Category: D-Stories

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Habits by Lorraine Brooks

Poet Lorraine Brooks shares her poem about habits on Divabetic‘s Healthy Swaps podcast. We’re offering simple ideas to help you live your best diabetes life on our podcast.
We understand many people deal with diabetes distress and feel overwhelmed by the rentlessness of diabetes.

Feeling this way about your diabetes is understandable and it’s a natural reaction for anyone that’s been diagnosed with a long-term health condition.

Lots of people feel like this sometimes but it’s important you get help. If you don’t get support to help you cope, you’re more likely to reach burnout and that can be really serious. Please let us join you on the journey.

Habits by Lorraine Brooks

To do somethig once

Doesn’t make a habit yet
You have to repeat
Some habits are good
Like eating our vegetables
And counting our carbs
Bad habits die hard.
Our chooices become lifestyles.
And sometimes are poor
What is a habit
A behavior that binds us
But you can break free
To age with kindness
Cmes from having good habits
From when we are young.
I dont mind aging
Because I have formed habits\
That serve e well now
I’m aging like wine
Rich and mellow and sparkling
My habits paid off
I know I’m OK
I have worked hard to get here
And I will not quit

Be Kind To Yourself

Try to manage your expectations about your blood sugar levels and A1c test results and set smaller, more realistic goals.

It also helps to stop using phrases like ‘good’ or ‘bad’ blood sugar – as this can constantly feel like you’ve done something wrong. Talk about high or low blood sugar instead.

Taking time for yourself, like booking a massage or setting an evening aside for a long bath can help you relax.

We’re sharing healthy swap ideas on this episode of Divabetic‘s podcast. With a few simple swaps, you can help live your best life while managing your diabetes. Our experts offer straightforward, simple, and fun swap ideas for drinks, medications, self-care, and fashion. Plus, we share style tips and words of inspiration to help you maintain a healthy habit.

Developing these habits isn’t always easy. Adapting to a new routine can be tricky, and it’s often tempting to want to return to old ways if we don’t see immediate results. One of the biggest mistakes people make when forming a new habit is taking on too much too quickly.  Focus on what’s working in your diabetes self-care plan before overhauling diabetes management. Instead of decluttering the entire house, why not focus on one room or closet? Why not focus on the calories you drink rather than everything you eat?  If you want to eat healthier, try replacing one dessert daily with a piece of fruit rather than cutting out sugar completely. If you’re going to get into hiking, start with a walk at lunchtime. Setting small goals you can achieve will help keep you motivated along the way.

Guests include Catherine Schuller, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RD, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, MEd, NDTR, and Mama Rose Marie. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.

Clarence Waldron talks about his stroke, recovery, working as Senior Editor and Writer of Jet Magazine, and his memories of Luther Vandross and Aretha Franklin in this YouTube video. Twenty years ago, Clarence interviewed Luther’s mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross, for Jet Magazine after Luther suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes.

 

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Luther Vandross’s Dance With My Father Celebrates 20th Year Anniversary

This year marks two decades since the release of Luther‘s soulful and emotional ballad “Dance with My Father.” It’s also the twentieth anniversary of Luther’s devastating stroke related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes. Luther suffered a stroke at age 52.

I found Luther on the floor of his Fifth Avenue apartment after he suffered a stroke. Many have speculated that Luther experienced the stroke several hours before my arrival. Sadly, his stroke damaged Luther’s motor skills and mental abilities, leaving him unable to perform on stage again.

At the time, I had no idea that mismanaged diabetes could cause such tragic health outcomes even though, I had a family history of diabetes. When the media reported that Luther suffered a stroke but failed to mention it’s linked to diabetes, I felt was angry. I wanted to warn Luther fans about the connection so they could avoid a similar fate.  Luther’s stroke changed the course of my life. I became Lutehr’s caregiver, a passionate diabetes advocate, and the founder of the nonprofit, Divabetic. Every day I strive to help inspire and empower people with diabetes to take charge of their diabetes health. I know it’s not easy. Some days are more challenging than others, mainly when unexpected setbacks occur. But ignoring your diabetes is not the answer.

