Divas & Diabetes: Della Reese

In May, we’re shining the spotlight on singer, actress Della Reese who is living with type 2 diabetes. Della is best known for her gospel talents and long career in television, including her role on the show ‘Touched by an Angel.’

On Diabetes Late Nite scheduled for Tuesday, May 9, 2017, 6 – 7 PM, EST we will discuss ways to help you overcome the shock of being diagnosed with diabetes, especially if it occurs after a traumatic health crisis.

“Every 25 seconds someone in the United States is diagnosed with diabetes,” said Vice Admiral Richard H. Carmona, the U.S. Surgeon General. “It’s the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, costing thousands of lives and billions of dollars every year.”

Della Reese was officially diagnosed with diabetes after collapsing on the set of ‘Touched By An Angel.’

“I was feeling great. so I don’t even know how long I had had type 2 diabetes. I have no family history of diabetes whatsoever,” says Della Reese.

The diagnosis of a major disease truly shakes a person to their very core. It can changed your picture-perfect life completely.

Our lives certainly doesn’t stop once we’re diagnosed with a diabetes. There are many ways to get through the initial shock including:

Surrounding yourself with people you love: You need to connect with people who can be your rock/anchor, encouragement, or support, and most importantly, make you feel loved.

Don’t make rash decisions: Relax. Breathe. Take a time out. Do some research and get a second opinion (if necessary). These make all the difference in getting the best doctor and treatment.

Focus on your health: Stick to your self-care routine and your doctor’s appointments. If you need to let go of unnecessary things at the moment, do so.

Don’t let your emotions get the best of you: Trust that the intensity of your anger, sadness and/or frustration will subside with time.

Make some adjustments to your lifestyle: Taking good care of yourself is a start. Remember to reward yourself for getting enough rest, exercise, and choosing healthier options like brown rice, whole grains and fresh fruit and vegetables.

Join a diabetes support group: You will discover new ways of coping through the advice of others living with diabetes. Be sure that everything is kept confidential within the group.

According to a Health Guide online resource, bottling up your emotions increases your stress even more, and could lead to many more health problems.

In 2002, Reese announced on Larry King Live that she had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, but didn’t come as a surprise considering what she ate and what her diet consisted of, as well as her weight. She loved cake, especially chocolate. She became a spokeswoman for the American Diabetes Association, traveling around the United States to raise awareness about this disorder.

Della felt she could to control her disease when she did the best, “With diet, exercise and medication, I took control of my diabetes,” she stated. “I lost 20 pounds and lowered my blood sugar from between 275 and 300 to between 67 and 110.”

More recently, Della admitted to suffering from diabetes, “My life is at stake,” she said. “I don’t have type 2 diabetes — type 2 diabetes has me.” She contributed her declining diabetes health to years of eating her old, nightly snacks of fried chicken, potato chips, ice cream, candy bars and cola, who was very frustrated because she didn’t do anything to prevent herself.

How different is Della Reese’s diabetes health story from others living with type 2 diabetes?

Despite the national epidemic of type 2 diabetes, two out of three Americans with the disease don’t meet the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists’ target for blood sugar goals.

“People with diabetes face many daunting obstacles, but in my over 20 years of working as a certified diabetes educators, I think the biggest struggle is figuring out how to fit diabetes management into your life, so that diabetes doesn’t take over your life. Learning how to combine regular blood glucose testing, exercise, healthy eating, medications, regular eye exams, and daily foot care can seem overwhelming and seemingly impossible, says Lynn Grieger from Sharecare. “Taking a proactive approach, where diabetes self-care becomes a part of your life without taking over your life, is key for both a happy and fulfilling life, as well as a healthy life.”

According to the results of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists’ survey, 98 percent of people with type 2 diabetes believe blood sugar control is important. However, 61 percent weren’t aware of the A1C test. Even after they were told what it is, 51 percent didn’t know their last A1C result.

How well do you manage your diabetes?

According to the world health organization, diabetes affects 347 million people worldwide. However, the majority of people with diabetes are originally diagnosed with pre-diabetes, which presents the opportunity to alter unhealthy dietary habits and prevent full diabetes. Additionally, those with diabetes can prevent negative complications by heeding the advice of their healthcare professional, engaging in regular physical activity, and accurately managing glucose levels. In other words, diabetes health-related complications are largely preventable.

There is a distinction between living with diabetes and dying from it. The difference is YOU! Take action and take action early.

“The biggest struggle for people with diabetes is how to balance management of diabetes in one’s lifestyle. It is essential to seek emotional and medical support from family, friends and your health care team to feel your best. Be honest and positive, control your diabetes and do not let it control you,” says Laura Motosko, MSEd, RD.

TUNE IN: Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Della Reese. Guests include Diabetes Diabetes Alert Dog Trainer and Author from Chilbrook Kennels, Debby Kay, Central Farm Markets Co-Founder, Debra Moser, Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE, FAADE, Master Hairstylist Karline Ricketts, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring selected songs from Della Reese’s albums including ‘Swing Slow & Cha Cha Cha’ courtesy of SONY Music.

05/05/201705/05/2017

Divabetic’s Cinco De Mayo Fiesta Celebration

For the past twelve years at our Divabetic live events, on our podcasts and inner blog we’ve been promoting a ‘New Attitude’ about living with diabetes to help you ‘Keep Your House A Home’ by learning to prevent a diabetes health-related complication from occurring. Now we’re sharing our decade’s worth of our ‘diva brand of diabetes outreach’ advice and suggestions with you so that you won’t have to avoid the holidays in order to take charge of our diabetes.

Our Cinco de Mayo Day Fiesta Celebration embraces the colorful fun of a fiesta to encourage you to entertain like a diva!

We believe diabetes doesn’t have to dim your dazzle! Add a splash of color!

Color is a must but it can either fill the space or play off of white or neutrals. The colors one sees in Mexico are traditionally vibrant, but because they were originally produced from natural pigments they have a slightly muted or chalky quality that tones them down just a bit.

