Category: Diva TalkRadio

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Reflections of a Unicorn with Type 1 Diabetes by Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDCES, Part 4

The Past 20 Years

In 2001, I returned to my career. The question was: what did I want to do? In my heart of hearts, I wanted to work with people with diabetes. And so, it started. I worked per diem at a local hospital’s counseling center establishing myself as their diabetes expert. I spoke to diabetes support groups and I earned my credential as a “CDE” (known then as Certified Diabetes Educator, now referred to as “CDCES” Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist). In 2004, I took the big leap and I started my own full-time private practice.  Notable special achievements (besides my two children) were my two books.  In 2011, I published my first book “My Sweet Life: Successful Women with Diabetes.” In 2012, I published my second book “My Sweet Life: Successful Men with Diabetes.” Both books include insightful lessons of empowerment written by successful men and women with diabetes.

I’ve been honored to present several Invited Addresses. Included in those was the Keynote Address, sponsored by Divabetic.org, at their Victory Over Diabetes outreach event, presented with the Center for Urban Health at Thoms Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. in November 2015. My topic was: “Combining Cognitive Behavior Therapy and a Spiritual Approach to Achieve Diabetes Acceptance.” I’ve also been honored to receive many achievement awards throughout my career, too numerous to mention.

In March 2020, I experienced a new challenge to my health.  I contracted the Coronavirus. Thankfully, I was not admitted to the hospital; I was able to manage on my own. I had a low-grade fever for two weeks, no appetite, no energy, and very high blood sugars. I tried to stay hydrated (and used sugar-free flavor packets with electrolytes poured into my water bottles). One year later, I am suffering from post-COVID syndrome, also known as “long haulers syndrome,” with extreme fatigue. Despite my extreme fatigue I continue to treat my patients. The pandemic has had a psychological impact on everybody. I see more patients now struggling with mental health concerns, such as stress and anxiety, depression and bereavement.  If anybody is reading this and you feel you need some extra emotional support, please reach out to your healthcare provider or your local hospital for assistance.

Read Part 1

Read Part 2

Read Part 3

Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDCES has published two books which include insightful lessons of empowerment written by successful men and women with diabetes. Available for purchase.

Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDCES guests on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from Anthony Hamilton. Throughout the podcast, we will be featuring songs from Home For The Holidays courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

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What Is Insulin Sensitivity?

Insulin sensitivity refers to how responsive your cells are to insulin. You are insulin sensitive if a small amount of insulin needs to be secreted to deposit a certain amount of glucose, and insulin resistant if a lot of insulin needs to be secreted to deposit the same amount of glucose.
Basically, being insulin sensitive means that your body is properly utilizing food and converting the correct amount of glucose for energy.
Experts state that improving insulin sensitivity can help you reduce insulin resistance and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

What Is Insulin Resistance?

When the body’s cells are insulin resistant, they are unable to use insulin efficiently. This in turn results in elevated blood sugar

We’re talking about diabetes weight loss medications and blood pressure monitors for home use, and sharing one woman’s journey to manage her type 2 diabetes after the loss of her husband on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from Jessye Norman.

Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Mandy Reece PharmD CDCES, BC-ADM, BCACP, FADCES, and Know Diabetes By Heart Ambassador, Sarah Bryant.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Jessye Norman’s Roots: My Life, My Song (Live at The Philharmonie Berlin) album courtesy of SONY Music.

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If It’s Up, Then It’s Stuck: Diabetes And Constipation

Cardi B explained to Jimmy Fallon that the lyrics for her song “Up” are about constipation. The line in question, which she had borrowed from her husband Offset, is: “If it’s up, then it’s stuck.

During the exchange , Cardi B added: “Um, so have you ever taken a poop, right, and it don’t come out?” “It’s just up and it’s stuck. Yeah,” she shared. After an awkward silence, Fallon uttered, “Wow,” while Cardi simply nodded.

Cardi admits she initially thought it was a “Georgia thing” as Offset, who is from the state, says it “a lot”, but she soon learned fans from other Southern U.S. states are also familiar with the phrase too.

Unfortunately, a lot of people with diabetes can related to the uncomfortable situation that she is referring to in the song.  It’s estimated that around 60 percent of people with long-standing diabetes deal with constipation.