“Dance With My Father” is a testament to the power of mismanaged diabetes to decimate a family tree. Luther lost his father at a tender age due to mismanaged diabetes too.

I lost my father four years ago to bone cancer. I am grateful for the many years my father and I spent together working on Divabetic outreach. We saw the power of educating the generations in families to prevent diabetes health complications from occurring.

“Dance With My Father”  is co-written by Luther Vandross and GRAMMY-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Richard Marx, and resonated with millions of listeners worldwide, touching hearts and earning Vandross a posthumous GRAMMY for Song of the Year in 2004.

https://youtu.be/OiNSRU-smNI

To honor Luther’s enduring music legacy, Primary Wave Music, The Luther Vandross Estate, and Legacy Recordings/Sony Music have released the song in high-resolution Dolby Atmos for an enhanced audio experience that fans can stream and download from several platforms.

Visit LutherVandross.com to create and share personally customized Father’s Day memories using the ‘What My Father Taught Me’ meme generator with the hashtag #DanceWithMyFather20. Additionally, on the site, you can purchase items from a limited edition gift guide, encapsulating the soul of this unforgettable song. Commemorate Father’s Day and Black Music Month by celebrating this iconic piece of Black music history. Let’s unite as fans, saluting Luther Vandross’ lasting legacy and the special connection between fathers and their children.

I will take every opportunity to raise awareness for diabetes and diabetes health-related complications such as stroke.

Senior Writer and Editor of Jet Magazine, Clarence Waldron, talks about his stroke and its recovery.

Twenty years ago, Clarence interviewed Luther’s mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross, for Jet Magazine after Luther suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes. Clarence’s story is an excellent reminder of why it’s essential to ACT F.A.S.T. if you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke. The acronym FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time) has been used by the National Stroke Association, American Heart Association, and others to educate the public on detecting stroke symptoms.

Earlier treatment results in a greater chance of recovery, a reduced likelihood of permanent disability, and a lesser need for extensive rehabilitation. You’ll quickly hear Clarence’s upbeat attitude and ferocious appetite for music and divas have served him well during his recovery.

Throughout this podcast, we feature music from Aretha Franklin’s Get It Right album and Luther Vandross’s Live At Radio City Music Hall 2003 20th Anniversary Edition album courtesy of SONY Music.

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Easy, Grilled Asparagus Recipe

This is what happens when you serve Grilled Asparagus prepared on an Outdoor Grill – they’re gone within minutes!

I have an intense dislike of peas, but I love asparagus. It’s a good thing, too, because asparagus is rich in minerals and vitamins A, C, and folic acid. It’s a fibrous vegetable that may support a healthy gut, as well as help lower blood pressure.

So easy to make too. Clean, cut, and trim asparagus spears. I like to cut off the white ends – they’re dense and hard to chew. On some pencil-thine spears (harder to manage on the grill), the white woody ends may not tenderize once cooked. On larger stalks, those same ends never soften. However, it’s not necessary to trim asparagus.

The night before, tossed them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Then grill the asparagus for 8-10 minutes over medium flame until soft, and add lemon zest before serving. Delicious!

We’re sharing a few simple swaps to help you live your best life while managing your diabetes on this episode of Divabetic’s podcast. Guests include Catherine Schuller, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RD, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, MEd, NDTR, and Mama Rose Marie. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.

 

This podcast features music from Aretha Franklin’s Get It Right and Who’s Zooming Who albums courtesy of SONY Music

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic stops by the 10th annual Big Apple Barbecue Block Party at Madison Square Park in New York City. Hear how everyday people stay on track with their health goals while indulging in summertime fun.

