Pelvic Floor Disorders & Diabetes

The pelvic floor includes the muscles, ligaments and connective tissue in the lowest part of the pelvis. It supports your organs, including the bowel, bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum. The pelvic floor prevents these organs from falling down or out of your body. It also helps the organs function properly.

Thanks to Billie for sharing their work on Unsplash.

Mismanaged diabetes can weaken the pelvic floor muscles. A damaged pelvic floor weakens normal functioning of the bowel, bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum can be affected. In plain English, people with mismanaged diabetes may experience an overactive bladder, poor control of sphincter muscles that surround the urethra, urine retention, and urinary tract infections.

Pelvic floor symptoms are significantly associated with reduced sexual arousal, infrequent orgasm, and painful intercourse (known in medical terms as dyspareunia).

Getting Help

There’s no question that incontinence can have a significant impact on the quality of life. Unfortunately urinary incontinence can be uncomfortable to talk about with anyone including your doctor. But talking is the first step to getting properly treated and taking back control of your life.

Once you have a conversation, your doctor may refer you to a specialist for follow-up care.

Bladder Control Quiz – Is this Happening to You?

Bladder control issues are not a normal part of aging and they are not something you have to just live with. Take control of your pelvic health by completing this short quiz to find out if its time for you to reach out for help.

TAKE QUIZ

 

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic explores issues of love, intimacy and diabetes on this special one hour podcast.Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to sexual health complications including vaginal dryness, sensation and performance. Up to 50% of men and 25% of women may experience some kind of sexual problem or a loss of sex drive.

Mr. Divabetic’s guests include Best-Selling Author Lisa EugeneJennifer Martsolf from Trigg Laboratories (the makers of Wet Lubricants) and Janis Roszler MS, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND (2008-2009 Diabetes Educator of the Year (AADE).

If you or your partner is experiencing sexual difficulties, you may find it helpful to meet with a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, marriage counselor or sex therapist. These professionals can help you learn how to reduce stress and change behaviors and attitudes, particularly when impotence is caused by stress or other mental health issues.

GLAM MORE FEAR LESS: Join Divabetic’s growing Facebook and Twitter communities. We’re celebrating 10 years of presenting diabetes educational outreach that dazzles!

Diabetes, Bladders & Best Adult Diapers

Women with diabetes have up to a 70% greater risk of developing urinary incontinence according to the Diabetes Self-Management website.

Women (and men) with mismanaged diabetes can experience bladder problems such as overactive bladder, poor control of sphincter muscles that surround the urethra, urine retention, and urinary tract infections. 

But this diabetes health-related complication that affects everyday life barely gets mentioned in articles related to diabetes. That’s a shame!  Incontinence can play havoc with someone’s quality of life, emotional well-being and ability to carry out ordinary, daily activities.  

Are you avoiding activities such as working out, having sex or even going out to dinner because you’re worried about having to race to the toilet? 

If you’re dealing with bladder issues, you’re not alone.

When you start avoiding things you enjoy, it’s time to take action. Knowing you’re not alone coping with this health issue might be the spark that helps you overcome any embarrassment in order to seek help. 

Do you know exactly what diabetes does to your bladder, and how to deal with it?

In a nutshell, mismanaged type 1 and/or type 2 diabetes can lead to neuropathy, which refers to the general malfunctions or diseases of the nerves. Most of the time when people discuss neuropathy they’re referring to the numbness or tingling in their feet. However, neuropathy can also damage the bladder nerves’ ability to signal when the bladder is full. 

Neurogenic bladder is the neuropathy of the bladder. When the cause of the neurogenic bladder is specifically diabetes, it can also be called diabetic bladder. A diabetic bladder can either fail to relax, causing urinary retention or fail to contract, causing the involuntary leakage of urine.

Thanks to Billie for sharing their work on Unsplash.

Don’t Let Your Bladder Block The Blessings! 

Avoiding playing vigorous sports? Sex life gone from G-spot to pee spot? Don’t let your  bladder stop you from enjoying the things you love. 

What to do: Experts recommend keeping a diary that includes how often you urinate during the day, a record of the times and events surrounding leakage, and what you drink during the day.  Your bladder diary just like your blood sugars diary is a wonderful tool to help you and your healthcare provider to recognize patterns and to develop a plan that works for you. 

