It’s Complicated
So many things can go wrong with our parts… It’s scary to think of, I know. The thought of a failure, infection or worse… Of losing a foot, or a toe.
Read It’s Complicated in its entirety here.
It’s Complicated
It’s Complicated by Poet Lorraine Brooks
Last night we celebrated our 6th Anniversary of podcasting on Diabetes Late Nite with musical inspiration from P.M. Dawn. The group’s frontman, Prince Be lived with diabetes for more than two decades and developed various health problems over the years. He suffered multiple strokes, amputation and renal kidney disease during his short life.
Poet Lorraine Brooks shares her perspective on living with diabetes health-related complications in her newest poem, It’s Complicated written specifically for Diabetes Late Nite.
It’s Complicated by Lorraine Brooks
So many things can go wrong with our parts…
It’s scary to think of, I know.
The thought of a failure, infection or worse…
Of losing a foot, or a toe.
It can affect us in so many ways
And sometimes it’s not always plain.
Sometimes it sneaks up, disguised and alone
Sometimes there’s even no pain.
Some people suffer more than the rest
And have issues others don’t have to deal with.
But make no mistake in seeing the truth
It’s a disease we had better get real with.
Luther, and Patti…and, and Hanks and Prince Be
George Michael, Vaughn, Halle, and Quest
This disease has no boundaries, and doesn’t ask who…
And bad things can happen, in spite of our best.
Open the dialog, talk to your friends
Talk to yourself, and the people who mind you
And let your struggles and feelings be heard
And empathetic ears will invariably find you.
LISTEN NOW: 6th Year Anniversary Divabetic podcast featuring Poet Lorraine Brooks, Lynette Luckers from the Marion Luckers Kidney Foundation, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Janis Roszler MS, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Luther Vandross historian Leon Petrossian and Mama Rose Marie. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.
Buttons
Buttons
I’ve never had buttons On top of my jeans | I’ve only been able | To wear size of “queens”.
Read Buttons in its entirety here.
Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld
A lot of people struggle with intimacy issues besides people with diabetes. However, sexual problems (sexual dysfunction) are common among people with diabetes, particularly in older men who have had diabetes for years. In addition, many medical experts believe that women with diabetes experience sexual difficulties as a result of complications from the disease.
I’m trying to do my part to lessen the stigma surrounding sexual dysfunction and diabetes by sharing great fictional romance books and expert advice on diabetes with the Divabetic community.
If nothing else my latest read, ‘Eligible’ by Curtis Sittenfeld, which is so captivating, could help relieve some the stress associated with managing blood sugars.
I became interested in this book, ‘Eligible’ this Spring after reading countless glowing reviews about it in the British press while I was in London. It was heralded as being the ‘Book of the Summer.’ I quickly learned this book is par of a series comprised of different authors doing their own take on Jane Austin’s novels. Curtis Sittenfeld’s “Eligible’ is a new take on Austin’s ‘Pride and Prejudice,’ The British writers Alexander McCall Smith, Joanna Trollope and Val McDermid have already published their versions of “Emma,” “Sense and Sensibility” and “Northanger Abbey” respectfully.
One Goodreads’ reviewer said, “I’ve only read two of the four (in the series) and this one is a much better read.”
As soon as I returned home I ran to my branch of the NY Public Library to look for it. No dice. I ended up on the reserve list at #256 (I kid you not). Even the librarian rolled her eyes when she announced my place on the list. Well, three months later and several cheesy paperback mysteries in between my number finally came up! I stopped what I was doing, ran down and grabbed it on Friday rather than risk missing my window of opportunity and then being doomed to another three months of purgatory on the reserve list. The two books I’m currently reading (‘Where’d You Go, Bernadette’ and ‘The Readaholics and the Falcon Fiasco’) were dashed to the side so that I could read this book in my allotted time for reserve book.
This version of the Bennet family—and Mr. Darcy—is one that you have and haven’t met before: Liz is a magazine writer in her late thirties who, like her yoga instructor older sister, Jane, lives in New York City. When their father has a health scare, they return to their childhood home in Cincinnati to help—and discover that the sprawling Tudor they grew up in is crumbling and the family is in disarray.
