It’s important for anyone with diabetes to rise to the occasion, not delay and get an annual eye exam from an ophthalmologist so that diabetic retinopathy can be detected early.
In its early stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR), you may not notice any symptoms or changes to your eyesight that this condition is damaging your eyes. If it is not detected and treated in a timely manner, your vision can be damaged permanently.
A basic eye exam cannot detect all aspects of diabetic retinopathy so you will require special exams. To get a better look at the inside of the eye, your doctor might use eye drops to dilate the pupils and may then view the retina with lenses and a special light called a slit lamp.
What Causes Diabetic Retinopathy?
Over time, high blood sugar damages the walls of the small blood vessels in the eye, altering their structure and function. These blood vessels may thicken, leak, develop clots, close off, or grow balloon-like defects called microaneurysms. Often, fluid builds up in the part of the retina used in tasks such as reading. This condition is called macular edema.
What is Macular Edema?
Like I mentioned above, macular edema is the build-up of fluid in the center of the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye and the macula is the part of the retina responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision. Fluid buildup distorts vision
In advanced cases, the retina loses its blood supply and grows new, but defective, vessels. These fragile vessels can bleed and cause more problems, including glaucoma.
I had my pupils dilated at my recent eye exam. It’s not painful, and the peace of mind alone is worth protecting my sight was worth any discomfort with light sensitivity.
Still, hesitating to go to the eye doctor? Let the R & B group, Deele‘s biggest hits, “Two Occasions”(you’ve got two eyes, right?) inspire you to schedule a regular eye exam to maintain healthy vision.
There is a big difference between comprehensive eye exams and routine eye exams. Routine eye exams are the appointments that you make when you need to get a new prescription for your glasses.
A comprehensive eye exam is typically an annual appointment where your eye doctor checks both your vision and overall eye health. This is important because the eye is a small, complex, and essential part of the body. Not only do our eyes help us to see, but they can also show signs of other eye and health conditions.
We’re talking about Eye Challenges related to Diabetes with musical inspiration from TLC on August’s Diabetes Late Nite Podcast on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, 6 PM, EST
Guests include two leading doctors, Optometrist Sherrol Reynolds M.D. (Associate Professor and Chief of Advanced Ophthalmic Care at the Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, President of the National Optometric Association (NOA)), Retina Specialist and Surgeon Rishi Singh, M.D. (Retina Specialist and Staff Surgeon at the Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic), two Diabetes Eye Health Advocates Andrea Sledge and Natalie Karabel, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES. Hosted by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek.
Throughout our podcast, we are featuring music from TLC’s CrazySexyCoolalbum courtesy of SONY Music.
Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?
Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Salad Making Party with special guest, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWWC, FANDon Wednesday, August 18, 2021, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.
Whether your doctor warned you about your high blood pressure at your last visit or you tested it yourself at a pharmacy, it should be taken seriously. According to the Mayo Clinic, “The higher your blood pressure and the longer it goes uncontrolled, the greater the damage.”
Barry White battled chronic high blood pressure, which caused kidney failure.
When the blood vessels become damaged, the nephrons that filter your blood don’t receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to function well reports the American Heart Association. This is why high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) is the second leading cause of kidney failure. Over time, mismanaged high blood pressure can cause arteries around the kidneys to narrow, weaken or harden. These damaged arteries are not able to deliver enough blood to the kidney tissue.
Damaged kidney arteries do not filter blood well
When the arteries become damaged, the nephrons do not receive the essential oxygen and nutrients — and the kidneys lose their ability to filter blood and regulate the fluid, hormones, acids, and salts in the body.
Damaged kidneys fail to regulate blood pressure.
Healthy kidneys produce a hormone called aldosterone to help the body regulate blood pressure. Kidney damage and mismanaged high blood pressure each contribute to a negative spiral. As more arteries become blocked and stop functioning, the kidneys eventually fail.
“Doctors confirmed that Barry White had a history of hypertension [high blood pressure], which led to a decline of kidney function,” a statement from Island Def Jam Music Group said.
In a career spanning 30 years, the 58-year-old Barry White has sold 100 million albums. He has twice been admitted to hospital in recent years suffering from hypertension – once in 1995 and again in 1998.
Divabetic fans have turned Divabetic’s 5th Annual Mystery podcast, Swan Wake, a bonafide hit during the pandemic with high than average ratings over the past month.