What to do: Managing diabetes is an important part of preventing problems that can lead to excess urination. Educate yourself about incontinence and bladder function, even before you see your healthcare provider. Once you start googling ‘diabetes and bladder’, you will quickly find that there’s a plethora of articles on the topic. 

Divabetic’s Top 3 Adult Diapers

Divabetic is committed to glamorizing good health and helping people with compromised health issues  to regain their dignity.  We developed this list of our Top 3 Adult Diapers after searching the internet and reading countless customer reviews. (Share your recommendations with us. E-mail: mrdivabetic@gmail.com).

#3: Better Dry 60x Adult Diapers

LL Medico awards their highest rating to  The BetterDry 60x Adult diapers with plastic backing. These diapers are for heavy to very heavy incontinence and also provide someone with light incontinence the protection they are looking for.  They have odor protection and are latex free to ensure they are a fit for many individuals.  These high-quality adult briefs are discreet while providing you with protection in your everyday life.

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#2: Carousel Printed Incontinence Diapers ABDL

This diaper had us at ‘hello’ with it’s colorful design. Once you get past the fun, delightful carousel print you quickly see that it offers heavy protection thanks to 4200ml+ absorbency, double tall standing leak guards, four wide adhesive tapes, and full plastic backing as well as super soft fluffy interior. Trendy Reviewed loves this dazzling diaper!

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#1: Tranquility Premium Overnight Pull-Ons 

Idiaper.com and Caring Village both award their highest rating to the Tranquility Premium Overnight Pull-Ons.  Their review states their top product offer you with best in class leak and odor protection allowing you to do what you love without the fear of awkwardness. Additionally, thanks to its optimal absorbency the wearer will also enjoy uninterrupted sleep. The best thing about this diaper is that it will offer up to 8 hours of protection. By eliminating agitation, irritation, and anxiety, the user will get better sleep. These diapers come with outer and inner leg cuffs to help prevent any leakage at the leg opening. They also come with elastic around the upper hip, legs and upper hip, and a well-raised waist panel that offers a more proportioned fit.

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Divabetic Mystery Phrase #18

Can you complete our Divabetic Mystery Phrase below?  

Divabetic Msytery Phrase #18

Not only does it simply feel good to believe in yourself, it can help you deal with stress and difficult emotions better.

Constant worrying or self-doubt about what you are or are not doing to manage your diabetes isn’t empowering. That inner dialogue isn’t true, or even real.

If you’re struggling to cope with your diabetes diagnosis: try repeating positive affirmations to yourself each morning to steer your mood in the right direction. This way of thinking can be helpful when the mental burden of diabetes management gets tough.

We also encourage you to seek out a qualified therapist like our colleagues: Dr. Beverly S. Adler CDE, PhD, Janis Roszler or Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport LCSW, PsyD.

People without diabetes can feel loneliness, anger, guilt, and shame or use denial, rebellion or secrecy. The addition of diabetes to your daily life increases the likelihood of complex emotions,” says Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport aka ‘The Diabetes Pysche’. She adds, “My goal is to help you recognize these normal and demanding feelings and then move past them to do better.

Divabetic Msytery Phrase #18

“Wisdom is avoiding all thoughts which weaken you.” – anonymous

Making your diabetes wellness your top priority will help you find the life flow that you can manage and maintain.

Inner strength comes from knowing you have the tools you need to handle life’s challenges. If at first you don’t succeed then rely on your strength for progress. Optimism is a source of courage and confidence. It motivates us to set goals, to take risks. It encourages persistence in the face of obstacles.

Healthy Self-Belief is Not Bragging, or Boasting. 

If  you have lost your self-belief, remember that you can regain it with the right steps and actions. One way to jumpstart your self belief is to take inventory of what you’ve already achieved. If you’re struggling with your diabetes self-care, focus on the basics—don’t get bogged down in details or reaching for perfection. And don’t forget to celebrate your successes.

Understanding the Mystery of Your A1C 

Many people wonder how their hba1c number relates to their  blood sugar levels. After all, daily diabetes self-care management can be a jumble of numbers: weight, blood sugar levels, carbohydrate counts, fat grams, serving sizes, etc.  Hopefully, this handy chart will provide some clarification.  