Youngest sisters Kitty and Lydia are too busy with their CrossFit workouts and Paleo diets to get jobs. Mary, the middle sister, is earning her third online master’s degree and barely leaves her room, except for those mysterious Tuesday-night outings she won’t discuss. And Mrs. Bennet has one thing on her mind: how to marry off her daughters, especially as Jane’s fortieth birthday fast approaches.
Enter Chip Bingley, a handsome new-in-town doctor who recently appeared on the juggernaut reality TV dating show Eligible. At a Fourth of July barbecue, Chip takes an immediate interest in Jane, but Chip’s friend neurosurgeon Fitzwilliam Darcy reveals himself to Liz to be much less charming. . . .
And yet, first impressions can be deceiving.
Taking the story out of England and bringing it to America has allowed the author to touch on such current topics as the cost of health care, artificial insemination, transgender and interracial relationships, and the unreality of reality television. The characters in ‘Eligible’ an be raucous and the situations ungenteel, but not since “Clueless,” which transported “Emma” to Beverly Hills, has Austen been so delightedly interpreted according to the NY Times’ review.
Yup, I read the entire book in one day. It was well worth the wait. I fell in love with the Curtis Sittenfeld’s use of language. The book is filled with quotes like,”Time seemed, as it always does in adulthood after a particular stretch has concluded, no matter how ponderous or unpleasant the stretch was to endure, to have passed quickly indeed.”
And as the NY Times review said, “it’s a pleasure to find out how Sittenfeld has updated classic Austen scenes to fit this new milieu. In “Pride and Prejudice,” Elizabeth responds to the disparaging remarks made by Mr. Darcy by repeating them “with great spirit among her friends.” In “Eligible,” Liz confronts Darcy on the spot. “I’ve heard we grade on a curve here,” she says, referring to his criticisms of the women of Cincinnati in relation to the women of San Francisco, “so I’m probably what — more like a B for the coasts? Or a B-minus? If you have a minute to figure it out, be sure to let me know.”
Parts 1 and 3 were my favorites Part 2 felt like layover at an airport. I just wanted to hurry through it and get to my final destination, you know what I mean? That said, overall I really enjoyed this book and recommend it. It’s smart and funny. I loved the author’s modern day comparisons, character attributes and locations. Grab a copy!
People who experience sexual difficulties can lead more enjoyable, fulfilling sexual lives by learning about common causes and symptoms of sexual difficulties, treatment options, and how to talk it over with a doctor or mate.
Out-of-control blood sugar levels can lead to blood vessel and nerve damage that hamper sexual performance and enjoyment. This can cause diabetes-related sexual dysfunction in men as well as in women. Men and women with diabetes also should be aware of sexual function issues that affect both sexes.
Other factors can cause or exacerbate sexual dysfunction, including psychological issues, self-consciousness and fear of failure. If you are experiencing impotence or sexual dysfunction, it’s important to see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis of your condition.
LISTEN NOW: Mr. Divabetic interviews NY Best-Selling Author Kristan Higgins on his ‘Don’t Let Diabetes Kill Romance’ podcast.
Kristan has been called “a rising superstar in contemporary romance” by USA TODAY, who went on to praise Kristan’s “genius-level EQ … whippet-fast, funny dialogue and sweet plots with a deliciously tart edge.” Her contemporary romances feature big-hearted, memorable love stories about regular people, combining quirky families, real-life issues and a cute dog or two as well.
Special guests: Stephanie Gaber PharmD, CDE from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, Diva Club leader, MaryAnn Nicolay, BA, DTR from the Diabetes Partnership Of Cleveland, OH. Poet Lorriane Brooks, Jennifer Martsolf from Trigg Laboratories and Author Ginger Vieria.
Buttons By Poet Lorraine Brooks
The body positive movement has swept through social media. Accepting your body in a positive way is the message of the movement.
The movement appears to be doing a great job at encouraging people of all shapes, sizes, and colors to love their body. This appealing sentiment can be found all over social media, in particular on Twitter. On Twitter it is common to find celebrities standing up for those that aren’t shaped like supermodels by showing their own bodies as examples of what the “average” women really looks like.
Poet Lorraine Brooks shares her insights about body image in her poem, “Buttons”, written specifically for our free monthly podcast, Diabetes Late Nite.