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Ben Vereen on Living Healthy With Type 2 Diabetes

“How are you feeling today? I hope you’re doing well and taking good care of yourself. ❤️ Remember to prioritize your well-being and find moments of joy in your day. Wishing you a wonderful day ahead filled with positivity and happiness,” 🙏🏾 posted Ben Vereen, living with type 2 diabetes,  on social media. The Broadway legend often shares positive messages on social media to motivate and encourage people.

After the initial panic from his diagnosis lessened, he began to seek help. “Once my doctor told me what I had to do, I knew the regimen. He provided that comfort zone and made it very easy for me. I was able to maintain my performing schedule, I still do.”

Type 2 diabetes means that your body doesn’t use insulin properly. And while some people can manage their blood sugar levels with meal plans and exercise, others may need medication or insulin to manage it. 

In an interview with Diabetes Self-Management, Ben Vereen said, “The community has been so inspirational. Right after I was diagnosed, I had a show in Vegas. I thought, how am I gonna get through this? This is why we have to speak up. I get there and a stagehand I’ve worked with for years said, “I heard you have diabetes.” He said, “Don’t worry about this, you’ll get through it, I have diabetes, too. Many of us here have it — we’re gonna watch you.” Knowing someone else walking this path was comforting. I felt better knowing that if I had questions, I had someone I could turn to. As Patti LaBelle told me, “I have it, it doesn’t have me.”

Ben changed his eating plan. “I became a vegan, that’s what worked for me. I exercise, too, but I already did exercise so that was easy. My mantra: Everything in moderation. Moderation is key.”

He doesn’t adhere to a one size fits all mentality when it comes to managing diabetes but instead recommends tailoring self-care to meet your needs. “Do what works for you. Then share your story with the community so maybe someone with the same fear can be educated and not feel alone.”

Join us tonight for our Healthy Lifestyle Swaps podcast starting at 6 PM, EST.

With a few simple swaps, you can help live your best life while managing your diabetes. Our experts offer straightforward, simple, and fun swap ideas for drinks, medications, self-care, and fashion. Plus, we share style tips and words of inspiration to help you maintain a healthy habit.

Developing these habits isn’t always easy. Adapting to a new routine can be tricky, and it’s often tempting to want to return to old ways if we don’t see immediate results. One of the biggest mistakes people make when forming a new habit is taking on too much too quickly.  Focus on what’s working in your diabetes self-care plan before overhauling diabetes management. Instead of decluttering the entire house, why not focus on one room or closet? Why not focus on the calories you drink rather than everything you eat?  If you want to eat healthier, try replacing one dessert daily with a piece of fruit rather than cutting out sugar completely. If you’re going to get into hiking, start with a walk at lunchtime. Setting small goals you can achieve will help keep you motivated along the way.

Guests include Catherine Schuller, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RD, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, MEd, NDTR, and Mama Rose Marie. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.

Please feel free to call-in comments at 1-347-215-8551. Diva TalkRadio’s signature show is one you want to hear live every month.

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Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes Tour 2007

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Alexander Zverev Battles French Open Officicals About Injecting Insulin in Public

Imagine competing for one of the tennis world’s biggest titles and being told you can’t take your life-saving medication during a match because it looks weird.

At this year’s French Open, tennis player Alexander Zverev, who has been living with type 1 diabetes since age three, has struggled with tournament officials’ lack of awareness regarding insulin therapy.

Repeatedly he has been told to either seek medical attention or leave the court during matches when administering his self-care.

Even though many people living with type 1 diabetes are accustomed to getting strange looks from strangers when they administer insulin out in public, it still seems shocking to hear what’s happening at the French Open.

An umpire told Alexander that it looks “weird” if he injects himself on court. As a result, the official said he could not take insulin on court and was required to take a bathroom break instead. However, the French Open has a strict limit to the number of bathroom breaks a player can take under the rules, which Alexander noted could compromise his health, ‘guys, I might have to walk off the court four or five times. Decide what you want me to do’.”

