Shelby also mentions consulting with a dietician and eye doc for her “high-risk” pregnancy. In this version, viewers get one glimpse of Shelby checking her blood sugar while sitting in the bathroom, and one of the mother-daughter conversations about pregnancy clue us in that Shelby was in “tight” control checking 10 times a day. Why? Because it addressed the shortcomings of the original, spelling out that the problem isn’t that “diabetics can’t have healthy babies” but rather that Shelby’s chronic kidney disease - presumably the diabetes complication nephropathy, although I don’t think it was specifically explained as a complication - was causing the pregnancy concern. As far as the D-aspect, I actually preferred this modern remake. Shelby was played by Condola Rashad, and other cast members include Alfre Woodard, Phylicia Rashad, Jill Scott, and Adepero Oduye.ĭiabetes isn’t the focus of the movie, but it is a major plot point that ties everything together and makes the story what it is. It was directed by Kenny Leon, with Queen Latifah as executive producer and starring as M’Lynn, the mom originally played by Sally Field. And the big change-up: an all-African-American cast. This modern television adaption of the film is complete with cell phones, iPads, and Beyonce and Facebook references. Today’s reality thankfully different, even though economic and cultural gaps certainly exist that keep some PWDs from getting ideal treatment. The reality is that Steel Magnolias portrays a time when diabetes management was much different than today - a time before continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) existed and even insulin pumps were really mainstream, before the A1C test was established as a “gold standard” for D-management and prior to faster-acting insulins and analogues being introduced. That all came back to me when I had to go see a nephrologist because of protein in my urine and really freaked me out.” “The part of the move that really hit home with me was the dialysis and comments about Shelby ramming spikes into her arms. I was actually diagnosed with diabetes because of a pregnancy test, which was negative.” It just made some comments from older family members from shortly after I was diagnosed make so much more sense. There are limits to what you can do.“The part where Shelby’s mom is telling the ladies that the doctor said Shelby shouldn’t have children - not that she can’t - got me a little, but not on the family planning side. Why would you deliberately do this to yourself?ĭiabetics have healthy babies all the time.

Has he really? Well, there's a first time for everything. Jackson and I have given this a lot of thought. In fact I never worry 'cause I always know you're worried enough for the both of us. Jackson even put out feelers about buying one. Mama, no judge is gonna give a baby to someone with my medical records. What about adoption? You've filled out all the applications. Does he listen? I know you never do, does he? Huh? What? Well, I guess since he doesn't have to carry the baby it really isn't any of his concern. It's all he can talk about: Jackson Latree, Jr.ĭoes he ever? Listen, I mean when doctors and specialists give you advice. He says he doesn't care whether it's a boy or a girl, but I know he really wants a son so bad he can taste it. Jackson and I are going house hunting next week. Would it be too much to ask for a little excitement, not too much I wouldn't want you to break a sweat or anything. Well, something along the lines of congratulations. Well is that it? Is that all you're gonna say? We wanted to tell you when you and daddy were together, but you're never together so it's every man for himself. Must be nice to be married to a rich lawyer. What's Jackson giving you, do you know?įurniture, well, my. Would you put that on the list, I have no idea what to get your father. We have this new psychiatrist that comes in two days a week and of course I pick her name out of the grab bag, I have to pick something up for her tomorrow.

Julia roberts steel magnolias