We’re thrilled to announce that Divabetic’s Divabetic’s free monthly podcast, Diabetes Late Nite, is included on Diabetes Forecast’s list of Diabetes Podcasts in the January – February issue.
Writer Benjamin Page said, “With “a mission to glamorize good health,” this podcast isn’t your typical fare. In addition to chatting with health care professionals, host Max Szadek (aka “Mr. Divabetic”) interviews beauty and style experts affected by diabetes. There are even annual Diabetes Mystery Theater specials—nostalgic murder mystery shows where the caper, clues, and culprit all revolve around diabetes.”
We are grateful to partner with outstanding diabetes educators, scent detection experts, health professionals, beauty/fashion experts, chefs, fitness gurus, cookbook authors, poets, musicians, vocalists, Luther Vandross’ fans, best-selling mystery writers, farmers market owners and vendors, romance writers, advocates, therapists, peers, SONY Music and amazing mothers(!) on our podcasts. Our aim is to present an unique, honest and upbeat approach to educating and empowering people to live well with diabetes. We strive to tackle issues and concerns related to diabetes such as sexual health, emotions, and self-image that are often overlooked by traditional media.
Thank you to our loyal listeners who have joined us on over 167 podcasts for the past eight years.
Music changed my life. Now music is helping me to prevent diabetes-health complications from occurring with the help of SONY Music by changing attitudes in people living with, affected by and at risk of diabetes. Contact me if you’d like to be a guest: mrdivabetic@gmail.com
Join us for Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Mariah Carey on Tuesday, January 8, 2019, 6 PM, EST.
We’re talking about ways to proceed with ‘CAUTION’ when coping with Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) with musical inspiration from Mariah Carey.
Do you know living with type 2 diabetes puts you at greater risk for heart disease and stroke? Unfortunately most people don’t. We want to help you get CLUED INN and make a healthy comeback worthy of Mariah Carey.
Music critics agree that Mariah’s latest collection of songs not only maintains her status as one the best singer/songwriters in the game, but also eloquently displays her truth. She opens up about love, loneliness, and self-worth in a cautionary album that reminds us that she is still a force to be reckoned with after nearly three decades in the industry.
Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, 2015 AADE Diabetes Educator of the Year Susan Weiner, MS RDN CDE FAADE, Mama Rose Marie, WeAreEatNeat.com’s Lloyd Owens, Nick Zevgolis, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.
Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Mariah Carey’s “CAUTION” courtesy of SONY Music. TUNE IN
Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.”
Join Mr. Divabetic and cast of Diabetes Late NIte for the first-ever Diabetes & Cardiovascular Disease Escape Room Experience, Clued Inn,on National Diabetes Alert Day (March 26, 2019) in New York City sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim.
Penny Marshall, best known for her acting role in the TV series “Laverne & Shirley” and for her many achievements as a film director such as “A League of Our Own,” “Big” or “Awakenings,” has died from complications from diabetes. She was 75.
Unfortunately I haven’t been able to learn what her complications were, or even what type of diabetes she had even after reading numerous stories about her death in various media outlets. Usually I hate headlines like this without details because I think it’s a missed opportunity to educate and empower people about the disease but I feel Penny Marshall’s many professional accomplishments can offer sound advice for anyone who is feeling helpless, overwhelmed or frustrated about living with diabetes.
Behind the camera, Penny Marshall wasn’t afraid to ask for help. As the the first woman in history to direct a film that grossed more than US$ 100 million with the 1988 comedy “Big,” starring Tom Hanks, Penny Marshall told Reuters in 2012 that her key to success behind the camera was she would try anything and ask for help when needed.
“I talked to my crew and said, ‘Just tell me the truth.’ I turned to the crews and asked them for their help,” she said..
People with diabetes often feel like there is too much to think about and do every day in order to take care of the condition. Sometimes you may find that you just need an outlet to express yourself and vent. Reaching out to your diabetes care team and your other supporters about how you feel lets them help you get relief, gain support and even possibly learn strategies to cope with your feelings and the disease.
There will always be ups and downs in managing diabetes, but leaning on your diabetes care team and support network can help. Here are four basic tips for dealing with diabetes distress from Alicia McAuliffe-Fogarty, PhD, CPsychol:
Give yourself a break. No one manages diabetes perfectly.
Talk to your diabetes care team about how you feel. Your health care providers can help by teaching you about diabetes, creating a diabetes treatment plan with you to best fit your lifestyle, working with you to set treatment goals, and referring you to a support group or mental health therapist.
Do one thing at a time and set goals you can reach. Small changes add up to big results. Try setting SMART goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. Reward and congratulate yourself when you reach your goals.