BUTTONS by Lorraine Brooks
I’ve never had buttons
On top of my jeans
I’ve only been able
To wear size of “queens”.
Elastic has often been
Something I needed
In clothing that made me feel
Somewhat defeated.
I longed for the feeling
Of putting on pants
Not worrying if people
Looked at me
Askance.
No more stretch fabric
And no more a “plus”,
And seeing my booty
As big as a bus.
I’m tucking my shirt in,
I’m wearing no sleeves,
My body is freedom
My body believes.
The old grey sweatshirt
That I used to dread
I’m wearing a cardigan sweater
Instead.
I know that this “victory”
Might not seem much
And that I am not “perfect” or
Gorgeous and such.
But trust me and listen
When I have to say
I buttoned my jeans today…
Hip, hip hooray!
Don’t miss our 6th Year Anniversary Podcast featuring music by P.M. Dawn on Tuesday, July 9, 2016, 6-7 PM, EST. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Mama Rose Marie, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Janis Roszler RD, CDE, Luther Vandross historian Leon Petrossian, Lynette Luckers from the Marion Luckers Kidney Foundation and Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic. TUNE IN
A Little Respect
A Little Respect
Look at me. Look at the pain | In my eyes. | All that you see | Is my Overweight size. | Inside is a person Who needs to Be heard.
Read A Little Respect in its entirety here.
A Little Respect by Poet Lorraine Brooks
Many people consider Type 2 diabetes to be the ‘Rodney Dangerfield’ of chronic conditions because it’s gets little to no respect from the general public.
Although Type 2 diabetes can wreak havoc from head to toe with health-related complications such as kidney disease, stroke, blindness and amputation, it isn’t considered as serious a health threat as cancer or heart disease, according to results from a recent American Diabetes Association focus group.
This lack of concern is particularly worrisome, considering the condition now affects Americans in record numbers : 24 million people have it, and another 57 million have prediabetes .
Poet Lorraine Brooks shares her insights about this issue in her poem, “A Little Respect”, written specifically for Diabetes Late Nite.
A LITTLE RESPECT by Lorraine Brooks
Look at me.
Look at the pain
In my eyes.
All that you see
Is my
Overweight size.
Inside is a person
Who needs to
Be heard.
Needs to let go of
The hurt
I’ve incurred.
I’m not uninformed
And I’m not unaware.
I am not lazy
And yes, I DO care.
I haven’t abandoned
My health or my needs.
I’ve just redefined
What it means
To Succeed.
I am not here
To live up to your charts
Or conform to your standards
For my body parts.
It’s not called depression
It doesn’t need meds
I won’t go to blazes and
I won’t drop dead.
I don’t have the answer
To all of life’s queries,
I don’t want to hear about
All of your theories.
Just treat me with value
As part of the clan
And do not compare me to those
Smaller than.
Look at me
Look at the smile
I reflect
And treat me with love
And a little
Respect.
Speaking about ‘Respect’, the Queen Of Soul, Aretha Franklin said, “I have diabetes, really, from years ago when I was really badly and grossly overweight. Now, I’m back to my natural size and thrilled about it.”
Aretha has struggled with her weight throughout her life, underwent surgery in 2010 for an undisclosed ailment. After being hospitalized, Aretha completely changed her lifestyle and lost 85 lbs. in 2012.
Diabetes Late Nite with music by A Tribe Called Quest LISTEN: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2016/06/14/diabetes-late-nite-inspired-by-a-tribe-called-quest
It’s Not My Denial, It’s Yours
It’s Not My Denial, It’s Yours
I have diabetes and that I can’t deny.
I cannot spend time wondering
How or which or why.
Read It’s Not My Denial, It’s Yours its entirety here.
It’s Not My Denial, It’s Yours by Poet Lorraine Brooks
We’re still reeling from the recent sudden deaths of P.M. Dawn’s Prince Be and A Tribe Called Quest’s Phife Dawg from kidney disease related to diabetes this year. Both men died in the mid 40’s which seems way too young to me. The similarities of their life stories don’t stop there either. Both men admitted to being in denial about living with diabetes for quite a long time.
