Hello Handsome. Goodbye, Statistics! If you are among the 15 million+ men living with diabetes, you’re not a number; you’re a Divabetic Dude!
At Divabetic, we want to empower you or those you care about to stay healthy and positive about diabetes self-care management and to do it in a bold and confident way. There’s no need to go it alone – we’re here to help you get your Divabetic Swagger and build your entourage of family, friends, and health care professionals. Start or continue your journey right here for a refreshing new approach to diabetes and wellness.
Don’t get down, count on Divabetic for the power of love and wellness with a wow!Here’s how to stay in touch, stay connected, and support our community.
Why care about diabetes and the men in our lives? Because according to the National Institutes of Health, statistics show that when it comes to their own health, men have fewer checkups with a regular healthcare provider than do women. They remain unaware of the often hidden dangers of obesity, high blood pressure, depression, sexual dysfunction, and diabetes.
Men can have type 2 diabetes for years and not know you have it. Many men don’t know they have it until they develop problems such as vision loss, kidney disease, or erectile dysfunction.
According to dLife.com, men with diabetes suffer more from some diabetes-related health problems than women. The American Diabetes Association reports that:
In people who develop diabetes before the age of 30, men develop retinopathy (a vision disorder that can lead to blindness) more quickly than women.
Having the main symptoms of peripheral vascular disease – pain in the thigh, calf, or buttocks during exercise; cramps; change in temperature; sores that don’t heal, swelling – is linked to a two- to three-fold increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, or cardiac failure in men with diabetes.
Amputation rates from diabetes-related problems are 1.4 to 2.7 times higher in men than women with diabetes.
Historically, men have not been forthcoming about their health, particularly conditions like diabetes, depression, or sexual dysfunction. But today, many men are waking up to the fact that good health and longer life demand positive, consistent action.
Read Men & Diabetes, Diabetes-Related Problems in Men on dLife.com
Read For Men, Ignoring Diabetes Can Be Deadly, a National Institutes of Health e-publication
Don’t get down, count on Divabetic for the power of love and wellness with a wow!Here’s how to stay in touch, stay connected, and support our community.
You know him as Mr. Divabetic, the fruit suit clad man-about-town, Divabetic’s resident master of ceremonies, and happy healthcare anchor on Diva TalkRadio, a podcast channel featuring diabetes edutainment and information. But when he re-appears from the studio booth and sheds his pineapple and watermelon jacket, he transforms into the mild-mannered, yet passionate Max Szadek, the founder and executive director of Divabetic and WEGO Health Activist Award nominee.
Inspired by his former boss, Luther Vandross, who suffered in silence with his diabetes, Max founded Divabetic to encourage women and their families to accept a diabetes diagnosis boldly, with a Glam More, Fear Less attitude. With a background in entertainment and armed with a team of diabetes health and wellness educators, fashionistas and a Sony music catalog, Mr. Divabetic is uniquely suited (with fruit, of course) to connect with audiences in an empowering mix of innovative outreach, style, and fun.
Mr. Divabetic’s enthusiasm is infectious, and you can follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and his world-famous blog for diabetes news, updates, and all things pop culture.
I’m on a mission to change attitudes in those affected by diabetes to stay healthy and upbeat about their care so they can continue to enjoy the glamorous life.
Max Szadek
Don’t get down, count on Mr. Divabetic for the power of love and wellness with a wow! Here’s how to stay in touch, stay connected, and support our community.
The signs and symptoms of Heart Failure are not always easy to detect. But with awareness of family history (genetics), personal behavior (diet, exercise regime, drug abuse, alcohol and sodium intake), and health related problems (diabetes, infection, anemia, and thyroid problems), a person may determine whether or not they may be at a high risk for Heart Failure.
Divabetic Club – Philadelphia will GO RED! on Thursday, February 18, 2016 to raise awareness heart disease in the diabetes community.
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) have identified the Stages of Heart Failure. The stages are more recent and they complement the NHYA classification (See-Classifications of Heart Failure). The four stages are set up as follows: Stage A, Stage B, Stage C, and Stage D.
If you have a history of the aforementioned problems, or if you have a diet high in fat, abuse alcohol or drugs, or smoke, you may be a high risk candidate for Stage A Heart Failure.
