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Divabetic Mystery Phrase #37

Can you solve the Divabetic Mystery Phrase?

One cup of this beverage contains 2 grams of protein and 11 grams of carbohydrates. It also lacks the fiber and nutrition of consuming whole grains. What is it?

 

“Plant-based milks can be a great option for those who are lactose-intolerant or follow a plant-based diet, but you have to do your research when shopping,” says Kelly Plowe, M.S., RD, a registered dietitian who specializes in gut health in Los Angeles in an eating well article. 

Oat milk is generally low in protein and high in carbohydrates. One up of Oat Milk contains 2 grams of protein and 11 grams of carbohydrates. It also lacks the fiber and nutrition of consuming whole grains.

The sugar in oat milk is called maltose, which has a high glycemic index. That means it raises blood sugar rapidly, compared to other types of carbohydrates.

What’s the best type of plant-based milk for you? 

Grab a container, check out the nutrition facts label and the ingredients list and then consult with a registered dietitian about the best way to add it to your meal plan. 

Tune in to the latest edition of Divabetic’s popular Diabetes Late Nite podcast for a unique mix of music with diabetes information.

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, virtual diabetes support program with style. Divabetic’s dynamic diabetes program features ‘What To Wear When Nothing Fits for Summer’ presented by Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller and ‘How To Master The Menu at The Cookout’ presented by MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, 7-8 PM, EST.

REGISTER NOW- FREE REGISTRATION 

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Attend the Women With T2D Summit

If you have high blood sugars, you need to attend the Women With T2D Summit!

This virtual event was created to help women with type 2 diabetes cut through the noise and find their best-personalized diabetes care plan.

The summit brings together 20+ speakers from diverse backgrounds, including physicians, dietitians, fitness pros, psychologists, and even regular people with T2D sharing what works for them.

You’ll get all the information you need in one place, plus you’ll walk away more motivated, better equipped, and with a clear path to make progress on what can seem like a problem too big to handle – your diabetes.

The summit starts in just a few days on June 29th. Since it’s virtual, you can soak up all the content from the comfort of your own home.

REGISTER NOW

 

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You Don’t Even Know My Type of Diabetes!

Diabetes is one of the most widely misunderstood conditions around, which is surprising considering its widespread.

There are four main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes. But there are many types of diabetes, including Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY), Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). There’s even a proposed term for Alzheimer’s disease because of the strong link between Alzheimer’s and blood glucose levels in the brain. Some experts suggest that there should be a Type 4 diabetes to describe cases of type 2 diabetes caused by aging rather than diet or genetics.

Unfortunately, these new discoveries haven’t hit the streets yet. In fact, the general public seems to be completely unaware that there is more than one type of diabetes. Add to that, some leading public health organizations aren’t helping to clear up the matter. 

NPR reports a 2016 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) failed to ask respondents to clarify which type of diabetes they live with. 

“Comingling of the data, particularly from the leading national public health institute of the United States, perpetuates the myth that diabetes is one disease sharing a name, while the reality is that Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are actually two different diseases in the diabetes family,” TD1 Exchange’s executive director Dana Ball and chief medical officer Dr. Henry Anhalt wrote in an open letter. 

More than 34 million people in the United States have diabetes, and 1 in 5 don’t know they have it. More than 88 million US adults—over a third—have prediabetes, and more than 84% of them don’t realize they have it. “

Lack of awareness from both patients and healthcare providers can play havoc with someone’s health. Many people are misdiagnosed with the wrong type of diabetes and struggle to manage their health and related issues of fear, confusion, and shame.

Healthline reports that research published in the journal Diabetologica in 2019 found evidence that more than one-third of adults over age 30 who receive an initial diagnosis of T2D may actually have T1D.

n a commentary about those research findings, Dr. Naveed Saleh wrote that “misdiagnosis… may persist even years later and lead to adverse health outcomes without proper treatment.”

Alicia Keys’ hit song, You Don’t Know My Name inspired this blog post.

I feel strongly that you can’t really be treated appropriately for your diabetes health unless your doctor knows who you are, starting with your name!

To me, it takes two to tango. It’s up to you to share personal information about yourself at your doctor’s appointments. How you feel physically, emotionally, and mentally is the starting point.  But opening up about your daily routines, habits, personal idenitity, feelings of loneliness, and social isolation can help your healthcare provider personalize your care.

