Mr. Divabetic – Page 109

03/30/201904/16/2019

How Much Do You Know About Your Kidneys?

Correct Answer: E

Knowing the signs can help a doctor quickly intervene and find a treatment. However, many people suffer from early stages of CKD without experiencing any symptoms, which is why regular screenings are vital. Source:

Source Credit:
https://zerocater.com/blog/2018/02/09/keep-your-heart-healthy-at-the-office/

Correct Answer: D

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people of certain ethnicities – Black, Hispanic, or Native American – experience higher rates of diabetes and high blood pressure, which are risk factors for CKD. Source: Fresenius Kidney Care

Kidney disease is diagnosed through a simple urine and blood test. Kidney function is calculated by determining an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which is calculated using age, weight, body size, ethnicity and which other factor?

A. heart rate

B. gender

C. blood pressure

d. none of the above

Correct Answer: B

Gender factors into the eGFR. Doctors will also perform other tests before determining a kidney disease diagnosis. Each stage of kidney disease corresponds with an eGFR range, which you can use to make informed decisions about your kidneys’ health and care. Using serum blood test results, you can calculate your own eGFR with this calculator.
Source Credit:
https://zerocater.com/blog/2018/02/09/keep-your-heart-healthy-at-the-office/

Correct Answer: A

ESRD is a chronic disease that cannot be cured. While progression of CKD can be slowed, when patients reach stage 5, or ESRD, they will need kidney transplant or dialysis to survive. Dialysis can be performed either in a center or at home. Among the benefits of home dialysis are freedom from the fixed schedule at a dialysis center, fewer transportation challenges and increased engagement in one’s own care.
Source Credit:
https://zerocater.com/blog/2018/02/09/keep-your-heart-healthy-at-the-office/

Correct Answer: D

The changes above, in addition to managing your weight by eating a kidney-friendly diet (e.g. lower protein and/or lower salt) and increasing your exercise, may reduce the disease’s progression. Check in with your doctor before undertaking any major changes. Source Credit:
https://zerocater.com/blog/2018/02/09/keep-your-heart-healthy-at-the-office/

Diabetes is both the leading cause of CKD, and is responsible for 36% of CKD cases, and also the number-one cause of kidney failure in the United States. And, according to the most recent annual report from the United States Renal Data System, only 15% of individuals with diabetes and hypertension were aware of their kidney disease – a figure that reinforces the silent nature of the disease before it becomes extremely dangerous.

03/28/201903/28/2019

Getting ‘Clued Inn’ on Diabetes Alert Day

Divabetic’s newest outreach program, Clued Inn combines the fun and excitement of ‘Escape Room’ game challenges with personalized group discussions about diabetes and heart health lead by certified diabetes educators in New York City on Diabetes Alert Day, Tuesday, March 26, 2019.

According to a 2016 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30.3 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, but nearly a quarter of them (7.2 million) are undiagnosed.

The CDC also notes that people with type 2 diabetes face twice the risk of heart disease and stroke. Clued Inn is an innovative, fun approach, to reach people at risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease before they experience health-related complications. The problem-solving skills and collaborative team effort needed to escape the room are essential behaviors for successfully managing type 2 diabetes health to avoid stroke, and heart disease.

Clued Inn’s online room reservations process includes screening for type 2 diabetes and/or heart health quiz. The program is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim.

03/21/201903/25/2019

Generation Matters: Type 2 Diabetes and You by Susan Weiner MS RDN CDE CDN FAADE

Have you ever scrolled through Instagram and Facebook posts of endless carefree moments and wondered, “is this every-day life”? The truth is that balancing home, work and relationships can be challenging! Add in a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and you may feel overwhelmed by the daily demands of diabetes management. Every person with diabetes is unique and has his or her own feelings, thoughts and perspectives about life with type 2 diabetes. Some folks view a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes as a nudge to prepare healthier meals and add in more physical activity into daily routines. Others may feel more anxious about the cost of managing the disease and feel overwhelmed with the prospect of following-up with their doctor or health-care provider.

