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Halloween Tips for People with Diabetes

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Celebrating Halloween doesn’t have to mean overindulging in candy. You can have just as much fun by dressing up, playing Halloween games, working on arts and crafts projects and making a special Halloween snack together.

Mounting research  suggests that added sugar can have harmful effects on metabolism and contribute to all sorts of diseases.

“We are in the midst of a paradigm shift in research on the health effects of sugar, one fueled by extremely high rates of added sugar overconsumption,” as Laura Schmidt, Ph.D., professor of Health Policy at UC San Francisco, put it in a commentary in JAMA Internal Medicine. “Too much sugar does not just make us fat; it can also make us sick.”

The 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend a limit on sugar for the first time: no more than 10 percent of a person’s daily calories should come from added sugar. That amounts to about 12 teaspoons (50 grams) for someone consuming 2,000 calories a day (1 teaspoon contains about 4 grams of sugar).

The 10 percent limit matches the new one from the World Health Organization, which advises, however, that getting less than 5 percent of daily calories from added sugar (about 6 teaspoons and 100 calories on a 2,000-calorie daily diet) is an even better goal. The latter is similar to the strict recommendations from the American Heart Association: no more than 6 teaspoons of added sugar a day for most women and 9 teaspoons for most men.

Limiting the amount of sugar you enjoy at Halloween doesn’t have to spoil the fun. You can bake popcorn balls and sugar-free treats. You can also plan games, such as bobbing for apples. By placing the focus on fun activities and not food, the holiday will be more memorable for everyone.

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Children with diabetes can eat candy on Halloween, just like any child.  However, parents should plan ahead to work the candy into their child’s diabetes meal plan or ensure they get enough insulin to cover the carbohydrates in the candy.  The Child Life Team at Joslin Diabetes Center provides tips for Halloween planning and handling treats with diabetes.

LISTEN NOW: Serve, Taste or Trash! Food podcast. Learn to love the foods you hate.

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Grace & Frankie Tackle Vaginal Dryness

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The original Netflix series, “Grace & Frankie” starring Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda tackles  the topic of ‘vaginal dryness’ in post menopausal women in one episode in the first season.

Vaginal dryness is is the biggest sexual complaint in women with diabetes. Vaginal dryness is, this  twice as likely if you have diabetes. If you are in menopause or postmenopause, less estrogen may be the cause. If you aren’t, damage to the nerves that lubricate your vagina may be. Vaginal dryness can become a painful cycle. If sex hurts because of it, you may tense up during sex, causing more pain, or avoid sex altogether.

“I did want to talk about sexuality with older women because people usually go “Ugh” when you talk about an older woman having sex,” says “Grace & Frankie” co-creator Marta Kauffman.

“We can have sex when we’re older, and we’re going to find a way to make it beautiful and lovely and important. And it’s just as important for us as it is for a 20-year-old, if not more so, because it’s about intimacy. I got a little excited about that one. See, the dry vagina leads to everything”, says Kauffman.

About 35% of women with diabetes seem to have sexual issues. That doesn’t mean you have to live with them. There’s help to get your sex life going again.

“Some women’s issues may be more complex to treat than those of men, but most can be treated,” says frequent Diabetes Late Nite guest,  Janis Roszler, a diabetes educator, marriage therapist, and author of Sex and Diabetes: For Him and For Her. “There’s no reason for any woman with diabetes to deny herself the opportunity to have a fulfilling and pleasurable sex life.”

On the Netflix series, Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda play 70-something frenemies whose husbands (played by Sam Waterston and Martin Sheen, respectively) leave them for each other— explores twilight years thrown into chaos, and Tomlin and Fonda anchor the emotional heft of the show. Though it has some missteps, seeing the two onscreen together feels like a victory.

Jane Fonda and  Lily Tomlin both want more “Grace and Frankie” — more seasons, more often. Spurred on by positive feedback for a terrific second season, the pair have gone so far as to lobby Netflix president Ted Sarandos about releasing more than one season per year.

dont-let-003LISTEN NOW: Don’t Let Diabetes Kill Romance podcast discussing sexual health issues related to diabetes.

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.

Don’t equate sexual performance with love or a fulfilling relationship; focus on letting your partner know you care and want to give pleasure as part of your relationship

Mr. Divabetic’s Guests include Best-Selling Author Lisa Eugene, Jennifer 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.

