Patti LaBelle’s Freeform Apple Tart Recipe

Patti LaBelle was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes over 25 years ago and it took awhile for her to get in tune with her condition. She admits she was angry at first but now this self-proclaimed Divabetic” says she’s not just living with diabetes, she’s living well with diabetes.

She’s  incorporated small changes into her recipes to make them healthier. Enjoy her Free-Form Apple Tart recipe from Eating Well, which uses light sour cream and just a little butter to keep calories in check.

Patti LaBelle’s Freeform Apple Tart 

Ingredients (Partial List) 

  • 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons ice water
  • 2 tablespoons light sour cream

Nutrition Facts Per Serving:190 calories; 11 g total fat; 6 g saturated fat; 25 mg cholesterol; 80 mg sodium. 21 g carbohydrates; 1 g fiber; 3 g sugar; 3 g protein. Serving Size: 1 Slice

CLICK HERE FOR FULL RECIPE 

Patti LaBelle tells Rachael Ray she calls herself a ‘Divabetic’
Don’t Get Down, Get Diva!

Patti LaBelle loves being in the kitchen even after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This might sound strange for people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes to hear since many of them have knee jerk reactions to modifying their diets. But Patti LaBelle told People magazine that cooking for herself is why she’s still alive because she controls what she puts in my food and avoids all the things that aren’t good for diabetes. In her latest cookbook, Desserts LaBelle: Soulful Sweets to Sing About, she’s modified some of her signature recipes for fellow “divabetics” using sugar substitutes and cutting down on butter.

Poet Lorraine Brooks shares her thoughts about modifying recipes while sheltering in during the pandemic in her poem, Alone In The Kitchen.

Free Virtual Diva-Style Diabetes Outreach on Thursday, July 16, 2020, 7 – 7:30 PM, EST

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?

We are having a ball at our free virtual events. Stay safe, stay in and join us for some good times connecting with other people living with diabetes.

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Indoor Scavenger Hunt on Zoom with best-selling Intimacy & Diabetes co-author, Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND on Thursday, July 16, 2020, 7 – 7:30 PM, EST.

Relationships play an important role in our everyday lives. But when diabetes enters the picture, it can complicate even our casual relationships. Janis will answer your questions about how diabetes affects the 8 types of IntimacyAesthetic, Spiritual, Intellectual, Social, Emotional, Affection, Physical, and Sexual.

Black Lives Matter Podcast

June’s Divabetic podcast is in solidarity with and dedicated to the Black Lives Matter movement for racial justice on Tuesday, June 9, 2020, 6 PM, EST.

We are making time to reflect, share our feelings, listen and identify ways in which to fight for real and meaningful change. Guests include Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Keith Anthony Fluitt, Leisa Chester-Weir, and Jeff James. Join the conversation and call in to our studio line: (347) 215-8551.

“I imagine one of the reasons people cling to their hates so stubbornly is because they sense, once hate is gone, they will be forced to deal with pain.” — James A. Baldwin

Ella Fitzgerald was not allowed to play at Mocambo because of her race. Then, one of her biggest fans made a telephone call that quite possibly changed the path of her career for good. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6GsbCdhoja/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

To help combat systemic racism, please consider donating to these organizations:

Campaign Zero, which is dedicated to ending police brutality in America through research-based strategies. LEARN MORE

Color of Change, which works to move decision makers in corporations and government to be more responsive to racial disparities. LEARN MORE

Equal Justice Initiative, which provides legal services to people who have been wrongly convicted, denied a fair trial, or abused in state jails and prisons. LEARN MORE

#BlackLivesMatter was founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer. Black Lives Matter Foundation, Inc is a global organization in the US, UK, and Canada, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. By combating and countering acts of violence, creating space for Black imagination and innovation, and centering Black joy, we are winning immediate improvements in our lives.

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Divabetic’s June podcast guest, Jeff James helped to create a Black Power Spotify playlist for Black Music Month.  “It reflects my feelings (activism-optimism),” states Jeff.

Cassandra Wilson recorded “Strange Fruit,” a protest against racism — specifically, the lynching of African-Americans in 2015. Her version takes on renewed purpose in light of the recent high-profile police killings of unarmed black men, and the Black Lives Matter movement which rose in their wake.