To hear that he’s still winning matches while dealing with these issues is incredibly inspiring. In a previous match against American tennis player Frances Tiafoe, Alexander said there was a “supervisor who didn’t know that I was diabetic,” adding: “I then gave myself an injection, and he panicked and said I had to call a doctor if I gave myself anything.”

I hope Alexander’s brave stance in the face of opposition inspires others to take their medicine or injections as prescribed, even if they have to do it in a public place.

Managing your blood sugars with medicine or injection shouldn’t come with shame. Your health is a top priority, no matter what anyone else thinks. Always remember that.

Delaying your injection isn’t always possible, so you must do what’s best to manage your diabetes. You can’t control how other people respond. However, you can kindly and respectfully explain what you’re doing and why it’s essential if asked.

Thankfully, Alexander shared that this lack of understanding doesn’t happen at every tennis tournament stating, “on the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Tour, I do it on the court; here (French Open), they don’t allow me to do it,” Alexander told Eurosport Germany.

Let’s rally behind him as he heads into his Semi-Finals match tomorrow and do our part to raise awareness for insulin therapy.

Clarence Waldron talks about his stroke, recovery, working as Senior Editor and Writer of Jet Magazine, and his memories of Luther Vandross and Aretha Franklin.

Twenty years ago, Clarence interviewed Luther’s mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross, for Jet Magazine after Luther suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes. Clarence’s story is an excellent reminder of why it’s essential to ACT F.A.S.T. if you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke. The acronym FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time) has been used by the National Stroke Association, American Heart Association, and others to educate the public on detecting stroke symptoms.

Earlier treatment results in a greater chance of recovery, a reduced likelihood of permanent disability, and a lesser need for extensive rehabilitation. You’ll quickly hear Clarence’s upbeat attitude and ferocious appetite for music and divas have served him well during his recovery.

Throughout this podcast, we feature music from Aretha Franklin’s Get It Right album and Luther Vandross’s Live At Radio City Music Hall 2003 20th Anniversary Edition album courtesy of SONY Music.

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The Boy Is Mine Spotlights Conflict Between People With Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes

Twenty-five years ago, The Boy Is Mine by Brandy and Monica reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on June 6, 1998. The rivalry between the two divas on and off the record seems to parallel the tension between people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
“Initially, when I started Divabetic, many people with type 1 diabetes gave me grief about hosting diabetes support groups open to all types of people,” says Max Szadek. “They wanted the group to be for type 1 only. But I have a brother with type 1 diabetes and a family history of type 2 diabetes, so I refused. He adds, “I’m glad I did, too, because the people living with type 1 diabetes mentored those with type 2 diabetes about their daily self-care.  They showed people it was possible to live well with the disease.”
The root of disdain between the two types of people living with diabetes stems from the general public’s inability to distinguish between them. We often hear stories about diabetes in the media, but it’s rarely mentioned what specific type they’re talking about. Diabetes is a complex health condition.
The two types may share the same name, but each has distinct characteristics, causes, symptoms, and management methods. By having a clearer understanding of these two major types of diabetes, we can help those living with the disease, promote awareness, foster community, and understand the role that research plays.
Type 1 is a form of diabetes where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
Type 2 is a form where the body still produces insulin but cannot use it effectively. This is known as insulin resistance. Over time, the demand for insulin overpowers the pancreas’ ability to produce it, leading to an insulin deficiency.
The sheer number of people living with type 2 diabetes also makes people assume everyone has type 2 diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control states more than 37 million Americans have diabetes (about 1 in 10), and approximately 90-95% have type 2 diabetes. Just 5 percent of people have type 1.
Perhaps the fact that it’s not always clear what type of diabetes someone has is part of the problem.

For instance, the typical assumption is that people with type 2 diabetes will be overweight and not use insulin therapy, while people with type 1 diabetes will be, if anything, underweight.

But these perceptions just aren’t always accurate. Around 20% of people with type 2 diabetes are of a healthy weight when diagnosed, and many of them use insulin therapy.