Stage B Heart Failure candidates have probably never experienced symptoms of HF, but have been diagnosed with the disease. There is clear evidence of Heart Failure during diagnosis but no clear symptoms. At this point a physician may prescribe medication such as ACE Inhibitors or Beta Blockers (See-Glossary) There will be close monitoring of blood pressure (hypertension OR hypotension-See Glossary).
In Stage C, cardiac dysfunction is present, as are symptoms. Tiredness while performing simple activities like walking or bending over, are common symptoms. Shortness of breath and overall fatigue are present. In Stage C strict attention should be paid to exercise (consult your physician), eating properly (with low sodium intake) and little to no alcohol consumption.
Patients in Stage D of Heart Failure show signs and symptoms of HF even though they have undergone treatment and therapy. Monitoring of diet, exercise, and blood pressure is still adhered to during Stage D. Patients will probably be prescribed medications, depending on the person and the extent of Heart Failure. This stage is associated with surgical options (depending on severity) including, but not limited to:
Placement of a conventional Pacemaker;
Placement of a ventricular device such as a BiV (See-Biventricular Pacemakers May Help Heart Beat More Effectively in Advanced Heart Failure Patients)
LVR (See-Left Ventricular Reconstruction Surgery a Viable Possibility for Certain Advanced Heart Failure Patients); or
A heart transplant
As with all health concerns a person should consult their physician before making a self-diagnosis or practicing self-treatment.
DON’T MISS: Our special tribute to Natalie Cole on Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music by Adele on Tuesday, January 12, 2016, 6-7 PM, EST.
February’s Diabetes Late Nite features special guest, Asha Brownwho hosts Type 1 TV (T1TV), an independent voice on living with type 1 diabetes.
T1TV programs aims to inform, educate and inspire with on demand programming.
T1TV host, Asha Brown is the founder of the We Are Diabetesorganization. She was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 5 years old. Throughout her childhood, diabetes was simply a way of life because her father had type 1 diabetes most of his life as well. She didn’t mind being a little different than her friends and never had a problem explaining type 1 diabetes to anyone who had questions. In fact, diabetes never created an obstacle in Asha’s life until she was old enough to understand that her weight and body size were not completely under her own control.
As a dancer, actress and a fitness instructor by the time she was 17, Asha lived for movement and her body’s ability to feel good in its own skin. After reading many articles and books that gave a daunting account of weight gain associated with insulin resistance and diabetes, Asha felt the first stirring of resentment towards a disease she felt was dooming her to an inability to have the physical strength and shape that she knew she deserved and could achieve. And so she started to omit insulin occasionally when it was “necessary” to get things done.
T1TV presents original programming – available several times per month. Some programs will be presented in a mini-series manner since programs are meant to be short and easy to take in any time of the day – any – any time your busy schedule permits.
Don’t miss the dazzling diabetes advocate, Asha Brown on February’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2015, 6-7 PM, EST.
On June’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast, the happy healthcare host Mr. Divabetic talked to his guests about how to be a living legend with diabetes.
John Legend got his ‘legendary’ stage name from his friend, poet J. Ivy, who said, “I heard John’s music and it reminded me of music from the old school so I told John, you sound like one of the legends. As a matter of fact, that’s what I’m going to call you from now on! I’m going to call you John Legend.”
What is your legend about you? Are you holding yourself back from being your most wonderful self? Choosing to live a legendary life means giving ourselves permission to be amazing! Poet Lorraine Brooks shared her inspiring poem, BE MY LEGEND:
I don’t know what a legend is
But I hear it in your name
Tell me who you truly are
And what’s your claim to fame.
Are you the one who’ll teach me how
To recognize my strength?
I’ve heard it said, to have me
You would go to any length.
Are you the one who’ll teach me how
To recognize my strength?
I’ve heard it said, to have me
You would go to any length.
I don’t know how to give you
All the things I know you need
I don’t know whats important
And love’s never guaranteed.
I’ve never given all of me
To anyone but you
It’s taken everything I have
To see your point of view.
But we’re all legends, aren’t we?
To someone here on earth
Our words and our behavior
Have meaning, depth, and worth.
We don’t need fame and fortune
to be an influence
All we need’s compassion
To make a difference.