Get support. You don’t have to do this alone. Most people say they manage their diabetes better when they get support.
After reading Penny Marshall’s obituary, I hope the general public sees that diabetes is a serious disease and not just a “touch of sugar.” Most people say they manage their diabetes better when they get support. Reach out. You don’t have to do this alone.
Enjoy December’s Diabetes Late Nitepodcast featuring holiday music from Kelly Clarkson’s iconic Wrapped In Red album courtesy of SONY Music. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE, FAADE, Glucose Delivery Necklace Co-Creator Kris Maynard, Dr. Sara (Mandy) Reece, PharmD, CDE, BC=ADM, BCACP, FAADE, Maria Sakowitz, MS, RDN, LDN, CLT, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. LISTEN NOW
Kelly Clarkson‘s fabulous holiday album, Wrapped In Red, is the inspiration behind this year’s annual Divabetic Gift Guide. We asked our contributors to share their favorite ‘red’ gift suggestions for people living with diabetes on the Divabetic blog and Diabetes Late Nite podcast.
Our friend, Christel Oerum, is a certified personal trainer, diabetes advocate, and fitness personality and the co-founder of Diabetes Strong. She has been living with type 1 diabetes since 1997, and lives by the motto “there’s nothing you can’t do with diabetes.”
With a wonderful life motto like that, we had to ask Chirstel to share her favortie ‘red’ activewear pieces and some advice and guidance on staying ‘diabetes strong’ during the holidays
“I’m obsessed with workout tights, capris to be specific,” says Christel. “Not sure you can ever have too many. My favorite brands are Athleta and Senita.”
Athleta Insulated Flurry PrimaLoft® Jacketis a great base layer for medium and high impact workouts in cold weather. It’s chafe-free seamless fabric and woven piecing with lightweight insulation provides additional coziness.
“I have these Senita capris and I absolutely love them because the fit is great and they have pockets large enough to hold a cell phone, CGM receiver or insulin pump. Brilliant!”
“I wrote the Fit With Diabetes eBook to share my knowledge of how to exercise and eat healthily with insulin-dependent diabetes,” says Christel. “This is knowledge that I think is essential if you manage your diabetes with insulin – no matter if you use a pump, pen, needle or inhalable insulin.”
The Fit With Diabetes eBook is your chance to get your hands on over 80 pages of knowledge, techniques, and tools to set yourself up for success living with diabetes. After reading this book you’ll have the knowledge to: Set realistic diabetes, health, and fitness goals, Manage your food and insulin around workouts to limit high and low blood sugar, Successfully manage your weight with diabetes, Create healthy meal plans that won’t cause havoc on your blood sugar (or use the meal plan in the book), Create an exercise plan that is right for you (examples of beginner and advanced plans in the book) and More!
Walking In A Winter Wonderland Advice from Christel Oerum
“ Remember everything counts when it comes to being active and walking is one of the most effective ways to reduce blood sugars,” add Christel Oerum. “Here are some tips to stay active over the holidays!”
Take the family for a stroll before and/or after dinner
Explore a museum (great way to get plenty of steps in without being in the cold)
Have a snowball fight or build a snowman
Diabetes Strong Co-Founder and Head Coach, Christel Oerum holds an MBA in Finance & Strategy and an ISSA Personal Trainer certification with specialization in Fitness and Diabetes (Level 3 certified from the Diabetes Motion Academy)
Diabetes Strong (originally TheFitBlog) was established in 2015 as a personal blog about Christel’s experiences as a fitness enthusiast living with type one diabetes.
Christel struggled to find easily accessible information about exercise and healthy nutrition with diabetes online, so she decided to create a website where she could share her own advice and invite experts from the diabetes community to contribute.
TheFitBlog quickly grew into one of the largest websites about health and diabetes and was re-launched in 2017 as Diabetes Strong, a diabetes portal with expert contributors from all over the world.
The goal of Diabetes Strong is to provide a platform where people living with (any type) of diabetes can find all the information they need to live healthy and active lives.
The information on Diabetes Strong always takes a positive approach to diabetes and follows Christel’s motto that “There is nothing you can’t do with diabetes.”
Enjoy December’s Diabetes Late Nitepodcast featuring holiday music from Kelly Clarkson’s iconic Wrapped In Red album courtesy of SONY Music. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE, FAADE, Glucose Delivery Necklace Co-Creator Kris Maynard, Dr. Sara (Mandy) Reece, PharmD, CDE, BC=ADM, BCACP, FAADE, Maria Sakowitz, MS, RDN, LDN, CLT, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. LISTEN NOW
Kelly Clarkson‘s fabulous holiday album, Wrapped In Red, is the inspiration behind this year’s annual Divabetic Gift Guide. We asked our contributors to share their favorite ‘red’ gift suggestions for people living with diabetes on the Divabetic blog and Diabetes Late Nite podcast.
