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Can Musician Austin James’s Solution To Help Manage His Diabetes Work For You!

We’re posting this video not because we are endorsing FreeStyle Libre but because its star, Austin James is a musician living with type 1 diabetes. Often people wonder why we feature music on our Divabetic monthly diabetes podcasts. It’s not simply because I worked for Luther Vandross or that many people with diabetes make music; music brings all types of people together. It feels good to help unite people so that no one with diabetes feels alone.

In April 2003, I felt alone in my shame of not helping Luther avoid experiencing a severe stroke from mismanagement of type 2 diabetes. Looking back, if I had listened to that shame’s negative talk, I would have never shared my story or started Divabetic. I would have put my head down and just gone on with my life. I am accountable for not being more involved in Luther’s self-care aside from picking up prescription refills. But I didn’t have a clue that diabetes mismanagement could lead to a stroke. Back then, people commonly referred to diabetes as a ‘touch of sugar,’ and that didn’t seem scary.

My desire for people to heed my warning is why I refuse to let shame or blame stop me from sharing my story. If a stroke happened to someone as invincible as Luther Vandross, it could happen to anyone.

Pain from neuropathy or the daily stress it puts on your life can stop anyone from managing their condition. Even the pain you experience from the actual diagnosis can hit you like a ton of bricks. You may feel like you have no quality of life, and without a quality of life, what’s the point of living anymore? Or even to bother trying? You may just want to enjoy the time you have left.

When a diagnosis affects someone like that or a diabetes health-related complication such as stroke, it can be hard to fight back the depression and anxiety. Depression and anxiety make it more challenging to take care of yourself. It helps to have a community of like-minded people to lean on.

Musician Austin James found ‘community’ in his bandmate, who is also living with type 1 diabetes.

The pain Austin James felt on his fingertips’ pads from checking blood sugars was compromising his musicianship. Thankfully his bandmate shared his solution for easing the pain from frequent blood sugar checks with him. Together they have managed to keep the music playing without compromising their diabetes wellness. Rock on!

 

We’re keeping the music and a message of diabetes wellness alive on Divabetic’s upcoming Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast. Guests include Lisa Fischer, Jason Miles, Jeff James, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Chuck Flowers, and Kitt Vordeaux.

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’s 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.

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Former Soloist Ballerina Zippora Karz Guests On Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite Podcast

“For many years, I struggled silently, trying to hide the fact that I was in over my head and I didn’t know if I could keep dancing. I didn’t have a diabetes educator, and I didn’t have a doctor who understood. I was misdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes because I was in my early twenties,” says Former Soloist Ballerina Zippora Karz, living with type 1 diabetes, on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music by Christina Aguilera.

Zippora joined the New York City Ballet at seventeen in the 80s. She danced to George Balanchine’s ballets every night.

What’s life like for a ballerina?

“You are creating a new vocabulary within your body. You have to work on it every day. We take morning classes to improve your legs’ line and your jumps and turns because it’s not natural. And then, you a different program every night. A six-hour rehearsal day, and then you perform that night.”

“I was in my third year with the ballet when I was diagnosed with diabetes,” says Zippora. “However, my doctors didn’t understand the athleticism and energy output of a ballerina.

So what kept her going?

“I felt pressure to prove that nothing changed. But the magic I experienced dancing was so intense that I had to keep going and had to preserve.”

Former New York City Ballet Soloist Ballerina & Author (Sugarless Plum) Zippora Karz is a guest on this episode of Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast. We Are Diabetes founder Asha Brown, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Mama Rose Marie.

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Reflections of a Unicorn with Type 1 Diabetes by Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDCES, Part 5

Reflections of My Journey with Diabetes

Over the past 46 years of living successfully with diabetes, I have developed some coping strategies that work for me.

Nobody is perfect! It is impossible to manage diabetes perfectly. If my blood sugars are fluctuating, I try to keep a close watch on stabilizing them. Diabetes is not an exact science and many factors, other than just food and insulin, affect their variability. Don’t panic and do the best that you can.

Take life – and taking care of your diabetes – one day at a time. When you look to the past, and focus on what you could have done, should have done, and would have done, that can leave you feeling depressed. It’s water under the bridge. No use dwelling on the past which you cannot change, Likewise, if you look to the future and focus on worrying, such as what if I go blind, what if I contract the Coronavirus, that will leave you feeling anxious. Worrying about the future does not make it more likely to happen or less likely to happen. It just zaps your energy. No use dwelling on the what if’s. The answer is: stay in the here and now.