Diabetes Late Nite Podcast Inspired by Indigo Girls

We’re talking about how to open up with friends, co-workers and family members about your diagnosis and self-care needs with musical inspiration from Indigo Girls on June’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast on Tueday, June 9, 2020, 6 – 7:30 PM, EST. TUNE IN

Opening up to people and explaining how diabetes affects your daily life can be a game changer – for everyone. Sharing your diabetes life and explaining your needs will help you feel less alone with your diabetes.

“Just hearing the words out loud can help you process your thoughts. It can stop you feeling locked in a cycle of worry and make you less anxious,” states Diabetes U.K

“When talking about your diabetes, reassure your friend or family member that they’re fine to come back to you with anything else they might want to talk about,” state our friends at Diabetes U.K. “Allow them to think about what you’ve told them before talking again.”

The downside of telling friends, co-workers, lovers and family members about your condition is the barrage of unwelcome comments like ‘should you be eating that?’ at holidays, social events, date nights and meetings. “This can be annoying or hurtful, but more often than not the intention comes from a good place,” states Diabetes U.K. “Just politely remind them that it’s your diabetes, and you know how to look after yourself.”

It’s important to know that emotional and psychological support are an essential part of any and every diabetes wellness program. It’s ok to seek out and/or ask for this kind of support from your healthcare team.

Amy Ray and Emily Saliers have been making music as the folk-rock duo Indigo Girls for over 25 years. Three of their 16 albums have gone gold, four have gone platinum, and they’ve been nominated for seven Grammys.

Diabetes Late Nite Inspired by Indigo Girls

Guests include Dr. Andrea Chisholm (OBGYN), ‘The Flood Girls’ Author Richard Fifield, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, BETTY Band Member, Singer, Songwriter Amy Ziff, ‘Open Up Your Bag’ Diabetes Picture Book Author Mike Lawson, and Poet Lorraine Brooks.

Why Not Tidy Up Your Diabetes During the Pandemic?

One way to help minimize stress during the pandemic is to de-clutter!

Experts agree that if we set aside 15 minutes per day to straighten up one place, such as a messy desktop, medicine cabinet or kitchen drawer we will feel happier and more relaxed at the end of the day! If you like to exercise and dance around while you’re cleaning, then give yourself an extra pat on the back!

Why not take the time to declutter your diabetes life?

Long before Marie Condo took the world by storm with her Tidy manta, our good friend, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN and co-author Leslie Josel wrote the wonderful book, The Complete Diabetes Organizer: Your Guide to a Less Stressful and More Manageable Life.

As I toured the beautiful rooms at the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club Decorator Show House in New York earlier this year I was reminded how important our homes are to are overall diabetes health. That statement might not be so surprising when you stop and ask yourself these questions: 

Do you struggle to keep track of health-care invoices and payments? Do you succeed at keeping an active health journal for a week or two and then neglect it for a year or two? Can you test your blood glucose if you can’t locate your meter or testing supplies? 

“People with diabetes may need some strategies to keep track of medical paperwork to stay up to date with important information,” says Susan Weiner. “So, I contacted my friend Leslie Josel, an organizing guru, and a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers. We collaborated on this book to help all people with diabetes organize their supplies, daily routines, medical paperwork, and much more! It’s a hands-on “how-to” book, with simple strategies.”

Susan and Leslie’s book, The Complete Diabetes Organizer: Your Guide to a Less Stressful and More Manageable Life, offers step by step strategies to get more organized one step at a time. And that one small and permanent change in your daily routine can help you get more organized and take control of your diabetes.

Good Advice Right Now

“Plan out your meals and snacks for the week ahead. Make sure that everything you need (including ingredients, measuring tools and cookware) are available, “ says Susan  Weiner. “Chop and dice your vegetables in advance and store them in labeled bags or clear containers in the refrigerator. You’ll stay organized and in control of your diabetes healthy meal plan.” 

BUY BOOK

Superstar Gloria Estefan inspires this episode of Divabetic’s Diabetes Roundtable podcast featuring Best-Selling author, Cherry Adair, Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE, ‘The Complete Diabetes Organizer’ co-authors Susan Wiener RD, CDE and Leslie JoselNeva White DNP, CRNP, CDE, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Jeff James, Mama Rose Marie and ‘My Bleeding Finger’ blogger, Tim Brand, who is the father of daughters living with type 1 diabetes.

Help us choose topics for upcoming Divabetic podcasts. Fill out our quick and easy Survey.

Rain On Me is A Mental Health Anthem

Anyone familiar with Lady Gaga’s story is also familiar with her mental health challenges and her strong advocacy for comprehensive mental health care reform.

