A change in vision can turn ordinary routines into unfamiliar challenges. A favorite book becomes harder to read. Walking through a familiar neighborhood feels different. A family member offers help, but you may not know how to ask for what you need. Whether sight changes suddenly or gradually, a question often follows: “Now what?”

Medical care is essential, but many people encounter a Grand Canyon-sized gap between clinical care and everyday life with vision loss. Questions arise around getting around safely, continuing to do things you love, talking to family about what is changing and more. The answers take more than information; they require practical guidance, emotional support and connection with people who understand.

“The medical conversation rarely has room for what people are actually grappling with: fear, grief and the very practical question of how to keep living the lives they want,” said Johnjoe Farragher, CEO of Hadley, a nonprofit dedicated to helping adults with vision loss. “Those ‘now what?’ moments are where people need a clear place to begin.”

There is no single way to adjust to vision loss, and the questions can change over time. These five starting points can help you identify what matters most now and where to find support.

Take One Step at a Time

You don’t have to solve every challenge at once. Ask your vision care team about your diagnosis and treatment then think about what is most difficult in daily life right now. It could be reading email, moving safely through your home or using your phone. Choose one concern to address first. A small, useful change can make the next step feel more manageable.

Make Room for the Emotional Side

Vision loss may bring grief, frustration, fear or a change in how you see yourself. Those feelings don’t have to be brushed aside before you can move forward. Share those feelings with someone you trust and seek professional support if you need it. Hearing how others navigated similar changes can help you feel less alone and identify possibilities you may not have imagined.

Find a Trusted Place to Begin

Ask your vision care team about support available in your community. If you’re unsure what to ask for, start with a specific daily challenge on your mind. Offering on-demand guidance, practical tools and opportunities to connect with others living with vision loss, Hadley focuses on life with vision loss beyond the doctor’s office. Its expert-informed guidance and community members address both practical problems and the emotions that come with them, shaped by lived experience. Support is available without cost or waitlists, whether you’re living with vision loss or helping someone you love.

Define Independence on Your Terms

Independence doesn’t have to mean doing everything alone. It may mean finding a new way to do something, choosing a tool that helps or telling family and friends exactly what assistance is useful. Think about a goal that matters to you, whether it’s getting around your home with more confidence or staying involved in a favorite activity, and build from there.

Keep Doing What Matters to You

A change in sight can change how you do things without ending your connection to the people and activities you love. The right adaptations depend on your vision, your interests and your goals.

For instance, when reading gets hard, magnifiers, enlarging fonts, access to free audiobooks and learning braille can make a difference. Passionate home chefs may use tactile or high-contrast labels, well-placed lighting, consistent organization or adaptive tools and techniques to keep cooking with confidence. Assistive technology, low-vision tools and simple adaptations can make everyday routines more accessible and help people stay connected to the activities and relationships that matter most.

When a new “now what?” question comes up, HadleyHelps.org offers a trusted place to start and a path forward.

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:

Hadley

Advertisement

Purple Leash Project takes center stage at U.S. Women’s National Team match, raising awareness about a heartbreaking choice facing abuse survivors and their beloved pets.

By STM Daily News | Lifestyle & Pets | October 12, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. — For many people, pets are more than companions. They’re family, providing comfort, unconditional love, and emotional support during life’s most difficult moments. But for survivors of domestic violence, the bond with a beloved pet can create an unexpected obstacle when trying to escape an abusive environment.

Actress and longtime domestic violence advocate Mariska Hargitay joined Purina and the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team on October 10, 2026, to shine a spotlight on this often-overlooked issue.

During the team’s match against Spain at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., Hargitay served as Purina’s Honorary Captain, helping promote the company’s Purple Leash Project, an initiative designed to help domestic violence survivors find safety without leaving their pets behind.

The appearance was part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, observed every October.

When Escaping Abuse Means Leaving a Pet Behind

For someone experiencing domestic violence, leaving an abusive relationship can be dangerous and emotionally overwhelming. The situation becomes even more complicated when pets are involved.

According to statistics cited by Purina:

• Only 20% of domestic violence shelters allow pets.
• 48% of survivors delay leaving an abusive situation because they cannot take their pets with them.

These figures illustrate a significant barrier to safety.

For survivors whose pets provide emotional stability and companionship, the possibility of abandoning an animal can be devastating. Some may also fear that an abusive partner will harm a pet left behind.

The Purple Leash Project seeks to eliminate that difficult choice by helping domestic violence shelters become more accommodating to animals.

What Is the Purple Leash Project?

The Purple Leash Project is a partnership between Purina and RedRover, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping animals and strengthening the human-animal bond.

Through grants and financial assistance, the initiative supports domestic violence shelters and social service organizations by funding:

Advertisement

• Renovations that make shelters pet-friendly.
• On-site and off-site housing for survivors’ pets.
• Essential pet supplies and accommodations.
• Necessary veterinary services for animals entering shelter programs.