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Cigarettes and Viagra Don’t Mix

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It is estimated that about 35% to 75% of men with diabetes will experience at least some degree of erectile dysfunction — also called ED or impotence — during their lifetime.

Men with diabetes tend to develop erectile dysfunction 10 to 15 years earlier than men without diabetes.

What happens if you’re a smoker living with diabetes and experiencing ED?

Smoking effects erections by constricting the blood vessels while viagra works to expand the blood vessels which means the two in combination cancel each other out. In most cases, viagra is not effective at all in this situation.

This topic came up during our discussion about ED at Divabetic’s first-ever men’s outreach event, ‘Meet You At the Barbershop’ at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA on Saturday, October 22, 2016.

Erectile dysfunction — the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sex — is common in men who have diabetes. It can stem from problems caused by poor long-term blood sugar control, which damages nerves and blood vessels.

Sexual and urologic complications of diabetes occur because of the damage diabetes can cause to blood vessels and nerves. Men may have difficulty with erections or ejaculation. Women may have problems with sexual response and vaginal lubrication.

Talking about sexual health issues related to diabetes shouldn’t be embarrassing. In many cases, a sexual health problem is a precursor for diabetes health-related complications for both men and women.

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Our ‘Meet You At The Barbershop’ panel of experts included Dr.  James Plumb MD from the Center for Urban Health, Dr. Perry Weiner, MD, Urologist Thomas Jefferson Men’s Health at the Navy Yard, Rohit Moghe, PharmD, MSPH,CDE Advanced Practice Pharmacist Medicine/Endocrine/Geriatric, David Madison, MeD, Men’s Health Educator and Reverend Clarence Pemberton, Diabetes Advocate.

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FREE OUTREACH: Join us for Divabetic – Victory Over Diabetes on Saturday, November 12, 2016, 11 AM – 3 PM at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. REGISTER NOW: 1-800-JEFF-NOW 

 

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Weekly Wow: Foot Health

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BE AN INSTANT WINNER: Correctly answer this question on Divabetic’s FB page and you could win our Prize Giveaway on November’s Diabetes Game show podcast scheduled for Tuesday, November 1, 2016, 6 -7 PM, EST.

People with diabetes are at risk for a variety of foot-related health concerns.

  • 25% of people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer in their lifetime.
  • 50% of those foot ulcers will get infected and up to 15% of those will require amputation.
  • Diabetes is the leading cause of lower extremity amputation accounting for over 60% of these amputations.
  • Every 30 seconds a leg is lost from a medical complication due to diabetes.
If left untreated, these relatively minor foot problems can develop into serious health complications, eventually leading to amputation of the foot or leg. Foot care is key.

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TUNE IN: Diabetes Game Show podcast hosted by Mr. Divabetic with prize giveaways courtesy of Dr. Greenfields  Diabetes Foot, Hand & Body Creams and Lotions. Special Guest: Dr. Stanley Greenfield, PhD. Dr. Stanley Greenfield is pharmaceutical chemist, with a passion for helping people with diabetes.

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Ella Fitzgerald is our Diva Inspiration for National Diabetes Awareness Month

We’re getting ‘jazzy’ for National Diabetes Awareness month in November.

Jazz legend, Ella Fitzgerald  is our musical inspiration for November’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast scheduled for Tuesday, November 8, 2016, 67- PM, EST.

Ella Fitzgerald had to have both of her legs amputated below the knee due to complications related to diabetes in 1993.

However, people with diabetes can prevent amputation by inspecting their feet daily and by being vigilant for warning signs of ulcers, including irritation, redness, cracked or dry skin (especially around the heels), or drainage on their socks.

The reason why amputation is common is because of nerve damage related to diabetes.  A person with diabetes who experiences nerve damage is more likely to be unaware of a foot injury until it becomes infected. Infection can lead to partial or full amputation of the foot or lower leg. Regular care from a podiatrist can help reduce amputation rates between 45 and 85 percent, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

Podiatrist, Dr. Jodie Sengstock, DPM, MPMA says, “it’s important for those with the disease to receive regular foot exams by a podiatrist.”

“Although ulcers can occur anywhere on the foot or ankle, they are typically found on pressure points on the foot, like the ball of the foot or bottom of the big toe,” added Dr. Sengstock “If an ulcer is discovered, or other symptoms, a podiatrist should be seen immediately. In many cases, the foot can be saved with early treatment.”