Healthy-ojas
Vital info for Healthier life

When it comes to the numbers, there’s no one-size-fits-all target. A1C target levels can vary by each person’s age and other factors, and your target may be different from someone else’s. If you feel your hbA1C number is on a higher side, say over 7 or 8%, do not worry! Knowledge is power. You can lower your hbA1C by creating your own personal self-care plan with your healthcare professional.

Why Does Almond Milk Lack Protein?

If you’re like me and drinking almond milk because you think you’re getting all the nutrition benefits of cow’s milk without the carbohydrates, think again!

Thanks to Tetiana Bykovets for sharing their work on Unsplash.

While almonds are high in protein, a serving of almond milk contains only 1 gram of protein compared with dairy milk’s 8 grams — because it’s mostly water. Almond milk doesn’t contain calcium either. 

Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Hint Of Honey Vanilla Flavor

I learned this surprising nutrition nugget at Divabetic’s Virtual Scavenger Hunt & Smoothie Party this past week when our special guest, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, asked me to look at the nutritional label on my carton of almond milk.

The good news is that unsweetened almond milk is typically lower in calories than other milks, and free of saturated fat and is naturally lactose-free.

But Almond milk isn’t the only alternative milk that contains little to no protein either.

Coconut milk also contains very little protein and no calcium (unless it’s been fortified)  but the same amount of saturated fat as whole milk.

Cow’s milk sold in the United States is usually fortified with vitamins A and D too. And a 8-ounce (oz) serving of milk contains 12 grams of carbohydrates.

Soy milk is the only plant-based milk that contains complete protein and has the most protein of all the plant-based milks,” says Jennifer McDaniel, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics on the AARP website. Because it comes from plants, soy milk is naturally free of cholesterol and low in saturated fat. It also contains no lactose.

Regardless of your milk choice, moderation and blood sugar monitoring are essential for happier diabetes self-care outcomes. It is a good idea to check food labels for information about serving sizes and the number of carbohydrates since it is easy to forget to include the carbohydrates from milk and/or other drinks in your daily carbohydrate count. 

Can Cow’s Milk Help You Manage High Blood Pressure?

A large international study of data from almost 150,000 people has concluded that a higher intake of dairy, especially whole fat varieties, is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

READ MORE

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. 

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 Intimacy: Aesthetic, Spiritual, Intellectual, Social, Emotional, Affection, Physical, and Sexual.

Janis Roszler  LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDCES, FAND shares her amazing Almond, Wild Blueberry and Flax Smoothie recipe from her best-selling book, Intimacy & Diabetes during this outreach event.

Janis Roszler is the 2008-2009 Diabetes Educator of the Year (AADE).  She is a licensed marriage and family therapist, board certified sex therapist, registered dietitian, and award-winning medical media producer. Her books include  Intimacy & Diabetes (ADA, 2020); Approaches to Behavior (ADA,2015); Diabetes On Your OWN Terms (Marlowe & Company, 2007); Sex and Diabetes (ADA, 2007); The Secrets Of Living And Loving WITH Diabetes (Surrey Books, 2004).

FREE REGISTRATION – REGISTER NOW

Divabetic Carb Kitty Video Game

Very Berry Smoothie Recipe by Jill Weisenberger

Special Guest: Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND shared this easy, healthy  recipe on last night’s free  Divabetic’s At Home Scavenger Hunt & Smoothie Party on Zoom.

Very Berry Smoothie Recipe

Very Berry Smoothie Recipe by Jill Weisenberger 

Ingredients

  • 1 cup plain nonfat strained yogurt (Greek or Icelandic)
  • 1 cup frozen mixed berries or frozen mixed berries with cherries
  • 1 tablespoon sweetener of choice
  • 2 tablespoons nonfat milk or any tart juice (cranberry, pomegranate, cherry)

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients in a blender or a container for an immersion blender. Process until smooth.

Nutrition Information: Serving size: 11/2 cups, Calories: 205, Carbohydrates: 30g,  Protein: 22g, Fat: 0g,  Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 100mg, Fiber: 5g

Click here for more Recipe Details

Do you know? Both yogurt and berries are linked to less incidence of type 2 diabetes.  

“I always recommend both foods to my clients with prediabetes. And they’re probably good for diabetes, as well.” READ MORE 

HELPFUL TIP: “When berries aren’t in season, I grab a bag of frozen mixed berries or mixed berries with cherries at the supermarket,” says Jill Weisenberger

“This is the week-by-week guide that will change your life!”

