Category: D-Stories

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5 Fabulous Walkers for People With Diabetes

Are you searching for a walker for yourself or a loved one but are not sure where to start?

Limited mobility and balance issues affect many people with diabetes. But reduced mobility doesn’t need to keep you stuck in the house! A good walker can help prevent falls, provide seating, offer carrybags, and more importantly give a ‘divabetic’ their life and independence back! 

Though many different options are available, the best walkers are safe, durable, comfortable, and easy to use. There are several types of walkers; standard, front-wheeled walkers, and 4-wheeled walkers. Here are four of our favorite 3 and 4-wheeled walker options:

Rollator Walker by Drive Medical

Euro-style black rollator is made of lightweight aluminum for easy maneuvering and large front wheels are great for home or outdoors. If you’re concerned about safety, the built-in brake cable is a reassuring feature. A comfortable nylon seat and handle height adjustability provide universal relief that feels customized Price: $242

Elite Rollator Walker with Seat by Hugo Mobility

This rollator walker caught our eye because of its storage space. The height-adjustable seat includes an under-seat storage bag, while the handlebar features an additional saddle bag. Another great feature is the ergonomic hand grips. The extra-large wheels make it stable and reliable. Colors: Blue or Red. Price: $144

Drive Medical RTL Nitro Euro-Style Rollator Walker

This sleek looking walker is made of lightweight aluminum so it’s easy to maneuver. The strong frame is perfect to support any body type. For maximum safety, the brake cable is built into the frame so the cables are not visible and are entirely out of the way.  The sling style seat is made of a thick nylon, and the backrest is removable and height adjustable. The walker easily collapses into an ultra-compact size via pulling the seat grip up. The walker supports 300 pounds, and weighs 17 pounds.  $186

Most reviewers said, “the Nitro is the Little Red Corvette of walkers.” People were very impressed with how well the 10-inch front wheels rolled over gravel or grass, and how light and easy the walker is to fold and stow in their car. 

Lightweight Rollator Walker by Medline

Medline’s Freedom model weighs 11 pounds and has wheels that can support up to 250 pounds. It folds flat for easy stowage. The 6-inch wheels work well on smooth surfaces but are not good for outdoors. $93

The Winnie Lite Supreme Aluminum Rollator

The tan plaid carry pouch attached under the handgrips might have had us at ‘Hello’ but that’s not the only feature that stands out. This three-wheeled lightweight maneuverable walker is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.  The caster style rubber tires are 7.5 inches wide and give a smooth ride.  The walker can be folded by pulling back on the locking handle, and pushing the sides of the walker together.  The walker supports up to 300 pounds, and weighs 9 pounds.

Most reviewers said, “Winnie offers more support than a cane and is less obtrusive than a 4-wheeled rollator.”

 

Tune in to Diabetes Late Nite on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, 6 – 7:30 PM, EST.  We’re talking about spouses living with diabetes with musical inspiration from Country Music superstars, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Jaye O’Grey, Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE. Throughout this podcast we will be playing selected songs from Tim McGraw & Faith Hill’s ‘Rest Of Our Lives’ album courtesy of SONY Music. This podcast is part of Diabetes Podcast Week to help raise awareness and funds for the International Diabetes Federation’s Spare A Rose, Life for A Child campaign. We’re encouraging you to buy one fewer rose for Valentine’s Day and instead donate the value of that flower to help children with diabetes have access to insulin and testing equipment. Donate now at: lifeforachildusa.org/sparearose

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Spaghetti Squash of LOVE by Chef Robert Lewis

What should you amke for dinner this weekend?  How about Spaghetti Squash?

Both regular pasta and spaghetti squash have low amounts of fat, salt, and fiber. However, pasta has over 100 calories, while spaghetti squash has only about 20 calories, is richer in protein, and has far fewer carbs than pasta’s 31 grams. You’ll also get 9% of the recommended daily intake of dietary fiber, also delivering a range of nutrients, including vitamins C and A, Potassium & Calcium from spaghetti squash.

Creating vegetable spaghetti from spaghetti is fairly simple but it’s also available ready-to-serve at your local grocery store.

One of our favorite chefs, Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ shares this delicious recipe to help you satisfy your hunger without compromising your diabetes health.

Spaghetti Squash of LOVE by Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’

Ingredients

1 medium spaghetti squash (2 pounds)

1/2 medium green pepper, diced

1/2 medium sweet red pepper, diced

4 medium fresh mushrooms, quartered

1 small onion, diced

1 tablespoon olive oil or canola

2 medium tomatoes, quartered

1 garlic clove, minced

salt & pepper to taste

3 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Cut squash in half lengthwise; discard seeds. Place squash cut side down in a microwave-safe dish or plate. Roast at 400 for 45 min. or Microwave, uncovered, on high for 12-20 minutes or until tender. Cool.

2. In a large nonstick skillet, sauté the peppers, mushrooms and onion in oil until tender. Add tomatoes and garlic; sauté 4-5 minutes longer.

3. When squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to separate strands. Place squash into the pan with the veggies, sauté until hot and fully mixed. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Yield: 4 servings.

Chef Robert’s Tip: This recipe was tested in a 1,100-watt microwave. The cook time might take longer or shorter.

Nutritional Facts

One serving (1/2 cup spaghetti squash with 1/2 cup pepper mixture) equals 110 calories, 5 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 4 mg cholesterol, 372 mg sodium, 13 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 4 g protein.

In a recent profile on the Everyday Diabetes website, Chef Robert Lewis admitted that he feared the worst for his own love of great food following his diagnosis with Type 2 Diabetes in 1998.

“I suspected that my days of good eating were over,” Lewis writes on his blog. “Yet, as I worked through my ups and downs, I came to realize that the selection of foods I could and should eat was vast and included many of my favorites. This motivated me to attempt to create delicious, diabetic-friendly dishes that were also easy to prepare.