“I’m overjoyed by the news that people are rediscovering our cozy mystery twist on presenting diabetes information,” says Max’ Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. “Zippora Karz’s real-life story as a ballerina living with type 1 diabetes inspired our story. I talked to Zippora several times to ensure the ballet details are correct.”
Currently, Max is in the midst of rehearsals and script rewrites for this year’s mystery podcast, A Christmas Peril.
Max adds, “this rating boost makes all the time, effort, and talent that our cast members devote to this podcast so worthwhile.”
When the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, heads to the box office to fix a mix-up with his Swan Lake tickets, he’s faced with an even bigger problem – a murder. To make matters worse, one of his latest culinary creations, a gluten-free cheesecake, is covering the victim’s face. Even more shocking are the numerous scandals swirling around the Gotham City Ballet and its members that have everyone walking around on tiptoes. So could our happy healthcare host’s questionable culinary skills make him an accessory to a crime?
So now, Mr. Divabetic, with the help of his team of whip-smart Diabetes Educators, a Best-Selling Mystery writer, Tonya Kappes, and his own nosy Italian Mother, Mama Rose Marie must whip up his own crime-solving recipe. Fast–before a hearty dose of intrigue and a deadly dash of danger ends his diabetes advocacy and healthy catering career once and for all.
Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, We Are Diabetes organization founder Asha Brown, Seveda Williams, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Mary Ann Nicolay MEd, DTR, Mama Rose Marie and Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ and Lorraine Brooks star in Divabetic’s 5th Annual Mystery podcast, Swan Wake.
Keith was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes back in 2006. However, he doesn’t feel his family history of diabetes (a few extended members with diabetes) is responsible for his diagnosis. Instead, he blames his eating habits.
“I didn’t take my diabetes seriously for the first ten years of my diagnosis,” Keith admits. “I never checked my blood sugars. I wasn’t exercising or watching what I ate. My doctors told me I had diabetes, and I didn’t do anything about it. I had all the information at my disposal. But I wasn’t applying it. I’d lie about checking my blood sugars with my doctor. My doctor would look at my blood work and challenge me. My grandmother had this saying, “someone will never do what they need to do until they’re ready to do it” — which pretty much sums up my mindset back then.“
Looking back, Keith feels his careless attitude could result from no one around him growing up taking their diabetes seriously either.
“As a kid, we referred to diabetes as ‘sugar.’ I knew I had diabetes, but it was just a word; I didn’t think of it as a disease. I never thought it was something fatal. Or as something that could take your limbs, sight, or life. I didn’t put any of that into perspective for the first ten years.”
“My close friend’s unexpected passing from diabetes was a wake-up call. That’s when I started to manage my diabetes. ”
Keith continued with regular doctor visits but started to adhere to a medication routine, exercising at home (watching exercise DVDs), and eating healthy.
Eventually, he had to have part of a toe removed.
“My foot issue happened about five years ago after I got serious with my diabetes.”
Keith’s foot issues sparked his desire to have weight loss surgery.
“Four years ago, I had gastric sleeve surgery. Several friends and family underwent the same surgery, so I knew about it. I talked to my doctor about it after I found out it would help with my diabetes.”
“I was pretty successful at managing my weight until I got the Security job in December of 2020. The stomach is a muscle and can be stretched back to its original shape if you’re not exercising and eating right. Both of which have happened since taking this job. I’ve been doing ok since being off for the summer, but at 56 years old, it’s hard to get that momentum back and in high gear to where I was before getting my job.”
Managing diabetes at work can be challenging, especially if you cannot get up and move around freely. I spoke to Keith about his new security job on the NBC TV show, The Blacklist, what a typical day is like, and how his work environment has been affecting his diabetes wellness.
Q: What is your typical schedule for the day and week when you work security?
A: On the Security job, I work 16-18 hours or more a day. I don’t get any breaks; the only break is when you go to the bathroom. Lunch is brought to you from craft services. So basically, you on your post from the time you arrive at 4:30 am until you leave, which can be anytime in the evening/night.
Q: How does your work schedule affect your health?
A: My health has been up & down gained weight since starting this job on 12/2020.
Q: Has your sleep schedule changed?
A: I don’t get much sleep. I get up at 2:15 am and work till at least 7 or 8 pm.
Q: Has your diet changed since starting your job? Gained or lost weight since working this job?