The song was initially written as a solo track for Brandy by Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins. But ultimately, Brandy and Monica recorded the song as a duet to squash rumors of their rivalry. During the song production, Brandy and Rodney decided the song would work better as a duet and were inspired by Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson‘s The Girl Is Mine.

Brandy asked her label to approach Monica as a gesture of goodwill to combat rumors of a rivalry. With her label’s permission, Monica jumped on board, and the single was released in the spring of 1998, quickly dominating the airwaves and climbing to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The official music video of The Boy Is Mine by Brandy & Monica from the album Never Say Never was released in 1998.

Choosing Friendship Over Drama

Sadly the song’s success didn’t translate to love for each other in real life. In a 2012 radio interview, Monica said, “We were young. We could barely stay in the room with each other. By no means was it jealousy or envy. She and I are polar opposites, and instead of embracing that, we used our differences as reasons not to be amongst each other.”

 

Jet Magazine’s Senior Writer and Editor, Clarence Waldron, shares his experience living with stroke, its recovery, and memories of interviewing Luther Vandross and Aretha Franklin on this episode of Divabetic’s podcast.

Coincidentally, Aretha and Luther teamed up on the duet Doctor’s Orders. Luther and Aretha developed a dynamic musical partnership, leading to beautiful and triumphant music.  Luther told Rolling Stone magazine, “Aretha was one of my key influences, as I used to walk to school carrying my school books along with her album!” As time progressed, hits progressed. Jump To: The tag-team duo’s signature classic gave Aretha her tenth #1 R&B album.

Their electrifying duet, Doctor’s Orders, appears on Aretha’s album What You See Is What You Sweat (1991). We are ever so grateful to have experienced the impeccable talents of two gifted, legendary artists.

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Weight Watchers Prescribing Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic

The news that WeightWatchers will be prescribing popular Weight Loss medications like Ozempic stinks. I wish they would admit counting points doesn’t work for everyone and apologize to those who spent their time, money, and self-worth trying to reach their goals via their program.

So many people who have been on WeightWatchers return to the program after leaving. They can’t sustain their results because counting points is unsustainable.

So now, WeightWatchers has decided to cash in on the mindset of a quick fix.

This is another example of WeightWatchers riding the newest trend to sell weight loss. In 2018, they tried unsuccessfully to adapt to a body-positive trend by rebranding to WW International. They replaced the word “diet” with “building healthy habits” and configured their messaging to highlight wellness goals instead of weight loss.

Of course, WeightWatchers is already fending off criticism for their new acquisition.

“We have no interest in prescribing medications to those who are trying to lose 10 pounds for a reunion,” WW’s chief scientific officer, Gary Foster, told the Wall Street Journal.

WeightWatchers stresses they added this tool to their arsenal to support customers who already use semaglutides like Ozempic and Wegovy and to help get these drugs into the hands of the patient population they were intended for: people managing diabetes and those looking to lose weight as part of a doctor-recommended health plan.

Weight Watchers bought Sequence, a telehealth operator that can prescribe medications under brand names, including Ozempic and Wegovy.

Ozempic is a once-weekly injection used to treat Type 2 diabetes. It’s not approved for weight loss, but people taking it tend to lose weight.  Wegovy is a higher-dose version of Ozempic specifically approved for weight loss.

If interested, you will pay separately for your WeightWatchers membership and Sequence subscription. And Sequence memberships aren’t covered by insurance (but they will work with your insurance company to pay for medications). Additionally, WeightWatchers will offer new eating and exercise advice tailored for people taking these drugs.

Sadly,  celebrities, tech moguls, and TikTok influencers, who do not have diabetes, have used the drug to lose weight in short time frames. People like Andy Cohen, Elon Musk, and the Kardashians and their followers’ usage has led to people with diabetes not being able to get their prescriptions. The side effects of Ozempic and similar weight loss drugs include gastrointestinal issues, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. It may also cause thyroid tumors, thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, kidney failure, gallbladder problems, vision changes, hypoglycemia, and allergic reactions.