It makes sense, right?

To provide the best care, your doctor must understand you and know what your life is like.

Sometimes this can feel uncomfortable.

Today, I know that sharing my sexual identity with my doctors is critical to my care. But that doesn’t negate that I  struggled with coming out to my doctors back in the late ’80s. Hopefully, my journey and Alicia Keys can inspire you to be open and honest with your doctor. It will help them to understand your medical conditions fully and recommend the best treatment choices for you.

Let’s not forget that knowing how to describe your symptoms accurately is helpful too.  

 

 

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Exercise Is Important!!

Some people hate to exercise, which is so sad because moving your body is a great way to relieve stress and anxiety and shake off a bad mood. You can also come up with a lot of creative ways to work through problems.

Exercise shouldn’t be drudgery or the way you compensate for overindulging.

It should be something you enjoy!

If you’re shaking your head in disbelief, why not figure out what setting appeals to you most? Ask yourself if you’d prefer to exercise outdoors or inside? Depending on where you live, you might be able to walk, run, bike, swim, or ski outdoors. Even gardening can count, as long as you’re working hard enough, so you sweat a little! Help yourself create healthy habits! If you join a gym, make sure it’s nearby, so you’ll be more likely to go there. Think about whether you’re more comfortable on your own or with a group. Most people agree that they do more sit-ups and push-ups in group exercise classes than they would on their own. Above all else, be kind to yourself. Find fun ways to reward yourself for working out and make a mental note of the days you work out instead of the days you don’t.

 

Tune in to the latest edition of Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast mixing music with diabetes information.

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, virtual diabetes support program with style. Divabetic’s dynamic diabetes program features ‘What To Wear When Nothing Fits for Summer’ presented by Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller and ‘How To Master The Menu at The Cookout’ presented by MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, 7-8 PM, EST.

REGISTER NOW- FREE REGISTRATION 

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A FairyTale Wedding To Be Remembered

After a yearlong delay, my fabulous goddaughter and niece, Ashton, and her wonderful fiancé, Irby were married this past weekend at OceanCliff Inn in Newport, RI. Every moment shimmered in effortless elegance to create an ‘epic yet intimate’ celebration. Hats off to my brother and his amazing wife for hosting such an unforgettable weekend. I had the honor (and anxiety) of officiating their fairytale wedding against a spectacular backdrop of sailboats on the sunset.
I admire my niece so much for sticking to her guns and holding out to have her dream wedding in Newport rather than cancel it and host a much smaller ceremony at her home. She stayed true to her vision against the odds, and it worked out beautifully. The experience also taught me to turn off the negative talk that I say to myself.  After 15+ months of not hosting a Divabetic outreach event, I felt very unsure of myself in my abilities to host such a monumental event in front of 200 people. Thankfully, I stumbled upon this phrase, “Stop being afraid of what can go wrong, start being excited about what can go right,” which I repeated to myself for two weeks leading up to the event.  It worked! Everyone enjoyed the ceremony, and my niece told me, ‘it was perfect!’
By the way, it was truly a family affair. My mother, Mama Rose Marie was the flower girl, the bride’s sister was the ‘Maid of Honor’, the groom’s father was the ‘Best Man’, my nephew, Troy and his wife, Devon, were attendants, my brother, Rich designed their wedding monogram, and Joe did the bride’s hair and my mother’s makeup and hair.  The Bride’s father, my brother, Bob highlighted the fact the newlyweds patiently waited over a year to exchange their vows in a speech that can only be described as ‘astonishing and mindblowing’!! I’d also like to add that there’s no way an event of this size and scope could have been presented in such a masterful way without one of the most accomplished women that I know at the helm, my fabulous sister-in-law, Laura. She rocked it!

Since my niece is also a  Luther Vandross fan like her uncle, she plays his Christmas album nonstop every year (!) I used Luther’s beautiful song lyrics as inspiration for my wedding ceremony. Unfortunately, the happy couple didn’t choose ‘Here & Now’ as their wedding song, but I’d like to send this heartfelt message to them on their new journey together.