A; I have gained ten pounds. I’ve gone from 176 lbs to 186 lbs (I was weighed at the doctor today).
Q: Has your fitness level changed?
A: With these job hours, I haven’t worked out since starting the job.
Q: Have you been to the doctor since starting this job? If so, have there been any changes? What are they? In meds? A1C? etc.
A: I still make all my doctor appointments, my weight has gone up my A1C fluctuates from good to not so good. I blame it on me being a foodie and craft services and having no self-control.
Photo by Flex Point Security on Unsplash
Q: How much physical activity do you get at work? If you don’t get physical activity, then describe what you do – are you sitting all day, in one place, moving around from area to area, etc.
A: I get absolutely NO physical activity on this job. I sit, stand, walk, but it’s not enough to break any kind of sweat or get the body in a serious routine. I have to control my eating, and that’s it with this job.
Q: What do you typically eat when you’re at work?
A: I eat pretty healthy. I eat many fruits, vegetables, some fish & chicken, water, tea, nuts, etc.
Q: Do you bring your own food, or is it provided?
A: We have Craft Service, which has EVERYTHING you can imagine, from shrimp calamari ribs soups, fish wraps, vegan dishes, cakes, pies, cookies, etc. So I eat pretty healthy fruits, vegetables, fish and chicken nuts, water tea sometimes snacks like cookies, chips, gummies, but not much.
Q: Describe some of the challenges you face managing type 2 diabetes at your job?
A: As I mentioned before, I’m a foodie, and there isn’t a lot to do. You’re bored lots of the time, so I eat it’s all me. So I’ve gotta have better self-control.
Q: What would make it easier for you to manage your diabetes at work?
A: Honestly, not going back. The job is also located on the water, so it’s extremely cold even when the weather is nice outside. The studios are located right alongside enclosed parking lots. There are always continuous drafts. No matter how layered up you are being in one place for hours, the cold still creeps in on the body.
Q: Any additional thoughts on the ‘the struggle is real’ scenario?
A: As I mentioned earlier, I’m a ‘foodie.’ I’ve got to have self-control over myself; I can’t give in to boredom. I must develop a backbone.
Since many of us are facing similar issues that Keith mentioned, I reached out to Divabetic friend and colleague, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND to get her advice on the issues that Keith is facing in his current work environment.
Jill has authored four books. Diabetes Weight Loss Week by Week is a bestseller and can help you manage your weight and blood sugar at the same time. The Overworked Person’s Guide to Better Nutrition offers solutions to your everyday food and nutrition problems – no matter how busy you are. 21 Things You Need to Know About Diabetes and Your Heart gives you specific actions to take to improve your health right away. And Jill’s newest book Prediabetes: A Complete Guide leads you through dozens of concrete steps to lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other chronic health problems.
Q: What advice can you share for someone who tends to overeat out of boredom?
Jill Weisenberger (JW): I like making rules with exceptions. For example, “I do not eat unless it’s a meal or a planned snack. Period. Except when … ” So, for me, it’s except when I’m offered something I will have no opportunity to try another time (gelato in Italy, Sacher torte at the Sacher Hotel, etc.)
Q: What strategies can you share for someone who is surrounded by too much food at work that’s trying to maintain a healthy weight?
JW: Same as above. Additionally, I think it’s important to build in treats. Once I worked at a job that always had lots of junk food. So I planned that every Wednesday afternoon, I’d pick one thing. I did that for 8 years.
Q: What advice can you give someone who admits to having ‘no self-control’? (I know you have written about this topic. Can you also share the link to one of your blog posts on it?)
JW: Most importantly, address your environment. You have more control over your environment than you do over your willpower.
Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?
Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Salad Making Party with our special guest, Nationally recognized Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes EducatorJill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWWC, FANDon Wednesday, August 18, 2021, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.
Eating a salad sounds healthy, doesn’t it? But a leafy green salad can go bad when you pile on the high calorie and high carb toppings, dressings, and other deep-fried offerings.
How do you make a great-tasting salad without sacrificing your diabetes wellness?
Special Guest, Jill Weisenberger shares 2-3 of her favorite nutrient-dense salad and tasty dressing recipes that you can make at home and answers your nutrition questions.