What do you feel when you see the color red? For us, we feel excited because it means the holidays are coming! Red is the color of the biggest, most romantic holidays of the season; Christmas and Valentine’s Day. And no one wears red as splendidly as Grace Kelly does in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 American crime mystery film, Dial M for Murder.
Grace Kelly was an icon in American culture. Her timeless essence as an actress, her youthful beauty as a mother and wife and her elegant style as a princess continue to captivate us today.
Our friend, Sue Perez, CEO –Beautyphonics Inc.shares her favorite red lipsticks and makeup looks inspired by Grace Kelly to help you ‘GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS’ this holiday season!
E.l.f. Cosmetics makes great makeup at affordable prices. When I want to achieve a long lasting, gorgeous matte finish I reach for their Liquid Matte Lipstick ($5.00- Walmart). Red Vixen is my go to shade when I want that perfect sexy pout. Coordinate with a full coverage foundation, a pair of natural looking strip eyelashes with a hint of black gel liner turned up in the outer corners for a cat eye effect. Strong and classic.
Mac Cosmetics has always been known for having a diverse color range and their lip formulas of color plus texture always stands out on the runway. A favorite of mine is Ruby Woo it’s a retro Matte formula and looks impeccable with a full coverage finish. Wear this opaque matte lip with bronze sun-kissed tinted moisturizer, shimmery eyelids and extra mascara for an evening look. Stunning and unforgettable.
Chanel makeup is more expensive but worth considering for a splurge if you adore that gorgeous black and gold Chanel package as much as I do. And a translucent powder compact for touch ups is a wonderful treat for your makeup bag. Rouge Coco Glossimerin chili ($30.00- Bloomingdales) provides a flattering and very glossy sheer red when I prefer a lighter lip with a bold dramatic eye makeup look. Keep the rest of your skin matte with only a hint of blush. Captivating and hypnotic.
“These red lipstick suggestions look great on all skin tones!,” says Emmy Award nominated makeup artist and skincare expert, Sue Perez. “Just experiment and complete the look with foundation, lashes and well-groomed eyebrows. It’s all about balance when I apply makeup, so make sure your look is clean, well-blended and of course, pretty.”
In Sue Perez’s book “Underneath the Makeup” she has makeup applications anyone can do using just a few products and makeup brushes in 15 minutes! Her fabulous book is for ALL women that truly want to understand and define their own unique beauty. You will learn the secrets that are easy and fun to understand so you can do your own makeup effortlessly.
‘DIVA’ FUN FACTS Dial M for Murder (1954) was Grace Kelly’s first Hitchcock film. ‘She lights up the screen in every scene she’s in, in head-to-toe red, from lipstick to the lace dress (in the most pure ’50s style) and the satin pumps,” says ‘Style on Film’ classiq.me .
Grace Kelly’s costumes were designed by Moss Mabry. Grace Kelly and Alfred Hitchcock made two more films, Rear Window (1954) and To Catch a Thief (1955) before Miss Kelly became Princess Grace of Monaco and retired from the screen in 1956.
Enjoy December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring holiday music from Kelly Clarkson. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE, FAADE, Glucose Delivery Necklace Co-Creator Kris Maynard, Dr. Sara (Mandy) Reece, PharmD, CDE, BC=ADM, BCACP, FAADE, Maria Sakowitz, MS, RDN, LDN, CLT, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. LISTEN NOW
The holidays are depressing times for some people. We think everyone else is partying with a loving family, while we don’t have family, or don’t like them, or they are far away. Diabetes doesn’t help.
You might feel the weight of diabetes more at this time, because you can’t let go and celebrate like everyone else. Or maybe you do let go and then beat yourself up over it.
Need some inspiration and advice to stay on track with your diabetes wellness goals this holiday season?
Additionally, Emmy Award winning Producer Linda Bracero Morel, who is living with type 2 diabetes, shares her remarkable weight loss journey, Poet Lorraine Brooks provides wordy wisdom and Mama Rose Marie offers some motherly adivce.
One of Mama Rose Marie’s helpful tips is to start visiting neighbors, former co-workers, and older family members who are shut in during the holiday season. Help someone shop, escort them to doctors appointments (and take notes) and/or drive them to social activies like bridge. Please open your heart and share love and companionship to a population that is in need.