Decorate your fiesta with these festive tissue-paper streamers, bowl bands, and flags. Tissue paper flowers made great decorations. We put them in flower pots, use them as streamers, and wear them as accessories. READ MORE

While the basics of Mexican restaurant entrees — rice, corn, beans, tomatoes, and chiles — are packed with nutrients, beware of entrees loaded with fatty cheeses, refried beans, and sour cream. Follow these tips to enjoy flavorful Mexican food without derailing your ‘divabetic’ diet:

Platter-size entrees with all the fixings can total 1,500 calories. Take half home or order a la carte to get only what you want.
Cheese and sour cream top many entrees. Ask for reduced-fat sour cream (or skip it altogether) and lower-fat sauces, such as a red sauce rather than cream sauce.
Crispy entrees usually mean the dish has been deep-fried. Opt for corn or whole wheat tortillas instead.

Keep reading to learn how to slim down Mexican restaurant favorites.

Sure, the holidays when you’re living with diabetes especially if you feel like you can’t enjoy the foods your actually preparing for your family and friends! Why not take the opportunity this Cinco de Mayo to try a new recipe?

Sure, it can be challenging at times to enjoy

One of our favorite bakers, Stacey ‘The Diabetic Pasty Chef’ Harris shares this zesty dessert idea for your fiesta!

Key Lime Cupcakes by the Diabetic Pastry Chef

Vanilla Cupcakes Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup sugar or equivalent dry sugar substitute

1/3 tsp salt

1 Tbsp baking powder

1 stick unsalted butter, softened

2 eggs

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup milk or unsweetened almond milk

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease muffin tin or use paper liners.

Combine dry ingredients in the bowl of an electric mixer mixing at low speed just until combined. Add butter and mix until the butter coats the flour.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and vanilla. Turn on the mixer and add the egg mixture to the dry mixture in 3 parts until combined. Do not overmix.

Divide batter evenly among the muffin tins. filling each 1/2 full. This should make about 16 cupcakes. Let sit 10 minutes before baking. Bake about 17 minutes or until toothpick inserted in middle of cupcakes comes out clean. Cool completely.

Hollow out the center of the cupcakes. Fill with lime curd, pipe frosting, and garnish with lime slices, mint and lime zest.

Lime Curd Ingredients

3 eggs

1 cup Whey Low D Granular or equivalent dry sugar substitute

1/2 cup fresh lime juice

1/4 cup butter, melted

1 Tbsp lime zest

Beat together the eggs and sugar substitute in the top of a double boiler. Stir in juice, butter and zest. Cook over simmering water 15 minutes or until thickened. Cool.

Whipped Cream Frosting Ingredients

2 cups heavy whipping cream

6 Tbsp powdered sugar or powdered sugar substitute

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Add ingredients to the bowl of an electric mixer and beat until soft peaks form. Pipe onto cupcakes. This whipped cream recipe is not stabilized, so frost and garnish right before serving.

Did you know that ‘Mexico’s soda tax will save 18,900 lives and more than $983 million over 10 years?

Mexico’s soda tax has continued to help reduce Mexico’s consumption of unhealthy beverages reported by Reuters. Purchases of sugar-sweetened beverages were down nearly 10 percent in the second year of the tax, a new study shows.

Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, chair of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force described the new study as “encouraging for many cities and countries around the world which are exploring ways to shift the rising tide of diabetes.”

Similar taxes have been levied in countries around the globe – from Colombia to France and South Africa, and in American cities, from Berkeley, California, to Philadelphia. READ MORE

The LA Times reports that if Mexicans sustain this pattern of consuming fewer sweetened beverages, the model developed by researchers predicts that over 10 years, the 10% excise tax could prevent 189,300 new cases of Type 2 diabetes, 20,400 strokes and heart attacks, and 18,900 deaths among adults 35 to 94 years old.

From 2013 to 2022, the reductions in diabetes alone could yield savings in projected healthcare costs of $983 million dollars, the researchers concluded.

Margaritas may be a tasty accompaniment to your tacos or enchiladas, but these are among the highest-calorie alcoholic beverages you can choose. Laced with sugar and sweet liqueur, just one margarita may contain as many calories as your meal. The actual count will vary by recipe, and you can create a much lighter version with some key ingredient substitutions.

Eight ounces of a standard margarita on the rocks will set you back about 455 calories, while a 12-ounce margarita has about 680 calories. You can lighten up your drink by limiting the Cointreau — or triple-sec, which is sometimes used instead — and by using fresh lime juice instead of a sweetened version. Omit sweet-and-sour syrup and sugar, and use just one ounce of tequila to further reduce calories. If your drink seems too small, add come zero-calorie soda water.

Or why not treat yourself to a alcohol-free sparkler, made fast with a tangy blend of frozen juice concentrates?

Mocktail Margaritas Recipe from Pillsbury

(Calories: 80, Total Carbohydrates: 19 g)

Ingredients

Lime wedges, if desired

Coarse salt, if desired

1 can (6 oz) frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed (3/4 cup)

1 can (6 oz) frozen limeade concentrate, thawed (3/4 cup)

1/4 cup powdered sugar

3 cups crushed ice

2 cups club soda, chilled

Mocktail Margarita Directions

Rub rims of glasses with lime wedges; dip in salt to coat.

In blender, place lemonade and limeade concentrates, powdered sugar and ice. Cover; blend until slushy. Add club soda; stir gently. Pour mixture carefully into glasses. Garnish with lime wedges.

Four years ago, Actress and Diabetes Advocate, Salma Hayek launched Nuance, an expansive collection of lipsticks, blushes, bronzers, face serums, shampoos, and conditioners inspired by her grandmother. These days, it’s safe to say that she’s got the art of looking good down to a science.

“This is embarrassing to say but I wear makeup a lot,” says Selma. “Not every day, I try to let my skin rest, but when I do, I shade my face to give it more depth and to slim my jaw. People think you contour only to get cheekbones, but if you study your face and realize that dark colors will diminish features and lighter colors will bring out features, you can design the face you want.”

Salma Hayek developed diabetes while she was pregnant. “I got gestational diabetes, which I didn’t realize at first. It occurs in women who have high blood sugar levels during pregnancy,” says Salma. “I didn’t know whether I was feeling bad because I was pregnant or whether something was seriously wrong. I was nauseated for nine months, which can be one of the symptoms.”