 

Divabetic’s Luther Vandross Tribute podcast guests include Lisa Fischer, Jason Miles, Jeff James, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Chuck Flowers.

By the time Luther Vandross headed to the studio to record his fifth album Give Me the Reason in 1986, he’d become one of the most successful soul singers of the first half of the eighties. His four previous albums have been either certified platinum or double-platinum in America.

For Luther Vandross’ fifth album Give Me the Reason, the album comprised nine tracks including the hits: So Amazing, There’s Nothing Better Than Love, Stop To Love and Give Me The Reason.

Throughout the podcast, we will be featuring music from Luther Vandross’s Give Me The Reason album courtesy of SONY Music.

Tune in over 140 Diva TalkRadio podcasts available for free on i-tunes  (‘Divabetic’). Get the latest in diva news, diabetes headlines and inspiration by joining our Divabetic facebook page.

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Toni Braxton Inspires Divabetic’s 11th Podcast Anniversary in June

We’re celebrating Divabetic’s 11th Podcast Anniversary with musical inspiration from Toni Braxton on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at 6 PM, EST.

The seven-time Grammy Award-winner has sold over 70 million records and is one of the best-selling R&B artists of all time. She also has overcome several setbacks in her life including bankruptcy, divorce, and a lupus diagnosis. Hopefully, she can encourage you to overcome the obstacles in your life that are stopping you from living your best diabetes life!

When Toni Braxton was first diagnosed with systemic lupus in 2008, her doctors told her that she would need a heart transplant and might not ever perform again.

“I remember being petrified,” Braxton said in a phone interview with Business Insider. “I was scared. I didn’t know anything about lupus.”

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect the joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels. It can also lead to heart disease and kidney disease.

Insulin resistance is increased in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).  Insulin resistance occurs when excess glucose in the blood reduces the ability of the cells to absorb and use blood sugar for energy. This increases the risk of developing prediabetes, and eventually, type 2 diabetes.

Lupus also disproportionately affects women, and especially women of color. About nine out of 10 adults with lupus are women, with African American women being three times more likely than white women to be diagnosed with lupus. 

Since her diagnosis in 2008, Braxton has developed microvascular angina and blood clots. 

“Of the lupuses, I have the worst — but of the worst, I have the best,” Braxton said. “I’m always trying to be positive about it.”

Braxton said she reached a point where she could perform again by educating herself about the disease and using CBD to cope with her symptoms and flare-ups.

 

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Sleep Apnea Is No Joke!

Sleep

Should people joke about sleep apnea? Unfortunately, for people with sleep apnea, it’s no laughing matter.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), approximately 18 million people have sleep apnea, with up to 80 percent of people undiagnosed.

American Sleep Apnea Association defines sleep apnea in adults as a cessation of breath that lasts at least 10 seconds and in children as a cessation of breath that lasts the equivalent of two and a half missed breaths. This reduction in airflow can lower oxygen in the blood and lead to learning and memory problems, irritability, depression, accidents, and productivity problems at work or school.

People used to think sleep apnea only occurred in overweight people. But the truth is that all age groups, both sexes, and both large and small body types are affected.

If you have diabetes, sleep apnea can make it more challenging to manage your diabetes. This is because when your breathing pauses while you sleep, there is an increase in carbon dioxide in your blood. This leads to:

  • Insulin resistance so that the body doesn’t use insulin effectively. This causes more sugar in the bloodstream leading to high blood sugars.
  • Chronic elevated blood pressure.
  • A higher incidence of heart problems or cardiovascular disease.
  • Early morning headaches

What can be done about it?

If your case is mild, you may only need to make some lifestyle or behavioral changes, including losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol.

More severe apnea cases require more treatment using a continuous positive airway pressure device or dental appliances. In some cases, surgery might be an option.

Remember, sleep apnea can have detrimental consequences on your health and all aspects of your life, including work productivity and interpersonal issues.

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Naomi Osaka Is A Mental Wellness Warrior

Naomi Osaka pulled out of the French Open, the world’s highest-paid female athlete, citing mental wellness struggles for her withdrawal.

Approximately 46.6 million people live with mental wellness issues in the U.S. That’s 1 in 5 adults who will be living with a mental health condition at some point in their lives.