Listen, trust, observe, and pray
Stimulate, and articulate
Be the sort of human being
That others gladly imitate.
That’s what you are – Each one of you
Who’ve made us strive and seek
And how we all admire all your
Passion and mystique.
So be my legend, be my friend
Inspire me to live.
Ordinary people do have
Lots of things to give.
Be my legend, teach me well
Inspire me to BE…
And know that you have taught me
How to give you
A!ll of me.
Keep up on the latest in health, wellness and beauty right here with What’s Fresh! with Mr. Divabetic and share your thoughts at Divabetic on Facebook.
May’s Diabetes Roundtable podcast special guest, Liz Wolff, the owner of Cure Thrift Shop in New York, NY. This busy wife and mother is We hope Liz’s story helps to empower you to manage your diabetes with confidence, knowledge and inspiration (like a diva!) this month.
Diagnosis To Diva Story: I was diagnosed 18 years ago when I was 11 years old. I was a pretty mature 11 year old and was completely comfortable with my diagnosis. With the help of my parents, I immediately jumped into learning how to manage the disease and live a normal and healthy life. But, after a few years, adolescence took control and I was no longer the “model diabetic.” From around the time that I was 14 years old until I was 21, I was completely non-compliant. I rarely tested my blood sugar and took insulin according to how I felt. At one point my a1c was as high as 13! Finally, after getting married at 21, I realized that I could no longer be selfish about my life and my health. I took baby steps – testing a couple of times a day, then 3-4 times a day, until I got used to the new lifestyle. By the time that I was 22 years old, I completely turned my diabetes life around.
Biggest Self-Care Issue or Concern: My biggest self-care concern was always about having a baby. I feared that all of the years of being non-compliant would prevent me from having a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivering a healthy baby. Fortunately, after a tone of testing and tight control, I was given the OK by my doctor to try and conceive. 14 months ago, on my 17 year anniversary of being diagnosed, I delivered a wonderful and healthy baby boy.
Special members of healthcare entourage: My endocrinologist, Dr. Jason Baker is my diabetes hero. He has opened my eyes to a new way of managing myself and my diabetes. He completely guided me and held my hand throughout my pregnancy.
Diabetes Associations/Organizations/Publications You’re Affiliated With: In 2008, I opened Cure Thrift Shop. We are a philanthropic thrift shop benefiting the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation. Outside of Cure Thrift Shop, I participate in various fundraising events to raise money for the DRIF.
Favorite Diabetes Resource: Omnipod – it has changed my life Favorite Celebrity Diva (and why): Bethenny Frankel – she is completely self-made,confident, hilarious, and successful.
Favorite Movie and/or TV Show: All Bravo Reality shows – it’s my guilty pleasure, Girls, Game of Thrones, Mad Men
Favorite Song: “Our House” – Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young
Motivating Mindset: My experience with diabetes has not been exactly smooth. There are absolutely days when I just let myself go and don’t take care of myself the way that I should be. My inspirations are my husband and my son – I NEED to be alive and well for them. I want to live a long and healthy life.
Your Motto: Hold onto yourself.
TONIGHT:May’s Diabetes Roundtable Inspired by Kate Middleton featuring Mr. Divabetic,Catherine Schuller, Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE, Kathy Gold RN, CDE, Mama Rose Marie, the Digital divas(Taryn and Jessica), Molly Lepeska from 100Campaign and Liz Wolff, the owner of CURE Thrift Shop in New York, NY http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/05/14/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-kate-middleton
Tim Brand from ‘My Bleeding Finger’ Blog is our special guest on Divabetic’s upcoming Diabetes Roundtable podcast scheduled for Tuesday, September 10, 2013, 6 – 7 PM, EST. Here’s Tim’s ‘Diagnosis to Dude’ story:
Name: Tim Brand
Status: Father of 2 girls with Type 1 Diabetes
Diagnosis: (Month/Day/Year) April 1 2009, and April 10 2011 at ages 3 and 3 ½
Diagnosis To Dude: Two fold, in the endocrinology clinic at children’s hospital telling the certified diabetes educator (CDE) that they would need to send a nurse to our house to help us, I couldn’t do that kind of care. She said you can do it, later that night I gave our daughter her first shot of long acting insulin. Two years later I checked youngest daughter and she had a BG of 501. Then I began to write and advocate for Type 1 Diabetes and my 2 girls that live with it. Before I wrote, I could do all the diabetes care, I became a vocal advocate after 2nd diagnoses. I could no longer site on the bench.