According to the American Diabetes Association ‘denial’ is so common among people living with diabetes that some doctors think it’s part of the process of accepting the diagnosis.
The trouble comes when you keep on denying your diabetes. Long-term denial stops you from learning what you need to know to keep yourself healthy and provides an opportunity for a diabetes health-related complication such as stroke, blindness, amputation or kidney disease to occur.
Poet Lorraine Brooks puts her own spin on the topic of ‘denial’ in her poem, ‘It’s Not My Denial, It’s Yours‘ from January’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.
It’s Not My Denial, It’s Yours by Poet Lorraine Brooks
I have diabetes
and that I can’t deny.
I cannot spend time wondering
How or which or why.
Every day’s a challenge
But I meet it with a smile.
So please don’t ever, ever think
That I am “in denial“.
I think it’s more the other way.
The people,that I know.
I think denial is THEIR thing,
Because THEY do not know.
they do not know the pain we feel
With needles, and finger sticks.
They do not know how hard it is
And so they try to fix.
They tell us that if only we
Would do like Cousin Fred.
He stopped eating cabbage and
Now he is off his meds.
They tell us that we’re doing wrong
By eating birthday cake.
But they don’t see us counting all the carbs,
For heaven’s sake.
People think they know our deal
Because they know some others.
But each of us is different.
we are not like our brothers.
It’s simply not that easy
Than to just say DONT EAT THAT.
It’s simply not that easy to lose weight
And not be fat.
I wish that everybody would
Leave well enough alone.
And let us diabetic folks
Get answers on our own.
I’m not saying not to help
Or share your deep concern.
I’m saying that unless you’re here,
You’ve got a lot to learn.
So, I’m not in denial, no.
I’ve struggled and I’ve fought.
And everything I do and want to do
Requires thought.
So please just let me vent, and don’t feel like
I need advice.
I know that I must limit things like
Bread and fruit and rice.
Dont shut me down when I complain.
I sometimes scream and curse.
And don’t bellittle what I say by saying
It could be worse.
So I’m not in denial, no.
I just choose not to speak.
But you should not in any way
Consider that I’m weak.
I fight, I cry, I think, I pray.
I do it with a smile.
But please do not believe at all
That I am in denial.
LISTEN NOW: January’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast inspired by Adele. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Mama Rose Marie, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach (Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE and MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR), Jennifer Jacobs, Dana Collins Carr and Cindy Lou, who is living with type 2 diabetes from Kentucky.
Salute to P.M. Dawn-Diabetes Late Nite
This July Divabetic celebrates our 6th Anniversary of podcasting!! It’s an wonderful milestone to reach for our team of diabetes advocates. We’d like to thank our growing number of listeners and guests for their support, encouragement, generosity and talent. There are now over 125 free podcasts available on demand, anytime, anywhere at divabetic.org, i-Tunes and Blog Talk Radio.
As many loyal fans know our Anniversary Diabetes Late Nite podcasts usually have a different format than our regular monthly podcasts. Last year, we featured highlights from the past five years of podcasting and the year before we presented the podcast in reverse order (Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Lisa Stansfield)!
This year we were planning on another first. We were scheduled to present new music from one of our two former musical inspirations, Meghan Trainor or Fifth Harmony courtesy of SONY Music. Both of these fabulous artists have new albums out that are podcast worthy. It would have been the first time that we repeated an artist on our podcast. However, our plans quickly changed after I learned the tragic news that the lead singer, Prince Be, of the group PM Dawn died of kidney disease at age 46 on Friday.
I’ve made a decision to repeat a ‘topic’ rather than a music artist for the 6th Anniversary podcast due to Prince Be’s recent death of Prince Be from kidney failure.
Prince Be had suffered from diabetes for more than two decades, and had various health problems over the years, among them several strokes, including one in 2005 that left him partly paralyzed, and gangrene, which led to the partial amputation of one leg.
The duo was known for mixing traditional hip hop with sensitive and positive lyrics and melodies throughout the 90’s.
On July’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast scheduled for Tuesday, July 12, 2016, 6 – 7 PM, EST we will discuss kidney disease and diabetes with the music of PM Dawn.
Our hope is that presenting back to back podcasts on the same topic will help bring more attention and awareness to kidney disease in our diabetes community.