Today he’s a man on the go! is a man on the go. When he’s not working as a director of training for 60 restaurants in the Midwest, he’s  traveling around the country as a keynote speaker for Taking Control of Your Diabetes and/or hosting his own podcast, ‘The Happy Diabetic Kitchen Podcast’! Read more about Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ in Diabetes Health Monitor magazine.

Listen to our 4th Annual Diabetes Mystery podcast entitled ‘Gypsies, Tramps and Peas’.

Synopsis: Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy diabetes-friendly caterer. With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, he heads for Coney Island to cater his first party for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found sleeping with the fishes. What it an accident or foul play? Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, an amorous amputee and some sequined mermaids, all intent on keeping their secrets buried deep within the sand. Can Mr. Divabetic prove Coach’s death was a murder, not an accident? Or will he end up floating out to sea?

Will he sink or swim? Tune in to find out if he can solve the murder of his former swim coach with the help of his friends, some sassy mermaids and a cooky fortune teller. Along the way to revealing the identity of the murderer he uncovers expert tips for diabetes self-care during the Summer months.

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Serena Williams Talks Near-Death Experience After Giving Birth

Tennis champion, Serena Williams knew something had gone terribly wrong just a day after giving birth to her child.

She explained what happened in Vogue Magazine stating,”The next day, while recovering in the hospital, Serena suddenly felt short of breath. Because of her history of blood clots, and because she was off her daily anticoagulant regimen due to the recent surgery, she immediately assumed she was having another pulmonary embolism. (Serena lives in fear of blood clots.) She walked out of the hospital room so her mother wouldn’t worry and told the nearest nurse, between gasps, that she needed a CT scan with contrast and IV heparin (a blood thinner) right away. The nurse thought her pain medicine might be making her confused. But Serena insisted, and soon enough a doctor was performing an ultrasound of her legs. “I was like, a Doppler? I told you, I need a CT scan and a heparin drip,” she remembers telling the team. The ultrasound revealed nothing, so they sent her for the CT, and sure enough, several small blood clots had settled in her lungs. Minutes later she was on the drip. “I was like, listen to Dr. Williams!”

A near death experience in childbirth involving one of the greatest female athletes of all-time will inevitably create buzz on social media but it’s also the story of millions of women of color across the nation.

ProPublica has published an investigative series on the effect socioeconomics has on motherhood in America. One piece in that series, titled “How Hospitals Are Failing Black Mothers,” reports, “It’s been long-established that black women… fare worse in pregnancy and childbirth, dying at a rate more than triple that of white mothers. And while part of the disparity can be attributed to factors like poverty and inadequate access to health care, there is growing evidence that points to the quality of care at hospitals where a disproportionate number of black women deliver, which are often in neighborhoods disadvantaged by segregation,” writes Annie Waldman.

Data like this highlights the fact that the American medical system has a long-standing racial gap for dealing with diseases such as diabetes.

Let’s not forget that compared to the general population, African Americans are disproportionately affected by diabetes as reported by the American Diabetes Association:

13.2% of all African Americans aged 20 years or older have diagnosed diabetes.

African Americans are 1.7 times more likely to have diabetes as non Hispanic whites.

African-Americans are significantly more likely to suffer from blindness, kidney disease and amputations.

Good diabetes management can help reduce your risk of developing a diabetes health-related complication; however, many people are not even aware that they have diabetes until they develop one of its complications.

About 2.8 percent of U.S. adults — one-third of those with diabetes — still don’t know they have it reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

You cane help us change that staggering stastistic!

Join us for Fandross Festival on Saturday, May 12 2018, 6:30 – 9:30 PM in New York, NY. We will be raising awareness of the prevention of diabetes health-related complications such as stroke by celebrating the legacy of R & B superstar, Luther Vandross. Don’t miss it! TICKETS ON SALE NOW

One final thought, Serena Williams reflecteed on her post-birth complications and said, “it made me stronger’ on the Today Show.  Words to live by.

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Divabetic Remembers R & B/Gospel Singer David Peaston

We’re going ‘beyond the music’ to explore the diabetes hardships experienced by beloved musicians who have passed away so you can ‘keep your house a home’ and learn how to prevent diabetes health-related complications from occurring.

In many instances their obituaries make little mention of their diabetes diagnosis and/or diabetes health-related complications which results in the general public’s continued ignorance about the subject.

David Peaston was an American R&B and gospel singer who was mostly known for the hit singles, “Two Wrongs (Don’t Make it Right)” and “Can I?”. David Peaston died from complications of diabetes in St. Louis, Missouri, on February 1, 2012, at the age of 54.

After being laid off as a teacher in 1981, David Peaston moved to New York to pursue music. Quickly thereafter, Peaston who scored national fame after winning on “Showtime at the Apollo”. He wowed audiences with his sky-high falsetto and his rendition of “God Bless the Child.” His multiple wins on the show led to his signing a major recording deal in the late ’80s with Geffen Records. He released two albums, 1989’s “Introducing … David Peaston” and 1991’s “Mixed Emotions,” on Geffen. in 1990 won a Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist.

Check out Peaston perform “Everything Must Change” at Showtime at the Apollo below.

During the 1990’s, David Peaston was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. His right leg was amputated at the knee in March 2004; his left leg also was later amputated, forcing him to use prostheses. When he was preparing to be honored at the 2004 event “A Celebration of Love in St. Louis,” he struggled with whether he had let his disease prevent him from ever performing on stage again.

“I didn’t want to be back in the public,” he told the Post-Dispatch that year. “I wasn’t embarrassed or ashamed, but I felt I let myself down and, therefore, I let everyone else down. It was my fault for being sick, and I didn’t want anybody to see me like that.”

But by 2004, he lost 200 pounds, and sang with the St. Louis group the Distinguished Gents for five years. The group performed a mix of classical, jazz and gospel songs annually at the Ethical Society of St. Louis. He also toured Europe until his older sister, Fontella Bass, fell ill.