Sometimes scrolling through Instagram pays off. I came across this easy-to-make Eating Well’s Strawberry-Chocolate Greek Yogurt Bark recipe. It’s a perfect Summertime time snack because this treat is frozen so you can break it into chunks just like chocolate bark. I shared this recipe with my friend and fellow Divabetic Mystery podcast castmate, Seveda Williams. Seveda has appeared in Gypsies, Tramps & Peas (‘Boom Boom LaRue’), Swan Wake, Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes (‘Agnes Frumpster’), Kill Me Madam (‘Goldie Hightower’), and the upcoming A Christmas Peril (‘Ruby Garland’) podcasts.
“This year’s podcast is an early Christmas treat because it’s so much fun to be a part of. On top of the crazy plot twists, there’s so much great information and explanation. Plus, this year’s mystery has an important message to share with isteners.”
Seveda texted me back that this Greek Yogurt Bark is delicious! “It’s a delightful cold treat that’s easy to make, says Seveda. “I added some vanilla bean, cinnamon, and pistachios because I love chocolate and pistachios. Keep in mind, it takes a while to set up in the freezer so leave it in overnight.”
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s low calorie, low carb, gluten-free, and low sodium. Plus, it’s packed with protein.
Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?
Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Salad Making Party with special guest, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWWC, FANDon Wednesday, August 18, 2021, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.
Eating a salad sounds healthy, doesn’t it? But a leafy green salad can go bad when you pile on the high calorie and high carb toppings, dressings, and other deep-fried offerings.
Tune in to Divabetic’s 11th Podcast Anniversary with musical inspiration from Toni Braxton. Click Here.
The seven-time Grammy Award-winner has sold over 70 million records and is one of the best-selling R&B artists of all time.
When Toni Braxton was first diagnosed with systemic lupus in 2008, her doctors told her that she would need a heart transplant and might not ever perform again.
“I remember being petrified,” she said. “I was scared. I didn’t know anything about lupus.”
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect the joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels. It can also lead to heart disease and kidney disease.
Insulin resistance is increased in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Insulin resistance occurs when excess glucose in the blood reduces the ability of the cells to absorb and use blood sugar for energy. This increases the risk of developing prediabetes, and eventually, type 2 diabetes.
Guests include Dr. Sara Reece, PharmD – NGMC, GME, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Keith Anthony Fluitt, and Sonya Hogans. Hosted by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek.
Special guest, Stacey Harris aka The Diabetic Pastry Chefdemonstrates one of her favorite sugar-free recipes, answers your questions, and shares the dos and don’ts of baking with popular sugar substitutes at Divabetic’s upcoming Free Program on Zoom.
After being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Stacey Harris (‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’) taught herself how to make pound cake, pecan rolls, pies, muffins, cupcakes, and other baked goods with about half the carbs you’d get from a traditional bakery item.
“I started experimenting by using almond milk or whole milk mixed with water to cut down on carbs, then tried different flours, incorporating white whole wheat flour, soy flour, oat flour, black bean flour, and other alternatives into my brownies, cakes, and cookies,” she said in a How 2 Type 2 article.
She adds,” To cut back on sugar, I started using all-natural substitutes, like agave nectar, and trying erythritol. I also bake with a store-bought blend of sugars that tastes delicious.”
All of The Diabetic Pastry Chef‘s recipes are adapted to her preferences and dietary needs; we encourage you to adapt them to yours!
Stacey Harris aka The Diabetic Pastry Chefshares her recipes in a fabulous book so that people with type 2 diabetes and others looking for sugar-free treats can make their own lower-carb versions of baked goods at home. She also started her own online bakery that ships homemade treats all across the country. The most common thing she hears from customers is, “I don’t even miss the extra sugar!”
Don’t miss Divabetic’s upcoming Free Baking Party Program with The Diabetic Pastry on Zoom on Thursday, September 23, 2021, 7-8 PM, EST.
There’s a good indication that murder might be part of the recipe when Nantucket’s ten-time reigning Baking Champion’s last name is ‘Coffin’. But resentment, greed, and Britannia’s own bad dealings turn everyone into a suspect when she’s found dead in the parking lot just before the Annual Decadents on Deck! Bake Off competition is about to kick off.
Delusional baker and amateur sleuth Mr. Divabetic is even shocked to find himself being treated as a suspect in the case by the local police, after meeting her just once!
As if his life wasn’t crazy enough before, escaping a murderous mishap in New York and attempting a fresh start in Nantucket has turned into a complete and utter baking disaster, now Max, along with his friends and nosy mother, have to add tracking down a murderer to his To-Do list, as well.