Many people post about their experience with drugs, like Ozempic, on social media. They’ve admitted that their appetite and cravings went through the roof after they stopped using it. It’s been tough for them to maintain their results.

The diet industry is a 50 billion per year industry. With more money than ever going into solutions for weight loss … you’d think we’d be moving in the right direction.

But we’re not. According to the CDC, approximately 42% of Americans are classified as having obesity.

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Sugar-Free Red Velvet Cake Squares Recipe by The Diabetic Pastry Chef

Today, Red Velvet cake, cupcakes, and cookies seem everywhere. But do you ever wonder where the recipe comes from?
My research found that a popular cookbook, The Joy of Cooking, debuted a red velvet cake in 1943. Irma S Rombauer, the cookbook author, shared the recipe but admitted in the text that she doesn’t care for the cake!
However, many researchers argue that red velvet cake predates the cookbook. They believe red velvet cakes were first served during the Victorian Era. Cocoa was used to help break down the coarse flour. As a result, the flour was softer, and the cake was described as velvety. Some argue that the chemical reaction between the cocoa and acid gives the cake its red color. The velvety texture and scarlet coloring led to the creation of Red Velvet Cakes. But the traditional recipe was changed due to WWII food rations. Bakers scrambled for alternative ingredients to use in their recipes. As a result, some bakers chose to use beet juice in their cakes. Beets work as a filler that keeps the cake moist.
I’d also like to add my two cents about the origins of Red Velvet Cake. My research points to Red Velvet Cake having African American origins.  The enslaved people believed that the red color represented Christ’s blood and that the cocoa powder would bring them good luck.
Below, our friend, Stacey Harris, known as The Diabetic Pastry Chef, shares her sugar-free version of a Red Velvet Cake. One of Stacey’s surefire secrets to successfully substituting artificial sweeteners in your recipes is using more than one kind. Using two types of artificial sugar substitutes tends to eliminate any bitter aftertaste.

Sugar-Free Red Velvet Cake Squares Recipe by The Diabetic Pastry Chef

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup white whole-wheat flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

3/4 tsp salt

2 Tbsp. cocoa powder

2 cups sugar-substitute of your choice

3/4 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

1 cup buttermilk

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 tsps. red food coloring

1 tsp vinegar

1/2 cup hot coffee

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

Directions 

Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl; set aside.

In the bowl with an electric mixer, combine sugar-substitute and vegetable oil. Add in the rest of the wet ingredients and mix well.

Add dry ingredients in thirds to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add batter to greased and floured 9×13″ pan. Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the cake pulls away from the sides of the pan and the center springs back when touched.

After cooling, sprinkle top with sugar-free confectioners sugar such as Swerve Confectioners. Serve cake cut into squares topped with whipped cream or whipped topping.

Red velvet cakes on wooden board

Although red velvet cake is generally linked with Valentine’s Day, it is also served at Juneteenth parties. For Juneteenth celebrations, the color red represents the struggle and bloodshed of the enslaved as well as the ultimate resilience of the people.

Clarence Waldron talks about his stroke, recovery, working as Senior Editor and Writer of Jet Magazine, and his memories of Luther Vandross and Aretha Franklin.

Twenty years ago, Clarence interviewed Luther’s mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross, for Jet Magazine after Luther suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes. Clarence’s story is an excellent reminder of why it’s essential to ACT F.A.S.T. if you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke. The acronym FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time) has been used by the National Stroke Association, American Heart Association, and others to educate the public on detecting stroke symptoms.

Earlier treatment results in a greater chance of recovery, a reduced likelihood of permanent disability, and a lesser need for extensive rehabilitation. You’ll quickly hear Clarence’s upbeat attitude and ferocious appetite for music and divas have served him well during his recovery.

