Whether you’re focused on losing weight, improving your A1c, or want to add a little extra sparkle into your daily diabetes self-care, we’ve got you covered with this year’s DivabeticHoliday Gift Guide 2021. We believe in thoughtful gifts that bring a little happiness and good health into your life.
When it comes to diabetes, the more you know, the better. You’re probably aware that monitoring your blood sugar levels and A1c levels is important. But keeping track of your heart rate can help you lower your risk of diabetes complications like heart disease. The Apple Watch makes it easy!
Using the Apple Watch, you can check your heart rate at any time. You can view your resting, walking, workout, and recovery rates throughout the day. You can also see if your heart rate remains above or below a chosen heartbeats per minute (BPM), or occasionally check for an irregular heart rhythm. This information, as well as other data it collects, helps Apple Watch estimate how many calories you’ve burned.
“I personally love my Apple Watch SE because it reminds me to move more than I might without it. It measures my steps, other activities (like yoga or a session on my spin bike), and how many hours I’ve stood for at least a minute. If I’m lagging behind in any area, I can add more movement to my day.” – customer testimonial
Did you know that your loved ones can get a sense of their diabetes risk by counting heartbeats?
Healio reports that larger increases in resting heart rate can lead to greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes, whereas reductions can have the opposite effect, according to findings published in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases.
Divabetic Holiday Playlist: John Legend’s rendition of Marvin Gaye’s psychedelic holiday song, Purple Snowflakes. Co-written with Clarence Paul and David Hamilton, Marvin Gaye originally recorded the song in 1964 and released it as Pretty Little Baby.
It took three decades for the song for the holiday version Purple Snowflakes to be released in 1992. It appears the John Legend included it on his sixth studio album, Legendary Christmas.
Whether you’re focused on losing weight or want to add a little extra sparkle into your daily diabetes self-care, we’ve got you covered with this year’s DivabeticHoliday Gift Guide 2021. We believe in thoughtful gifts that bring a little happiness and good health into your life.
No one’s disputing the benefits of regular aerobic exercise for diabetes management. Jogging, walking, dancing, swimming, and biking can all help you keep your blood sugar level on target. Even a regular weekend game of tennis or pickleball can help improve your overall health.
But now scientists are finding that people with diabetes can benefit from regular weight lifting, or strength training, as well. according to Everyday Health. Research in the Internal Journal of Cardiology shows that in people with type 2 diabetes, strength training can be more beneficial to blood sugar regulation than cardio,” says Audra Wilson, RD, CSCS, a bariatric dietitian and strength and conditioning specialist at the Northwestern Medicine Metabolic Health and Surgical Weight Loss Center at Delnor Hospital in Geneva, Illinois.
Since many of us who are working out at home these days don’t have room to store exercise equipment, we recommend these lightweight, easy-to-store Gaiam Resistance Bands. Once your workout is over, you can just tuck them in a drawer! How great is that?!!!
These colorful, affordable resistance bands from Gaiam are a nice gift option for anyone living with, at-risk, and affected by diabetes working on building their strength. Resistance bands can help them make a more intentional mind-body connection during workouts, as they encourage slower movements.
Increase shoulder flexibility and range of motion, strengthen upper back muscles, improve posture, and condition core muscles with our all-in-one resistance band kit. The Strength & Flexibility Kit will add variety and challenge to your workout with three different resistance levels and our detailed exercise guide. $14.99
Divabetic Holiday Playlist: Olivia Dean’s rendition of The Christmas Song. The London-born vocalist, who captured our hearts and ears this fall, has spent the formative years of her career breaking down barriers for female and non-binary artists through her music.
“I feel like my music is for everyone to enjoy and I want everyone to feel they can relate to it,” the 21-year-old says. “But I’m a woman, so it definitely all comes from a female perspective.”
Inspired heavily by her mother – who is part of the Women’s Equality Party – Olivia Dean’s commitment to change is threaded through her soulful pop songs, which explore independence, self-empowerment, and tackling misogyny in the music industry.