In 2006,  David Peaston returned to studio and issued the album, ‘Song Book: Songs of Soul & Inspiration’. The album featured eight new tracks by Peaston, as well as several of his biggest hits.

David Peaston was also a veteran of traveling gospel plays such as “Momma Don’t.” Singer Cheryl Pepsii Riley toured with him in “Momma Don’t” and other shows. He enlisted on the gospel show “His Woman, His Wife: The Musical,” touring across the U.S. In his last years, he still ran Pea-Stain Productions, his own production company.

Cheryl Pepsii Riley described her colleague, David Peaston as, ”this man with the hearty laugh, great sense of humor, that incredible voice, and he was the most amazing friend.”

What we can learn from David Peaston’s Story

From reading David Peaston’s journey living with diabetes we can assume he had a diabetic foot ulcer that went untreated which developed gangrene and resulted in a below the knee amputation.

David Peaston’s story is a testament that you can still be active and participate in life the way you  wish to after experiencing an amputation. He continued to hit high notes on stage until his untimely death. 

However, to avoid a similar fate you must practice daily foot care.

Always check shoes for foreign objects, and make sure footwear fits well, and does not pinch the skin. People who try to remove their own callouses, warts, or corns by performing “bathroom surgery,” can give themselves a non-healing ulcer that later requires an amputation. This is why people with diabetes should never try to remove their own callouses, warts or corns. They also should not use any over-the-counter callous, wart, or corn remover products on their skin.

Diabetes can cause neuropathy, making it hard to feel pain in the feet and cause wounds to heal slowly. On top of that, poor circulation, and changes in the shape and anatomy of the foot make it more likely for a person with diabetes to injure their feet which can lead to peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD causes your blood vessels to narrow and reduces blood flow to your legs and increase your risk of amputation.  The most common amputations in people with diabetes are the toes, feet, and lower legs.

Let’s talk about some statistics related to amputations in the diabetes community.

Diabetes and peripheral artery disease (PAD) hit harder in the African American population.

African Americans are twice as likely as whites to have PAD, and 1 in 4 older African Americans has diabetes. In a California claims study recently published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery, African Americans who had both diabetes and PAD had the highest rates of preventable amputations.

The cost of amputations is high, financially and emotionally. 

Amputation doesn’t have to be part of your diabetes journey. If you do all you can to manage your blood sugars and care for your feet as well as visiting a podiatrist annually for a Comprehensive Foot Exam, you’ll reduce your risk of major complications.

https://youtu.be/zOspndjaE9Y

Small steps lead to big changes. ‘Walking With Peety’ author, Eric O’Grey shares how adopting a shelter dog inspired his successful weight loss journey on Diabetes Late Nite LISTEN NOW

Don’t miss our inagural Fandross Festival celebrating the legacy of Luther Vandross and raising awareness for diabetes and diabetes health-related complication prevention from May 10 – May 13 in New York City. Visit: divabetic.org  

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Gluten Free – Are You Kidding Me?

Scan the grocery aisles, neighborhood bakery or office cupboard and it’s impossible to miss the multitude of products proclaiming that they are “gluten-free.”  Or go on Instagram and be barraged by yet another celebrity who has banished gluten from their diet. And as you can see by the photo below, it looks like even savvy NYC Christmas tree vendors are jumping on the bandwagon. 

All kidding aside, I can’t help but wonder if there’s any truth to the gluten free food trend? Is it real or hype? And should you really be concerned about all or any of the gluten lurking around in your diet? 

I reached out to Virginia-based Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, author of ‘The Overworked Person’s Guide to Better Nutrition’ to help make sense of the chaos surrounding the gluten free food trend. Here’s our interview:

Q: Is Gluten Free real or hype?

Jill Weisenberger, (JW): It’s both. It’s for real and it’s hype. 

Completely avoiding gluten, a protein in wheat, rye and barley, is critical for anyone with celiac disease and anyone with a diagnosed gluten sensitivity. It’s a problem when people self-diagnose and stop consuming gluten. You really need to nail down the diagnosis before starting a gluten-free diet, which is the only treatment for celiac disease. The only way to diagnose celiac disease is to have an intestinal biopsy after regularly consuming gluten. So if people have the biopsy after avoiding gluten, they might be told that they don’t have celiac disease when they really do. 

Celiac disease, by the way, is an autoimmune disease, and gluten damages the small intestine.

It’s hype when it comes to weight loss and general health for anyone who is not intolerant to gluten. Only those people with celiac disease or another gluten intolerance should be on a gluten-free diet. If others feel more energetic or sleep better or have other benefits, it’s probably from an improved diet and not from the avoidance of gluten. Since gluten is in wheat, a gluten-free diet usually means fewer baked goods and less highly processed snacks and other foods. I think people feel better because they replaced packaged snacks with wholesome, health-boosting foods like fruit and nuts and yogurt – not because they gave up gluten.

Q: What does ‘gluten free’ really mean?

JW: Someone with celiac or other gluten intolerance must avoid gluten from all sources. This is not easy! Gluten is found in wheat, barley, rye, contaminated oats and all products made with them. You’ll find gluten in baked goods, candy, bread, soups, soy sauce, beer, even lots of lunch meats and cottage cheese. And even lipsticks and medications can contain gluten.

Q: What can I eat on a gluten free diet?

JW: Certainly someone with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity has lots of restrictions, but there are lots of good options too. It’s important to consume the least restricted diet possible. This is true for everyone. By eating a large variety of foods, you will get the most possible nutrients. Focus on fruits, vegetables, milk, lean protein sources like fish and poultry, legumes like lentils and black beans. There are lots of grains that are gluten free. A few to try out are buckwheat, millet, quinoa, rice and sorghum. 

Q: How difficult is it to be gluten free?