All pregnant women are at some level of risk for gestational diabetes. Since it affects as many as 18% of all pregnant women, it is one of the most common conditions associated with pregnancy. Learn more about gestational diabetes

Our Divabetic ‘Cinco de Mayo Fiesta’ Playlist contains a fabulous mix of Selena’s greatest hits. Selena was an American singer, songwriter, spokesperson, model, actress, and fashion designer. Called the Queen of Tejano music, her contributions to music and fashion made her one of the most celebrated Mexican-American entertainers of the late 20th century

https://youtu.be/SQqehP4YaRQ

LISTEN NOW: Drinking & Diabetes? on Diabetes Late Nite podcast with inspiration from Kathie Lee and Hoda. Find out how alcohol effects your blood sugars. While moderate amounts of alcohol can cause blood sugar to rise, excess alcohol can actually decrease your blood sugar level — sometimes causing it to drop into dangerous levels. If you are in doubt about whether drinking alcohol is safe for you, check with your doctor.

SAVE THE DATE: Don’t miss our first-ever Diabetes Alert Dog Fashion Show on Sunday, June 4, 2017, 11 AM – 1 PM at Mosaic Central Farm Markets in Mosaic, VA. Diabetes Alert Dog Trainer and Author Debby Kay from Chilbrook Kennels, and certified diabetes educator Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE, FAADE will on hand to answer your questions.

04/29/201705/03/2017

Old Hollywood Inspires Divabetic Mother’s Day Celebration

For the past twelve years at our Divabetic live events, on our podcasts and inner blog we’ve been promoting a ‘New Attitude’ about living with diabetes to help you ‘Keep Your House A Home’ by learning to prevent a diabetes health-related complication from occurring. Now we’re sharing our decade’s worth of our ‘diva brand of diabetes outreach’ advice and suggestions with you so that you won’t have to avoid the holidays in order to take charge of our diabetes.

Our Divabetic Mother’s Day Celebration embraces an Old Hollywood aesthetic to encourage you to shine the spotlight on you and your diabetes health!

Sure, it can be difficult at times to enjoy the holidays when you’re living with diabetes especially if you feel like you can’t enjoy the foods your actually preparing for your family and friends! Why not take the opportunity this Mother’s Day to change your mindset as well as your family’s about what healthy tastes like?

One of our favorite experts,‘The Decadent Diabetic’ aka Chef Ward Alper shares this Oscar worthy menu for a Diabetic Mother’s Day Celebration. The Decadent Diabetic’s menu includes Cucumber Soup, Smoked Salmon & Brie Omelet, Roasted Asparagus and Tart A Citron. Below is Chef’s Ward Alper’s recipe for Catalina Cucumber Soup. (We will be posting one recipe each day throughout the upcoming week).

Catalina Cucumber Soup Recipe by the Decadent Diabetic

(4 8 ounce servings, Net carbohydrates: 6 per serving)

Ingredients:

1 medium to large sweet onion Sliced (thick or thin, your choice)

2-3 tablespoons olive oil or butter

2-4 cloves crushed and chopped garlic (depends on how much you love garlic)

1 – big stalk of celery, roughly chopped

Black pepper to taste

Salt to taste

2 Tablespoons flour

1 ½ quarts Low sodium chicken broth

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

2 teaspoons fresh dill (1 if you use dried)

3- large Cucumbers

3-4 heaping tablespoons sour cream

Chef Ward Alper’s Preparation:

Note: No need to finely chop any of the vegetables in this recipe. They will all be blended smooth at the end.

Peel the cucumbers and using the tip of a teaspoon, remove all of the seeds from the cucumbers Chop roughly.

In a good sized soup pot sauté onion in olive oil or butter until soft but not brown. Add salt and pepper about one minute into the process.

Add garlic and flour. Cook for one minute or so. Slowly add the chicken broth stirring so as not to have lumps. Add the juice and zest of the lemon.

Add ½ of the cucumbers to the broth. Simmer for 15-20 minutes on low heat. Remove from heat, let cool, and then add the remaining portions of the cucumbers, reserving some if you wish for garnish. Using an immersion blender, whip the soup until smooth.

Add the sour cream. Blend to combine.

Note: Quickest if you have an immersion blender stick, but it works in a processor. Just do it in small batches.

Let cool in the refrigerator overnight!

While your soup’s cooling why not turn up the heat with a touch of Old Hollywood glamour?

Spokesmodel, Author and Diabetes Advocate Doris Hobbs (‘Rich In Love’) beautifully captures the essence of Old Hollywood in this vintage ensemble.

“A type 1 diabetic since 2014, I follow the strength of my father who has been living with type 1 diabetes since the age of two. His determination to take control of the illness has shaped my mission,” says Doris.

Doris is living proof that living with type 1 diabetes doesn’t have dim your dazzle!

She adds, “We, as a society, have a tendency of suppressing our fears, as mastering those can be difficult and takes large amounts of will and courage to look in the mirror and say, “I will succeed; I can do this!”

You don’t need to be a red carpet Old Hollywood bombshell to harness the power of black clothing because it matches everything! It’s great for mixing and matching, for layering or for helping your ‘Revenge’ red lips standout.

MAKE UP TIP: Grab a lipstick brush and your favorite shade of red to apply a gorgeous red lip, completing the Old Hollywood glam look. To clean up the edges and define your lips, dip a concealer brush into just a pinch of concealer and outline your lips, paying particular attention to the corners and the cupid’s bow for extra crisp definition.

The key to achieving a classic, glamorous Old Hollywood look and style of entertaining lies in the details. We all know that the little details that make the ordinary become extraordinary can be daunting! But the first detail to achieving the glamorous life of your favorite Old Hollywood actress, Loretta Young, Grace Kelly or Norma Shear is focusing on you and your diabetes health!

Prioritize means “to put in order of importance”. And as a busy mom, grandmother and/or daughter with diabetes you must continually do this over and over again, making choices based on the priorities you have built. If you aren’t clear on your priorities I believe you will continually run into trouble trying to balance everything. Do you know what your priorities are for yourself and your diabetes health? Are you living your daily life with those in mind? I think a great way to get an handle on what those priorities are is to take a walk outside alone without your iPhone. Take a minute to smell the Spring flowers and when you get back from your walk, sit down and make a list.

Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, co-author of ‘The Complete Diabetes Organizer: Your Guide to A Less Stressful and Manageable Life’ offers this advice to help you in the kitchen to organize your diabetes life!

“ If you’re not organized, you can’t find what you need to cook anything, says Susan. “A for meal preparation. That means instead of stuffing certain items in your cupboard or fridge just because you found a space where it fits, organize by use instead. Group similar items together and keep healthy snacks in plain view.”

