Author: Mr. Divabetic

Max Szadek, aka Mr. Divabetic, is the executive director of Divabetic, LLC.
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Diana Ross Pursuing Fame At All Costs

Diana Ross’s monstrous ego has long been blamed for the Supremes’ demise. According to sources, it all started because Florence Ballard wasn’t happy when a young ‘Diane’ (Mary Wilson’s favorite Diana Ross jab) Ross was made the lead singer. 


Diana Ross, Florence Ballard, and Mary Wilson’s relationship strained for decades despite their humble beginnings and journey to iconic status.


Florence started the group and was the lead singer, but Berry Gordy wanted Diana to be the lead singer. The dye was cast after they scored their first number-one hit with Diana Ross singing lead. From that moment on, Diana Ross took centerstage. Resentment, anger, or frustration caused Florence to leave the group. 

Sadly, after Florence left the Supremes, her life spiraled downward. After leaving the group, she didn’t find gainful employment, and her house was foreclosed. Florence died in 1976 at age 32. 


In her books and the media, Mary Wilson was outspoken about her personal and professional conflicts with Diana Ross. Many fans believe their two strong personalities found it challenging to share the spotlight. Mary stated that Diana Ross tried different tactics to separate herself from the group once the Supremes began succeeding. She alleged that Diana would change her costumes to set herself apart. During TV appearances, Ross allegedly stood far away from her group members on stage so the camera would pan to her solo. Mary’s public refusal to join Diana Ross on a Supremes reunion tour due to a disagreement over fees garnered much attention and ill will. 

 At the time, Mary Wilson alleged that Diana Ross would earn $15-$20 million while she and the others would only pocket $2-$3 million.


However, Smokey Robinson’s recent confession that he had a yearlong affair with Diana Ross makes me wonder if there is more to the story. It appears that most men at Motown thought Diana Ross was ‘hot stuff’. She had sexual relationships with Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson, and Marvin Gaye was attracted to her. These men changed the face of pop music. Together, they

 made music that defined its era and significantly influenced modern pop and R&B. You have to hand it to Diana Ross for her excellent taste in men. 


According to Martha Reeves, the Supremes took a long time to break through. She told the Daily Mail, “They (the Supremes) were desperate for a hit.”  Some people will do almost anything when they’re desperate, and some will do nearly anyone. 
Diana’s affairs with the head of Motown and the label’s most successful songwriter probably helped secure the Supremes better songs and priority over other artists.  Mary and Florence professionally benefited from her affairs as members of the Supremes. However,  Mary and Florence’s relationships with other labelmates could have suffered. If the other Motown acts knew about Diana Ross’s affairs, they might have lacked respect for Mary, Florence, and Diana. It’s a case of guilt by association. One can assume the others would think the Supremes weren’t offered hit songs because of their talent but because of who she’s sleeping with. If everyone’s fighting for a hit record, but only one woman’s getting the lion’s share because of her love life, it’s easy to see why the others would hate you for being her group member.  
Is this pure speculation? 

For many years, Martha Reeves vied with Diana Ross for the mantle of Motown’s First Lady. Even though Martha Reeves denies they feuded, several stories have reported the contrary. 


Sleeping with someone for professional gain doesn’t always mean success. 

However, occasionally, it works to blur the lines between professional and personal lives to achieve your goals. There’s no question that it worked for Diana Ross. The most successful men in the music industry were attracted to her. She had the world on a string and the talent to match. No one can deny her triumphs in her Central Park concert or on screen in “Lady Sings The Blues.”

So what do you think? 

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Healthy Loops

The American Heart Association reports Charles Duhigg, author of “The Power of Habit,” describes a pattern or “habit loop” involving 3 elements: cue →, routine, → reward. Every behavior is a loop that follows those three elements.

Your brain can be trained to build habits. These three steps can help create habits that stick:

Cue: This is a reminder to act on your habit. It jogs your memory, prompting you to act in the same place, at the same time, every day.

Example: Leave your hand weights in a visible place so you can remind yourself of a habit of maintaining muscle tone in your arms.

Routine: To start with, choose a smaller, achievable version of your habit. Ensure it’s something you like so it’s easily repeatable. For example, start with a walk around the block rather than 20,000 steps daily.

I like creating a new playlist of my favorite disco songs weekly. By adding a new song to the list each week, I lengthen my workout and walk that much longer. For instance, Patti LaBelle’s ‘Think About You’ adds almost four and a half minutes to my workout. It doesn’t seem like drudgery, it feels like fun!