Can our team hunt down the real murderer before they strike again? Will he become the next victim? Can Max ever manage to bake a cake that’s actually edible?
Divabetic’s Mystery podcast cast includes USA Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst-Nicolay MEd, NDRT, Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Wendy Radford, Coach The Cure‘s Trisha Artman, Mama Rose Marie, Seveda Williams, and Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. Produced by Leisa Chester-Weir.
Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from the Broadway Cast Album of ‘Call Me Madam’ courtesy of SONY Music.
We’re thrilled to announce that the reigning Ms. Texas Plus U.S United, Andrea Sledge, has chosen Divabetic as her platform for this year’s pageant.
Andrea told us, “I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2011. My diagnosis was a complete surprise. I had attended a health fair at work, and they took my blood sugar, and the nurse immediately asked me to sit, asked me if I felt ok and then told me my blood sugar was 325.” She continues, “I had been seeing a doctor for regular physicals, but he never said a word to me even though I have a family history of diabetes. My maternal grandmother and both of my paternal grandparents suffered from diabetes.”
“Once I heard the words ‘you are diabetic,’ I was in denial! I went into a deep depression., I immediately thought of myself as less than. So I searched for an outlet that would help me get back to ME. I started competing in pageants and using diabetes and diabetes awareness as my platform. It made me so much stronger because then I took control of how it made me feel and the stigma surrounding diabetes. I wanted people to understand that being diabetic does not look nor define you as a person. You just have to do some things differently, but you can still be social. I did pretty well for several years until 2019 when I was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy.”
Diabetic retinopathyis when high blood sugar levels cause damage to blood vessels in the retina. These blood vessels can swell and leak. Or they can close, stopping blood from passing through. Sometimes abnormal new blood vessels grow on the retina. All of these changes can steal your vision.
Diabetic retinopathy is best diagnosed with a comprehensive dilated eye exam. For this exam, drops placed in your eyes widen (dilate) your pupils to allow your doctor a better view inside your eyes. The drops can cause your close vision to blur until they wear off, several hours later.
During the exam, your eye doctor will look for abnormalities in the inside and outside parts of your eyes.
There are two main stages of diabetic eye disease.
NPDR (non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy)
This is the early stage of diabetic eye disease. Many people with diabetes have it.
With NPDR, tiny blood vessels leak, making the retina swell. When the macula swells, it is called macular edema. This is the most common reason why people with diabetes lose their vision.
Also with NPDR, blood vessels in the retina can close off. This is called macular ischemia. When that happens, blood cannot reach the macula. In addition, sometimes tiny particles called exudates can form in the retina. These can affect your vision too.
If you have NPDR, your vision will be blurry.
PDR (proliferative diabetic retinopathy)
PDR is the more advanced stage of diabetic eye disease. It happens when the retina starts growing new blood vessels. This is called neovascularization. You might see a few dark floaters. If they bleed a lot, it might block all vision.
These new blood vessels can form scar tissue. Scar tissue can cause problems with the macula or lead to a detached retina.
PDR is very serious and can steal both your central and peripheral (side) vision.
If you have proliferative diabetic retinopathy or macular edema, you’ll need prompt treatment. Depending on the specific problems with your retina, options might include: injecting medications into your eyes, photocoagulation, panretinal photocoagulation, and vitrectomy.
While treatment can slow or stop the progression of diabetic retinopathy, it’s not a cure. Future retinal damage and vision loss are still possible.
Even after treatment for diabetic retinopathy, you’ll need regular eye exams. At some point, you might need additional treatment.
“I was totally blind for about a year after my surgery. I have now lost my vision in my left eye, but I am still pressing on,” says Andrea. But, she adds, “I chose not to quit the pageant because I can inspire others to push past the curve balls life throws at us.”
The mission of the U.S. United Pageant is to promote health, fitness, and inner beauty among women and children of all ethnic groups while producing positive role models for the community; to develop women that will promote self-confidence, self-worth, moral, academic, and social support for our youth; and to publicly recognize women who have obtained personal, professional and community achievements.
“Following your organization, Divabetic, over the years has really helped me in so many ways,” says Andrea. “One thing I do that makes me feel better when I am feeling down is put on makeup!! I also practice meditation to keep myself centered. In addition, I believe mediation aids me in achieving better health. It helps me manage my blood pressure and stress which is no good for anyone, but surely not a diabetic.”