One lucky participant, Helen from Georgia, from last night’s Divabetic Zoom Party won a copy of Jill Weisenberger’s best-selling book, Diabetes Weight Loss – Week by Week.

Diabetes Weight Loss Week by Week takes you on a one-year journey to weight control while managing your blood sugar,cholesterol level and more! This best-selling book includes sample menus, recipes and tricks for the kitchen. Instead of focusing on gimmicks, you will learn the skills you need to be successful long term.

BUY NOW 

Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, is a Nutrition, Culinary & Diabetes Expert, Wellcoach®-certified health and wellness coach, Freelance Writer, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Educator. She’s also the author of four books, including a best-seller. She’s a nationally-recognized media expert in high demand for print and online interviews, as well as corporate and one-on-one nutritional counseling. Jill’s philosophy is that nutrition science should be understandable, realistic and oh so delicious.

Looking for a fun, safe way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? 

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for Divabetic’s free, upcoming Zoom Scavenger Hunt: At Home Party on Thursday, July 16, 2020, 7 – 7:35 PM, EST.

This 35 minute virtual diabetes wellness outreach event features ‘Intimacy and Diabetes’ co-author, Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND. 

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 Intimacy: Aesthetic, Spiritual, Intellectual, Social, Emotional, Affection, Physical, and Sexual.

Janis Roszler is the 2008-2009 Diabetes Educator of the Year (AADE).  She is a licensed marriage and family therapist, board certified sex therapist, registered dietitian, and award-winning medical media producer. Her books include  Intimacy & Diabetes (ADA, 2020); Approaches to Behavior (ADA,2015); Diabetes On Your OWN Terms (Marlowe & Company, 2007); Sex and Diabetes (ADA, 2007); The Secrets Of Living And Loving with Diabetes (Surrey Books, 2004).

Divabetic’s Free Virtual Scavenger Hunt: At Home Party on Zoom on Thursday, July 18, 2020, 7 – 7:35 PM, EST. Once you register you will receive a Zoom code. If you’ve never used Zoom, you will need a few minutes before the start of our outreach event to download the app and log in.

REGISTER NOW

Thank you to everyone who has taken measures to protect our Divabetic community members and their loved ones by wearing cloth face coverings and social distancing. We are so grateful! Divabetic will continue to provide free Virtual Diabetes Outreach events with qualified health experts to keep you safe, informed and connected. Please join us!

We’re talking about ‘ROMANCE & DIABETES’ on this episode of Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with musical inspiration from Camila Cabello.

Can Drinking A Smoothie Spike Your Blood Sugars?

Everyone might think that all smoothies are ‘healthy’ but that’s just a bit of wishful drinking. In reality, many of the most readily available smoothies in America also contain the most calories, added sugars and carbohydrates. 

Find out what types of smoothies and/or smoothie ingredients you should enjoy and which ones you should avoid to enjoy during Divabetic’s free At Home Scavenger Hunt & Smoothie Party on Zoom this Thursday, June 18, 2020, 7 – 7:35 PM, EST with Special Guest, Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and Registered Dietitian  Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND . Register Now. 

We encourage people with diabetes to be mindful of carbohydrate intake in their smoothie, as this is what will directly affect blood sugars, rather than rely on a bunch of fancy terms like ‘superfood’ , ‘green’, and ‘detox’ to quill any suspicions before taking a sip. 

Thankfully, our friend,  Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND agreed to share a few quick facts on smoothies for our Divabetic blog readers prior to our zoom outreach event. 

Q: Will fruit smoothies spike blood sugars?

Jill Weisenberger (JW): Anything with carbohydrates has the potential to spike blood sugar levels for people with diabetes, Certainly fruit, especially blenderized fruit, can do that. So the key is what else is in your smoothie.

Q: Jill, are smoothies in general as healthy as most people seem to believe? 

JW: Smoothies can be an excellent way to get health-boosting, disease-fighting nutrients from fruits and vegetables. However, the wrong kind of smoothie can be a bad choice for people with diabetes, especially when eating out. There’s an infinite number of smoothies you can make, so each person is bound to find several healthy combinations they like. 

Are you wondering if smoothies will spike your blood sugars?