As we get older, we may have different thoughts about our health and everyday lives. A 25-year-old woman may have different concerns about her type 2 diabetes diagnosis then she will in her 60’s. Financial issues, romantic relationships and schedules obviously change as we age and must be addressed. In order to tackle this important issue, healthline.com conducted a survey of 1500 people with type 2 diabetes across generations to explore their feelings, concerns and insights. https://www.healthline.com/health/state-of-type-2-diabetes The survey explored feedback from Millennials, Gen Xers and Baby Boomers. As one of the medical reviewers for this important survey, I was intrigued by the varied perspectives across generations.

I was very interested in how people of varying ages felt about their type 2 diabetes diagnosis. About half of Millennials surveyed and about a third of Gen Xers stated that they often hide their condition from others (which may include friends, family and co-workers), because they are worried about what others might think. Additionally, younger respondents were very concerned about the cost of managing their disease, which lead to a reduction in following health care provider treatment guidelines. The cost of healthcare is huge factor associated with proper medical care and can compound fears about potential long-term complications associated with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

As I read the survey results, I was struck by the feelings of judgment, embarrassment and guilt younger people feel when they follow up with their doctor or health care provider. There are many challenges associated with being overweight and type 2 diabetes. The stigma of type 2 diabetes referred to as an “older persons” or “lifestyle” disease may cause younger people to feel embarrassed. Many survey respondents felt their diabetes diagnosis was perceived as a result of lack of self-control behaviors. This perception may lead to less than optimal outcomes, and needs to be addressed with the health care community as well as the general public. More education about type 2 diabetes is essential!

While non-judgmental diabetes language wasn’t specifically addressed in the survey, I believe it should be at the forefront of this conversation. What we say, and how we say it can make a significant difference for a person managing the complexities of diabetes. A task force with representatives from the American Association of Diabetes Educators and the American Diabetes Association developed a fabulous language guideline paper insightful tips around language use as it applies to addressing issues of with diabetes. https://www.diabeteseducator.org/practice/educator-tools/educator-guidance/diabetes-language-paper

Simple language swaps such as “checking blood sugar” instead of “testing blood sugar” may put a person at ease. Blood sugar is not a pass-fail grade. A person with type 2 diabetes may feel extremely guilty when they see their doctor, and therefore may not return for a follow-up appointment.

Body image was viewed differently across generations. More than 50% of Millennials and more than 40% of Gen Xers reported feeling ashamed about their bodies on a daily or weekly basis. In contrast, only 18% of Baby Boomers feel that way! Millennials and Gen Xers had recurrent feelings of guilt, embarrassment, while this was not seen as frequently in older adults. Hiding the condition was more common for younger people, which lead to issues with romantic relationships and feeling of isolation.

Gender divides were also acknowledged in the survey. Women reported more issues with self-care, including weight management. Many of the women felt that as care givers, they often put others needs before their own.

Rather than feeling overwhelming with all the “must-do’s” associated with daily diabetes care, consider taking small steps which will add up to big changes. Please speak to your health care provider, family, friends, certified diabetes educator or others in your peer support community about your concerns. You are not alone!

Please share your thoughts and comments. I would love to hear from you! Contact: Susan Weiner MS RDN CDE CDN FAADE

Join Susan Weiner MS RDN CDE CDN FAADE and two other outstanding certified diabetes educators, Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE and Rachel Stahl MS, RD, CDN, CDE’ at Divabetic’s Clued Inn: Diabetes & Heart Health Escape Room Experience sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim on Diabetes Alert Day, Tuesday, March 26, 2019 in New York City. Currently we have over 150 pre-registered for Clued Inn but there’s still room for you and your friends to participate! Register now at CluedInn.org.