Regular eye care can have a life-changing impact on preserving your vision. Eye diseases are common and can go unnoticed for a long time and/or have no symptoms at first. A comprehensive dilated eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist is necessary to find eye diseases in the early stages when treatment to prevent vision loss is most effective.
This August, we’re focusing on eye health, and vision loss related to diabetes with two leading doctors(an Optometrist and a Retina Specialist, and Surgeon)and two diabetes advocates, and musical inspiration from TLC.
Did you know August is Vision & Learning Month?
The goal of this national observance is to help increase awareness among parents and educators on the prevalence of undiagnosed or misdiagnosed vision problems.
Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults. This is a growing problem as the number of people living with diabetes increases, so does the number of people with impaired vision. Diabetes can cause a disease of the eye called diabetic retinopathy (DR). In its early stages, you may not notice any symptoms or changes to your eyesight, and you cannot tell that this condition is damaging your eyes. If it is not detected and treated in a timely manner, your vision can be damaged permanently.
Among adults aged 45 and over with diagnosed diabetes, 9.2% had vision loss due to cataracts, 4.1% had vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy, 2.2% had vision loss due to macular degeneration, and 2.1% had vision loss due to glaucoma.
Guests include Sherrol Reynolds M.D. (Associate Professor and Chief of Advanced Ophthalmic Care at the Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, President of the National Optometric Association (NOA)), Rishi Singh, M.D. (Retina Specialist and Staff Surgeon at the Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic), Andrea Sledge, Natalie Karabel,Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES. Hosted by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek.
Throughout our podcast, we are featuring music from TLC’s CrazySexyCool albumcourtesy of SONY Music.
Markie, whose real name was Marcel Theo Hall, was a rapper, producer, and DJ in his career but will forever be known for his quirky 1989 single “Just a Friend.”
The rapper was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2011, but said in 2014 that he lost 140 pounds since the diagnosis due to healthy lifestyle changes.
“I wanted to live,” Markie told ABC News at the time. “Since I have to be a diabetic, If I didn’t make the changes, it was going to make the diabetes worse. I’m trying to get off [diabetes medications]. The way you gotta do it is lose the weight. I’m off half my meds, I just got to get off the rest.”
“They said I could lose my feet,” he added. “They said I could lose body parts. A lot of things could happen.”
Mr. Divabetic talks with entertainer Keith Anthony Fluitt and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES about DJ Frankie Knuckles’s foot amputation and lower limb amputations related to diabetes on July’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.
‘Just A Friend’ was Biz Markie’s only song to chart in the top 100, but it cemented his legacy in hip-hop forever. The song’s video, which featured the rapper don a powder-white wig as he played the piano and belted out the classic chorus: “You, you’ve got what I need/ but you say he’s just a friend/ and you say he’s just a friend/ oh baby, you, you’ve got what I need.” helped to make the tune iconic.
Biz Markie also appeared in several films and TV shows, including “Men in Black II,” as a narrator on the adult puppet show “Crank Yankers,” and on the children’s series “Yo Gabba Gabba!” with his “Biz’s Beat of the Day.”
“The weirdest thing about my fame is that when I’m thinking that it’s almost over, it just sparks back up,” Biz Markie told the Post. “I made ‘Just a Friend’ in ’89. Some people’s records die — it sprouts up. Now it’s 30 years later, and it’s sprouted up again in commercials. They’re not letting me die. The public, the fans, they like me around.”
“I’m going to be Biz Markie until I die,” he said. “Even after I die, I’m going to be Biz Markie.“
Phife Dawg of A Tribe Called Quest also passed away from the same complications back in 2016. The iconic rapper and lyricist passed away at the age of 45 after facing a battle with his diabetes diagnosis.
We’re focusing on ‘KIDNEYS and DIABETES’ on this episode of Diabetes Late Nite with musical inspiration from A Tribe Called Quest.
Phife Dawg, born Malik Taylor, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in May of 1990. Experiencing constant thirst and bathroom visits, his grandmother, a nurse, tested him for diabetes after a performance in Connecticut. Initially, Phife admitted he did not take his diagnosis seriously and maintained the same lifestyle.
“It’s really a sickness,” Taylor said in Beats, Rhymes & Life, Michael Rapaport’s candid 2011 documentary on the group. “Like straight-up drugs. I’m just addicted to sugar.”