JW: Fortunately, there are lots of gluten-free products identified in supermarkets, but people have shared with me that avoiding all gluten is difficult. This is especially true in restaurants, other people’s homes and at parties. Even well-meaning waitstaff and friends get confused and foods that may contain hidden gluten. Condiments can be a problem. Another big problem is cross contamination. Say you have celiac disease, but live with people who don’t. If someone spreads mustard on bread and puts the knife back into the mustard, it may now be contaminated with gluten.

Q: Who should be gluten free?

All people with celiac disease and those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity must follow a gluten-free diet. Both type 1 diabetes and celiac disease are autoimmune diseases. Research shows that they have a similar genetic basis. Often people with type 1 diabetes will also have celiac disease. Everyone with type 1 diabetes should discuss getting tested for celiac with their doctor. People with diabetes but without celiac disease or documented gluten sensitivity do not need to eat a gluten-free diet.

Q: How about people with type 2 diabetes? Should they be on a gluten free diet?

JW: Celiac disease is not more common among people with type 2 diabetes than it is among the general public.  I don’t recommend a gluten-free diet for people who don’t need it because the more restricted a diet is, the fewer health-boosting nutrients it’s likely to provide. 

Q: Why would I choose to eat gluten free foods if I’m not gluten intolerant?

JW: There’s no need to eat foods made specifically for a gluten-free population unless you have celiac disease or a diagnosed gluten sensitivity.

Q: Does ‘gluten free’ mean healthier? or What’s the biggest misconception about gluten free?

JW: Definitely not. In fact, gluten-free breads and other products often lack the iron and vitamins found in traditional products. This is why it’s so important to work with a registered dietitian nutritionist skilled in gluten-free diets. Some people think that foods marked gluten-free or free of another nutrient must be more healthful. This is false.

Q: Is a gluten free donut better for me than a regular donut?

JW: Sorry no. A donut is a donut is a donut. It’s a now and then food – gluten or no gluten.

Q: Can I be gluten free without eating gluten free packaged foods?

JW: Yes. Just like someone can eat a wholesome gluten-containing diet without relying on packaged foods, it’s possible to eat a variety of foods without gluten without buying a single special product. But it’s okay to buy them. Just be intentional about it. Gluten-free doesn’t mean wholesome. Again, this is why working with a skilled registered dietitian nutritionist is so important. 

Q: Jill, any final thoughts on gluten free diets?

JW: This is potentially a difficult diet to follow, and it leaves you vulnerable to nutrient deficiencies. You can find a RDN to help you at eatright.org.

Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, author of The Overworked Person’s Guide to Better Nutrition, is your resource for all things nutrition, food and diabetes.

The Overworked Person’s Guide to Better Nutrition offers bite-sized nutrition tips for busy people looking for solutions to their everyday food and nutrition problems. This book is filled with diet strategies for weight loss and overall better health that can help anyone, on any schedule, eat and feel better. Meant to be picked up and read piecemeal, every page is packed with interesting tips designed to improve nutrition and relieve stress and guilt. Healthier habits can fit with any schedule!

Whether she’s speaking, writing, chatting on social media, appearing on TV or working with individuals, Jill’s candid and energetic approach appeals to busy people, and her sound nutrition and fitness advice gets results. In fact, her appreciation for science and ability to translate science into actionable information earned her a place in US News & World Report’s 10 Dietitian’s You Need to Follow on Social Media.

Jill Weisenberger‘s specialties include weight control, heart health, diabetes, pre-diabetes, wellness and nutrition for people with hectic lives. She’ll make nutrition science understandable, realistic and oh so delicious.

On December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast we’re celebrating a Blue Christmas. I chose this theme in December because ‘Blue’ is the color that I feel is most closely associated with diabetes and more importantly, it gives us an opportunity to raise awareness for the mental health issues related to diabetes. Guests include Chilbrook Kennels Breeder Author, Diabetes Alert Dog and Scent Detection Expert, Debby Kay, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Rachel Zinman, Dr. Mandy Reece PharmD, CDE, BC-ADM, and America’s #1 Energy Conductor, High Voltage.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring songs from the new “Christmas with Elvis and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

 

https://youtu.be/Uwfz5mMLSDM

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Is Chocolate Throwing A Wrench Into Your Healthy Diet?

“Deck the halls with bars of chocolate!!! Fa la la la la la la la!”

Chocolate seems to be everywhere this holiday season and it even shows up in the strangest formations!

Recently, I stumbled upon a chocolate store that sells chocolate in the shape of wrenches when I was wandering around the Holiday Market at the Oculus in New York.

I took one look at the chocolate wrenches imagined how one bite of chocolate has the power to derail a healthy diet faster and leave your good intentions spinning out of control!

Every day in the news there seems to be another conflicting health study about chocolate. One day, the media is exclaiming that a bar of chocolate is healthier than workout and then the next day they’re telling you to avoid it at all costs. I’m sure I’m not the only one confused about this topic.

Thankfully, these chocolate wrenches inspired me to reach out to Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND via Twitter for her advice about chocolate. Below are Jill’s answers to my questions:

Q: Can chocolate can be a part of a healthy diet?’

JW: You bet it can be!  Unless you have an allergy or other intolerance, any food can be part of a healthy eating pattern. I always tell my clients that you can eat anything you want. You just can’t eat everything you want and in any quantity that you might want.

Q: Do you actually eat chocolate?

JW: Chocolate is one of my favorite foods, so I am queen of making of it fit. In fact, I eat a small amount of chocolate nearly every day. Since I look forward to it daily, it helps me stick to a good diet all day long. I build my chocolate in as a treat. And I never think of it as a cheat.”

Q: Should I believe any of those health studies they love to show on TV?

JW: A few pieces of good news about chocolate. Research has found that dark chocolate might help lower insulin resistance, which is especially important to people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Other studies suggest that chocolate can help with certain types of cognition among adults, lower blood pressure and reduce chronic inflammation. The compounds in chocolate that probably help confer health benefits are naturally-occurring flavanols, a group of phytonutrients also found in tea, fruits and vegetables.