Diabetes and Constipation: What’s the Connection?

Some of the main causes of constipation are lifestyle choices, neuropathy, and medications that can slow down digestion.

Specifically, damage to the nerves controlling the digestive tract can lead to constipation, diarrhea, and incontinence.

Healthline recommends eating more fiber, drinking more water, and increasing your physical activity. If you don’t notice improvement, talk with your doctor about moving on to fiber supplements, stool softeners, or laxatives.

We’re talking about diabetes weight loss medications, the best blood pressure monitors for home use, and sharing one woman’s journey to manage her type 2 diabetes after the loss of her husband on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from Jessye Norman.

Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Mandy Reece PharmD CDCES, BC-ADM, BCACP, FADCES, and Know Diabetes By Heart Ambassador, Sarah Bryant.

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Divabetic’s Suspect Boulevard Mystery Podcast

How did the lady in red wind up dead at the bottom of the pool on the lush estate of one of the world’s most famous writers?

To solve this mystery we have to step back in time. Back to a quiet morning during the Santa Ana winds when our happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic arrives at the resplendent estate of NYT Best-Selling Author and Socialite Marjorie Melbourne
Blaze. He’s here to deliver the keynote address at the Annual Heart of the Diva Gala on diabetes and women with the help of the Charlie’s Angels Of outreach, Susan Weiner and Patricia Addie-Gentle.

 

Divabetic’s story of diabetes mystery and intrigue stresses why it can be deadly
to blame others for your heart’s misfortunes.

Lorraine Brooks, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, Chef Robert Lewis, USA Today Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES and Mama Rose Marie star in Divabetic’s “Suspect Boulevard Mystery” podcast.

Throughout the podcast enjoy the wonderful music by the National Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Charles Gerhardt courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic hopes to inspire you to become a Diabetes Detective will this third installment of Diabetes Mystery Theater podcast.

Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.

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Enjoy Diabetes Late Nite Podcast Inspired by Jessye Norman

We’re talking about popular diabetes weight loss medications such as Victoza and Trulicity and the best blood pressure monitors for home use as well as sharing one woman’s journey to manage her type 2 diabetes after the loss of her husband, with musical inspiration from Jessye Norman.

Jessye Norman is regarded as one of America’s greatest singers. Her powerful voice received standing ovations in opera houses all over the world. More importantly, she helped to tear down the barriers of racial injustice.

It has never been reported that Jessye Norman was living with or affected by diabetes during her lifetime. But she did face a great deal of criticism about her size. She fought back against body shaming and didn’t let people’s mean-spirited comments stop her from being who she was!

In a 1986 Los Angeles Times interview, Jessye Norman replied to critics who shamed her for her size, “It’s people like that who give me enormous energy. I’m here to prove them wrong.”

Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Mandy Reece PharmD CDCES, BC-ADM, BCACP, FADCES, and American Heart Association’s Know Diabetes By Heart Ambassador, Sarah Bryant.

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How to Cook Farro

Farro is it’s an ancient whole grain, popular for its use in Middle Eastern and Italian cuisine.  It’s packed with protein, fiber, and iron.

Keep in mind, farro is a type of wheat so it contains gluten just like any wheat product.

How to Cook Farro

  • Boil 2 cups water, 1 cup farro, and salt/salt-free seasoning in a medium saucepan.
  • Cover the pot, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  • Cook until grains are tender but not mushy, about 20 minutes.
  • Drain any excess water, and then use it as a side dish or add to other recipes.

 

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We’re talking about diabetes wellness with music from Jessye Norman on March’s Divabetic Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

“Singing is a very physical responsibility. It requires being as healthy as possible so that we can keep this instrument that we carry around in our throats rather than a nice box that we put away at night so it can do what it needs to do,” says Jessye Norman. “It’s important to take care of our bodies where our voice lives. During an opera performance one can use as many calories as a marathon runner.”

Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Mandy Reece PharmD CDCES, BC-ADM, BCACP, FADCES, Maximize Your Metabolism Authors Dr. Noel Maclaren and Sunita Singh Maclaren, and Know Diabetes By Heart Ambassador, Sarah.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Jessye Norman’s Roots: My Life, My Song (Live at The Philharmonie Berlin) album courtesy of SONY Music.