Do you have a few empty make-up bags from a give-away or promotion?

Susan suggests “to stay organized, use a medium-size makeup bag for blood glucose-checking supplies and a different one for fast-acting sources of carbs, such as glucose tablets. Keep your supplies close to you in style!”

Speaking of giveaways, pampering gifts like products from PEAK 10 SKIN® are always a great treat to any Mom…at any age! Whether it’s your daughter, sister, daughter-in-law, wife or your Mother, women love things that make them feel pampered and special. PEAK 10 SKIN® have a couple different gift sets that we put together with Mom’s in mind, but they will also custom design a gift for the Mom’s in your life. For custom gifts, simply call or email us. Beautiful gift wrap available , too! Remember, all of products are professional spa quality and are paraben FREE, gluten FREE, cruelty FREE!

PEAK 10 SKIN® is offering this Special 30% Discount Offer to our Divabetic community (use the Divabetic coupon code: divabetic (all lowercase))

Don’t forget to use your coupon code: B2B (40% off)

PEAK 10 SKIN® recently repackaged the new SOOTHE hand cream in a pot for ease of use. The product was too thick to come out of the tube with ease. It comes in 2 sizes; 2oz/$18 and 4oz/$28. These could be perfect gifts as well. These prices are BEFORE your discount is applied.

Making a Mani/Pedi kit of SAVE MY SOLE & SOOTHE hand cream would be fabulous! If you get the 2oz of each, that would be a $36 retail/$21.60 for you!

04/24/2017

Bunions & Diabetes

Chronically high blood sugar (glucose) levels can be associated with serious complications in people who have diabetes. The feet are especially at risk.

Dr. Michele Summers Colon known as ‘The Holistic Podiatrist’ discusses two common foot issues for people with diabetes, on April’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

A bunion is a common condition that involves an abnormal, bony bump at the base of the big toe, causing the joint to swell outward and become painful. The big toe may also turn inward toward the second toe as a result of the enlarged joint, which can then lead to difficulty walking, ingrown toenails and corns and calluses.

Although bunions are not usually a serious condition, they can be painful and embarrassing. If left untreated, they will usually grow larger and more painful over time. It is important to seek medical attention and discuss treatment options with your doctor.

Dr. Michele says, “bunions and hammertoes are genetic. Certain shoes can make the problem worse if you already have them but shoes won’t cause them.”

Bunions can form when there is an improper balance of forces exerted on the joints of the foot, causing instability in the joint of the big toe.

Surgery is only thing that will put the toes back in place.

Some people have a bunion but they don’t have a pain at all and they don’t need surgery,” says Dr. Michele. She adds, “You have to think about your pain level, are you getting pressure points and/or can you even wear shoes. When you answer those questions you can determine if you need surgery.”

Several diabetes foot-related problems can be prevented by taking careful steps to observe and care for your feet. Keeping tight management of your blood sugar levels (in the ranges advised by your doctor), and following your recommended diet and exercise program are the best way to prevent all complications of diabetes, including foot problems.

LISTEN: April’s Diabetes Late Nite featuring music by Lang Lang. Guests include Dr. Michele Summer Colon, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach and Mama Rose Marie. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.

Tune in to our Diabetes Mystery podcast, “Gypsies, Tramps & Peas” in September to learn more about Diabetes Foot Health.

04/18/201704/18/2017

Raising Awareness for Stroke in Honor of Luther Vandross

In honor of our Divabetic inspiration, Luther Vandross’ upcoming birthday on Thursday, April 20^th we’re raising awareness for stroke, a common diabetes health-related complication.

I’ll never forget the day I found my former boss, Luther, laying on the floor of his 5^th Avenue after suffering a stroke due to mismanaging his type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately his ability to make a full recovery was greatly inhibited because too much time elapsed between his initial stroke symptoms and receiving the proper treatment. Luther’s stroke was given the power to rob him of one of the greatest joys in his life; performing on stage. And we, the fans, also suffered from not hearing his voice.

My experience taught me just how important it is to act ‘FAST’ when you or someone you love experiences a stroke.

FAST is an acronym used as a mnemonic to help detect and enhance responsiveness to stroke victim needs. The acronym stands for Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties and Time to call emergency services. Facial drooping: A section of the face, usually only on one side, that is drooping and hard to move.

Stroke is a condition in which blood supply to be the brain is affected. A stroke can sometimes lead to permanent damage including communication problems, paralysis and visual problems.

Statistically, people with diabetes have a higher risk of dying from heart disease and stroke than the general population.

Overall, African-Americans suffer more strokes than any other group of people. “There are statistics showing that [they] have about twice the mortality of stroke than Caucasians,” explains Ralph L. Sacco, MD, neurologist-in-chief at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Fla., and spokesperson for the American Stroke Association. These statistics show just how high the stroke risk is:

For men between the ages of 45 and 54, which was the case for Luther, the risk of ischemic stroke — the most prevalent type of stroke, which is caused by a blood clot that blocks an artery — is three times higher in African-Americans than in Caucasians.

Awareness of your personal risk factors is the first step toward lowering your chance of stroke. Then, with a combination of medical treatment for conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes coupled with a heart-healthy diet and exercise plan, you can help keep yourself from becoming one of those statistics.

By maintaining stable blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol, people with diabetes can increase their chances of preventing a stroke

I hope you will learn from my experience and use the letters in “fast” to spot stroke signs and know when to call 9-1-1. If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and say, “I think this is a stroke” to help get the person to the hospital immediately. Time is important! Don’t delay, and also note the time when the first symptoms appeared. Emergency responders will want to know.

LISTEN: Luther Vandross Tribute podcast featuring fans, friends and former bandmates with hits from the 1990’s. Guests include Paulette McWilliams, Pat Lacy, Tawatha Agee, Cindy Mizelle and Kevin Owens, band member Bryon Miller, Vandross family member, Seveda Williams, friends Darren Margo and David Jones, the Luther Vandross historian, Leon Petrossian and Luther super fan, Jane Goodman from Great Britain

LISTEN: Luther Vandross Tribute podcast featuring fans, friends and former bandmates with hits from the 1980’s. Guests include former band members Alfa Anderson and Ivan Hampton, Jr., SONY Music executive Jeff James, Seveda Williams, Dave Jones and Darren Margo.