Whether you’re focused on losing weight or want to add a little extra sparkle into your daily diabetes self-care, we’ve got you covered with this year’s Divabetic Holiday Gift Guide 2021. We believe in thoughtful gifts that bring a little happiness and good health into your life.
Holiday Mindful Eating Tip of the day from Lisa Young: Ask yourself, am I hungry?, eat slowly, and enjoy your company along with your food!
Herb Scissors Retail: $10.67
Fresh herbs enhance the flavors of all foods, especially vegetables, which will help you to reduce using salt to perk up your meals. These scissors are perfect for basil, thyme, dill, parsley, chives, mint, fennel. You can use directly over a pan or plate to make perfectly sized, restaurant-quality quick, and impressive garnishes for soups, salads, pizza, and side dishes.
Our friend, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND, a registered dietitian nutritionist and author of Prediabetes: A Complete Guide, demonstrated how to use herb scissors in a recent Divabetic Zoom program.
With a motto like,” I make nutrition science understandable, realistic & delicious,” Jill specializes in customizing plans to help people living with, affected by, and at risk of diabetes to maximize their health.
Jill quickly snipped a bunch of fresh herbs to season her soup. She showed us that this kitchen tool is a big help in curbing the need to grab the salt-shaker for your recipes. Available on Amazon.
In this video, Jill Weisenberger shares her favorite healthy salad and salad dressing recipes, suggested new flavor combinations to perk up meals, and answered questions on nutrition. Enjoy this sneak peek of what you missed on a recent Divabetic Zoom program! Join us for Divabetic’s free Holiday-themed Sugar-Free Baking Party with the Diabetic Pastry Chef, Stacey Harris on Thursday, December 9, 2021, 7-8 PM, EST. Register Now
The latest numbers from the CDC suggest that nearly 1 in 3 adults have either prediabetes or diabetes. These are alarming numbers, and finding out that you are the one out of three can be even more alarming. Shock, denial, and confusion are not uncommon reactions. But there is a flip side to learning you have prediabetes. It can be scary, but it’s also an opportunity—an opportunity to “reset,” to improve your health and to get yourself in better shape than ever. Let Prediabetes: A Complete Guide show you how!ho
Divabetic Holiday Playlist: Kelly Clarkson never fails to bring us joy! Her new Christmas album is a total delight. This duet “Under the Mistletoe” with Brett Eldredge gets us up and dancing every time we play it!
This year’s Divabetic Gift Guide theme: Pink Champagne, is inspired by song lyrics that I wrote after binge-watching a dozen Christmas movies on the Hallmark channel. I picked up a pen and wrote these lyrics:
Oh baby! pour me a glass
of pinkchampagne
after a few sips, I’d love to explain
why I decided on Christmas Day
to give my gift for you away
The rest of the song lyrics for Pink Champagne quickly followed and I liked my lyrics so much that I called my Luther Vandross musical family friends, producer Ivan Hampden Jr., and vocalist Paulette McWilliams. This dynamic duo agreed to record the song. I look forward to sharing the recorded song but until then please take a minute to enjoy this year’s Gift Guide inspired by a burst of creativity!
I’m sure more than a few readers are scratching your heads over the fact that our gift guide’s theme of an alcoholic cocktail, Pink Champagne. Sure, it’s a great song title but is it right for a healthy holiday gift guide designed to inspire you to live your best diabetes life?
Since we know many people with diabetes enjoy an alcoholic beverage during the holidays, we think it is!
A long time ago, I presented diabetes outreach at an Open Clinic in Sleepy Hollow. I met with the diabetes educator ahead of time to discuss our presentation. She did not want to address alcohol consumption during our presentation even though Cinco De Mayo was quickly approaching. Instead, she felt strongly that abstinence from alcohol was the best option for people with diabetes. Therefore, in her opinion, there was no need to address the topic during our presentation.