Connecting with others. My journey which started in 1975 was before the Internet. There were not a lot of resources available for me. Today, there are books and blogs, online and in-person support groups, podcasts such as the monthly “Diabetes Late Nite” podcast hosted by Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek with guests and games to learn about diabetes and have fun at the same time.

Think of long-term benefits. Managing your diabetes is one of the primary ways to reduce your risks of complications. My personal motivation (I know it sounds silly) is to be able to wear cute shoes with heels. The same can be said for staying safe during the pandemic. Even if you are tired of wearing a mask, maintaining social distance, and following hand hygiene, the long-term benefit is keeping yourself safe and others safe, as well. It’s important to remember that you have control over how you will respond to the pandemic and do your part to control the spread.

Last, but not least, is feeling and expressing gratitude. I am grateful that I was born after the discovery of insulin or else I would not have lived to tell my story. I am thankful to all the doctors who have taken care of me during the past four decades. I am thankful to my patients with whom I have learned insights. A big thank you to Max Szadek for our collaborations over the years.  And. most especially to the love and support that I have received from my family. I will always appreciate the encouragement from my parents, my brother, my sister, my son, my daughter, and my step-son.

Wishing you success in your journey with diabetes!

Read Part 1

Read Part 2

Read Part 3

Read Part 4

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

Dr. Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDCES guests on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music from Meghan Trainor.

Megan Trainor’s break-out hit, “All About That Bass” features lyrics about body acceptance.  In this case, the bass is a metaphor for the booty. “Yeah it’s pretty clear, I ain’t no size two / But I can shake it, shake it like I’m supposed to do,” she sings.

How well are you at accepting the fact that you’re living with diabetes? Negative emotions such as anger, frustration, hopelessness, fear, guilt and shame is very common among people with diabetes. Navigating your way through a range of emotions as well as learning to accept your diagnosis can prove to be a major stumbling block for many people’s daily diabetes self-care management.

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

The Past 20 Years

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

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

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

Read Part 1

Read Part 2

Read Part 3

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

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

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Reflections of a Unicorn with Type 1 Diabetes by Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDCES, Part 3

The Middle Years of Living with Diabetes

By the mid-80’s my insulin regimen involved four shots per day: 3 fast-acting insulin shots (bolus) to be taken prior to each meal and 1 long-acting insulin shot (basal) taken before bed. I was now using a blood glucose meter to help manage my blood sugar. However, pregnancy presented new challenges for me. Insulin demands tripled over the course of nine months. I took extremely good care of my diabetes in order to keep my unborn baby safe. In 1988, I gave birth (via C-section delivery) to a healthy son weighing under 9 pounds. In 1990, I was pregnant again but I experienced a miscarriage in my 11th week of gestation. It was devastating to me (and I rarely talk about it to this day). My gynecologist claimed that the miscarriage was the result of my poor diabetes management. My diabetologist*, Dr. Henry Dolger, disagreed with that assessment. He told me that 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage and it was totally unrelated to my diabetes self-care. In 1992, I was pregnant again and gave birth (via C-section delivery) to a beautiful baby girl weighing under 9 pounds. I happily devoted the next decade to exclusively raising my children.

Read Part 1

Read Part 2

*A diabetologist is a doctor who specialises in the treatment of diabetes.

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

 

MY SWEET LIFE: Successful Women with Diabetes by Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDCES and Friends is a collection of life stories – each chapter written by a highly respected successful woman with diabetes. This group of diverse women share their stories how they find balance between managing their careers and/or family AND managing their diabetes.

The book is compiled by Dr. Beverly S. Adler who is also one of those women. “Dr. Bev” as she is better known, is a clinical psychologist and Certified Diabetes Educator in private practice, specializing treating patients with diabetes and also has had type 1 diabetes for 37 years. All those years ago when she was diagnosed, there were no role models with diabetes for her. This book is geared for women with diabetes who need role models who can inspire them. The book is written for the newly diagnosed woman with diabetes who is overwhelmed with her diagnosis. Or, for the woman who has had diabetes for a while, but can also benefit from uplifting, inspirational stories to encourage and motivate self-care (especially if they already are trying to cope with some complications).