Divabetic (divabetic.org), the organization inspired by Luther’s diabetes journey revisits the late singer’s career in the decade of sparkle, divas and big hair to celebrate the artistry of the prolific singer-songwriter and record producer. This Luther tribute podcast remembers the moments, the music, the man and the motivation to ensure that no one has to struggle with diabetes alone or in silence.

In honor to Luther, keep ‘your house a home’ and learn how to prevent a diabetes health-related complication from occurring. Help us spread the POWER of LOVE!

04/14/201704/15/2017

Healthy Heights for Stilettos with Dr. Michele Summers Colon

Dr. Michele Summers Colon known as ‘The Holistic Podiatrist’ shares the healthiest height and style for stilettos, a common dilemma women with diabetes, on April’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

Dr. Michele says to avoid stiletto shoes that are made of cheap products (such as plastic) and pointy toe styles. She recommends purchasing stilettos made of good quality leather with an open toed shoe box, and a little front platform. A style with a front platform is better for you because the platform lowers the angle between your ankle and the ball of your foot therefore decreasing pressure on the ball of your foot.

April’s INSTANT WINNER Challenge posed the question, “Shoes with high heels should be no more than …”?

Over 50 women entered our INSTANT WINNER Challenge about the proper height of high heels for April’s Diabetes Late Nite. Unfortunately most of the women guessed the wrong answer – including me! My research stated that the correct heel height should be 2 inches high. However, Dr. Michele Summers Colon strongly recommends that high heels should be no more than 1 1/2 inches high.

“ A 1 1/2 inches high heels would be a kitten heel or a flat. Or you have find a shoe with a 2 inch heel but with a little platform in the front,” says Dr. Michele Summer Colon.

Did you know the high heel made its way to the Western fashion scene in the late 1500s as part of a craze for all things Persian?

Those early heels were aimed at men and modeled on the riding boots of Persian cavalry. By the mid-1700s, however, they had become a woman’s shoe. Today, American women spend $20 billion annually on high heels, but the shoes haven’t been altered in a meaningful way for decades!!!

High heels cram toes into a tight pocket, directing excessive amounts of force to the heels. Sarah Jessica Parker, who was famous for wearing them, had to swear off them after her foot rebelled by growing a protective layer of tissue. But most women have long accepted the pain.

“My patients come to me and beg me to fix their feet,” says Michele Summers Colon in an interview with Bloomberg Business Week. She recently started 34 Minute Shoes—a reference to how long women can stand in normal heels without pain—which is also rethinking the heel.

34 Minute Shoes, Cole Haan, and others have focused on adding extra cushioning or creating a more customized fit around the foot. The Thesis team has zeroed in on the steel shank, a strip of metal a few inches long that’s at the heart of most shoes. In high heels, its purpose is to provide the strength needed for the wearer to stand at an angle.

When a woman is walking in high heels, the end of the stiletto jams into the ground and sends a shock up through her heel. Standing still is just as bad, because about 90 percent of the pressure is on the toes. The extra give in the Thesis shank helps spread that load by allowing the foot to sit more naturally in the shoe instead of tilting forward or backward.

A physician, surgeon, health coach, yoga teacher, anatomy instructor, author and overall health & wellness expert, Dr. Michele Summers Colon has treated many women living with diabetes.

“They ask me to operate on them and inject them—anything so that they can keep wearing high heels, she says. “Women remain willing to put up with an awful lot of pain in the name of fashion. “They give lingerie a run for the money in terms of being a highly sexualized fashion accessory,” she says. “That’s at the heart of why [stilettos] are so popular and persistent and have become the archetypal grown-up women’s shoe.”

Are you ready to wear a Turban? Evetta Petty, owner of Harlem’s Heaven Hat Shop shares advice on how you can make this style trend work on your terms. READ MORE

Diabetes Late Nite featuring music by Chinese pianist Lang Lang. Guests include Grammy Award winning artist, Lisa Fischer (featured on Lang Lang’s ‘New York Rhapsody’ album), the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring selected songs from Lang Lang’s ‘New York Rhapsody’ album courtesy of SONY Music. The album includes all-time classic Rhapsody in Blue, as well as Empire State of Mind, Moon River, New York Minute, Tonight, Spiderman Theme and many more. LISTEN NOW

04/05/201704/05/2017

Divabetic Egg-Cellent Easter Brunch Ideas

We know many people in our Divabetic community don’t like to celebrate the holidays because they feel they may disrupt their diabetes care. But with a little pre-planning and guidance from your healthcare entourage you can still enjoy Easter related festivities without failing your diabetes.

From the annual Easter Egg Roll to eating iguana, turtle and the world’s largest rodent in Colombia, there are many different Easter traditions around the world to choose from!

Easter is the most important religious holiday in the Greek Orthodox calendar. Shops line their windows with brightly-coloured wrappings for Easter candles and chocolate eggs. Greek families sit down to a meal of whole roasted lamb or kid goat on Easter Sunday.

Germans like to decorate trees with hollowed-out, painted eggs for Easter. One elderly man has taken the art form to an extreme degree.

An old European tradition of tapping eggs together in a contest to see which is the strongest is enjoying a revival in Louisiana. The town of Marksville claims to host the oldest “egg-knocking” competition in the United States. Competitors pair up on the steps of the courthouse on Easter Sunday and knock the tips of two eggs together. If the egg cracks, its owner is out of the competition. The process continues until just one egg remains.

Instead of tucking into chocolate eggs, Colombians like to eat iguana, turtle and the world’s largest rodent for their traditional Easter dinner.

We say, whatever you and your loved ones may choose to do, “Don’t let diabetes dim your dazzle!”

We asked several experts, Cookbook Author, Holly Clegg, Wine & Spirits Expert Samantha Shaken Baker and diabetes advocate, author and model Doris Hobbs to share their favorite recipes, picks and fashions to encourage you to celebrate a Divabetic Easter in style without compromising your diabetes health.