In a statement posted to her Instagram, the 23-year-old Japanese pro tennis player said dropping out from the high-profile event was “the best thing for the tournament, the other players, and my well-being.”

Some people may feel she should have withdrawn from the tournament before it began, but I applaud her. I think society never empowers people to set boundaries, and when you do, there’s backlash.

I have been feeling stressed, anxious, and even angry over the last few weeks. Several project deadlines are tripping over each other on top of my full-time job. Thankfully, my boyfriend and I spent Memorial Day weekend with friends in Southampton. It rained every day, but we had a great time playing board games and just talking. It was so helpful.

Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam winner, revealed that she’s suffered from “long bouts of depression” since the U.S. Open in 2018. She has had “a really hard time coping with that.”

“Anyone that knows me knows I’m introverted, and anyone that has seen me at tournaments will notice that I’m often wearing headphones as that helps my social anxiety,” Osaka wrote.

“So here in Paris, I was already feeling vulnerable and anxious, so I thought it was better to exercise self-care and skip the press conferences,” she added.

Research has shown that the benefits of exercise can boost moods and improve overall mental health. However, playing sports does not make athletes immune to mental health challenges.

33% of all college students experience significant symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. Among that group, 30% seek help. But of college athletes with mental health conditions, only 10% do.  Among professional athletes, data shows that up to 35% of elite athletes suffer from a mental health crisis that may manifest as stress, eating disorders, burnout, or depression and anxiety. We’re inspired by athletes such as Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps,  USC Volleyball player Victoria Garrick, NBA player Kevin Love and those who are telling their stories and inspiring others to seek help to support the cause.

What is Depression?

Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act.  Depression is a serious medical illness affecting an estimated 15 million American adults. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.

Diabetes & Depression

If you have diabetes — either type 1 or type 2 — you have an increased risk of developing depression. And if you’re depressed, you may have a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes. Again, the good news is that diabetes and depression can be treated together

According to the Rexulti website, symptoms of depression may last for 2 weeks or more, occurring nearly every day.

Symptoms of Depression may include:

  • A depressed mood most of the day (feeling sad, empty, hopeless, or on the verge of tears)
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed
  • Weight loss (even when not on a diet) or experiencing weight gain
  • Decreases or increases in appetite
  • Difficulty sleeping or being overly tired
  • Restlessness or feeling slowed down
  • Fatigue or a loss of energy
  • Feeling worthless or guilty
  • A lack of concentration or difficulty with decision making
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

“I’m gonna take some time away from the court now, but when the time is right I really want to work with the Tour to discuss ways we can make things better for the players, press and fans,” Osaka wrote.

If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can also text HOME to 741-741 for free, 24-hour support from the Crisis Text Line. Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention for a database of resources.

Tune in to the latest edition of Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast mixing music with diabetes information.

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, virtual diabetes support program with style. Divabetic’s dynamic diabetes program features ‘What To Wear When Nothing Fits for Summer’ presented by Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller and ‘How To Master The Menu at The Cookout’ presented by MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, 7-8 PM, EST.

REGISTER NOW- FREE REGISTRATION 

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Faith & Diabetes

Carrie Underwood is inspiring us to talk about “keeping the faith when living with diabetes on this episode of Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.
The country superstar and her husband are very outspoken about how important Jesus is in their lives.
‘How do your spiritual values impact your diabetes health?
Are your spiritual and religious beliefs and practices harming or helping your daily diabetes routines?
Mr. Divabetic talks to the experts on ways you can keep your faith in your self-care management during your darkest hours and gets a ‘real-life’ perspective on how faith has transformed their health of a Divabetic FB community member. In less than 10 years.
US research indicates religious beliefs can have a positive impact on how people living with diabetes and their spouses cope with the stress related to diabetes.
Carrie Underwood has sold 64 million records worldwide, scored 18 #1 singles, and earned nearly 100 major accolades, including six GRAMMY® Awards with hit songs including “Before He Cheats”, “All-American Girl”, “Cowboy Casanova”, “Blown Away,? ?See You Again,? and her six-week #1 breakthrough hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel”.
“I got to go into the studio to sing these songs that are so hopeful and so peaceful,” says Carrie Underwood. “I hope people find some peace and comfort in these songs.”
We will be playing selected songs from her Greatest Hits album throughout the podcast courtesy of SONY MUSIC. Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDCES, Neva White DNP, CRNP, CDCES,  Mama Rose Marie, Poet Lorraine Brooks, and  Carrie from New York.