Susan Weiner MS RDN CDE CDN FAADE helped us to make carbohydrate counting fun with a series of colorful Carb Kitty videos available on YouTube:

03/18/201903/18/2019

How Kevin’s Law Is Helping Save Lives of People Needing Life Saving Medications Like Insulin

On April’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast, Dan Houdeshell will share how his son’s untimely death, Kevin, spurred his family to take action to pass legislation to help save the lives of millions. Tune in to our exclusive interview on Tuesday, April 9, 2019, 6 – 7:30 PM, EST.

Kevin Houdeshell, who was living with type 1 diabetes died at 36 years old because his pharmacy refused to give him insulin after his script had expired.

“He tried three times to call his doctor’s office and, four days later, he passed away from not having his insulin,” his sister, Amy Houdeshell told USA Today.

His parents, Dan and Judy Houdeshell, were stunned to learn what had happened. “In the wee hours of the morning, we are wondering how can your son, or anyone, stand in front of a pharmacy desk and be turned away for a life-sustaining medication,” says Dan.

Kevin’s unawareness about his worsening diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) may be due to a pervasive lack of information within the community reports Insulin Nation.

“I have been in contact with so many people [with Type 1] since Kevin’s death [who] are not aware of DKA, its symptoms, the results if not rectified, and how fast DKA can kill someone or put them in grave danger,” Dan told Insulin Nation. “Many (others) in the medical profession (including ER hospital settings) are not are not aware of what can happen if someone goes without their insulin for any amount of time.

A year after Kevin died, he appeared with his wife and daughter on local TV and their heart-wrenching interview helped trigger what is now known as Kevin’s Law in Ohio.

Kevin’s Law allows pharmacists to give up to a 30-day supply of even expired prescriptions of life-sustaining drugs.

“I never imagined we would reach so many people with that one little story about my brother,” Houdeshell said.

Currently HB 64 (also known as Kevin’s Law) has been passed in 12 states and allows a pharmacist to dispense an emergency supply of insulin to a patient without a current prescription.

“No one should have to die because of an expired prescription and can’t get hold of your doctor,” said Amy and Kevin’s parents, Dan and Judy Houdeshell.

Dan Houdeshell feels that there is still much work to be done even in states that have passed legislation. “It’s important to note some versions of the law have flaws,” he told Pens & Needles. “Some states allow only one refill, EVER. That is not acceptable.”

Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Luther Vandross

TUNE IN: April’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast on Tuesday, April 9, 2019, 6 – 7:30 PM, EST. Guests include FANDROSS CEO Seveda Williams, Keith Anthony Fluitt, Diabetes Advocate Dan Houdeshell, Pam Henry MEd, Luther Vandross Historian Leon Petrossian, Zhacary Smith, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Luther Vandross’s “Forever, For Always, For Love” album courtesy of SONY Music.

Don’t miss Clued Inn, the first-time ever Diabetes & Heart Health Escape Room Experience scheduled for Diabetes Alert Day, Tuesday, March 26, 2019 in New York City. Register now: https://cluedinn.org/

03/16/201903/18/2019

Why 2 Young Women Died of Heart Trouble

18-year-old Félicité Tomlinson reportedly passed away from a heart attack/cardiac arrest. A person in the apartment called for an ambulance, but paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene after failing to revive her. She was the sister of One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson, the oldest of seven siblings.

Her shocking death comes days after former Miss Teenager Universe Lotte van der Zee passed away at 20 after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest the day before her birthday.

Why would young women who seemed healthy die that way so suddenly?

According to HollywoodLife, Dr. Reed Wilson, a Beverly Hills GP and cardiologist stated, “a heart attack is caused by a blocked artery to the heart. The part of the heart that is supplied by the blood vessel dies and no longer pumps. If the area is small enough the individual can do very well. If it is a large area and there is no longer enough heart to pump, the patient can die. The most common deadly problem following a heart attack are abnormal heart beats that result in deadly arrhythmias and ultimately cardiac arrest where the heart stops.”