Q: Can you share some tips for eating chocolate?

JW: 1.  You cannot eat chocolate with abandon. It still has calories, added sugars and saturated fats. Fortunately, about half of the saturated fat in chocolate is stearic acid, which does not raise cholesterol levels. Unfortunately, the other half is palmitic acid, which does raise cholesterol levels.

2. When buying cocoa powder, read labels. Avoid the types that say Dutched cocoa or processed with alkali. This type of processing destroys the flavanols.

3. Choose the darkest chocolate you can. There is no guarantee that any particular chocolate is rich in flavanols because some types of processing destroy them. But chocolate with a greater amount of cocoa solids is likely to have more flavanols than chocolate with a smaller percentage of cocoa solids.

4. Choose chocolate candy over chocolate baked goods. And skip the caramels and cream fillings. The research suggests that chocolate has benefits, not other types of chocolate desserts.

5. Sit down, slow down and love the heck out of it. No guilt allowed. When you eat mindfully – whether it’s chocolate or your dinner – you have another opportunity to experience happiness.

Q: Any final thoughts you’d like to share for chocolate lovers?

JW: I’d rather satisfy a chocolate craving with chocolate than try to satisfy it with something else. Pick your favorite treat and treat yourself. I really enjoy dark chocolate-covered almonds. I feel good about both the chocolate and the nut. Sometimes I want plain chocolate. Or maybe chocolate that I melt with peanut butter and use as a dip for apple slices or a graham cracker. Another treat is melted chocolate with strawberries. Still another is a bowl of fresh raspberries with chocolate shavings. These are all healthful ways to enjoy a sweet, delicious treat.

Jill Weisenberger is your resource for all things nutrition, food and diabetes. Whether she’s speaking, writing, chatting on social media, appearing on TV or working with individuals, her candid and energetic approach appeals to busy people, and her sound nutrition and fitness advice gets results. In fact, her appreciation for science and ability to translate science into actionable information earned her a place in US News & World Report’s 10 Dietitian’s You Need to Follow on Social Media.

Food & Nutrition Solutions by Jill offers healthy and delicious recipe ideas and nutrition strategies that are based in sound nutrition science. Whether you’re looking for disease prevention or management, nutritious meals that people actually want to eat, or truths (and myths!) about the latest food trends, get reasonable and realistic tips from expert Jill Weisenberger.

Her specialties include weight control, heart health, diabetes, prediabetes, wellness and nutrition for people with hectic lives. She’ll make nutrition science understandable, realistic and oh so delicious.

On December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast we’re celebrating a Blue Christmas. I chose this theme in December because ‘Blue’ is the color that I feel is most closely associated with diabetes and more importantly, it gives us an opportunity to raise awareness for the mental health issues related to diabetes. Guests include Chilbrook Kennels Breeder Author, Diabetes Alert Dog and Scent Detection Expert, Debby Kay, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Rachel Zinman, Dr. Mandy Reece PharmD, CDE, BC-ADM, and America’s #1 Energy Conductor, High Voltage.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring songs from the new “Christmas with Elvis and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” album courtesy of SONY Music. The album brings together Elvis Presley’s best-loved yuletide performances from “Elvis’ Christmas Album” (1957) and “Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas” (1971) re-imagined with sublime and exquisite new arrangements performed by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Are you feeling ‘blue’ this holiday season?

If so, you’re not alone. While it’s true that sadness and/or depression at holiday time can be a reaction to the stresses and demands of the season, people with diabetes are more likely to be depressed than others states David Spero BSN, RN for Diabetes Self-Management.

Diabetes can cause complications and health problems that may worsen symptoms of depression. Depression can lead to poor lifestyle decisions, such as unhealthy eating, less exercise, smoking and weight gain — all of which are risk factors for diabetes.

The good news is that diabetes and depression can be treated together. And effectively managing one can have a positive effect on the other.

If you think you might be depressed, seek help right away. Your doctor or diabetes educator can refer you to a mental health professional.

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Our Twelfth Day of Blue Christmas Gift Ideas from Doris Hobbs

On the twelfth day of Blue Christmas, my true friend, Doris Hobbs sent to me a T1D Exposed calendar to celebrate people living well with diabetes.

Divabetic is celebrating a Blue Christmas to bring attention to the mental health issues related to living with diabetes.

You probably know better than we do how diabetes affects your holiday experience. 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.

That’s why we asked our panel of experts, friends and past Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests to spread some holiday cheer by sharing their favorite products to help keep you ‘happy and healthy’ all year long.

Doris’ pick: The T1D Exposed Calendar features twelve powerful men and women living with type 1 diabetes who are showcasing a passion in their portrait. Type 1 diabetes is part of their lives, but is not the single story of their fascinating existence. Living with T1D changes a person’s body, and the T1D Exposed calendar features tasteful nude portraits of individuals embracing those changes and their lives with type one.

The mission of The Nude Diabetes Advocacy Project is to promote awareness, connect people living with type one diabetes (T1D), and fundraise for both local and global diabetes organizations.

“Shedding my clothes for diabetes awareness has brought me a sense of empowerment that I literally can’t express in words, says, Doris Hobbs aka ‘Miss June’.

A San Francisco based Luxury Liaison, Doris bridges the world of MEDIA with unmistakable elegance through both written Storytelling & Visual Imagery with her website, Rich In Love. This accomplished Media Expert and Fashion Doyenne breathes new life into her sought-after glamour persona & profitable branding campaigns while maintaining a voice as a Diabetes Awareness Advocate. 

“What the T1D Exposed calendar creators, Tara Layman and Kat Reed are doing is truly an artistic expression in regards to the auto-immune disease that is much needed in today’s society”

What was it like to pose nude since especially since shedding the clothes and he shame that is associated with our bodies can be difficult?