Enjoy Diabetes Late Nite featuring holiday music from Leona Lewis courtesy of SONY MUSIC. LISTEN NOW
If it’s not great – chances are you could be dealing with sexual health issues related to diabetes, especially if you’re a man.
Recent statistics estimate 1 in 5 men who are 20 years and older have severe Erectile Dysfuction (ED), and another 25 percent have moderate ED.
Erectile dysfunction— the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sex — is common in men who have diabetes, especially those with type 2 diabetes. It can stem from damage to nerves and blood vessels caused by poor long-term blood sugar control.
Poorly managed diabetes can lead to erectile dysfunction due to its effects on the bloodstream which can damage the blood supply to the penis and the nerves that control an erection.
Erectile dysfunction can also be linked to other conditions common in men with diabetes, such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Erectile dysfunction might occur earlier in men with diabetes than in men without the disease. Difficulty maintaining an erection might even precede the diabetes diagnosis.
Having erectile dysfunction can be a real challenge. It can leave you and your partner feeling frustrated and discouraged. Take steps to cope with erectile dysfunction — and get your sex life back on track.
In case you’re wondering … a large percentage of men with diabetes and erectile dysfunction who do not respond to Viagra.
Erectile Dysfunction doesn’t have to hamper your love life. With a little creativity and communication, couples can enjoy intimacy and sex even when dealing with erectile problems.
Divabetic (divabetic.org) is committed to raising awareness for the sexual health issues related to both men and women living with diabetes. Our friends at 5=10 Underwearare donating a % of their sales to Divabetic. Your support will help fund ongoing diabetes outreach programming focused on the link between Erectile Dysfunction & Diabetes. BUY NOW
Don’t miss Diabetes Late Nite on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, 6 – 7:30 PM, EST. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE, FAADE, Glucose Delivery Necklace co-creator Kris Maynard, Dr. Sara (Mandy) Reece, PharmD, CDE, BC=ADM, BCACP, FAADE, Maria Sakowitz, MS, RDN, LDN, CLT, Type 2 Diabetes What To Know FB Community moderator Nick Zevgolis, Mama Rose Marie and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Kelly Clarkson’s “Wrapped In Red”courtesy of SONY Music. TUNE IN
We’re excited to announce our December edition of Diabetes Late Nite. Sara (Dr. Mandy) Wilson Reece, PharmD, CDE, BC-ADM is Vice-Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and will stop by the studio to talk about HIV and Diabetes while Kelly Clarkson provides musical inspiration. Join us here on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 from 6 – 7:30 PM.
Wrapped In Red, Kelly Clarkson’s holiday album, inspires us to talk about all things ‘red’ such as the iconic red ribbon worn as a symbol for the solidarity of people living with HIV/AIDS. People with HIV are more likely to have type 2 diabetes than people without HIV and some HIV medicines may increase blood glucose levels and lead to type 2 diabetes.
World AIDS Day is December 1, a fitting occasion to speak with Dr. Mandy about the link between HIV medications and diabetes prior to our podcast interview.
Q: I’ve read that some HIV medicines may increase blood glucose levels and lead to type 2 diabetes. Can you explain why could happen?
Dr. Mandy Reece: Some HIV medication cause insulin resistance with insulin deficiency which increases risk for Type 2 diabetes. Specifically, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) (zidovudine, stavudine and didanosine) and protease inhibitors (indinavir and lopinavir/ritonavir) increase risk for Type 2 diabetes.
Q: Do you feel people taking HIV medicines should check their blood glucose? If so, what do you recommend?
Dr. Mandy Reece: Yes, they should check their blood glucose before they start their medication and then every few months as recommended by the U.S. Department of Health.
According to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, it is recommended to have either fasting blood glucose or hemoglobin A1c when entering into care for HIV, initiating or modifying antiretrovial therapy and annually if glucose or A1c were in target range at least measurement. Target range is < 5.7% for hemoglobin A1c and <126 mg/dL fasting blood glucose.It is advised to have fasting blood glucose or hemoglobin A1c tested every 3 – 6 months if above target range at last measure.
Q:Dealing with two or more chronic conditions could be complicated and time consuming. What medication organizing tips can you recommend to help make life more manageable?
Dr. Mandy Reece: Personally, my favorite tool for organizing medications is a pill box where medication is stored by day and time of day.It is easy to identify visually if medication has been taken.Many pharmacies have medical refill reminder calls which work wonderfully if you get all of your medications from the same pharmacy. Pharmacies can utilize a medication synchronization system which allows for your getting all refills at same time.Additionally, there various apps such as Round Health, Medisafe -Pill & Med Reminder and Pill Reminder – All in One would provide digital reminder system.Services such as PillPack sorts and organizes medication by dose and timing each dose with monthly delivery.