Phife’s initial resistance to treatment made it necessary for him to go on dialysis followed by a kidney transplant in 2008. This past March he died at age 45.
“When you learn you have diabetes, the first word you have to learn is acceptance,” he said during an interview with dLife TV hoping to encourage others to learn from his mistakes.
June’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests include MaryAnn Nicolay DTR, Dr. Braxton Cosby, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Funny Man Mike, Arnon Krongrad, MD, Catherine Lawrence, and Mama Rose Marie.
We will be featuring selected songs from their first album, People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, released in 1990, courtesy of SONY MUSIC.
The words we say to ourselves are the most harmful.
Negative talk we repeatedly say to ourselves goes deep to our core. Unintentionally these repeated hurtful phrases playing inside our minds stop us from achieving our health goals. Moreover, every insult we say to ourselves chips away bit by bit at our self-confidence until it’s gone.
My big takeaway from Valerie Bertinelli’s recent confessional video about body shaming is that the voice inside Valerie’s head is probably much more toxic than comments posted by strangers. Valerie, like the rest of us, is capable of being her own worst enemy at times. Our internal conversation and negative thoughts can be extremely limiting.
I assume her tearful reaction to the comments posted about her weight confirmed her worse fears about herself.
“You have to separate who you are from your weight,” says my friend and colleague, Dr. Beverly S. “Dr. Bev” Adler, Ph.D., CDCES. I’m paraphrasing her words, but she added, “You are not your weight.” Dr. Bev is a licensed Clinical Psychologist, Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist, Author, and Speaker who specializes in treating the emotional issues of people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Dr. Bev has been a frequent guest on Divabetic’s popular monthly podcasts. Most notably, she appeared on a series of Diabetes podcasts spotlighting the five stages of accepting a diabetes diagnosis.
Have you ever thought that you weren’t good enough? When we feel we aren’t good enough (young enough, tall enough, skinny enough, smart enough, attractive enough, etc.) we tend to drown in this emotion of self-doubt and pity. But the truth is that we are all good enough and worthy of receiving what we want in life.
Photo by Nik Shuliahin on Unsplash
Instead of saying, “I am not good enough,” tell yourself that you are worthy, just like everyone else
Here’s my story:
I know that from personal experience that we can defeat ourselves before we even try. I let my psoriasis stop me from going to the beach or, more specifically, Asbury Park, NJ because I thought my psoriasis patches were so unsightly. Finally, after several years of avoiding the beach, I agreed to go with friends. At the time, several patches of psoriasis on my torso were visible. I felt uncomfortable taking off my shirt in public and exposing my psoriasis, but it was too hot to keep in on. I barely had my shirt off when my biggest fear became a reality. A woman I didn’t know approached me on the beach, pointed at my patches, and told me that my patches looked ugly. I couldn’t believe she said aloud what I had been telling myself for years. But in a moment, I realized what she said wasn’t nearly as bad as what I said to myself. I described my psoriasis patches as ‘horrible’ and ‘disgusting’. The word she used ‘ugly,’ by comparison, is lightweight to the terms I choose to tell myself. My mood quickly changed. I wasn’t going to let some small-minded person stop me from enjoyment.
Looking back, I’m so grateful for that brief interaction in Asbury Park. It made me realize that the only person who could stop me from doing the things I loved was myself. We need to love ourselves unconditionally. It’s not easy but if you ease up on yourself and sprinkled words of kindness into your daily thoughts you’ll be surprised by the results. Our thoughts directly affect how we feel and, therefore, what we do in life. Don’t limit yourself or your dazzle! See you on the beach!
3 Simple Ways You Can Start Loving Yourself Unconditionally from Vunela
Give yourself permission to follow your heart.
Forgive yourself for past mistakes.
Show love and kindness to others.
“If you can learn to love yourself and all the flaws, you can love other people so much better. And that makes you so happy” — Kristin Chenoweth
The seven-time Grammy Award-winner has sold over 70 million records and is one of the best-selling R&B artists of all time.
We are featuring music from Toni Braxton’s multi-platinum second album, “Secrets”. This year marks the 25th Anniversary of its release. Toni has said about her sophomore album: “The motivation for this album was to include a little bit of everything. Our aim was to come up with material that would have a familiar ‘feel’ to the people who bought the first album without being musically redundant.”
The album’s first single, “You’re Makin’ Me High” became her first #1 hit on the Hot 100 singles chart.