With over 1 million cookbooks sold, Holly Clegg has become a culinary expert on easy, healthy and practical recipes through her nationally recognized best-selling trim & TERRIFIC® and her more health focused Eating Well cookbook series, including newly released 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY edition of Eating Well Through Cancer, (English, Spanish and Chinese editions), Eating Well to Fight Arthritis and Diabetic Cooking with the American Diabetes Association. Clegg who attended the Cordon Bleu Cooking School has appeared on Fox & Friends, NBC Weekend Today, QVC, The 700 Club, USA Today, Cooking Light Magazine, Web MD, and Huff Post. She has consulted for Walmart, Teflon, The Coca-Cola Company, and hospitals throughout the country. Here’s Holly’s suggestion on to make a simple, impressive way to dress up eggs for Easter:

Open Face Breakfast English Muffins Recipe from ‘Eating Well To Fight Arthritis’ cookbook by Holly Clegg.

“These colorful Western omelet ingredients are piled on an English muffin and make this the ideal grab and go satisfying breakfast” says Holly. Egg beaters may be substituted for the egg and egg white combination.

Makes 6 muffins

1/2 cup chopped Canadian bacon

1/4 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper

1/3 cup chopped tomatoes

2 eggs

5 egg whites

Salt and pepper to taste

3 whole-wheat English muffins, halved

1/4 cup reduced-fat shredded Cheddar cheese

1. In nonstick skillet coated with nonstick cooking spray, cook Canadian bacon 2 minutes or until begins to brown. Add onion and, green pepper sautéing until tender. Add tomatoes, cook 1 minute. Remove from pan, set aside.

2. In small bowl, whisk together eggs and egg whites. In same nonstick skillet coated with nonstick cooking spray, scramble eggs. Season to taste. When eggs are almost done, stir in bacon onion mixture.

3. Meanwhile, toast muffin halves. Divide egg mixture to top muffin halves. Sprinkle with cheese.

Note: The prepared muffins may be refrigerated and reheated in the microwave or in oven preheated at 350°F. about 5 minutes or until well heated.

Nutritional information per serving:

Calories143 kcal, Calories from Fat 25%, Fat 4 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 71 mg, Sodium 391 mg, Carbohydrates 15 g, Dietary Fiber 3 g, Total Sugars 4 g, Protein 12 g, Dietary Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 ½ lean meat

“Glamour is the feeling of beauty, with an undertone of femininity, while looking like a lady, for all occasions,” Luxury Spokesmodel, Diabetes Advocate, Contributing Style Editor & Published Writer, Doris Hobbs explains. “Glamour is an illusion, a form of mystery revealing a fragile state that changes with time. Glamour, from my perspective, is defined as recreation from all facets of our lives. Perhaps the best way to describe it is with a ravishing red lipstick, a sensual hourglass silhouette, and style inspiration from such mavens as Rita Hayworth, Ava Gardner, and Jayne Mansfield.”

Vintage brooches are colorful, eye-catching sparkle and for a small investment, you get a big return style wise!

Did you know back in the day women wore “Scatter pins”, a matching set of two or more pins that were grouped together on a blouse or sweater?

If you love vintage brooches, there is no need to curb your enthusiasm because you think you wouldn’t get a chance to wear all the ones you find. There are plenty of ways to show them off!

DIVABETIC TIP: While alcohol can make blood sugar drop too low, certain beverages (such as beer or sugary mixers) can cause a blood sugar spike. What’s more, consuming more than one or two drinks can cloud your thinking and affect other food choices you make that day, which can also affect glucose levels.

What’s brunch without a little bubbly?

We asked Samantha Shanken Baker, who helps presents memorable food and wine events like the Annual Harlem Eat Up! to suggest a great tasting champagne for under $50. Samantha’s pick is G.H. Mumm Brut Champagne Cordon (retail $45) featuring a delightful notes of flavor—dried apricot, candied orange peel, nut and smoke. This very harmonious dry Champagne is still elegant and light-weight. The rich, toasty note lingers on the vibrant finish. Oh la-la!

DIVABETIC TIP: Heavy black pumps paired with lightweight white dresses can be an odd combination. If you wear a white dress in the spring , better options include natural toned or white sandals. If you choose to wear white in fall and winter, brown shoes still look better than black (and for sticklers to the rules, white shoes should be avoided after Labor Day). HOW TO WEAR WHITE

Why not enjoy a Coco Mimosa?

I love serving my guests mimosas at Brunch. The name of one of the characters. “Coco Mimosa”, from our upcoming Diabetes Mystery titled “Gypsies, Tramps & Peas” inspired this new tropical twist to a mimosa. It’s as easy as pie! Just splash some coconut flavored light rum over fresh orange juice and champagne.

DIVABETIC TIP: The weather is warming up and the cherry blossoms are in bloom – looks like spring has finally sprung! It’s the perfect season to jump start a walking program. It’s easy, safe, and inexpensive. It’s also relaxing and at the same time invigorating, requires little athletic skill, and does not call for club membership or special equipment other than sturdy, comfortable shoes. And it is fun and natural — good for your mind and self-esteem. LEARN MORE

Let a new walking shoe get you in the groove!

We love these striped spring flat mesh casual walking shoes (pictured above)! They’re breathable slip ons and reasonably inexpensive. BUY

According to the Who What Wear website florals are a big trend for Spring 2017. Sound familiar? Well, this time around, the scale, fabrication and mood is more exaggerated than ever! Designers are encouraging you to be in full bloom from head to toe—shoes included. From double doses of Rococo-style jacquard florals with ruffles and raw hems at Marques’Almeida to subdued, blousy ’70s bouquets at Chloé and neon carnations at Balenciaga, there is nothing standard about these arrangements. No ditsy prints here in this S/S 17 version of the fashion trend, thanks.

Mildly Mexican Breakfast Bake Recipe from ‘Eating Well To Fight Arthritis’ cookbook by Holly Clegg

“Eat with color and you know you are eating healthy! This overnight sensation with bright colors and flavors will wake up those morning taste-buds!” says Holly.

Makes 8 (1-cup) servings

8 ounces ground breakfast turkey sausage

1 onion, chopped

1 red, green, or yellow bell pepper, cored and chopped

2 cups baby spinach

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 (4-ounce) can green chilies

4 eggs

6 egg whites

2 cups fat-free half-and-half

2 teaspoons chili powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 1/2 cups reduced-fat shredded Mexican blend cheese

5 (8-inch) 98% fat-free flour tortillas, cut into quarters

1/2 cup chopped green onion

1. Coat 13x9x2-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. In large nonstick skillet, cook and crumble sausage until starts to brown. Add onion and bell pepper, cooking until sausage is done and vegetables tender. Add spinach, garlic and green chilies; cooking until spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.