Reward: Positive emotions make habits stick. So have fun while you do your new activity, or associate it with a reward. Reserve time to watch your favorite TV binge-worthy show when you exercise.

ON SALE: Divabetic branded lip balm watermelon flavored (3 for $10.00 plus shipping and handling.)

Please take a minute to support our ‘glam more, fear less’ approach to diabetes outreach. For over 20 years, we have pioneered presenting traditional diabetes education in nonclincal ways. From monthly support meetings to national programs, we have made it our mission to empower women affected by, living with, and at risk of diabetes and their loved ones to achieve optimum health.

For more information, email: mrdivabetic@gmail.com

Do you want another suggestion to add to your playlist? Check out Change’s “Glow Of Love,” featuring vocals by Luther Vandross. This song is guaranteed to put some pep in your step!!

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For the past 64 years. Barbie has been a part of our lives, a cultural touchstone, or the quintessential image of what a woman should be but never will be – a sex or beauty object.

Greta Gerwig’s big screen makeover and the related marketing blitz are making us revisit and reevaluate Barbie’s impact on our lives, including our sex lives. After all, if Barbie and Ken are confused about what to do at sleepovers, you might be too, especially if you’re dealing with sexual health issues related to diabetes.

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in nearly all countries. People with diabetes experience sexual dysfunction more often than the general public. Podcast guests: Dr. Janis Roszler PhD, LMFT, RDN, LD/N, CDCES, FAND, and Donna Rice, MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES, the co-authors of Divabetic’s new e-book, Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love and Intimacy with Diabetes, available on Amazon.

Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love and Intimacy with Diabetes, book one in the series, is your key to a happy, healthy, intimate life with diabetes. Inside, you’ll find:

The common physical and emotional sexual complications of diabetes and treatment options for men and women. An overview of diabetes nutrition, physical activity, weight loss, and diabetes medications Information on how aging impacts diabetes management and intimacy. Guidance on how to talk to your healthcare provider about intimacy-related issues. Ideas and techniques for building sexual intimacy and communicating effectively with your partner. Tips to help you avoid dangerous or money-wasting fraudulent sexual treatments.

Authors Dr. Janis Roszler and Donna Rice use humor, helpful examples, and insightful questions to present key topics about sexual health in an engaging, approachable way. This series is perfect for anyone (regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, or health status) looking to rekindle intimacy with their partner or be proactive about their sexual and emotional well-being. In. Bed With Barbie & Ken Podcast Music by Doug Clay.

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I’m Featured in the Luther Vandross “Never Too Much” Documentary

Thank you for the kind comments about my appearance in the documentary. Initially, I was apprehensive about appearing in the film. But as many of you know, I dedicated my life to diabetes outreach after Luther’s debilitating stroke related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes. The need to raise awareness for preventing a stroke or diabetes-related complication from occurring far outweighed my doubts or insecurities. The trauma I experienced from Luther’s health crisis will always be heavy on my heart. I hope sharing my story will empower you and your loved one to make time to manage your health.

Outside the Tribeca Film Festival screening of “Never Too Much” with Fonzi Thornton, James Ervin (Luther Vandross‘s choreographer, me, Catherine Schuller (Divabetic Image and Style Advisor, and Seveda Williams (Luther Vandross‘s niece).

Until now, I have refrained from discussing the documentary out of consideration for friends and colleagues who were not featured. I am grateful to have been included, but seeing myself on screen shattered any illusions that I resemble Brad Pitt (LOL).

Watching myself relive the experience on screen was difficult, but knowing the path I chose in response to it made me feel proud.

Many people have told me that my scenes brought tears to their eyes. I was able to speak openly and honestly about Luther’s health crisis because of my ongoing work with Divabetic and the members of the Divabetic community.

If I had continued to work in entertainment instead of diving headfirst into diabetes outreach after Luther’s stroke, I don’t think I could have revisited my experience in such a candid and vulnerable way. More importantly, I feel I delivered a powerful message on why making time to take care of yourself and your health is essential.

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Grilled Mushrooms Recipe


My Grilled Mushrooms were delicious. I soaked them in olive oil, garlic, and parsley the night before. They had a delicious smokey flavor.

According to studies, vegetarian diets can also improve blood sugar management and insulin response and may lower the risk of developing other health issues related to diabetes.

Some diabetes-friendly vegetarian dinner recipes include Stuffed potatoes with salsa and beans, Green goddess salad with chickpeas, and Curried chickpea stew.