Q: With the holidays quickly approaching what advice can you give to people about managing their medications during this busy time of year?
Dr. Mandy Reece: Taking time to get organized is absolutely key.An easy way to get organized is to using a pill box or service such PillPack to organize your medications, and utilizing reminder system to follow through on taking medications.Ensure that you have at least a 10 day supply of medication on hand at all times is essential.Remember keeping your health a priority hence taking your medication during this busy season is key as it has lasting effects that you will not see or feel in the moment.
Q: Holiday travel can lead to long delays and/or missing luggage. What advice can you give to traveler’s
Dr. Mandy Reece: Always pack all of your medications in your carry bag rather than checked luggage.It is absolutely vital to have your medication available at all times.
Sara (Dr. Mandy) Wilson Reece, PharmD, CDE, CDE, BC-ADM, vice-chair and associate professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice. ‘Dr. Mandy’ shares practical information about medications for people living with diabetes on her blog, Reece’s Pieces. Follow her on Twitter @ReecesPiecesDi and Instagram ReecesPiecesDI
Don’t miss December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music from Kelly Clarkson’s Wrapped In Red album courtesy of SONY Music on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, 6 PM, EST.
Kelly Clarkson’s inspiring us to lend our ‘voice’ to topics such as the link between HIV medications and type 2 diabetes, how the homeless manage diabetes, great gift ideas for loved ones with diabetes, and how you can lose weight during holidays (!). Plus, one lucky listener tries their luck during Mr. Divabetic’s ‘Wrapped In Red’ Health Game challenge. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE, FAADE, Glucose Delivery Necklace co-creator Kris Maynard, Dr. Sara (Mandy) Reece, PharmD, CDE, BC=ADM, BCACP, FAADE, Maria Sakowitz, MS, RDN, LDN, CLT, Mama Rose Marie and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.
Diabetes Late Niteis a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.”
We’re excited to announce our December edition of Diabetes Late Nite. Kathleen Gold, RN, MSN, CDE, will stop by the studio to share her experience working with homeless people and Kelly Clarkson will provide musical inspiration from her holiday album, Wrapped in Red. Join us here on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 from 6 – 7:30 PM.
One of the Diabetes Late Nite featured songs this month is Kelly Clarkson’s “I’ll be Home for Christmas.” This is a poignant inspiration song to gain perspective from Kathy prior to our podcast interview on the biggest obstacles homeless people face who are living with diabetes.
As a diabetes advocate for over 20 years at Unity Health Care Clinicat the Community for Creative Nonviolence, a shelter in Washington, D.C., Kathy helped homeless people check blood glucose logs, made referrals to specialists, and discussed ways to best manage their health. “What I try to do is spend as much time with them as they need,” Gold said in an interview for Diabetes Forecast. “We touch on other issues, not just diabetes: food, food stamps, depression. … They really are very motivated, and they try to make good choices.”
Q: I would think that for homeless people with diabetes the stress of living with so much uncertainty every day must play a big factor in managing their diabetes. What do you advise?
Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE: Yes, this is a major problem. They frequently don’t know when or if they will get their next meal or where they may be sleeping that night. I first try to address their living situation. Locating a shelter and a place to receive meals on a consistent basis is the main priority. Until these needs are met you can’t address their diabetes or their healthcare needs.
Q: What type of meal planning advice do you give to homeless people with diabetes who are relying on food stamps, the kindness of others, and prepackaged foods to carry them through the day?
Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE: I connect them with various food kitchens and food banks, so they know where to access food. Also, we discuss options for how to spend their food stamp dollars wisely. I help them create a shopping list of non-perishable items they could always have available. We also discuss portion control. I encourage them always to choose vegetables, whole grains and fruit if available. In DC the primary food bank offers a “diabetes meal” which provided an extra serving of vegetables.
Q: How do you advise homeless people with diabetes to create and/or adhere to a daily diabetes management routine if they don’t have a set schedule?
Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE: This is a big struggle as the timing of meals is such a difficult thing to predict. It is important to use medications cautiously if the individual does not have access to meals at a predictable time. Oatmeal is always a lifesaver because all they need is a cup of hot water and they have instant nourishment. Educating the homeless about how and when their medications work to avoid a low blood sugar reaction is very important and ties in with the appropriate use of food stamps. The newer insulins make a huge difference in controlling blood glucose levels as they can be taken with meals. It is much more difficult if individuals are forced to use the older insulins where there is little flexibility.
Q: What kind of medical services and supplies are available to homeless people with diabetes?
Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE: A lot depends on where they live and if and how they are covered under Medicaid. Not all Medicaid plans cover the newer medications. In DC we are fortunate that all patients could have a meter and strips to test their blood glucose and our medication formulary was quite extensive. This is not the case in all states. Education is key. I found that if patients were educated, their expenses dropped, and the risk of complications greatly decreased. At the Homeless Shelter we saw significant savings and complication reductions but not everyone has access and that’s sad.
Q: Do you feel homeless people with diabetes are more likely to develop health-related complications? If so, can you share some insight into the types of health complications homeless people with diabetes are more likely to develop.
Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE: Many homeless individuals have a history of alcohol or drug abuse which places them at risk of many health issues besides diabetes. Kidney disease is a major complication, since many individuals also suffer from hypertension. Mental illness is widespread, and it is difficult to manage these individuals because they frequently don’t take their medications. Diabetic neuropathy, depression and feeling overwhelmed are very prevalent in this population. Hypoglycemia is also a frequent complication because of their inability to eat on time, which can cause them to be unresponsive, confused and/or disoriented. Severe hyperglycemia, if they stop taking their medications, can lead to ketoacidosis or a very elevated blood glucose level. It is necessary to deal with these health issues first, so they can manage their diabetes.
I found that people who overcame with addictions were very successful in managing their diabetes because they had the tools to make behavior change.
Q: I have read that homeless people with diabetes may sell their supplies in order to afford basic living needs. What’s your experience?
Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE: There is a black market for strips and meters. In DC these supplies were provided, so we didn’t see as much of it. But there were some people who constantly “lost” their meters and they may have been selling them. People get desperate.
Q: How can our Diabetes Late Nite listeners help?
Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE: If you donate food, please stick to healthy foods such as vegetables and fresh fruit. Volunteer at a homeless shelter and prepare healthy meals. Whole grain cereals, oatmeal, peanut butter for protein and nuts for a good snack are good options. Avoid sugared cereals, processed foods that are high in salt, sugar, and fat. Arrange with local restaurants or farmers markets to donate their foods to a homeless shelter. Offer to teach a simple cooking class at a food bank or a shelter. Donate brown rice instead of white rice and include some recipes that use foods you donated. Donate to the National Health Care for the Homeless Councilhttps://www.nhchc.org/
Don’t miss December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music from Kelly Clarkson’s Wrapped In Red album courtesy of SONY Music on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, 6 PM, EST.
Kelly Clarkson’s inspiring us to lend our ‘voice’ to topics such as the link between HIV medications and type 2 diabetes, how the homeless manage diabetes, great gift ideas for loved ones with diabetes, and how you can lose weight during holidays (!). Plus, one lucky listener tries their luck during Mr. Divabetic’s ‘Wrapped In Red’ Health Game challenge. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE, FAADE, Glucose Delivery Necklace co-creator Kris Maynard, Dr. Sara (Mandy) Reece, PharmD, CDE, BC=ADM, BCACP, FAADE, Maria Sakowitz, MS, RDN, LDN, CLT, Mama Rose Marie and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.
Diabetes Late Niteis a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.”
The Queen of Soul’s own health journey is sparking a discussion about the uncertain connection between pancreatic cancer and diabetes. Long-standing diabetes can be considered a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. It causes a modest increase in risk of 1.5- to two-fold. Some of the other risk factors for pancreatic cancer include smoking, chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), family history of pancreatic cancer, obesity and certain genetic syndromes.
Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport, Diabetes Strong’s owner Christel Oerum, Beautyphonics CEO and “Beneath The Makeup”Author Suzanne Perez, Jessica Clark, Coach the Cure Trisha Artman, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.
Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.”
We’re excited to announce our special line-up for Divabetic’s World Diabetes Dayedition of Diabetes Late Nite. Coach The CureHealth Educator, Trisha Artman will stop by the studio to share her experience coaching families on how to live their best life with diabetes and the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin will provide musical inspiration. Join us here on Wednesday, November 14 from 6 – 7:30 PM.
Trisha is a Board Certified Educator, Health Coach and Writer. With personal diabetes experience, compassion, and professionalism, she nurtures trusting relationships—promoting healthy changes in an empowered environment.” Since the theme for World Diabetes Day 2018 ‘the Family and Diabetes’ we reached to Trisha for advice about dealing with emotions and diabetes prior to our podcast interview.
Q: Let’s talk about your family and diabetes. Can you share your own experience of how your family dealt with your initial diagnosis as well as how it might have changed over the years?
Trisha Artman: My diagnosis was a shock to my entire family. As my health quickly declined prior to diagnosis, I can remember my Mom rattling off a list of possible reasons for my dramatic weight loss, constant urination, unquenchable thirst, etc. None of which was Diabetes! It didn’t run in my family and was definitely not present in every day commercials as it is today.