According to Purina, the initiative has already provided nearly 70 grants totaling more than $2.2 million across over 30 states.

The company has also established a goal of helping provide one million safe nights for survivors and their pets by the end of 2030.

The ultimate objective is simple: Nobody should have to choose between personal safety and protecting a beloved animal.

Mariska Hargitay Brings the Message to the Soccer Field

Hargitay, widely recognized for portraying Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, has spent years advocating for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Her participation in the U.S. Women’s National Team event brought additional visibility to the Purple Leash Project.

During the pre-match ceremonies, Hargitay participated in the ceremonial coin toss alongside Cassidy, a 75-pound Golden Retriever therapy dog, and Cassidy’s handler, Patrice “Pat” Eller.

Cassidy and Eller are part of a Pet Partners therapy team that helps provide comfort to children who may be required to testify in court.

Their presence illustrated the important role animals can play in helping people cope with traumatic experiences.

“Seeing the Purple Leash Project take the field helped turn the stadium into a powerful show of support for survivors and the pets they love,” Hargitay said in a statement released by Purina.

She also emphasized the importance of reducing the stigma surrounding domestic violence and creating more safe spaces where survivors and their pets can recover together.

A Special Soccer Scarf Supporting Survivors and Pets

To encourage fans to participate in the initiative, Purina and U.S. Soccer introduced a limited-edition Courageous & Comfy Soccer Scarf.

Advertisement

The officially licensed scarf is available through the Purple Leash Project’s online store.

According to Purina, 100% of every scarf purchase is donated to RedRover, supporting the effort to help survivors and their pets remain together.

Fans interested in supporting the initiative can visit:

Purple Leash Project Scarf Store

Additional information about the initiative is available at:

Purina’s Purple Leash Project

Bringing Pets Into the Soccer Experience

Beyond raising awareness for domestic violence survivors, Purina used the event to highlight the relationship between sports fans and their pets.

At Audi Field, the company introduced the Purina Club, a temporary pet-friendly seating area where fans could attend the match with their dogs.

The initiative reflects Purina’s growing involvement in soccer, including collaborations with U.S. Soccer and pet-centered activities associated with the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

While these efforts celebrate the companionship pets bring to everyday life, the Purple Leash Project addresses a more serious reality: For some individuals, the ability to remain with their animals can influence whether they can safely leave an abusive situation.

Advertisement

Why the Human-Animal Bond Matters

Anyone who has experienced the companionship of a dog, cat, or another beloved pet understands how deeply animals can become part of a family.

Pets offer familiarity, routine, comfort, and emotional connection. During times of uncertainty, those relationships can become especially meaningful.

For survivors of domestic violence, maintaining that bond can provide an important source of reassurance while rebuilding their lives.

The Purple Leash Project recognizes that protecting survivors and protecting their animals are often interconnected needs.

“At Purina, we believe survivor safety shouldn’t require sacrifice,” said Nina Leigh Krueger, CEO of Purina, in the company’s announcement.

That philosophy is at the heart of the initiative’s mission to expand access to safe, pet-friendly shelter accommodations.

How You Can Help

Supporting survivors and their pets doesn’t necessarily require a major financial commitment.

Individuals can learn more about the Purple Leash Project, support participating organizations, share information about pet-friendly domestic violence shelters, or contribute to nonprofit programs that help families and animals in crisis.

Organizations such as RedRover also provide resources designed to strengthen the human-animal bond and assist animals during emergencies.

Learn more at RedRover.org.

Advertisement

For anyone currently experiencing domestic violence in the United States, confidential assistance is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TheHotline.org. If immediate danger exists, call 911.

A Safer Future for Survivors and Their Pets

The partnership between Purina, Mariska Hargitay, RedRover, and U.S. Soccer demonstrates how public awareness campaigns can help bring attention to problems that often remain unseen.

For survivors of domestic violence, the path to safety should not mean having to abandon a loyal companion.

And for the pets who depend on their families, remaining together can mean everything.

By helping shelters accommodate animals, the Purple Leash Project is working toward a future where survivors and their pets can escape dangerous situations, find stability, and begin healing together.

More Lifestyle & Pet Stories From STM Daily News

At STM Daily News, we believe stories about pets are also stories about people, families, communities, and the powerful connections that make life meaningful.

Explore more stories about animal welfare, pet care, family life, and community initiatives in our Lifestyle section at STM Daily News.

Stay informed. Stay connected. Discover stories that matter.

Sources and Additional Resources

• Purina — Purple Leash Project
• RedRover — Animal Welfare and Crisis Support
• National Domestic Violence Hotline
• U.S. Soccer

Source: Nestlé Purina PetCare press release, October 11, 2026. Statistics and grant figures attributed to Purina.