Since there were reportedly no warning signs, one can’t help wondering if a defect that went undetected?

Dr. Wilson states “some young adults can be born with abnormalities of the coronary arteries that can lead to sudden death. The heart has two arteries, a right and a left (the left immediately splits into two). But some individuals have just one that supplies the whole heart, while others have arteries that travel in strange directions to get to the heart. Both of these can lead to heart attacks.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A heart attack is when blood flow to the heart is blocked, and sudden cardiac arrest is when the heart malfunctions and suddenly stops beating unexpectedly. A heart attack is a “circulation” problem and sudden cardiac arrest is an “electrical” problem.

On March’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast we spoke to Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE about the findings from a recent study the more young women are having heart attacks.

The study states that the proportion of heart attack–related hospitalization rates for women ages 35 to 54 increased from 21% to 31% over the last two decades.

Scientists can’t say for sure what’s causing an increase in heart disease among young women, but they do have some ideas. Last month’s study found that not only had hospitalization rates for heart attacks increased among young people since 1995, but that hypertension and diabetes rates had increased as well. The young women in the study were also more likely to be black than the young men, suggesting that heart disease is hitting young black women especially hard.

Another interesting finding was that, compared to the young men in the study, the young women were less likely to have previously been treated for conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or stroke. This suggests that women are being under-treated this link opens in a new tab for heart disease risk factors, wrote Viola Vaccarino, MD, PhD, an epidemiologist at Emory University, in a commentary published along with the study. Prevention guidelines may also underestimate risk among this age group, she added.

It’s also interesting to note that the estrogen in birth control pills and in hormone patches, implants, vaginal rings and injections can cause an increase in blood clotting, which could result in a heart attack. However, that risk is still very small for most women, especially for those under 35 who do not have other risk factors for heart disease, such as smoking or obesity.

Divabetic will presenting the first-ever Diabetes & Heart Health Escape Room Experience: Clued Inn on Diabetes Alert Day, Tuesday, March 26, 2019 in New York City. Currently we have over 150 pre-registered for Clued Inn but there’s still room for you and your friends to participate! Register now at CluedInn.org.

03/15/201903/16/2019

Lack of Knowledge About Women with Heart Disease

Patricia Addie-Gentle explained how the symptoms of heart disease can very significantly between men and women on March’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

Do you know that much of the medical research that is used to inform our understanding of disease – and is used to teach medical providers about how to recognize and treat disease – was conducted exclusively on men? Or if women were included, differences between men and women that may have been revealed by the research were often omitted. As a result, women may be subject to substandard care because providers just don’t have the information about what’s best for them.

You can read more about the gaps in knowledge and trust between providers and women patients, and the history behind that, in the Society to Improve Diagnosis in Medicine (SIDM) blog.

We’re talking about ‘HEART HEALTH & DIABETES’ with musical inspiration from the rock band “Heart” on March’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

Adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to die from heart disease than adults without diabetes.

People with insulin resistance or diabetes in combination with one or more of these risk factors are at even greater risk of heart disease or stroke. However, by managing their risk factors, people with diabetes may avoid or delay the development of heart and blood vessel disease.

The rock band “Heart” was started in Seattle in the 1960s. Heart’s mix of hard rock and folk yielded one of the longest lasting and most commercially successful bands of all time. The band is fronted by sisters, Ann and Nancy Wilson who wrote many of the band’s songs. Heart’s new “Love Alive” Tour kicks off this Summer with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Sheryl Crow, Brandi Carlile, Elle King, and Lucie Silvas.

Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Author of ‘Nutrition & You’ Dr. Joan Salge Blake, EdD, RDN, LDN, FAND, Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Glucose SOS founder Pamela Heyward and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.

Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Heart’s “The Essential Heart” album courtesy of SONY Music.