3. In large bowl, whisk together eggs, egg whites, half-and-half, chili powder, cumin and cheese.

4. Spoon one-third of sausage mixture in baking dish. Top with one-third tortilla quarters and one-third cheese and green onions. Repeat layers, ending with green onion. Pour egg mixture evenly over casserole and refrigerate, covered, at least 6 hours or overnight.

5. Preheat oven 350°F. If using glass baking dish, place in cold oven and bake 50-60 minutes or until bubbly, golden brown and knife inserted into custard comes out clean.

Nutrients

Calories 309, Calories from Fat 35%, Fat 12 g, Saturated Fat 4 g, Cholesterol 151mg, Sodium 751mg, Carbohydrates 29 g, Dietary Fiber 3 g, Total Sugars 7 g, Protein 23 g, Dietary Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat-free milk, 1 vegetable

DIVABETIC TIP: Want to get more for your money? Buying fruit and vegetables in season often helps! Prices usually come down when a fruit or vegetable is in season. In addition, the quality of the produce (taste, texture, freshness, etc.) is at its best. When you buy produce that is out of season (for example, buying berries in the winter), you are likely buying food that has been shipped hundreds or even thousands of miles. It is usually more expensive, less environmentally-friendly, and the quality not as good.

LISTEN NOW: Cook Book Author Holly Clegg podcast interview. With over 1 million books sold, Holly reigns supreme when it comes to helping today’s busy person cook everyday meals that are fast and fit into an overall healthy lifestyle. Known as the “Queen of Quick,” Holly’s recipes are time, user and pantry-friendly. LINK

What’s trending in Diabetes Wellness for Spring? Here are three recent diabetes and health & wellness headlines that caught our eye!

Is there a link between climate change and diabetes? Researchers are looking at whether climate change might be linked to another public health concern: Type 2 diabetes.

An amazing app that helps you improve your A1C! One Drop | Mobile provides real-time and historical blood glucose data and analytics to subscribers and their healthcare providers, allowing both to see relationships between specific health behaviors and health outcomes.

Mama June’s Incredible Body Transformation After Weight Loss Surgery! On WE tv’s Mama June: From Not to Hot the reality star lost over 300 pounds and spent upwards of $75,000 to have gastric sleeve surgery, breast augmentation and skin removal surgery on her “turkey neck,” “bat wings” and stomach — where a combined total 9 lbs. of skin was removed.

02/19/2017

New Diabetes Play: Mama’s Girls 2 ‘Sugar Ain’t Sweet’

Playwright Garrett Davis’s new production, Mama’s Girls 2: Sugar Ain’t Sweet, opens with Baby Girl, the adult protagonist, rushing to the hospital with sudden blurred vision. Her startling diagnosis: type 2 diabetes.

And so begins Baby Girl’s poignant journey as she navigates life with finger sticks, new eating patterns, and well-meaning but uninformed relatives who do things like rearrange her kitchen and bake her half a cake because “it only has half the sugar.” Baby Girl’s eventual acceptance of her diabetes and understanding that she can live a good life is an empowering and inspiring message for the audience.

Davis consulted with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) to produce the dramedy, show how diabetes disproportionally affects African Americans, and reveal how this diagnosis transforms families.

For Davis, channeling his passion to raise consciousness through the arts is nothing new. He wrote the original Mama’s Girls in partnership with AARP, an organization that advocates for older adults, to raise awareness around the issues of caregiving. “If you can entertain [people],” he says, “you can educate them.”

The ADA presence after the show was an added bonus. “I thought that was great,” says Moore. “I got to see the things I still can eat [and] the things I still can do.”

Mama’s Girls 2: Sugar Ain’t Sweet is scheduled to play around the United States in 2017. Go to mamasgirls.net for more information.

Don’t miss March’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast inspired by Gladys Knight & the Pips on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, 6-7:30 PM, EST.

Gladys Knight doesn’t have diabetes, but the disease is as close to her heart as the memories of her mother, Elizabeth Knight, who died of complications from the disease in 1997. A five-time Grammy award winner, Knight is as busy as ever gracing the entertainment world with her exceptional voice. Yet she never misses an opportunity to voice the message of early detection and treatment of diabetes.

Gladys shares her final words of wisdom: ” Do something about diabetes … Know more, do more!” Knight feels nearly as passionate about spreading that message as she does about the incredible singing career her mom helped her launch some 54 years ago.

Guests include Stacey Harris aka ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’, Mary Ann Hodorowicz, RD, LDN, MBA, CDE, CEC, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Diabetic Divas Unite, SleepyHead Central, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie.

https://youtu.be/QPmfbm4jt9c

02/09/2017

Loveable Lamb Recipe from the Decadent Diabetic

It was a thrill to welcome Chef Ward aka ‘The Decadent Diabetic’ as a first-time guest to our free monthly podcast, Diabetes Late Nite in celebration of Valentine’s Day.

Anyone who references the quote,”Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death” from Auntie Mame when talking about food and diabetes like Chef Ward did, is absolutely fabulous in my book.

But diabetes hasn’t always been as wonderful as Rosalind Russell might want us to believe for the Decadent Diabetic, who is living with type 2 diabetes.

“My family has a sad history of diabetes. My father was dead by the time he was 67 from complications of the disease. Two of his sisters have had amputations,” says Ward Alper. “Both my brother and sister were diabetic, and died in part because of not taking care of the disease.”

Now he’s determined to show the world how to manage diabetes and still eat decadently. “A diagnosis of diabetes doesn’t have to mean the end of great eating!”, says the Decadent Diabetic.

Thankfully, Ward’s more than willing to share his delicious recipes with Divabetic to prove his point and help you ‘GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS.’

In honor of our first-ever Divabetic Valentine’s Day celebration the Decadent Diabetic created a special menu featuring a delicious lamb entree(!) If you’re having a knee jerk reaction to eating lamb like I did, The Decadent Diabetic offers these words of advice : “I can’t believe how many people I speak with don’t like lamb. Some think it is too ‘gamey’, some think it is cruel to eat any young animal,” says Chef Ward. “I won’t speak to the latter, but with three simple ingredients like garlic, mustard, and orange, there is not a trace of ‘gaminess’ in my lamb recipes. The marinade I use is perfect for lamb chops, legs, shanks, and racks. This may recipe may change your mind about lamb.”