Dr. Bev is joined by 23 contributing authors who are all women of exceptional accomplishments! Each story is unique and heartwarming, as these very special women share their triumph over diabetes. The reader can learn how the women’s experiences with diabetes helped to shape them into who they are today. The theme running through the book is that “diabetes is a blessing in disguise.”

 

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic and very special guest, Dr. Beverly S. Adler,PhD, CDCES on this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast. Known as “Dr. Bev,” to her patients, this Baldwin, NY, self-proclaimed “Diabetes Diva” is uniquely qualified to treat patients with diabetes. Dr. Bev has firsthand experience living with Type 1 diabetes for 35+ years. Hear her personal philosophy and learn how she empowers the lives of others living with diabetes. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, find inspiration in “herstory!”

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Reflections of a Unicorn with Type 1 Diabetes by Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDCES Clinical Psychologist and Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist, Part 2

 The Beginning of My Journey with Diabetes

It was a Monday morning in March 1975 when my GP (then known as General Practitioner, now referred to as Primary Care Physician) had me take a 5-hour oral glucose tolerance test in his office. On Friday, March 14, 1975, I returned to his office for the results of the test. He diagnosed me with “juvenile diabetes” (now referred to as type 1 diabetes). He gave me my first injection of insulin. There were no practice shots for me to learn how to inject myself. There were no diabetes educators or support groups for me to ask for guidance. He recommended a physician who was a specialist in diabetes for me to see for my care. That specialist (a diabetologist) was a wonderful man who helped to empower me to manage my diabetes. His name was Dr. Henry Dolger, a “Founding Father” of JDF (now referred to as JDRF, formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). His office staff welcomed me at my first visit  and after reviewing the results from my glucose tolerance test asked me how my stay in the hospital was? I was alarmed, because I was never admitted to any hospital.  To this day I don’t know how high my blood sugar reading was, but it must have been significant.

“I was told at the time of my diagnosis that I would be blind after ten years of living with diabetes.”

Diabetes management in those days was one shot of insulin a day. There were no meters to measure blood sugar, only urine tests to measure sugar “spilled” into your urine. It was an imprecise tool as it measured the sugar which had collected in your bladder. As time went on, my regimen changed to two shots per day. I was told at the time of my diagnosis that I would be blind after ten years of living with diabetes. At 20 years old that was daunting news to hear. I decided to continue studying my college major of psychology, accepting that I could still practice psychology in the future even if I were blind as long as I was able to hear my patients. Thankfully, I was not blind after 10 years, or 20 years, or 30 years or 40+ years! In fact, I have never experienced any diabetic eye complications.

Read Part 1

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

 

MY SWEET LIFE: Successful Women with Diabetes by Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDCES and Friends is a collection of life stories – each chapter written by a highly respected successful woman with diabetes. This group of diverse women share their stories how they find balance between managing their careers and/or family AND managing their diabetes.

The book is compiled by Dr. Beverly S. Adler who is also one of those women. “Dr. Bev” as she is better known, is a clinical psychologist and Certified Diabetes Educator in private practice, specializing treating patients with diabetes and also has had type 1 diabetes for 37 years. All those years ago when she was diagnosed, there were no role models with diabetes for her. This book is geared for women with diabetes who need role models who can inspire them. The book is written for the newly diagnosed woman with diabetes who is overwhelmed with her diagnosis. Or, for the woman who has had diabetes for a while, but can also benefit from uplifting, inspirational stories to encourage and motivate self-care (especially if they already are trying to cope with some complications).

Dr. Bev is joined by 23 contributing authors who are all women of exceptional accomplishments! Each story is unique and heartwarming, as these very special women share their triumph over diabetes. The reader can learn how the women’s experiences with diabetes helped to shape them into who they are today. The theme running through the book is that “diabetes is a blessing in disguise.”

 

Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDCES on November’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with musical inspiration from one our all-time favorite divas, Whitney Houston.

Enjoy an exclusive listen of “Whitney Houston – I Wish You Love: More From ‘The Bodyguard’”  courtesy of SONY Music. This 25th anniversary of “The Bodyguard” soundtrack album features the hit song, “I’m Every Woman” echoing the recent statistics that 1 in 10 women are now living with diabetes.