Let’s just say we didn’t see eye to eye on the matter.
I felt, and still believe that abstinence from alcohol works for some people with diabetes but not everyone. At one point during our presentation, I asked the crowd to raise their hands if they were planning to have a cocktail or two to celebrate Cinco De Mayo. Every hand flew up. When I asked if anyone knew how alcohol affects their blood sugar levels there was confusion.
Needless to say, we addressed the topic in-depth during the presentation. We held a highly interactive and meaningful discussion. Afterward, the educator expressed her gratitude to me for addressing the topic. There is no doubt that we will be featuring information about alcohol’s impact on blood sugar levels in our upcoming Pink Champagne Christmas Gift Guide-related posts.
Whether you’re focused on losing weight or want to add a little extra sparkle into your daily diabetes self-care, we’ve got you covered with this year’s Divabetic Holiday Gift Guide 2021. We believe in thoughtful gifts that bring a little happiness and good health into your life.
This colorful portion control container system allows you to maintain better portion control for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it perfect when you’re trying to lose weight or better manage diet and exercise. Each pre-measured container is based on the amount of fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, proteins, and carbs you need each day. Simply match your color to your food plan for ideal portion control sizes. Price: $16.95 on Amazon.
Q: What puts the ‘Quin-Wow! into Quinoa and makes it so special?
Jill Weisenberger (JW): I love it for its taste, versatility and nutrition profile. We classify quinoa as a whole grain and eat it like it’s a whole grain, but technically it’s a seed. Nutritionally, it has all the essential amino acids, lots of fiber, B vitamins, magnesium and other vitamins and minerals, as well as health-boosting phytonutrients.
Eat it hot or cold, in soups or stews, in place of rice or pasta and even as a cooked breakfast cereal. And it’s great sweet or savory.
Q: Why should someone with type 2 diabetes and/or prediabetes consider adding Quinoa to their meal plan?
JW: In general, eating whole grains is associated with less risk of type 2 diabetes. And whole grains are an important part of a balanced diet. Quinoa is a little higher in protein than most, but the goal is not to focus on one or two whole grains. Instead, we should eat a diet as varied as possible to get the best range of nutrients and other disease-fighters. I especially like quinoa because it’s an intact whole grain, as opposed to one highly refined. Of course, you can find it in crackers, breads and other processed foods – and that’s perfectly fine – but eating the intact seed is quite good for us.
Q: Can Quinoa help manage blood sugar levels?
JW: Not in any direct way, but a balanced diet in general helps manage blood sugar and other metabolic problems associated with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Q: What are some do’s and don’ts for cooking Quinoa?
JW: Rinse it first to rid the bitter saponins, which are natural pesticides. You can cook it like rice: 2 parts liquid: 1 part quinoa. I typically prepare it in my rice cooker with half water and half broth. This gives it a great flavor without too much sodium.
Experiment with quinoa as a base for a whole-grain salad, a nourish bowl, as the starchy side to soup up sauces, and as a str on it’s own flavored with your favorite herbs, spices and cooked vegetables.
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!
Medtronic has launched a CGM Access Discount program, which allows users without insurance coverage, or those who switched insurance or lost coverage, to access a discounted out-of-pocket cost for a Medtronic CGM. The discount enables eligible patients to pay $180 for a Medtronic CGM (with a 12-month warranty) and $60/month for sensors. For more information on the program, click here. This program will help people while the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reviews proposed new changes that, if finalized, would expand Medicare coverage for CGMs.
Earlier this year, Medtronic expanded its Medtronic Assurance program for U.S. customers who lose their jobs and health insurance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Current eligible customers can receive a three-month supply of sensors, infusion sets and reservoirs at no cost.
Medtronic’s InPen integration with real-time Guardian™ Connect CGM system (continuous glucose monitoring) data helps people get to the right dose at the right time, by having all the data they need in one convenient place. Insulin insights and CGM data now appear together, so you can view doses, active insulin, and current glucose in one view without switching apps.