Loveable Lamb by the Decadent Diabetic Recipe

Ingredients:

Zest of 1 orange

2 TBSP. orange juice

2 cloves of garlic, grated or minced

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 shallot or 3 scallions minced very fine

1 TBSP. olive oil

Salt & pepper to taste

1 tsp. dried tarragon

6 loin or rib lamb chops

HOW TO PREPARE THE RECIPE: Combine all ingredients except the lamb in a bowl and stir to combine. Add the lamb and marinate for at least 45 minutes or even better over-
night.

Pre heat the oven to 400° F.

Pat the lamb dry reserving the marinade. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until browned on each side (about 4 minutes a side). Remove from pan. Place lamb into a baking dish and roast in the oven for 10-14 minutes (depending on your choice of doneness. Pour the reserved marinade into the pan and over high heat reduce by half. Spoon the reduced sauce over the chops.

This recipe is perfectly accompanied by mashed potatoes, mashed or “riced” cauliflower or my pureed turnips with apple.

This recipe also works really well on your grill.

Chef’s Notes: Serves 2. Net Carbs 4 g. per serving

**The GOAL of the Decadent Diabetic website is to help people with Diabetes transform what we can or should eat, into what we WANT to eat!**

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic and the Diabetes Late Nite team are honored to participate in the #DPodcastWeek in support of the ‘Spare a Rose, Save a Child’ campaign on February’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast scheduled for Tuesday, February 7, 2017, 6 PM, EST.

“We’ve got a really wonderful show planned featuring guests Chef Ward Alper ‘The Decadent Diabetic’ and Diabetes Advocate and ‘Rich In Love’ fashion blogger, model and diabetes advocate Doris Hobbs along with many of George Michael’s greatest hits,” says Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek

The “Spare a Rose, Save a Child” campaign encourages people to buy one less rose this Valentine’s Day and donate the value of that flower to children with diabetes. Donations go to Life for a Child, an International Diabetes Federation program which provides life-saving diabetes supplies, medication, and education that children in developing countries need to stay alive.

LISTEN NOW: February’s Diabetes Late Nite inspired by George Michael featuring Chef Ward Alper aka ‘The Decadent Diabetic’, ‘Rich In Love’ fashion blogger Doris Hobbs, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie

Learning to accept yourself for who you are is the most important step to self-love. Stop comparing yourself to others and learn to embrace the person you are.

02/02/201702/02/2017

Makeover Your Diabetes with Eugenia B.

Divabetic (divabetic.org) knows that coping with diabetes on a daily
basis can not only be more stressful but it can also be more time
consuming in our hectic, fast paced world. We want to help you make
your diabetes life more manageable so we’re sharing products
recommendations from our Divabetic community members to help you
‘Makeover Your Diabetes’!

“I love my Mary Kay( MK) beauty and skincare products because they
help make my skin look and feel wonderful., says, Eugenia B. who is an
independent Beauty Consultant for Mary Kay living with type 1
diabetes.

Somehow Eugenia manages to juggle living diabetes and selling Mary Kay
on the side with a full-time job working as the Environmental
Contact/Quality Clerk for Haworth in Bruce, MS.

How does this fabulous ‘divabetic’ do it?

“I admit it takes me some additional time every morning to get ready
for work because I am insulin dependent. But with MK everything is so
easy! Mary Kay has ‘put together’ color cards that help you to ‘put
together’ looks. I just buy and experiment with colors for each MK
‘put together’ look,” she adds.

Although Eugenia’s only been on insulin therapy since 2014 (after a
bad drug interaction sent her to the hospital), she’ll actually
celebrate her twelfth year living with diabetes in April. For her,
adjusting from living with type 2 diabetes to type 1 hasn’t’ been that
easy. There are times when Eugenia feels like she’s having to learn
about diabetes all over again. And there are days when she just sits
and has a good cry. Thankfully Eugenia’s family has been there every
step of the way to help her wipe away tears and encourage her put on
her ‘big girl panties’ and forged ahead.

“Diabetes has taken a lot from me but it hasn’t taken away my strength
to endure,” adds Eugenia. “Every day is a new struggle, but still I
remain. I have put on about 45 pounds since going on insulin and that
has taken a toll on me. I am trying very hard to lose this weight and
reduce my A1C. At my last doctor visit. My A1C was down from 8.2 to
6.7! So that is great!,” says Eugenia.

We agree!

The A1C test that Eugenia mentions measures the glucose (blood sugar)
in your blood by assessing the amount of what’s called glycated
hemoglobin. “Hemoglobin is a protein within red blood cells. As
glucose enters the bloodstream, it binds to hemoglobin, or glycates.

The American Diabetes Association recommends that you have the A1C
test two times each year. This simple blood draw can be done in your
doctor’s office. A1C test results provide insight into how your
treatment plan is working or might be modified to better manage your
blood sugars.

Understanding your A1C levels is an important part of your overall
diabetes management. If you have any questions about your A1C levels
or what they mean, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor.

“I also suffer from dry skin because of my diabetes and the MK skin
care systems are the best.I use the Satin Hand set. It is the best and works great for your feet as well. I also use the TimeWise Repair set which is perfect for all of us “older” gals.

It’s important to treat dry skin if you’re living with diabetes. Skin that’s too dry can crack, itch, and get infected. Basic skin care can go far toward helping you prevent problems later on. If you have questions or if a cut, scrape, or bruise worries you, talk to your doctor or dermatologist right away.

Don’t miss Diabetes Late Nite inspired by George Michael on Tuesday, February 7, 2017, 6-7 PM, EST. Enjoy our first-ever Valentine’s Day Party featuring Chef Ward Alper aka ‘The Decadent Diabetic’, ‘Rich In Love’ fashion blogger Doris Hobbs, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie.

February’s podcast is part of Diabetes Podcast Week in support of the “Spare A Rose, Save A Child” campaign. “Spare A Rose, Save A Child” encourages people to buy one less rose this Valentine’s Day and donate the value of that flower to children with diabetes. Donations go to Life for a Child, an International Diabetes Federation program which provides life-saving diabetes supplies, medication, and education that children in developing countries need to stay alive.

Learning to accept yourself for who you are is the most important step to self-love. Stop comparing yourself to others and learn to embrace the person you are.