Her new song, Rain On Me, with Ariana Grande, seems to seamlessly blend her advocacy work with her music.  “Rain on Me.” is an empowering duet about persevering through hardship, healing, and finding beauty in the pain, heartbreak, and life.

Lady Gaga told Yahoo News, ‘Rain On Me,’ the lyrics that I wrote right here in this studio, ‘I’d rather be dry, but at least I’m alive. Rain on me.’ This is about an analog of tears being the rain. And you know what it’s also a metaphor for, is the amount of drinking that I was doing to numb myself. I’d rather be dry. I’d rather not be drinking, but I haven’t died yet. I’m still alive. Rain on me. Okay, I’m going to keep on drinking. This song has many layers.”

Specifically, it seems like Lady Gaga is talking about alcohol and the way people use it to numb the pain in her lyrics.

Heavy alcohol use can have dangerous consequences for people with diabetes, including coma and death. Alcohol abuseis treatable through personalized treatment capable of meeting each patient’s medical needs.

Mental health affects so many aspects of daily life—how you think and feel, handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. You can see how having a mental health problem could make it harder to stick to your diabetes care plan.

People with diabetes are 2 to 3 times more likely to have depression than people without diabetes according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Only 25% to 50% of people with diabetes who have depression get diagnosed and treated. But treatment—therapy, medicine, or both—is usually very effective. And without treatment, depression often gets worse, not better.

Back in 2014, Lady Gaga opened up about her struggles with mental health.. She spoke out about being raped at age 19 and the subsequent mental health challenges she experienced as a result, including post-traumatic stress disorder. She also maintains that her mental struggles manifested into physical symptoms, like chronic pain and panic attacks. 

Divabetic Mystery Phrase Game

Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation works to shed light on toxic behavior patterns and improve conditions and treatment options for those in need of help.

Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests include Author of the Noodle Shop Mysteries: Vivien Chien, Lorraine Brooks, Sara (Mandy) Reece, PharmD, CDE,  Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport PhD, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Alexis Gray and music from Maren Morris.  

Undetected Diabetes May Double Risk of Heart Attack

New research finds an intriguing link between undetected blood sugar disorders and the development of heart attacks and severe gum disease.

For decades, researchers have probed the link between gum disease and cardiovascular health. Gum disease begins when plaque builds up around teeth. A completely different type of plaque — made of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in blood — can build up inside arteries. Known as atherosclerosis, this fatty plaque is the hallmark of coronary artery disease.

Photo by Hush Naidoo on Unsplash

The risk of mortality from ischemic heart disease combined with diabetes-related kidney complications is three times higher in people who have both diabetes and severe periodontitis, compared with people who only have diabetes.

“Periodontal disease increases the body’s burden of inflammation,” says periodontist Dr. Hatice Hasturk of the Harvard-affiliated Forsyth Institute, a not-for-profit research organization focused on oral health. Acute inflammation — which involves an outpouring of immune cells that attack irritants and microbial invaders — fosters healing over the short term.

Gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease if left untreated. The gums become loose around the root of the tooth, creating a gum pocket that gradually deepens. Eventually, the infection and inflammation can cause the tooth to loosen and possibly fall out.

Daily toothbrushing and flossing can prevent and even reverse an early stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis.

Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast

We’re talking about ‘Diabetes & Pride’ on June’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with musical inspiration from Ricky Martin.

Amy Ray and Emily Saliers have been making music as the folk-rock duo Indigo Girls for over 25 years. Three of their 16 albums have gone gold, four have gone platinum, and they’ve been nominated for seven Grammys.

They’re known for their social activism on and off-stage. They see music as a continuum of human existence, intertwined with spiritual life in a way that can’t be pinned down.

Guests include Dr. Andrea Chisholm (OBGYN), The Floor Girls and The Small Crimes of Tiffany Templeton Author Richard Fifield, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Mike Lawson, and Poet Lorraine Brooks.

Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from the Indigo Girls’ album. Indigo Girls, courtesy of SONY Music.

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

Divabetic was inspired by the late music legend, Luther Vandross and created in 2005 by Max Szadek, who, as Vandross’ assistant of 14 years, witnessed his boss, mentor, and friend struggle in silence and solitude with the diabetes and its related complications. President Barak Obama, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter have acknowledged Divabetic for its dedication and determination on behalf of the diabetes community. Visit Divabetic on the web: www.divabetic.org.

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What The Heck is Diabetes Technology?