“Having never posed nude within my career as a luxury model I surprisingly wasn’t terrified; I actually had the opposite reaction. I instantly became rather invested and driven to move forward and participate,” says Doris Hobbs. “I literally didn’t want to leave the shoot as I feel so comfortable in my own skin for the first time. The emotion that overcame me when I set my eyes on the final image as “Miss June” was a glamorous moment I will forever remember.”

I love this fabulous T1D Exposed calendar! I admire the bravery and self acceptance of all 12 participants about their experience living with type 1 diabetes. There’s no shame in their game, and there shouldn’t be any in yours! Be inspired to show the world that you’re living well with diabetes. 

On December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast we’re celebrating a Blue Christmas. I chose this theme in December because ‘Blue’ is the color that I feel is most closely associate with diabetes and more importantly, it gives us an opportunity to raise awareness for the mental health issues related to diabetes which are often overlooked and ignored. Some listeners may feel that talking about depression is depressing which is understandable. However, I feel it’s far more important to reach out to those coping with diabetes distress and burnout and let them know they are not alone.  Please join us!

TUNE IN! December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music by Elvis Presley on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, 6 PM, EST. We’re discussing ways to not let diabetes make you feel ‘blue’ during the holiday season with our panel of experts. Guests include Chilbrook Kennels Breeder Author, Diabetes Alert Dog and Scent Detection Expert, Debby Kay, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Rachel Zinman, Dr. Mandy Reece PharmD, CDE, BC-ADM, and America’s #1 Energy Conductor, High Voltage.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring songs from the new “Christmas with Elvis and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” album courtesy of SONY Music. The album brings together Elvis Presley’s best-loved yuletide performances from “Elvis’ Christmas Album” (1957) and “Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas” (1971) re-imagined with sublime and exquisite new arrangements performed by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Are you feeling ‘blue’ this holiday season?

If so, you’re not alone. While it’s true that sadness and/or depression at holiday time can be a reaction to the stresses and demands of the season, people with diabetes are more likely to be depressed than others states David Spero BSN, RN for Diabetes Self-Management.

Diabetes can cause complications and health problems that may worsen symptoms of depression. Depression can lead to poor lifestyle decisions, such as unhealthy eating, less exercise, smoking and weight gain — all of which are risk factors for diabetes.

The good news is that diabetes and depression can be treated together. And effectively managing one can have a positive effect on the other.

If you think you might be depressed, seek help right away. Your doctor or diabetes educator can refer you to a mental health professional.

https://youtu.be/Uwfz5mMLSDM

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Our Eleventh Day of Blue Christmas Gift Ideas from Eric O’Grey

On the eleventh day of Blue Christmas my true friend, Author Eric O’Grey sent to me a copy of his book, ‘Walking with Peety’.

Divabetic is celebrating a Blue Christmas to bring attention to the mental health issues related to living with diabetes.

You probably know better than we do how diabetes affects your holiday experience. 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.

That’s why we asked our panel of experts, friends and past Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests to spread some holiday cheer by sharing their favorite products to help keep you ‘happy and healthy’ all year long.

Eric O’Grey was 150 pounds overweight, depressed, and sick. After a lifetime of failed diet attempts, and the onset of type 2 diabetes due to his weight, Eric went to a new doctor, who surprisingly prescribed a shelter dog. And that’s when Eric met Peety: an overweight, middle-aged, and forgotten dog who, like Eric, had seen better days. The two adopted each other and began an incredible journey together, forming a bond of unconditional love that forever changed their lives. Over the next year, just by going on walks, playing together, and eating plant-based foods, Eric lost 150 pounds, and Peety lost 25. As a result, Eric reversed his diabetes, got off all medication, and became happy and healthy for the first time in his life-eventually reconnecting with and marrying his high school sweetheart. ‘Walking with Peety’ is for anyone who is ready to make a change in his or her life, and for everyone who knows the joy, love, and hope that dogs can bring. This is more than a tale of mutual rescue. This is an epic story of friendship and strength.

On December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast we’re celebrating a Blue Christmas. I chose this theme in December because ‘Blue’ is the color that I most closely associate with diabetes and I feel that the mental health issues related to diabetes are often overlooked and ignored. Some listeners may feel that talking about depression is depressing which is understandable. However, I feel it is far more important to reach out to those coping with diabetes distress and burnout and let them know they are not alone.  Please join us!

TUNE IN! Don’t miss December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music by Elvis Presley on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, 6 PM, EST. We will be discussing ways to not let diabetes make you feel ‘blue’ during the holiday season with our panel of experts. Guests include ‘Walking With Peety’ Author Eric O’Grey, Chilbrook Kennels Breeder Author, Diabetes Alert Dog and Scent Detection Expert, Debby Kay, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE and America’s #1 Energy Conductor, High Voltage. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring songs from the new “Christmas with Elvis and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” album courtesy of SONY Music. The album brings together Elvis Presley’s best-loved yuletide performances from “Elvis’ Christmas Album” (1957) and “Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas” (1971) re-imagined with sublime and exquisite new arrangements performed by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

NEED MORE INSPIRATION? Our panel of experts, Divabetic community members and past Diabetes Late Nite guests will be sharing more Blue Christmas Gift suggestions on this blog for the next twelve days to help you enjoy the festive spirit of the season without compromising your diabetes health!

Are you feeling ‘blue’ this holiday season?

If so, you’re not alone. While it’s true that sadness and/or depression at holiday time can be a reaction to the stresses and demands of the season, people with diabetes are more likely to be depressed than others states David Spero BSN, RN for Diabetes Self-Management.

Diabetes can cause complications and health problems that may worsen symptoms of depression. Depression can lead to poor lifestyle decisions, such as unhealthy eating, less exercise, smoking and weight gain — all of which are risk factors for diabetes.

The good news is that diabetes and depression can be treated together. And effectively managing one can have a positive effect on the other.