A vegetarian diet includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. These food choices can improve blood sugar control and make your body more responsive to insulin. This may mean that you’ll need to take less medicine, and it may also lower your risk of developing other health issues related to diabetes.

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Watercolor Washes And Blood Sugars

My second watercolor class was about washes. It proved to be just as challenging as the first class, but it was still a blast from start to finish. We used a large brush and loaded up with the paint mixture in a smooth, sweeping motion side to side. The three main types of watercolor washes are flat, graded, and variegated. You can attempt them with a wet brush on dry paper or a wet brush on wet paper. My goal was to create transparency with the paint.

I adore my instructor, Eva, from Bulgaria. She’s passionate about art and teaching art. When she travels back to Bulgaria, she doesn’t like to take photos because she feels photos can’t capture your memories. I’m paraphrasing, but I love her thoughts.  I arrived early so I could ask her about her artwork. She is a chemigram artist. A chemigram has been called  ‘the ultimate adventure of gelatin silver bromide’. It’s made by painting with chemicals on light-sensitive photography paper.  According to Eva, you can’t see what you’re creating until you process the paper, and there’s a high probability that it might not work out. Eva likes it because you can’t control it.  


Drinking water can help dilute blood sugar levels, but no single food or drink can directly reduce the amount of sugar in your blood. Different foods affect your blood sugar differently, creating bigger or smaller rises for longer or shorter periods. High blood sugar—known as hyperglycemia—can lead to dehydration, as the body tries to eliminate excess glucose through urine. Excess urination is one symptom of diabetes.

When dehydrated, your blood becomes more concentrated, including glucose. Drinking water can help rehydrate your blood and dilute the sugar, which can help lower blood sugar levels. Water can also help your kidneys filter out excess sugar through urine, which can further help flush sugar from your body.

Taking fast-acting insulin medication is the fastest way to lower blood sugar. Talk to your healthcare collaborators about the best self-care plan for you. 

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Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes Mini-Reunion

I hosted a “Divabetic—Makeover Your Diabetes” mini-team reunion with my friends and colleagues, Makeup Artist Jeff Jones, and Style Advisor Catherine Schuller. We haven’t been together in quite a while.

It was such a rewarding experience to travel to different U.S. cities and empower women affected by, living with, and at risk of diabetes. The experience was life-changing for each of us, so within no time, we were walking down memory lane, sharing our favorite moments.

Our comprehensive educational approach, partnered with free makeover services, boosted their confidence and helped them manage their condition effectively. Participants could enjoy one-on-one education sessions on fitness, nutrition, appearance, intimacy, diabetes education, and goal setting. They were also treated to free makeovers, mini-massages, image advice and safe manicures. Our Diva photography studio, fashion show, fun workout demonstrations, stage games, and prize giveaways had people smiling all day.

Divabetic’s six one-on-one education stations were branded with nonclinical names: “Twist & Shout” (fitness), “Grab Green & Go” (nutrition), “Glam More Fear Less” (appearance), “Tunnel of Love” (intimacy), “Denial’s Not My Style “(A, B, C’s of diabetes), and “Sweet Inspirations” (goal setting. These stations were surrounded by a Makeover Maze (free makeup application, mini-massage, and safe manicure stations)so that participants could jump back and forth from education to self-pampering without losing a beat.

Catherine and Jeff discussed their initial meeting and shared hesitations about their roles in the makeover program in an elevator as we headed to our first team meeting in Atlanta, GA, in 2006. No one was more surprised at that meeting in Atlanta than my parents, who initially thought they were helping me at someone else’s program, not hosting my first national program. They were shocked to learn I had gained funding from Novo Nordisk to pilot an outreach program geared toward women in two major cities, Atlanta, GA, and Philadelphia, PA; even more surprising was that it became one of their most popular outreach programs ever. Our Novo Nordisk Presents Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes ran for three remarkable years, reaching thousands of women in eight major cities.

I found myself retelling the unbelievable origins story of the program and how I was in the right place at the right time to conceive and implement a program of this magnitude. My experience volunteering backstage at dLife TV tapings in New York played an instrumental role in making it all happen.

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Seen and Heard

Everyone wants to be seen and heard. Recently, Ledisi shared her struggles on social media about not being seen or heard by the R&B music industry.