ThAmerican Diabetes Association recommends checking your blood sugars one to two hours after you start eating and/or drinking to capture the peak level of your blood glucose.

Keep in mind that blood glucose results often trigger emotions. Blood glucose numbers can make you feel angry, frustrated, and/or blue. Knowledge is power: tracking your blood glucose levels is wonderful tool to see how your diabetes care plan is working, and whether you need to adjust your plan with the help of your healthcare professional.

One lucky Divabetic Zoom Party participant will receive their pick of one of Jill Weisenberger’s sensational books (see below) in the random drawing held at the end of our outreach event: 

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. 


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.

Learn the Do’s and Don’ts to Healthy Smoothies with  Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND at Divabetic’s Zoom Smoothie Party on Thursday, June 18, 2020, 7 – 7:35 PM, EST. REGISTER NOW

Jill Weisenberger’s candid and energetic approach and her sound nutrition and fitness advice has earned her a place as one of 10 Dietitians You Need to Follow on Social Media in US News & World Report. Jill offers healthy and delicious recipe ideas and nutrition strategies that are based in sound nutrition science. Whether you’re looking for disease prevention or management, nutritious meals that people actually want to eat, or truths (and myths!) about the latest food trends, get reasonable and realistic tips from expert Jill Weisenberger.

Divabetic’s Carb Kitty Video Games

What’s The Difference Between Blood Glucose Meters (BGM) & Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)?

Q: What’s the difference between Blood Glucose Meters (BGM) and Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)?

ANSWER: Blood Glucose Meters (BGM) measure glucose levels in your blood at a single moment in time, while Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems continually check glucose levels in your blood throughout the day and night. Unlike BGMs that require deliberate action to get a reading, real-time CGM systems work throughout the night, while the user is asleep.

According to the Dexcom website: some Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems eliminate the need to take fingerstick measurements using a Blood Glucose Meter according to the Dexcom. Other CGM systems reduce the frequency of fingersticks, but still rely on regular Blood Glucose Meter readings to ensure proper calibration. It is always recommended that CGM users take a fingerstick reading prior to making diabetes treatment decisions if glucose alerts and readings from their CGM systems do not match symptoms or expectations.

We’re talking about Blood Glucose Meters and the best time to check your blood glucose levels after eating with Special guest, Diabetes care and education specialist and registered dietitian, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND on Divabetic’s free At Home Scavenger Hunt & Smoothie Party on Zoom this Thursday, June 18, 2020, 7 PM, EST. Register Now.

Smoothies are a great way to get health-boosting, disease-fighting nutrients from fruits and vegetables. However, the wrong kind of smoothie can be a bad choice for people with diabetes especially when eating out. Learn the Do’s and Don’ts to Healthy Smoothies with Jill Weisenberger on Divabetic’s Zoom Smoothie Party.

Jill Weisenberger’s candid and energetic approach and her sound nutrition and fitness advice has earned her a place as one of 10 Dietitians You Need to Follow on Social Media in US News & World Report. Jill offers healthy and delicious recipe ideas and nutrition strategies that are based in sound nutrition science. Whether you’re looking for disease prevention or management, nutritious meals that people actually want to eat, or truths (and myths!) about the latest food trends, get reasonable and realistic tips from expert Jill Weisenberger.

The American Diabetes Association recommends checking one to two hours after you start eating to capture the peak level of your blood glucose.

Keep in mind that blood glucose results often trigger emotions. Blood glucose numbers can make you feel angry, frustrated, and/or blue. Knowledge is power: tracking your blood glucose levels is wonderful tool to see how your diabetes care plan is working, and whether you need to adjust your plan with the help of your healthcare professional.

Diabetes care and education specialist and registered dietitian, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND guests on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from Patti Austin. Other guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Chris Pickering co-founder of ‘The Betes Bros, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout this podcast we will be featuring songs from ‘The Best Of Patti Austin’ album courtesy of SONY Music

Divabetic’s Carb Kitty Video Game

When Diabetes Hits Home: The Whole Family’s Guide to Emotional Health

How are you coping with your diabetes?

We know that the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic may make things feel a little scary for you and your family. In many ways, your experience of managing diabetes on a daily basis and the stresses it brings may make you more prepared to cope with this situation than most people. 