 

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The Truth About Fat

Earlier this week PBS re-aired the documentary, NOVA: The Truth About Fat
that debunks the myths and the general public’s opinion about fat and people who are overweight.
It’s must-see TV for anyone who blames themself and/or their lack of willpower for their body size.
Obesity is not a character flaw; it’s a medical issue. That’s why we need to stop blaming weight gain on willpower.
Learn more about the mysteries of fat and its role in hormone production, hunger, and even pregnancy.
  • Why don’t sumo wrestlers suffer from the health problems that other obese people do?
  • Why has evolution hardwired us to hang onto fat even when it’s unhealthy?
  • And what would happen if you had no fat at all?

Through real-life stories of hunter-gatherers, supermodels, and a BIGGEST LOSER contestant, NOVA explores the complex functions of fat and the role it plays in controlling hunger, hormones, and even reproduction on “The Truth About Fat.”

The Truth About Fat Prologue

Scientists are coming to understand fat as a dynamic organ — one whose size may have more to do with biological processes than personal choices. Explore the mysteries of fat and its role in hormone production, hunger, and even pregnancy.

We’re talking about diabetes wellness with music from Jessye Norman on March’s Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.  Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Mandy Reece PharmD CDCES, BC-ADM, BCACP, FADCES, Maximize Your Metabolism Authors Dr. Noel Maclaren and Sunita Singh Maclaren, and Know Diabetes By Heart Ambassador, Sarah.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Jessye Norman’s Roots: My Life, My Song (Live at The Philharmonie Berlin) album courtesy of SONY Music.

In an interview with Anna Deavere Smith for The Aspen Institute, March’s Diva Inspiration, Jessye Noman said, “singing is a very physical responsibility. It requires being as healthy as possible so that we can keep this instrument that we carry around in our throats rather than a nice box that we put away at night so it can do what it needs to do. It’s important to take care of our bodies where our voice lives. During an opera performance one can use as many calories as a marathon runner.”

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Jessye Norman Is Our Diva Of The Month in March!

“A person has the right, and I think the responsibility, to develop all of their talents” – Jessye Norman.

Vocalist Jessye Norman was indisputably one of the major artists of our time. A triumphant career associated with the highest level of music making has led to many honors and awards, including the Kennedy Center Honors, the National Medal of Arts, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, the Glenn Gould Prize for Music, and more than 40 honorary doctorates.

Unfortunately Jessye Norman’s size and girth were big points of conversation for listeners and reviewers alike dating back to the 1970’s. She was referred to as “a woman of generous proportions with voice to match,” and “an entire orchestra in person”.
Jessye Norman candidly said, “dress size has nothing to do with opera singing” in an interview. “And certainly there were those instances when singers were told they need to fit into a certain size dress. Of course, women. Men? They just make the costume bigger.”
It has never been reported that Jessye Norman was living with or affected by diabetes during her lifetime. However, we still admire her for standing up to criticism and being a strong, independent woman and trailblazer.  She didn’t let people’s meanspirited comments stop her from being who she was! She lived her life to the fullest and continued to challenge herself as an artist.

How do you deal with criticism about your size and/or weight?

Unfortunately insults, criticisms, and hidden messages often make us awful about ourselves. Especially if they are being said by someone close to us.
People who comment on how you look are really just offering insight into  how little they would value themselves if they looked different. People who worry a lot about putting on weight might actually be afraid that they won’t be loveable if they don’t conform. They don’t trust that they are good enough regardless of how they look. In this case, their comments can make you appreciate that you don’t have the same insecurities that they do. 
Reflecting on how you respond to criticism will make you better at addressing criticism the next time. As the old adage goes, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
Sometimes, someone’s criticism towards you has nothing to do with you. If a stranger is criticizing you on social media, for example, sometimes it is best not to respond.

Oprah Winfrey learned to not ask herself, “What’s wrong with that person?”but rather, what happened to that person?”

We also like to recommend building a really good self care routine to boost your self esteem and happiness as these will give you resilience to any criticism too.