“Talked to a writer about my name not being mentioned enough in musical spaces. I said, “I’m consistently ignored from conversations about music. Especially R&B Music. It’s hurtful after devoting my life to this genre and music as a whole. I get over it. I think about the Legends before me, who are still ignored choosing to move forward. Thats what it’s all about. Going where you are loved. In the end my art will speak for me. That’s all the matters. Do this for the music. Not popularity,” said Ledisi.

Her message hit home with fans who quickly expressed their support. Ledisi received many comments, texts, and phone calls that moved her. She said she posted her comment to be transparent and to inspire others.

Interestingly, Ledisi has won a GRAMMY Award and has been praised for her commitment to authenticity. So, in many ways, you might be scratching your head, wondering what she is upset about. Her post underscores that we all long to be seen and heard from time to time.

It’s not always easy to open up about your diabetes and express your challenges and pitfalls. However, expressing yourself can help alleviate your frustration.

If you don’t feel like you’re being seen or heard, take a moment to notice and listen to someone in your life. Pat them on the back, compliment their style, appreciate their talents, admire their perseverance, recognize their positivity, encourage their efforts, and congratulate them for making art.

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Happy 4th of July

Mr. Divabetic stops by the 10th Annual Big Apple Barbecue Block Party at Madison Square Park in New York City to find out how people stay on track with their Summertime health goals.


At the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party, pitmasters from New York City, Alabama, and Texas come together to celebrate American barbeque.

According to the Webstaurant Store blog, the main styles of American BBQ are Kansas City, Memphis, Carolina, and Texas.

Kansas pitmasters brush wet ribs with sauce before, during, and after smoking them for a wet sauce. Memphis-style “dry” ribs are coated in a dry rub before they’re smoked and served without sauce, allowing their authentic flavor to shine.

Alabama white sauce is mayonnaise-based and punctuated with apple cider vinegar, brown mustard, and horseradish. It is usually served on chicken.

St. Louis is famous for its spare ribs, and most people refer to this meat cut when they mention St. Louis-style barbecue. In St. Louis, they prefer grilling their ribs rather than slow-smoking them over indirect heat.

California-style BBQ centers on wood-fired tri-tip steaks rubbed in salt, pepper, and garlic powder seasoning. 

Everyone loves grilling food because the high heat and direct contact with your grill can make foods crispy on the outside while keeping them moist inside.

Kentucky is famous for perfecting slow-smoking mutton and developed a Worcestershire-based sauce to complement its rich, gamey flavor.

In recent years, contradictory reports have cited the benefits and dangers of grilling.

According to New York Health, research has found that grilling may reduce your risk for many chronic diseases, including heart disease, certain cancers, and type 2 diabetes. This is because grilling food makes it easier for us to eat fewer calories and fat.

According to Columbia Doctors, cooking over high heat, especially an open flame, exposes you to two main carcinogens: heterocyclic aromatic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Studies show HCAs and PAHs cause changes in DNA that may increase the risk of cancer. 

Staying healthy isn’t just about watching what you eat; it’s also important to be aware of the excessive calories and added sugar in your drinks. Many summer drinks, including soda, sports and energy drinks, lemonade, fruit juices, and sweetened waters, contain added sugar. 

For example, a 16-fluid-ounce soda can contain over 12 teaspoons of added sugar, while a 16-fluid-ounce sports drink can contain 7 teaspoons. Added sugar can provide empty calories that can contribute to weight gain, obesity, heart disease, and tooth decay. 

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What Are Your Standards?

What are your ‘standards’ for managing your diabetes health?

For at least half the population, it may come as no surprise that women often have negative experiences in the U.S. healthcare system. A new study reports that 50% of young women report negative experiences, according to Forbes.

29% of those who had seen a healthcare provider in the prior two years said their doctor had dismissed their concerns. One in five (19%) said their doctor assumed something about them without asking, and 15% said their provider did not believe them. Perhaps even worse, 13% said that a healthcare provider had suggested they were personally to blame for a health problem they were experiencing. Nearly one in 10 (9%) reported experiencing discrimination based on their age, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or another personal characteristic.

Additionally, a new study from the University of Florida and Stanford University researchers finds the most commonly cited reason patients with Type 1 diabetes don’t receive optimal care is negative interactions with endocrinologists, cites UF Health. Shame and negative feelings related to stigma and judgment are commonly reported in clinical encounters.

Get drenched in a hefty dose of R&B and Soul with Crystal Penny, as this musical duo offers another musical gem.


The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, stops by the Pride March in New York City to raise awareness for diabetes in a fun, new way.

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