But if you feel like you’re in a constant state of worry, please know that our Divabetic community is there to support you, and that there are plenty of wonderful, trusted resources to turn to for advice.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

When Diabetes Hits Home: The Whole Family’s Guide to Emotional Health by Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport LCSW, PsyD aka ‘The Diabetes Psyche’ is for anyone who lives with and/or knows someone with diabetes.

“I address the challenge facing people with diabetes, both those who are newly diagnosed and those who have lived with diabetes for many years, as well as strategies for the management of diabetes through actions and attitudes for everyone involved,” says Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport.

Dr. Rapaport hits a lot of familiar chords, and knows her subject inside and out. She is not patronizing, and her style is clear and easy to follow. I found that I was able to apply her method of positive reframing not only to my diabetes related situations, but to my every day life situations as well. Thanks to her for giving me an improved way to deal.” – Amazon review

What’s inside: instruction in stress reduction, relaxation techniques, practical examples in assertive communication and other perspectives about living with diabetes.

BUY THE BOOK

Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite Podcast

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 PsyD, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Alexis Gray.

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.

Virtual Scavenger Hunt & Smoothie Party with Jill Weisenberger

Are you going too stir crazy? Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes at risk?

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun virtual Scavenger Hunt At Home & Smoothie Party where everything you need to win is within your home or apartment. Measuring cups, straws, spices, ice, fresh produce and more are all in play for a joyful night of fun, diabetes wellness and conversations.

Don’t miss Divabetic’s first-ever virtual Scavenger Hunt: At Home & Smoothie Party with special guest Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND on Thursday, June 18, 2020, 7 PM, EST on Zoom.

Having diabetes doesn’t mean you need to deny yourself all the foods you love, but you do want to make healthier food choices. One good choice is to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, which are heavy in nutrition but light in calories.

Smoothies can be an excellent way to get fiber and other nutrition from fruits and vegetables. However, the wrong kind of smoothie can be a bad choice for people with diabetes, especially when eating out.

During this virtual Scavenger Hunt on Zoom, Jill Weisenberger shares expert tips for making healthy smoothies without compromising your diabetes wellness.

Jill Weisenberger’s candid and energetic approach and her sound nutrition and fitness advice has earned her a place as one of 10 Dietitians You Need to Follow on Social Media in US News & World Report. Jill offers healthy and delicious recipe ideas and nutrition strategies that are based in sound nutrition science. Whether you’re looking for disease prevention or management, nutritious meals that people actually want to eat, or truths (and myths!) about the latest food trends, get reasonable and realistic tips from expert Jill Weisenberger.

How it works: Register prior to this event and we will send you the unique code to sign in to our Zoom Video feed. You will need a camera. We’ll all get acquainted and share niceties before the competition starts. Mr. Divabetic will have a list of regular (and some not so regular) items that people may find around their living space. Once we post an item you will have 30 seconds to find it. Each item found will result in points for prizes! At the end of the home hunt we’ll sit back laugh, make smoothies and enjoy a toast together to when we can hang out and do our real scavenger hunts!

Grand Prize: One lucky winner will win Jill Weisenberger’s best-selling Diabetes Weight Loss Week by Week to help you manage your weight and blood sugar at the same time.

Cost: Free. Pre-Registration Required

What do I need? A device with a camera and microphone. (A blender is helpful but not mandatory). No need to download Zoom but it does help. zoom.us.

How do I participate? When you register we will send you a code to join or Zoom meeting. (please note that the confirmation will come later)

Can I attend alone? Right now 99.9% of those participating attend alone. How Many are expected? Most of our virtual events have 20 + participants unless otherwise specified.

Disclaimer: By attending Divabetic’s virtual Scavenger Hunt at Home & Smoothie Party on Zoom, you consent to being filmed and or photographed, whereas your image, voice, and likeness may be used by Divabetic.org for promotional purposes.

Questions? If you have a questions, email mrdivabetic@gmail.com or call Max Szadek: (917) 648-0393. Divabetic is committed to making sure that every wellness with a wow outreach event your register for is going to be great!

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We’re celebrating Divabetic’s 8 Year Anniversary of Diabetes podcasting with musical inspiration from Patti Austin on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast available on demand. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Chris Pickering co-founder of ‘The Betes Bros, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout this podcast we will be featuring songs from ‘The Best Of Patti Austin’ album courtesy of SONY Music.