My mom cried hysterically as the doctor told us my diagnosis, which for me at that time, meant that what I had wasn’t good. Overtime, I realized that my mom and I have very different approaches to life’s hurdles. Neither of which are wrong, just different. My mom’s first response is to express her emotions before moving into action, whereas I like to move right into action, get myself back into balance, and then release my emotions.
At first, I took on all of the responsibilities that come with Diabetes and did my best to make it seem like no big deal. I was seventeen and in a mad dash to get back to my “Normal” life as fast as possible. I learned what I needed to do and did my best to move on. My family let me lead the way, while they learned along and supported me.
As my relationship changed over the years with Diabetes, going from love hate, love hate, love…so did my relationship with my family. When I was following through with all of my health responsibilities, my family respected my privacy and independence. However, if I reached a burnout point and fell short on my health routine, my respected privacy and independence became a thing of the past.
Today my family and I are extremely close and Diabetes was a diagnosis for us all. We have been pushed beyond our comfort zone each and every day, both as individuals and also as a family, but we choose to keep going. We had to learn a new rhythm, build a trusted support system to deal with ALL of our emotions, and learn to clearly communicate our wants and needs.
Honestly, we have come a long way!
Q: How do you feel a diabetes diagnosis can change the family dynamic?
Trisha Artman: Specifically, if the parent is living with diabetes? And if the child is living with diabetes?
Whether a parent or a child is diagnosed with any type of chronic illness (diabetes or different), there is a sense of responsibility that the child/family may take on. The feelings of stability and safety may become disrupted and unclear, for both the individual diagnosed and the family and can lead to feelings of fear, anger, resentment, and more. The parent or child may have to rely on their family in different ways then pre-diagnosis, both physically and emotionally. Everyone in the family plays a different role to maintain the family’s rhythm, healthy or not.
Communication! Communication! Wait, did I say communication? Yes, you want more conversation now, not less! When someone you love is diagnosed with an illness, its important that everyone in the family has an opportunity to express what the diagnosis means to them. There is a grieving process that needs to happen for both the individual and the family. Life as the family knew it has changed and deserves the opportunity to be mourned before moving forward.
Kids especially, are so observant of what’s going on at home and know when something has changed in their environment. If left unaddressed, kids may internalize the illness of their parent as being their fault or their responsibility to fix or change. Siblings may experience rivalry over parent attention and/or the guilt of “Why not me?”
Parents of a child that is diagnosed may have conflict over methods of care and responsibility. They begin to place the blame on themselves for the cause of their child’s illness or on others out of frustration. Other parents may become consumed with guilt and try to take over the daily tasks of Diabetes (chronic illness), in an attempt to ease the burden or in some cases make it invisible.
Integrating a Healthcare professional or Coach as part of your team, right from the start, can help you avoid the unhealthy behaviors and instead, open up the lines of communication and get clear. These are skills that can be taught, learned, and practiced right at the beginning of your diagnosis. You and your family deserve to feel safe to explore and understand the impact of what has changed, and how daily life will now be moving forward.
Q: What are the pro’s and con’s for being a ‘hands off’ parent when dealing with their children’s type 1 diabetes?
Trisha Artman: The benefit of being a “hands off” parent has the potential to encourage responsibility and independence within your child. Parents may also feel that they have more freedom in their own daily routine. However, “Hands off” can’t be so black and white. To become successful at the “hands off“ approach, we need to introduce some highlights of grey in there.
Clear communication and expectations must be established between all relationships in your child’s life. This includes with you and your child, family, medical team, school, psychologist and/or coach, etc.
Your main job as a parent is to keep your child alive and thriving. Helping them to establish healthy relationships and expectations will encourage them to become their own self-advocate and gain the independence they want and deserve.
The cons of the “hands off” parenting approach are that you have no idea what’s going on with your child! Your child could be struggling in many more ways than just their blood sugar. Remember, communication doesn’t have to be overbearing, it just needs to be effective.
Q: What are the pro’s and con;s for being a ‘hands on’ parent when dealing with your children’s type 1 diabetes?
Trisha Artman: The benefit of being a “hands on” parent is that you are involved in the emotional and physical well being of your child. You are present to support and guide your child if needed or wanted. You may be able to prevent a problem from occurring before it happens, if the opportunity presents itself.
The con of being a “hands on” parent is that you have to make it a priority to carve out self care for yourself. Parents can lose sight of their own needs (to an extreme), in order to keep up with every detail of their child’s care. This behavior may discourage independence and self-advocacy within the child and leave the child unprepared to manage their health without the aid of the parent present. Too “hands on” can also create resentment within the child towards the parent, diminishing communication and encouraging the child to act out as a form of control.