The album’s second single, penned by Diane Warren, “Un-Break My Heart” became Toni Braxton’s biggest hit spending eleven weeks at #1 on the Hot 100 and also topping the Hot Dance Singles Sales chart.
Other album singles include “I Don’t Want To”/”I Love Me Some Him” (which peaked at number one on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart) and “How Could an Angel Break My Heart”.
When Toni Braxton was first diagnosed with systemic lupus in 2008, her doctors told her that she would need a heart transplant and might not ever perform again.
“I remember being petrified,” she said. “I was scared. I didn’t know anything about lupus.”
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect the joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels. It can also lead to heart disease and kidney disease.
Insulin resistance is increased in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Insulin resistance occurs when excess glucose in the blood reduces the ability of the cells to absorb and use blood sugar for energy. This increases the risk of developing prediabetes, and eventually, type 2 diabetes.
July’s podcast guests include Dr. Sara Reece, PharmD – NGMC, GME, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Keith Anthony Fluitt, and Sonya Hogans. Hosted by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek.
This August, we’re talking with two leading doctors(an Optometrist and a Retina Specialist, and Surgeon)and two diabetes advocates about eye health, and vision loss related to diabetes with musical inspiration from TLC.
Let this be a friendly reminder to get your eyes checked. Why? A routine, comprehensive eye exam can detect vision problems, eye disease, and general health problems before you are aware a problem exists.
Did you know that August is Vision & Learning Month? The goal of this national observance is to help increase awareness among parents and educators on the prevalence of undiagnosed or misdiagnosed vision problems.
Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults. This is a growing problem as the number of people living with diabetes increases, so does the number of people with impaired vision. Diabetes can cause a disease of the eye called diabetic retinopathy (DR). In its early stages, you may not notice any symptoms or changes to your eyesight, and you cannot tell that this condition is damaging your eyes. If it is not detected and treated in a timely manner, your vision can be damaged permanently.
Diabetes can lead to swelling in the macula, which is called diabetic macular edema. Over time, this disease can destroy the sharp vision in this part of the eye, leading to partial vision loss or blindness. Macular edema usually develops in people who already have other signs of diabetic retinopathy.
Fortunately, diabetic retinopathy and macular edema can be treated and even prevented if caught early (which is why getting an annual dilated eye exam is so important for people who have diabetes).
Another eye problem that’s more common in people who have diabetes is dry eye. According to the National Eye Institute, dry eye is a condition in which the eye does not produce tears properly. It can also involve tears not having the right consistency or evaporating too quickly. Tears are necessary to help maintain moisture on the surface of the eye and for clear vision. In many cases the surface of the eye becomes inflamed; if not treated, pain, ulcers, scars, and possibly loss of some vision can occur. One study showed that people who have diabetes have a 50% chance of getting dry eye.
Among adults aged 45 and over with diagnosed diabetes, 9.2% had vision loss due to cataracts, 4.1% had vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy, 2.2% had vision loss due to macular degeneration, and 2.1% had vision loss due to glaucoma.
Guests include Sherrol Reynolds M.D. (Associate Professor and Chief of Advanced Ophthalmic Care at the Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, President of the National Optometric Association (NOA)), Rishi Singh, M.D. (Retina Specialist and Staff Surgeon at the Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic), Andrea Sledge, Natalie Karabel, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES. Hosted by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek.
Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcasts mix great music with diabetes information, health tips, real-life testimonials, and common sense advice to help you live well with diabetes
Throughout our podcast, we are featuring music from TLC’s CrazySexyCool album courtesy of SONY Music. CrazySexyCool has been certified 12-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), making TLC the first girl group in history to be awarded Diamond status. CrazySexyCool has since sold over 14 million copies worldwide, becoming the best-selling album by an American girl group.
In addition to its commercial success, the project was also critically acclaimed and earned six Grammy nominations. The group would take home hardware for Best R&B Album and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals (“Creep). The trio also broke ground by winning four MTV Video Music Awards in 1995 including Video of the Year. This made TLC the first African-American act to ever receive the honor.
A number of R&B groups would follow in the footsteps of TLC and leave their mark on the music world. But, none have yet to duplicate the magic captured by T-Boz, Chili, and Left Eye.
Released on November 15, 1994, CrazySexyCool served as a rallying cry for young women across the globe embracing their liberal nature, while analyzing various matters of the heart.