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Kevin Houdeshell’s Tragic Death Inspires This Year’s Divabetic Mystery Podcast

Tonight is the second rehearsal for this year’s Divabetic Mystery podcast, A Christmas Peril. Our take on Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol aims to raise awareness for the real-life story of Kevin Houdeshell. 

36-year-old Kevin Houdeshell ran out of insulin over the New Year’s holiday in January 2014. He ended up with dangerously high blood sugars that spiraled into diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), leading to him die alone in his apartment.

Kevin was doing his best to stretch out his supply until the New Year. He ran out of insulin and may have been taking the T2D-targetted metformin to help keep his blood sugars down until he could get an insulin refill, reports Healthline.

He went to the pharmacy on New Year’s Eve, but his prescription had expired. They couldn’t give him anymore without a new prescription. He tried to contact his doctor’s office but wasn’t able to reach them and left without the insulin because of the holiday.

Within days, Kevin began having what appeared to be flu-like symptoms of vomiting, cramps, and overall not feeling well. He left work one night and went homesick. When his family and friends hadn’t heard from him, a friend went to his apartment and found him there alone. It appears Kevin had gone at least four days without insulin before the end.

In the aftermath of that horrible tragedy, the Houdeshell family fought for a new law in their state, Ohio, to allow pharmacies to distribute an emergency supply of insulin to those who needed it. In the years since Kevins’s death, 5 states have passed Kevin’s Law, and several other states are looking to join the ranks.

“It’s something that has to be done. If we can save one life, it’s worth it,” Dan Houdeshell said during a phone interview with DiabetesMine. “Kevin would do anything for anybody, so we just have to. We couldn’t let it lie without trying to help other people.”

“Our mystery podcasts are one of the year’s most popular podcasts,” says Max Szadek. “I asked Dan if we could advocate on behalf of their family and share Kevin’s story in our mystery radio drama. Then I consulted with Mandy Reese PHARMD, CDCES, BC-ADM, BCACP, FADCES on the related medical information. I’m grateful to our cast, including Mama Rose Marie, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, and MaryAnn Nicolay Med, DTR, Wendy Radford, Catherine Schuller, Trisha Artman, Seveda Williams, Terri Seidman, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic,’ Lorraine Brooks and our producer, Leisa Chester-Weir for helping me advocate for Kevin’s Law. This year as an added treat, Ivan Hampden Jr. has agreed to produce original music for our performance. 

The Holidays are full of surprises— especially after Mr. Divabetic gets a new job as the pastry chef at the St. Nicholas Nursing Home nestled in a cozy Christmas Village. But adjusting to life in a Christmas Village is not all sugarplums and candy canes. Especially when a cantankerous resident, a real-life Ebenezer Scrooge,  named Mr. Pincher almost dies——shortly after eating one of Max’s peanut butter swirl brownies. Despite all of the ingredients for danger, Mr. Divabetic along with our team of amateur sleuths and his overly protective mother — set out to find the real culprit in the hopes that his name isn’t on a lethal naughty list.

 

There’s a good indication that murder might be part of the recipe when Nantucket’s ten-time reigning Baking Champion’s last name is ‘Coffin’ in last year’s Divabetic Mystery podcast, Kill Me Madam.  But resentment, greed, and Britannia’s own bad dealings turn everyone into a suspect when she’s found dead in the parking lot just before the Annual Decadents on Deck! Bake Off competition is about to kick off.

Delusional baker and amateur sleuth Mr. Divabetic is even shocked to find himself being treated as a suspect in the case by the local police, after meeting her just once!

As if his life wasn’t crazy enough before, escaping a murderous mishap in New York and attempting a fresh start in Nantucket has turned into a complete and utter baking disaster, now Max, along with his friends and nosy mother, have to add tracking down a murderer to his To-Do list, as well.

Can our team hunt down the real murderer before they strike again? Will he become the next victim? Can Max ever manage to bake a cake that’s actually edible?

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