TUNE IN: November’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music by Ella Fitzgerald. Guests include the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach (Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN) Poet Lorraine Brooks, Ansley Dalbo, Best-Selling Author Anna J. Stewart, and Mama Rose Marie.

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Weekly Wow: Frequent Eye Infections

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True or False? Can diabetes cause you to have eye infections such as pink eye and frequent styes?

The correct answer is: True. People with diabetes are more likely to get bacterial infections, including bacterial pink eye and/or eyelid styes. Diabetes affects the autoimmune system, lowering one’s resistance to infection. Keeping your A1c (marker of blood sugar levels) as low as possible and practicing good hygiene such as washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching or rubbing your eyes can help.

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I Gotta Be OK

I’m innocently watching a bit of TV, to relax, with a hot cup of joe.
I put my feet up, on the chair next to me, and got ready to enjoy the show.

I breathed in and out, in a sigh of relief, as the day is beginning to end.
A moment of silence, however brief, in this moment, feels like a friend.

But just as I start to unwind and get quiet, I feel my jaw start to get tight.
A million commercials that tell me to diet, that what I look like isn’t right.

Read Gotta Be OK in its entirety HERE

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‘I Gotta Be OK’ by Lorraine Brooks

I’m innocently watching a bit of TV
To relax, with a hot cup of joe.
I put my feet up, on the chair next to me,
And got ready to enjoy the show.

I breathed in and out, in a sigh of relief
As the day is beginning to end.
A moment of silence, however brief,
In this moment, feels like a friend.

But just as I start to unwind and get quiet,
I feel my jaw start to get tight.
A million commercials that tell me to diet
That what I look like isn’t right.

So,come to Weight Watchers, or try Jenny Craig
And what about Zumba or swimming?
Or,how about hopping on just one leg,
Or wearing these pants that are “slimming”?

Or maybe a pill that will help me eat less
Or an operation on my belly.
Or maybe I need to control all my stress,
So my buttocks won’t shake like it’s jelly.

And books that are titled “Eat This, and Not That”
And DVDs set to pop songs.
And spokespeople yelling “get rid of,your fat!”
And showing young models in thongs.

So I change the channel and what do I see?
But more of the same, it’s so sad.
Get “healthy”, get “fit”, it’s so easy to be!
And. making me feel pretty bad.

So I turned off the telly, and got out a book
And started to read for my pleasure.
To forget about diets and how I must look,
And what I should do in my leisure.

‘Cause this is the package that I’m wrapped up in
And no sense me feeling ashamed.
I’ll never be skinny or painfully thin,
And likely I’ll mostly get blamed.

But I’m not complaining, well, not any more,
I’m just gonna chill, and be mellow
And celebrate all that my life has in store,
While enjoying my sugar-free jello.

Because in the end I just want folks to say
Even though she did not wear size seven,
She was kind, she was honest, and she was OK…
And we hope that there’s chocolate in heaven.

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Don’t Let Diabetes Kill Romance Podcast with Author Kristan Higgins

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Mr Divabetic Show

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic shines the spotlight on the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author and two-time winner of the Romance Writers of America RITA Award, Kristan Higgins on the special Don’t Let Diabetes Kill Romance podcast.

Kristan has been called “a rising superstar in contemporary romance” by USA TODAY, who went on to praise Kristan’s “genius-level EQ … whippet-fast, funny dialogue and sweet plots with a deliciously tart edge.” Her contemporary romances feature big-hearted, memorable love stories about regular people, combining quirky families, real-life issues and a cute dog or two as well.

This podcast is part of the ‘Don’t Let Diabetes Kill Romance’ health campaign raising awareness for sexual wellness issues among people with diabetes.

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LISTEN: Don’t Let Diabetes Kill Romance podcast with Author Kristan Higgins and guests: Stephanie Gaber PharmD, CDE from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, Diva Club leader, MaryAnn Nicolay, BA, DTR from the Diabetes Partnership Of Cleveland, OH. Poet Lorriane Brooks, Jennifer Martsolf from Trigg Laboratories and Author Ginger Vieria.

Join Divabetic’s Facebook and Twitter communities. #dontletdiabeteskillromance

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