If you think you might be depressed, seek help right away. Your doctor or diabetes educator can refer you to a mental health professional.

https://youtu.be/Uwfz5mMLSDM

Posted on

Our Tenth Day of Blue Christmas Gift Ideas from Dr. Lori Shemek

On the tenth day of Blue Christmas my true friend, Dr. Lori Shemek PhD, CNC sent to me a pair of diabetic socks to make my feet happy.

Divabetic is celebrating a Blue Christmas to bring attention to the mental health issues related to living with diabetes.

You probably know better than we do how diabetes affects your holiday experience. 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.

That’s why we asked our panel of experts, friends and past Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests to spread some holiday cheer by sharing their favorite products to help keep you ‘happy and healthy’ all year long.

Dr. Lori Shemek’s pick: Creswell Diabetic Socks.  These socks easily stretch over ankles and bounce back into shape. loose fitting tops stretch over ankle for ease of dressing. The sock tops bounce back for a comfort fit without binding the leg. Allows for better blood circulation, so important for people with diabetes as well as those living with circulatory problems or neuropathy.

“Foot care is essential, protecting the feet and these socks help a multitude of foot issues,” says Dr. Lori Shemek, who holds a Doctorate in Psychology; she is a Certified Nutritional Consultant and a Certified Life Coach.

“With diabetes, due to lost sensation and reduced circulation, a simple blister can quickly worsen and give rise to serious infection. By assessing a patient’s specific risks and providing basic foot care, we are trying to prevent significant complications,” says Kevin Fraser, Certified Pedorthist at the Sunnybrook Centre for Independent Living in Toronto as reported by Globe Connect. 

“Areas of concern might be a developing callous, or an area where the skin has hardened or become red because of pressure or rubbing from their shoes or seams in their socks,” adds Kevin Fraser.

“Peripheral neuropathy” is the medical term for the nerve damage that affects people with diabetes, making them less likely to feel a cut or blister on their feet. They are also more prone to poor blood circulation to the legs and feet, so their foot injuries do not heal as quickly.

These conditions mean that foot wounds in these patients can lead to ulcers and infection, and, in the most serious cases, to amputation.

What is a Certified Pedorthist?

Pedorthics is the science and practice of evaluating, fabricating and delivery of footwear and foot orthoses to prevent or improve painful or disabling conditions of the foot and ankle caused by disease, congenital defect, overuse or injury.

Dr.Lori Shemek PhD also recommends adding an appointment with a Registered Dietitian to your Christmas gift list. 

“So many people with diabetes really are trying to navigate their way in living with diabetes,” says Dr. Lori Shemek. “An appointment with a Registered Dietitian is a great gift idea!“

A Registered Dietitian nutritionist is a food and nutrition expert who has met academic and professional requirements. Over half of RDNs hold advanced degrees. Some RDNs also hold additional certifications in specialized areas of practice, such as pediatric or renal nutrition, nutrition support and diabetes education.’

Dr. Lori Shemek is well known as a pioneer in creating global awareness of low-level inflammation and how it is responsible for and the core cause of most illness, disease, faster aging and weight gain.. She has been sending out the message about inflammation long before it was a buzz word.

Dr. Lori Shemek has uncovered the pathway to the core cause of weight: inflamed fat cells that not only promote unwanted excess weight gain and belly fat, but poor health as well.

Lori Shemek is a Nutrition and Weight Loss expert, a best-selling author and specializes in weight loss resistance. She has helped many people to once and for all.. lose the weight and feel better fast. She shows people how to spot sneaky foods that create weight gain, to kick sugar addiction to the curb, and shift from eating the wrong foods to the exact foods that burn fat.

Dr. Shemek is the author of How To Fight FATflammation! and the best-selling author of Fire-Up Your Fat Burn! She is a leading health and weight loss expert and also known as “The Inflammation Terminator.” She has made it her mission to help clients lose weight and educate the public on the toxic effects of certain foods and lifestyle choices and how they create inflammation in the body resulting in weight gain. She is a leading authority on inflammation and its role in weight loss, preventing disease and optimizing health.

On December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast we’re celebrating a Blue Christmas. I chose this theme in December because ‘Blue’ is the color that I most closely associate with diabetes and I feel that the mental health issues related to diabetes are often overlooked and ignored. Some listeners may feel that talking about depression is depressing  which is understandable. However, I feel it is far more important to reach out to those coping with diabetes distress and burnout  and let them know they are not alone.  Please join

On December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast we’re celebrating a Blue Christmas. I chose this theme in December because ‘Blue’ is the color that I most closely associate with diabetes and I feel that the mental health issues related to diabetes are often overlooked and ignored. Some listeners may feel that talking about depression is depressing which is understandable. However, I feel it is far more important to reach out to those coping with diabetes distress and burnout and let them know they are not alone.  Please join us!

TUNE IN! Don’t miss December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music by Elvis Presley on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, 6 PM, EST. We will be discussing ways to not let diabetes make you feel ‘blue’ during the holiday season with our panel of experts. Guests include ‘Walking With Peety’ Author Eric O’Grey, Chilbrook Kennels Breeder Author, Diabetes Alert Dog and Scent Detection Expert, Debby Kay, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE and America’s #1 Energy Conductor, High Voltage. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring songs from the new “Christmas with Elvis and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” album courtesy of SONY Music. The album brings together Elvis Presley’s best-loved yuletide performances from “Elvis’ Christmas Album” (1957) and “Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas” (1971) re-imagined with sublime and exquisite new arrangements performed by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

NEED MORE INSPIRATION? Our panel of experts, Divabetic community members and past Diabetes Late Nite guests will be sharing more Blue Christmas Gift suggestions on this blog for the next twelve days to help you enjoy the festive spirit of the season without compromising your diabetes health!

Are you feeling ‘blue’ this holiday season?

If so, you’re not alone. While it’s true that sadness and/or depression at holiday time can be a reaction to the stresses and demands of the season, people with diabetes are more likely to be depressed than others states David Spero BSN, RN for Diabetes Self-Management.