Divabetic will presenting the first-ever Diabetes & Heart Health Escape Room Experience: Clued Innon Diabetes Alert Day, Tuesday, March 26, 2019 in New York City. Currently we have over 150 pre-registered for Clued Inn but there’s still room for you and your friends to participate! Register now at CluedInn.org.

03/12/201903/12/2019

‘How to Overcome Your Genetic Risk for Heart Disease’ on March’s Diabetes Late Nite Podcast

‘Nutrition & You’ Author Dr. Joan Salge Blake EdD, RDN, LDN, FAND guests on March’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from the rock band, Heart scheduled for tonight, Tuesday, March 12, 6 -7:30 PM, EST. Tune in to learn about Dr. Joan’s recent U.S. News article entitled, ‘ How to Overcome Your Genetic Risk for Heart Disease.’

The article reports how a recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine uncovered: That a healthy lifestyle can dramatically reduce your risk of heart disease – even if your family’s health history isn’t stellar.

The researchers found that people who don’t smoke, aren’t obese and eat a healthy diet, may still be able to beat the family odds of succumbing to heart disease.

Don’t know where to start to improve your diet? Try Whole Oats!

Research suggests that beta-glucan, a viscous soluble fiber found in oats, can help lower total and LDL cholesterol levels. When it comes to choosing which type of oats to buy, keep in mind that how they’re processed matters. According to Johnson McRorie, co-author of a recent article on the subject, the more processed the oats, the less potent the beta-glucan and its ability to lower your blood cholesterol levels. So, while old-fashioned oats take a few minutes longer to cook than instant oatmeal in the morning, they’re probably better for your heart.

Start your morning off with a bowl of oatmeal. Add a dash of cinnamon, which will add natural sweetness to your breakfast. When making meatballs or breaded chicken, swap out some of the breadcrumbs for oats.

We’re talking about ‘HEART HEALTH & DIABETES’ with musical inspiration from the rock band “Heart” on March’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

Adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to die from heart disease than adults without diabetes.

Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Heart’s “The Essential Heart” album courtesy of SONY Music

03/09/201903/09/2019

Fast Food Menus Are Less Healthy Than They Were 30 Years Ago

Fast food menus are less healthy than they were 30 years ago according to The Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics study published last week.

The researchers studied 1,787 entrees, sides and desserts at 10 chains — Arby’s, Burger King, Carl’s Jr., Dairy Queen, Hardee’s, Jack in the Box, KFC, Long John Silver’s, McDonald’s and Wendy’s — from 1986 to 2016. In that time, the number of items in those three categories rose 226 percent.

Across the 10 chains, the researchers found, the average entree weighed 39 grams more in 2016 than in 1986 and had 90 more calories. It also had 41.6 percent of the recommended daily allotment of sodium, up from 27.8 percent.

Sodium content rose to 23.2 percent of the recommended daily allotment from 11.6 percent, even though portion size did not grow substantially.

03/07/201903/07/2019

Improve Your Heart Health at Home and Work

How’s your heart health? If you’re like millions of Americans—about 92 million in fact—you do have to watch your heart health due to cardiovascular disease or health effects after a stroke. That means you have to pay special attention to your heart health—to what you eat, to how you feel, to how much you’re moving. Even if don’t have some health conditions that affect your heart, you have to be conscious of how your health (mental, physical, emotional) is taking a toll on your most vital organ.
Let’s look at food for starters. If you’re like many Americans, your intake of sugar, salt, and processed food is far too high. And you might be siloing your food—eating too much of the same thing, over and over again. So how else can you keep your heart pumping, happy and healthy, even while you’re at work? This graphic helps you understand the issues.

03/07/201903/07/2019

What Becomes A Semi-Legend Most is Not ‘Fur’ But ‘Failure’!

Recently I had the opportunity to share my personal story with the Beyond Type 2 website. It quickly turned into a walk down memory lane for me as the memories of the humble beginnings of Divabetic (selling t-shirts, hosting support meetings at the YMCA, and working in the basement of dLife) came rushing back.