Q: Best-Selling Author Brenda Novak expressed her concerns over sending her son living with type 1 diabetes to school when he was younger on a recent Diabetes Late Nite podcast because of the lack of knowledge about type 1 diabetes among the school administration and staff. What advice can you offer to other parents concerned about this issue?
Trisha Artman: Parents, I’m sure you have many feelings about sending your child off to college, especially when they are living with a chronic illness. I think this means that you’re a very good parent! I say, have your feelings and really allow yourself to feel them…its what you do next that matters most! Transition yourself from a helpless position, in this situation into a place of empowerment. Set up a meeting with your child’s school nurse and administration and start building relationships. This is another partnership and one that must be successful.
Bring your recent medical plan from your child’s doctor with you and start the process of a 504 plan with your school. By law this requires your child’s school to have trained professionals to meet the health and educational needs of your child (don’t let them discourage you, Diabetes is included in 504 plans).
Bring your child to school so they can meet each teacher and professional that they will encounter throughout the school day, so you, your child, and the professional can feel comfortable to ask and answer questions. Leave feeling prepared and confident.
Communication is the name of the game!
Q: You were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 17, what advice can you offer to others who will be heading off to college soon and maybe managing their diabetes alone for the first time?
I suggest that they first take the time to imagine everything they want from their college experience. Really sit and enjoy the feelings that come along with this new experience. Then bring their diabetes into their visualization…what do they need in place right now with their health to make their college experience, health wise, seamless?
Do they need a diabetes refresher course on how to count carbs, treat low/high sugars, emotional wellness, identify burnout, nutrition, pump management, alcohol and diabetes, sex education, etc?
These are all real life questions and concerns and need to be addressed BEFORE vs. after they find themselves in the situation.
College is another time for major growth and independence. Create new relationships that keep you healthy and happy, and living the life that you choose to live.
Establish a relationship with your school medical team and introduce yourself. Find out if you can schedule your medicine and supplies to be picked up or delivered before you run out, etc. Take down names and numbers and make yourself feel comfortable. Set yourself up for success in every way possible!
*During this time especially, talk more not less!
Coach The Cure Trisha Artman is offering a Complimentary Breakthrough session to discuss your top health goals, and what you would like to accomplish. Additionally, you’ll have a chance to get clear on what is in your way, and how to quickly take action and experience healthy change NOW. CLICK HERE
There are many reasons that Aretha Franklin is the legend of legends, a groundbreaking singer with the fortitude to transcend race and genre, using that tremulous voice as the bulldozer to break down every barrier set up in her way.
Aretha’s own health journey is sparking a discussion about the uncertain connection between pancreatic cancer and diabetes. Long-standing diabetes can be considered a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. It causes a modest increase in risk of 1.5- to two-fold. Some of the other risk factors for pancreatic cancer include smoking, chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), family history of pancreatic cancer, obesity and certain genetic syndromes.
Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport, Diabetes Strong’s owner Christel Oerum, Beautyphonics CEO and “Beneath The Makeup”Author Suzanne Perez, Jessica Clark, Coach the Cure Trisha Artman, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Aretha Franklin’s ‘Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics’ courtesy of SONY Music.
Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.”
The mystery is set in the fictitiously decadent world-renowned Gingerbread Men Cookie Baking Competition in New York’s Central Park Zoo. Mr. Divabetic’s healthy culinary misadventures continue in this year’s escapade as he enters the competition with headless cookies and pureed kale hot cocoa for the judges to sample. As if this dreadful combination wasn’t bad enough to land him at the bottom of the throwdown, his mother, Mama Rose Marie, is accused of poisoning one of the celebrity judges! Things go from bad to worse when the snake phobic Mr. Divabetic hears about the giant python’s escape.
Now, the happy healthcare host must decide to face his fear of snakes and recipe rejection or throw in his apron and risk getting caught up in another murder investigation. Can Mr. Divabetic and his team of amateur sleuths hunt down the real killer and get Mama Rose Marie out of jail? Will he be the next murder victim? Can he ever create an edible recipe?
The cast of Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondesfeatures Mama Rose Marie, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach (Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE and MaryAnn Nicolay BA, DTR), The Happy Diabetic Chef Robert Lewis, Seveda Williams, Coach The Cure’s Trisha Artman, Jillian Walsh, Wendy Radford, Dave Jones, Lorraine Brooks and Max Szadek.
Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from the original Broadway cast recording of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes courtesy of SONY MUSIC.