Speaker, Author, Researcher in diabetes and digital health, Deborah Greenwood PhD, RN, BC-ADM, CDCES, FADCES joins us to talk about diabetes techonlogy and digital health on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, 6 PM, EST.

There’s seems like no better time to discuss Diabetes Technology and Digital Health than right now during the panepidemic.

Doctors and hospitals are use telehealth tools for routine appointments without the burden of traditional barriers, such as reimbursement and privacy restrictions.

Big health insurance organizations are relaxing rules on early prescription refills and prior authorization requirements to allow patients to preorder and store medications and supplies.

What does it mean for you?

Well, here’s Deb’s answer to probably the most basic question about Diabetes Technology and Digital Health prior to our interview on Tuesday.

 Q: What the Heck is Diabetes Technology?

Deborah Greenwood (DG): “That is a great question because I think there is some confusion out there.  Many people, when they hear the term diabetes technology, think about diabetes “devices” like pumps and continuous glucose montiors (CGMs) and meters, but in reality diabetes technology is so much more. 

It is really a system that we like to call “technology-enabled care and education” that includes 4 key elements: 

1. Communication between the people with diabetes (PWD) and the healthcare team (in many different forms including text or phone or videochat or patient portal) 

2. The use of patient-generated health data, from diabetes devices we’ve discussed and from fitness trackers or other forms

3. The use of data to identify how both education and care can be tailored to the individual 

4. Feedback provided and discussed with the care team so changes can be made like medication, or activity plans or eating plans etc.”

Deborah Greenwood PhD, RN, BC-ADM, CDCES, FADCES is a diabetes care and education specialist who focuses on digital health. she is owner of Deborah Greenwood Consulting and recently started working as a Medical Science Liaison at Dexcom. She was the 2015 president of AADE.

Diabetes Late Nite Inspired by Dionne Warwick

We’re talking about ‘Secrets to Longevity & Diabetes’ with musical inspiration from Dionne Warwick on May’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

Living longer and increasing your life expectancy with diabetes doesn’t have to be a chore. From flossing your teeth daily to getting a good night’s sleep, there are simple things you can do to help you live long, happy and healthy life.

Dionne Warwick has enjoyed a tremendously long career as a singer.  She ranks second to Aretha Franklin as the most charted female vocalist with 69 singles making the Billboard Hot 100 during the rock era (1955–1999).

Dionne Warwick once explained her longevity to Jet magazine, saying, “I really attribute it to remaining who I am and not jumping ship, being completely cognizant of what the people … are accustomed to hearing from me.”

Guests include The Lager Queen of Minnesota and Kitchens of the Great Midwest Author J. Ryan Stradal, Deborah Greenwood PhD, RN, BC-ADM, CDE, FAADE, Fonzi Thornton, Rachel Stahl MS, RD, CDN, CDE, and Lorraine Brooks.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Dionne Warwick’s ‘Dionne’ album featuring I’ll Never Love This Way Again and Deja Vu courtesy of SONY Music.

Mr. Divabetic at the NYC Easter Parade

May’s Diabetes Late Nite Podcast features music by Dionne Warwick

We’re talking about ‘Secrets to Longevity Living with Diabetes’ with musical inspiration from Dionne Warwick on May’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast scheduled for 5/12/20, 6 PM, EST. 

Living longer and increasing your life expectancy with diabetes doesn’t have to be a chore. From flossing your teeth daily to getting a good night’s sleep, there are simple things you can do to help you live long, happy and healthy life.

Dionne Warwick has enjoyed a tremendously long career as a singer.  She ranks second to Aretha Franklin as the most charted female vocalist with 69 singles making the Billboard Hot 100 during the rock era (1955–1999).

Dionne Warwick once explained her longevity to Jet magazine, saying, “I really attribute it to remaining who I am and not jumping ship, being completely cognizant of what the people … are accustomed to hearing from me.”

Author J. Ryan Stradal

Guests include The Lager Queen of Minnesota and Kitchens of the Great Midwest Author J. Ryan Stradal, Deborah Greenwood PhD, RN, BC-ADM, CDE, FAADE, Fonzi Thornton, Rachel Stahl MS, RD, CDN, CDE, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Lorraine Brooks.

Dionne Warwick’s Biggest Selling Album: Dionne

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Dionne Warwick’s ‘Dionne’ album featuring the hits, I’ll Never Love This Way Again and Deja Vu, courtesy of SONY Music.

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May’s Diva Inspiration: Dionne Warwick