Throughout this podcast, we feature music from Aretha Franklin’s Get It Right album and Luther Vandross’s Live At Radio City Music Hall 2003 20th Anniversary Edition album courtesy of SONY Music.

 

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Tina Turner, Mismanaged High Blood Pressure & Chronic Kidney Failure

Tina Turner is ‘simply the best’ for raising awareness for the link between untreated high blood pressure and kidney failure during her lifetime.

“I can’t remember ever getting an explanation about what high blood pressure means or how it affects the body,” Tina Turner said in an article for Show Your Kidneys Love, an international campaign for kidney health.

“My kidneys are victims of my elevated blood pressure” -Tina Turner

She was on dialysis after having a kidney transplant years ago due to untreated hypertension. Untreated hypertension can cause blood vessels to narrow, decreasing blood flow to the kidneys. Without proper blood flow, the kidneys cannot remove excess fluid and waste from the body — and as that fluid builds up, blood pressure will only increase further. Chronic kidney disease may cause arms, legs, and face swelling. It’s a dangerous cycle that can lead to kidney failure, but intervening early is possible.

“I considered high blood pressure my normal,” Tina Turner is quoted on Show Your Kidneys Love’s website.  “Hence, I didn’t really try to control it. In 1985 a doctor gave me a prescription for pills of which I was supposed to take one a day, and that was it. I didn’t give it any more thought. After suffering a stroke in 2009 because of my poorly controlled hypertension I struggled to get back up on my feet. This is when I first learned that my kidneys didn’t work that well anymore. They had already lost thirty-five percent of their function. I tried to learn more about these organs’ function and meaning. Most people probably don’t even know where their kidneys are located and what they are for until their health is at stake.”

Mismanaged high blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure in the US.

Memorial Day Weekend is an excellent time to inform people of the link between alcohol and high blood pressure. Drinks with friends can be the best part of a three-day weekend, but when, what, and how much you drink matters.

Research shows drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure to unhealthy levels. Having more than three drinks in one sitting temporarily raises blood pressure. Repeated binge drinking can lead to long-term increases in blood pressure.

What is Moderate Drinking? 

Moderate drinking means having no more than one drink daily for women and no more than two drinks for men.

One can argue that Tina Turner frequently admitted she didn’t smoke or drink alcohol. But she admitted that after being diagnosed with high blood pressure in 1978, she thought of it as her “normal” and didn’t attempt to control it.

“I put myself at great danger by refusing to accept the reality that I required daily medication for the rest of my life,” she wrote on Instagram on March 9.

“Show your kidneys love. They deserve it.”

We’re discussing kidney disease and diabetes on this Divabetic podcast with musical inspiration from P.M. Dawn.

Prince Be, the psychedelic pop-rap group P.M. Dawn’s frontman, suffered various health problems from mismanaged type 2 diabetes. He had several strokes, including one in 2005 that left him partly paralyzed, and gangrene, which led to the partial amputation of one leg. He died of renal failure resulting from complications of diabetes at age 46.

Renal failure  (often called kidney failure) is when the kidneys stop working and cannot remove waste and extra water from the blood or keep body chemicals in balance. Acute or severe renal failure happens suddenly (for example, after an injury) and may be treated and cured. Chronic renal failure develops over many years, may be caused by conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, and cannot be cured. Chronic renal failure may lead to dialysis (cleaning the blood by passing it through a membrane or filter) or a kidney transplant.

Podcast Guests: Poet Lorraine Brooks, Mama Rose Marie, Lynette Luckers from the Marion Luckers Kidney Foundation, Chef Robert Lewis aka The Happy Diabetic, Janis Roszler, RD, CDCES, FAND and  Luther Vandross Superfan, and Historian Leon Petrossian.

Tina Turner believed most people don’t know their kidneys are located; this video proves they don’t know where their pancreas is either! Your pancreas produces insulin. Insulin lowers blood sugar levels in your body.

 

 

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