Biggest Self-Care Issue or Concern: Societal ignorance that puts my daughters at risk and or the FDA.
Special members of healthcare entourage: My wife, she is a d-mom extraordinaire, the entire DOC and of course our Endocrinology team. We have a great team, our girls hugs our Endocrinology and CDE when they see them. They encourage us and tell us we are doing a great job. They are always upbeat and positive. I’ve never heard a negative word from them. The DOC because they are always there to vent to, ask advice and encourage me on hard days.
http://diabetesadvocates.org/ We are a collective of individuals and organizations that offer expertise, resources, and support to those touched by diabetes. We believe that connecting with others living with and caring for diabetes, and providing emotional and anecdotal support, goes hand-in-hand with the support of a healthcare provider.
http://bleedingfinger.com/ My personal blog on Type 1 Diabetes. I tell the story of my 2 girls with Type 1 Diabetes and advocate on issues related to Diabetes.
http://www.tudiabetes.org/ Tudiabetes, a community of people touched by diabetes. I am a member and supporter.
Favorite Diabetes Resource: Dlife.com
Twitter Account: @bleedingfinger
Favorite Diabetes Self-care Product: G4 by Dexcom. Its help my wife and I get more sleep. Very accurate.
Motivating Mindset:
I have 2 daughters diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes exactly 2 years apart. They were both 3 years old when diagnosed. I motivated to help them stay healthy and keep life as normal as I can. I never want them to feel like they are a burden to me and my wife. It our job to take care of them diabetes and all; it’s our job to love them diabetes and all. It is scary to have a child diagnosed with Type 1, but you can do it. Just take the info your endocrinology team lays out and follow that. You will learn to adjust and a few months everything slows down and you will find a new normal for your family.
Your Motto: Tomorrow can’t wait, enjoy what you have today and make as many people smile around you as you can. ‘Carpe Diem’ is also a good motto.
Tonight, The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic presents a diva style approach to diabetes empowerment on this podcast for fashion lovers on his Buy, Borrow or Burn! Fashion Review podcast at 6 – 6:45 PM, EST on #blogtalkradio
Meet Alexis, our first Buy, Borrow or Buy contestant who is living with type 1 diabetes.
Alexis’ Diagnosis to DIVA Story: I had never really taken proper care of my diabetes until I became pregnant in 2006. It was a real wake up call. My daughter was born at 24 weeks and we both almost died. I have had 9 eye surgeries due to retinopathy and cataracts. I have lost the peripheral vision in my left eye from glaucoma. My kidneys are damaged as well because of my poor diabetes management. It is a daily struggle to keep everything under control, but my beautiful, smart and sassy 7 year old daughter keeps me motivated.
Biggest issue: I don’t check my blood sugar as I should. I am so easily distracted and constantly forget to check. I now have alarms set to remind me. My daughter also reminds me to check.
Healthcare Entourage: My daughter, Jolie is my motivation. She counts carbs with me and reminds me to take my meds on time. I just switched hospitals. I’m starting with Jacobi Medical Center now. I’ve only been there twice, but the staff in the Endocrine Clinic is really nice and supportive.
Favorite Diabetes Equipment: I miss my Medtronic Insulin Pump (it broke a few months after the warranty was up and my insurance won’t pay for a new one). I use the Humalog Pen…it’s simple, quick, discreet & painless.
Sense of style: I am simple and sensible. I dress for comfort because I work with kids.
I look best in: Flirty sun dresses and wedge sandals. Famous Fashion Icon I Identify with: I say Marilyn Monroe; classy & sexy
Buy, Borrow or Buy‘s guests include: Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Kendra Charisse Porter body expert, style architect and founder of Honor You ( image consulting agency), Dalia Strum, consumer and business strategic digital media expert and fashion-related social shopping consultant and special guest, Alexis living with type 1 diabetes from New York City.
Hello Handsome. Goodbye, Statistics! If you are among the 15 million+ men living with diabetes, you’re not a number; you’re a Divabetic Dude!