What is an InPen?
InPen is an insulin pen system designed for individuals using insulin injections and want the benefits of smart diabetes tech. The InPen app gets information from the InPen to keep track of diabetes data and help with insulin management decisions.
It automatically records insulin doses, tracks active insulin, and recommends mealtime and correction doses based on a bolus calculator. These features are especially impactful when it comes to determining how much insulin to give.
What is the Guardian™ Connect CGM system?
The Guardian™ Connect CGM system monitors glucose levels day and night, sending precise readings automatically to the app. The sensor continuously converts tiny amounts of glucose into an electronic signal. Your system then uses these signals to provide sensor glucose values. The system includes a small sensor that can be worn up to seven days and a slim, discreet Bluetooth transmitter that can be worn in almost any situation.
It’s important to note that you will need to have both the InPen and Guardian Connect apps on your smartphone to enable real-time data sharing. InPen will be used to manage insulin and dosing, while the Guardian Connect app will manage your glucose and alerts. You will need to enter a blood glucose reading to calibrate in the Guardian Connect app and to use the bolus calculator in the InPen app. Since the data sharing is made possible by CareLink Personal software, you’ll also need to have an internet connection to see data in real time. Our goal is to continue building upon this technology and ease the burden of the daily decisions of managing diabetes.
The InPen and Guardian Connect CGM apps work on both iOS and Android devices. Click here to see if your device is supported.
Enjoy this edition of Diabetes Late Nite podcast with Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Dan Houdeshell, Pendulum Glucose Control‘s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Orville Kolterman and Diabetes Meal Planning Made Easy, Author Hope Warshaw, MMSc, RD, CDE, Mama Rose Marie and music from Harry For The Holidaysalbum courtesy of SONY Music.
If you have diabetes but want to relax with an cocktail, most experts agree that you should avoid sugary concoctions that are loaded with carbohydrates.
Up until now, that might have been a challenge but more and more alcohol companies are adding low carb and low sugar spirits to their offerings.
Smirnoff Zero Sugar Infusionsfeature zero sugar, and 100% flavor. Each of these new Zero Sugar Infusions clocks in at just 72 calories per 1.5 oz serving—with zero grams of carbohydrates, zero grams of fat, and zero grams of sugar
Cucumber & Lime is infused with the crisp, cool flavor of a fresh cucumber paired with the bright citrus notes of lime. Simply serve in a stemless wine glass with ice, splash in some soda, garnish with cucumber slices and a lime wedge, and you’re done!
Strawberry & Rose is infused with the delicate & slightly sweet strawberry flavor with a light rose petal finish. Simply serve in a stemless wine glass with ice, splash in some soda, garnish with rose petals and a strawberry, and you’re done!
Watermelon & Mint is infused with juicy watermelon flavor balanced with the taste of fresh mint for a refreshing finish. Simply serve in a stemless wine glass with ice, splash in some soda, garnish with watermelon slices and a mint sprig, and you’re done!
Moderation is key in drinking alcohol whether you have diabetes or not. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends women should have no more than one alcoholic beverage per day, and men should consume no more than two. One drink equals 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1 1/2 ounces spirits.
Consuming alcohol can cause your blood sugars to drop (hypoglycemia) as well as liver damage, particularly if you drink in excess, and/or you drink on an empty stomach. Speak to your doctor for guidance on what is best for you.
We’re talking about depictions of diabetes on the silver screen including Steel Magnolias, Soul Food and The Baby-Sitter Clubon Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from 2Cellos. How realistic are these portrayals? How do we feel after viewing them? Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Glucose SOS founder Pamela Heyward, Constance Brown-Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN, Kent Gash, Jessica Clark and Muniq Gut Health Shakes Founder, Marc Washington.
Throughout this podcast we will be featured music from the album ‘Score’ by 2Celloscourtesy of SONY Music.
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
Divabeticis 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 Medicoawards 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.
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!
Idiaper.comand 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.