Tune in to Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, 6 – 7:30 PM. EST. We’re talking about weight loss drugs, how to maximize your metabolism, self-love, and heart health makeovers with music from Jessye Norman.
Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE offers her opinions on the top home blood pressure monitors.
Pharmacist and Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialists Mandy Reece PharmD CDCES, BC-ADM, BCACP, FADCES provides insight on the effectiveness and side effects of weight loss drugs including iraglutide, and semaglutide.
“Maximize Your Metabolism: Lifelong Solutions to Lose Weight, Restore Energy, and Prevent Disease” Co-Authors Dr. Noel Maclaren and Sunita Singh Maclaren discuss how brain health is related to insulin resistance.
American Heart Association’s Know Diabetes By Heart Ambassador, Sarah B. shares why her mindset about her health changed after her husband’s death and how she came to adopt the motto: “We have a habit of putting limits on ourselves. We need to push beyond them.”
Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Jessye Norman’s Roots: My Life, My Song (Live at The Philharmonie Berlin) album courtesy of SONY Music.
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Healthy Red Quinoa Tabouli Recipe by Jill Weisenberger

Last night, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND shared her delicious Red Quinoa Tabouli recipe, answer our questions and even recommended some helpful kitchen tools at Divabetic’s Cooking Party on Zoom.

Jill’s latest book, The Beginner’s Guide To What To Eat With Type 2 Diabetes will teach you how to enjoy eating again without all the worry and guilt.

You’ll learn to fit in your favorite treat foods, so you never feel deprived, choose the right foods to avoid blood sugar spikes, keep track of the carb counts in your usual foods, eat to feel full – no more long-lasting hunger pangs, and more!

Enjoy a diva-licious discount on Diabetes Smarts bonus information when you purchase Jill Weisenberger’s The Beginner’s Guide To What To Eat With Type 2 Diabetes.  To save, enter the code ‘DIVABETIC’ for the bonuses to be free here.

 

“Enjoy this refreshing Mediterranean-style salad as a side dish with hot or cold foods, or make it into a meal with the addition of kabobs, chickpeas, chicken or salmon,” says Jill Weisenberger.

Healthy Red Quinoa Tabouli Recipe by Jill Weisenberger

Ingredients

Salad

  • 1 cup red quinoa cooked according to package directions with salt omitted (about 3 cups cooked)
  • 2 cups tightly packed finely chopped fresh parsley (about 3.5 ounces) Use more as desired.
  • 1/2 tightly packed cup finely chopped fresh mint (about 3/4 ounce)
  • 2 cups quartered cherry tomatoes (about 13 ounces)
  • 1½ cups diced cucumber (about 8 ounces)
  • ½ cup diced scallions (about 1.25 ounces)

SEE FULL RECIPE

 

Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND guests on this episode of Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite  podcast with music from Maria Callas. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from the Grandiose Stimmen: Maria Callas album courtesy of SONY Music.

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A ‘Handy’ Guide To Figuring Out Portion Sizes

Lately I feel the real culprit in managing my weight is portion size. It’s not what I eat, it’s how much I eat. I’ve been learning the hard way that the amount of food I used to eat at 20 or 30 is making me gain weight! Old eating habits are hard to break too.

When I was growing up, my father told me to “clean your plate.”

The problem is that dinner plates, especially in restaurants, have gotten bigger. And so has the amount of food we put on them. If I clean my plate now, I’m overeating.

If you struggle like me with portion sizes, the best help might be right in the palm of your hand.

Photo by Nsey Benajah on Unsplash

Use Your Hand To Figure Out Portion Sizes

Your fist = the size of a cup

The palm = the size of 3 ounces of meat

Your thumb = the size of 1 ounce of cheese

Another helpful tip is to check food labels and restaurant menus for hidden calories. Learn to “eyeball” your food to gauge what’s too much — and what’s just right.

The good news is that experts agree that when you downsize to healthy portions, your body will, too!

Love New Recipes?

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free Virtual Cooking Party with special guest, Author of The Beginner’s Guide To What To Eat With Type 2 Diabetes,  Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND on Zoom on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, 7-8 PM, EST. Jill shares her favorite quinoa recipes with us!

REGISTER NOW – FREE REGISTRATION 

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