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Reflections of a Unicorn with Type 1 Diabetes by Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDCES Clinical Psychologist and Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist, Part 1

A unicorn has come to mean a very rare find or somebody who is unique, according to online dictionaries.  The term unicorn was used by Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek to describe me! Why? Because I am the rare combination of clinical psychologist AND certified diabetes care and education specialist specializing in the emotional treatment of people with diabetes for more than 20 years in private practice AND living successfully with type 1 diabetes for 46 years!

Consider the person who is feeling burned out during the winter season with the snow storms and cold temps. What if they decide to ignore the facts of winter’s wrath and abandon their heavy coats, scarves, hats, and gloves to wear tank tops and shorts? Foolish, right? Yes! Just because you are weary of winter weather, you can’t live in denial very long without freezing to death if you go outdoors.

Consider the person who is feeling burned out during the COVID-19 pandemic with the restrictions to wear a mask, keep social distance, and follow rules for hand hygiene. What if they decide to ignore the facts of Coronavirus transmission and abandon common sense precautions? Foolish, right? Yes! Just because you experience “pandemic fatigue,” you can’t live in denial very long without putting yourself and others (family and friends) in jeopardy for contracting the virus.

Now, consider the person who is diagnosed with diabetes. You can easily feel burned out trying to manage your blood sugar with all it’s protocols: check your blood sugar (multiple times per day), take your medication (insulin and/or pills, multiple times per day), eating healthy, being active, keeping up with medical appointments to monitor your diabetes. What if they decide to ignore the facts of keeping blood sugars within their target range and abandon a healthy lifestyle? Foolish, right? Yes! Just because you might experience anxiety and depression trying to manage diabetes self-care, you can’t live in denial without risking serious complications.

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

MY SWEET LIFE: Successful Men with Diabetes – Beverly S. Adler, PHD, CDCES, Editor

Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDCES guests on Divabetic’s 10th Year Podcast Anniversary with music from the world’s most famous “Divabetic”–  Ms. Patti LaBelle.

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What Is Insulin Sensitivity?

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

What Is Insulin Resistance?

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

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

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

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

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Know Diabetes By Heart Ambassador Sarah Shares Her Diagnosis To Diva Story

Know Diabetes By Heart  Ambassador Sarah B. shares how her husband’s death motivated her to take her type 2 diabetes diagnosis seriously on the March Diabetes Late Nite podcast.  

“I watched how diabetes coupled with a stroke ravished him and how it caused him to basically give up hope,” she said after her husband was wheelchair bound because of a stroke caused by mismanagement of his type 2 diabetes. “Watching how he had been debilitated by the disease, I knew I could not go down that path.” 

Sarah urges other caregivers to take care of themselves and be mindful of their health. “When someone relies on you, you need to take care of yourself. Their well-being is tied to your well-being, so you have to ensure that you stay well.” 

Sarah has made a conscious decision to manage her diabetes with diet and exercise. “Not exercising for me is not an option!” She starts her days with rebounding on a mini trampoline. To stay motivated, she watches a variety of rebounding workout videos on YouTube.  

An adventure group for widows she discovered on Facebook helps her stay active too. Last year the group entered a Spartan Race, a 5K obstacle course, which required them to climb over a wall just to get to the starting line! Sarah said that the group members “prove to ourselves that life goes on and we can be better than we thought we were.” 

She has also adopted a whole-food, plant-based diet after watching several documentaries about the meat industry on Netflix. One of her favorite foods is the Japanese sweet potato. “I top them with beans, broccoli, onions and mushrooms.” 

Japanese sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins (especially vitamin A), minerals, potassium, iron, copper and fiber. Since they are high in carbohydrates, Healthline recommends that you keep your portions small and boil instead of baking them to help ensure a lower glycemic load. 

Sarah’s late husband’s tragic health story mirrors the story of Divabetic icon Luther Vandross. Luther experienced a stroke related to type 2 diabetes in 2003 and died in 2005 at the age of 54.

We’d like to encourage you to “keep your house a home” and learn how to prevent and/or delay a diabetes health-related complication like kidney disease. March is National Kidney Month. If you have type 2 diabetes, you run an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Thankfully, you can test kidney function to find out about problems early – and make changes to prevent CKD – with a simple screening.

LEARN MORE 

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

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

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

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

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

Diabetes and Constipation: What’s the Connection?

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

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

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

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

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

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