I don’t think I would have been so honest or forthright in my writing if not for Boehringer Ingelheim’s sponsorship of Divabetic’s newest program, Clued Inn: Diabetes & Heart Health Escape Rooms. This new sponsorship helped me push past multiple failed attempts at sponsorship and the never-ending negativity from the greater diabetes community, and get back in the game!

I’m hoping my story can help inspire others because I know that not everyone is able to get past their failures.

“Failure is always a demoralizing and upsetting experience. Failure makes your mind trick you into believing things that aren’t true,” according to the Psychology Today website. “Unless you learn to respond to failures in psychologically adaptive ways, they will paralyze you, demotivate you, and limit your likelihood of success going forward.”

Failure Distorts Your Perceptions of Your Abilities

This is true for me. I haven’t spoken about the ‘makeover’ years in quite awhile because I really thought I failed. My inability to get sponsorship for anything else after Divabetic’s makeover program ended really broke my spirit. I didn’t think I was good at anything involving diabetes outreach. Additionally, several ‘haters’ on social media thought I was strictly ‘fluff’ and not informative or educational. I also was the target of homophobia after presenting a free diabetes outreach program at a well-known African-American Methodist Church which stopped me from ever presenting faith-based outreach again.

The Pressure to Succeed Increases Performance Anxiety and Causes Choking

Everyone from the Divabetic-Makeover Your Diabetes team kept asking me why we weren’t getting sponsored by another pharmaceutical company. What they didn’t know was that my proposals were being rejected on a daily basis! I became frustrated, angry and upset as I tried to rework the program into various formats and different sponsorship levels – all without success.

I remember hosting a Divabetic Zone at the Taking Control of Your Diabetes (TCOYD) Expo. The crowd loved us! Plenty of sponsors saw first-hand how our Divabetic area was packed throughout the day. I hosted portion control games, ‘Single Ladies, Single Servings’ and ‘Dancing In Cars’ workouts all day on Saturday afternoons but still no one returned my calls on Monday mornings.

The Psychologically Healthiest Response to Failure Is to Focus on Variables in Your Control

After what seemed like my millionth failure in achieving sponsorship I chose to go inward. I stopped volunteering to be part of other people’s and organization’s diabetes outreach events and focused solely on Divabetic podcast and videos. I put my head down and focused on the work. I added music to Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcasts courtesy of SONY Music, created health games and reworked podcast segments with a variety of guests.

Psychology Today advises people facing similar situations to break down the task or goal in question to those aspects that are in your control and those that are not. Then go through the list of aspects that are not in your control and figure out how to take control of them—by improving your skill-set, planning, relationships, knowledge, preparation, etc.

It worked for me! Feeling in control is a literal antidote to feelings of helplessness and demoralization that will motivate you to try again, minimize your chances of another failure, and increase your likelihood of success!

Podcasting allowed me to flex my creativity and explore new ways to educate people about diabetes and diabetes self-care. A chance meeting with Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes at a Book Expo in New York led to Divabetic’s annual mystery podcast. Trust me, no one in their right mind was willing to hire me as a ‘mystery writer’ except for me (I couldn’t pay anyone else to do it!). Somehow I managed to convince my Diabetes Late Niteteam and colleagues to participate in a mystery radio podcast. We had so much fun that here we are six years later getting ready for present our sixth annual mystery podcast, ‘Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes’ in September 2019.

And that’s not all! Our annual mystery podcast was such a healing experience for me that I actually swallowed my pride and submitted a proposal in October for a new diabetes outreach program based on the mystery podcast.

I happy to announce that Divabetic will presenting the first-ever Diabetes & Heart Health Escape Room Experience: Clued Inn on Diabetes Alert Day, Tuesday, March 26, 2019 in New York City. Currently we have over 150 pre-registered for Clued Inn but there’s still room for you and your friends to participate! Register now at CluedInn.org.