Diabetes can cause complications and health problems that may worsen symptoms of depression. Depression can lead to poor lifestyle decisions, such as unhealthy eating, less exercise, smoking and weight gain — all of which are risk factors for diabetes.

The good news is that diabetes and depression can be treated together. And effectively managing one can have a positive effect on the other.

If you think you might be depressed, seek help right away. Your doctor or diabetes educator can refer you to a mental health professional.

https://youtu.be/Uwfz5mMLSDM

Posted on

Our Ninth Day of Blue Christmas Gift Ideas from Chef Robert Lewis

On the ninth day of Blue Christmas my true friend, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ sent to me an immersion blender to make cooking simple and easy.

Divabetic is celebrating a Blue Christmas to bring attention to the mental health issues related to living with diabetes.

You probably know better than we do how diabetes affects your holiday experience. 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.

That’s why we asked our panel of experts, friends and past Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests to spread some holiday cheer by sharing their favorite products to help keep you ‘happy and healthy’ all year long.

Chef Robert Lewis aka The Happy Diabetic’s pick: a sleek Cuisinart Smart Stick® 2 Speed Hand Blender. This gadget is available in five fab colors (yes, even hot pink!) to complement any kitchen, from funky to sophisticated. With a 200-watt motor, two speeds, and deep reach, you can make quick work of puréeing soup in a pot or frothing a pitcher hot chocolate. Make healthy breakfast smoothies fast, blending soft fruits with yogurt in seconds.

“Keeping things fun in the kitchen makes healthy cooking that much easier,” says Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’.   Chef Robert recommends getting a immersion blender to whip up smoothies, dressings, soups, and more! He adds, “this great kitchen gadget helps you to avoid the tricky cleanup that comes with using a traditional blender.”

Chef Robert Lewis, knows the holiday season can get very hectic, like the rest of us, but he still manages to make time for an appointment with a Registered Dietitian.

“You can take the guesswork out of meal planning by setting up a meeting with a Registered Dietitian  who is sensitive to the dietary needs of someone with diabetes,” says the Happy Diabetic.  “If you want to do more?? Take it a step further and set up a cooking class to give some hands on experience!”

In 1998 Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Much of what he heard in those early day was about the foods that were prohibited. Chef Robert Lewis suspected that his days of good eating were over, yet as he worked through his ups and downs, He came to realize that the selection of foods he could and should eat was vast and included many of his favorites. This motivated him to attempt to create delicious, diabetic-friendly dishes that were also easy to prepare.

Chef Robert Lewis is a nationally recognized author, public speaker and spokesperson for all people affected with diabetes. He travels the country speaking on the benefits of healthy eating not only for people affected with diabetes, but also for anyone who would like to eat and live a healthy lifestyle

For the past two years, Chef Robert Lewis has made our Diabetes Mystery podcasts shine! He’s played the devious personal manager, ’Nigel Lowenworthl’ in ‘Suspect Boulevard’ and most recently former lifeguard, Fast Freddy in this year’s Diabetes Mystery podcast: ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’. He truly brings out the best of each performance. I’m so grateful to Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ for helping us raise awareness for diabetes and educate people about diabetes self-care in a fun, new way.

On December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast we’re celebrating a Blue Christmas. I chose this theme in December because ‘Blue’ is the color that I most closely associate with diabetes and I feel that the mental health issues related to diabetes are often overlooked and ignored. Some listeners may feel that talking about depression is depressing  which is understandable. However, I feel it is far more important to reach out to those coping with diabetes distress and burnout  and let them know they are not alone. Personally, I am also ‘blue’ this holiday season because it will be the first Christmas without my father, Stanley Szadek. My father passed away over the Thanskgiving Day weekend. He was a tremendous support to me throughout my life.  I will miss him dearly.  Please join us!

On December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast we’re celebrating a Blue Christmas. I chose this theme in December because ‘Blue’ is the color that I most closely associate with diabetes and I feel that the mental health issues related to diabetes are often overlooked and ignored. Some listeners may feel that talking about depression is depressing which is understandable. However, I feel it is far more important to reach out to those coping with diabetes distress and burnout and let them know they are not alone.  Please join us!

TUNE IN! Don’t miss December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music by Elvis Presley on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, 6 PM, EST. We will be discussing ways to not let diabetes make you feel ‘blue’ during the holiday season with our panel of experts. Guests include ‘Walking With Peety’ Author Eric O’Grey, Chilbrook Kennels Breeder Author, Diabetes Alert Dog and Scent Detection Expert, Debby Kay, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE and America’s #1 Energy Conductor, High Voltage. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring songs from the new “Christmas with Elvis and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” album courtesy of SONY Music. The album brings together Elvis Presley’s best-loved yuletide performances from “Elvis’ Christmas Album” (1957) and “Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas” (1971) re-imagined with sublime and exquisite new arrangements performed by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

NEED MORE INSPIRATION? Our panel of experts, Divabetic community members and past Diabetes Late Nite guests will be sharing more Blue Christmas Gift suggestions on this blog for the next twelve days to help you enjoy the festive spirit of the season without compromising your diabetes health!

Are you feeling ‘blue’ this holiday season.

You’re not alone.

While it’s true that sadness and/or depression at holiday time can be a reaction to the stresses and demands of the season, people with diabetes are more likely to be depressed than others states David Spero BSN, RN for Diabetes Self-Management.

Diabetes can cause complications and health problems that may worsen symptoms of depression. Depression can lead to poor lifestyle decisions, such as unhealthy eating, less exercise, smoking and weight gain — all of which are risk factors for diabetes.

The good news is that diabetes and depression can be treated together. And effectively managing one can have a positive effect on the other.

If you think you might be depressed, seek help right away. Your doctor or diabetes educator can refer you to a mental health professional.

https://youtu.be/Uwfz5mMLSDM

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