Walmart offers a low-cost insulin option without a prescription, but it’s far from ideal for all patients.
According to Vox, doctors and diabetes advocates point out that while ReliOn may help patients in a pinch, especially those without health insurance, it’s also a formulation (known as “human” insulin) that came on the market in the 1980s, more than a decade before more refined insulins started to emerge.
The newer insulins, known as analogs, appear to be more effective at preventing dangerous blood sugar swings in people with Type 1 diabetes or those at a higher risk for severe low blood sugar. (The evidence of insulin analog’s benefits is less clear for Type 2 diabetes, but the studies are also low quality so it’s difficult to make conclusive statements.)
There’s one more problem: Because it’s available without a prescription, patients can get the drug without the supervision of a doctor, and they sometimes get into trouble as a result. So stories have surfaced about patients who required emergency care because of severe blood sugar highs and lows after self-dosing with Walmart insulin, or even dying as a result.
The cost of the four most popular insulins has tripled over the past decade, forcing many of the millions of Americans with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes who rely on the drug to skimp on or skip doses.
We’re talking about ‘HUSH HUSH’ topics in diabetes wellness such as insulin’s staggering costs, intimacy issues, fears, and food issues on Diabetes Late Nite with musical inspiration from H.E.R. courtesy of SONY Music.
H.E.R. chooses to keep her true identity a secret but that’s proving harder to do after winning Best New Artist and Best R&B Song Grammy Awards this past year.
Guests include Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND, Cheryl Farley “Food as Medicine” Nutritionist, Dr. Dugan Maddux and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from H.E.R.’s “I Used To Know Her: The Prelude” album courtesy of SONY Music.
Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot’.
We spoke to Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND on May’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast about ‘sex and intimacy issues’ for men and women with diabetes. LISTEN NOW
During the conversation we discussed that it’s common for women with diabetes to experience vaginal dryness. For this reason, lubricants can be a lifesaver in the bedroom. But if you pick the wrong one, it can be seriously harmful to your diabetes health.
Women with diabetes should avoid lubricants containing glycerin, a sugar alcohol. Too much of this sugar alcohol can lead to bacterial growth and yeast infections and UTIs.
Something to keep in mind is that many organic lubes or other glycerin free lubes use sweeteners other than sugar, such as aspartame. While this is great for those who cannot have sugar, others should keep this in mind as some people have negative reactions to aspartame. Knowing your own body and its reactions to various chemicals, and even natural sweeteners, can help you to make better decisions about the type or brand of lube you want to use.
One of the safest bets for women with diabetes is a high quality silicone lubricant. No studies have shown people having reactions to pure silicone lubricant, and many higher end versions, just as Pjur Bodyglide and Gun Oil only have four or five ingredients, most of them different types of silicone or silicone blends.
Liquid Silk and Play are two brands of water-based lubricant that do not contain glycerin.
Romantic relationships play an important role in our everyday lives. When diabetes enters the picture, it can complicate and strain even the most loving and open relationships. If you have diabetes, you may be looking for guidance on this sensitive subject – Janis Roszler and Donna Rice MBA, BSN, RN, CDE’s book, Sex and Diabetesis here to give help and advice where you need it. Don’t let diabetes hinder the romance; Sex and Diabetes can help you discover how to rekindle the intimacy with your partner.
We’re talking about ‘hush hush’ topics in diabetes wellness such as intimacy issues, fears and food phobias on Diabetes Late Nite with musical inspiration from H.E.R. courtesy of SONY Music.
H.E.R. chooses to keep her true identity a secret but that’s proving harder to do after winning Best New Artist and Best R&B Song Grammy Awards this past year.
Guests include Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND, Cheryl Farley “Food as Medicine” Nutritionist, Dr. Dugan Maddux and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from H.E.R.’s “I Used To Know Her: The Prelude” album courtesy of SONY Music.
Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot’.
As Image and Style Advisor of Divabetic, discovering products and services that contribute to stoking our ‘Divatude’, allows me to curate, commune and search high and low for wonderful new items that I want to share with my fellow divas. I attend a LOT of events and expos, sampling and testing out new products such as skin care, safe shapewear, cushioned socks, makeup/haircare and dietary and food innovations. I am, by my own definition, the epitome of a ‘Diva on the Go’. I also have pre-diabetes, and find that I must pay attention to ALL aspects of my regimen and discover new and different things that make me feel like dressing, dining, dancing, dreaming, do-ing it up like a diva. So not only do my wardrobe items and OOTD (Outfit of the Day) reflect my mood to live my best life each day (or at least LOOK like I’m trying to!), but what I nourish myself with is something that I love to strategize so that I don’t just grab the first thing and dash out the door!!
I’m constantly hitting the markets, streets, stores, expos, trade exhibits in search of new and innovative products to bring into Divabetic. I attended the Makeup Show last weekend, which is produced by our very first makeup sponsor, The Powder Groupand Michael DeVellis. His show has grown since we first met, and it is truly an insider industry gem where all the newest and best products are revealed for those in the beauty business.
Last weekend, I was a guest of supermodel/influencer Khrystyana, from Season 23 of ANTM, and she introduced me to her client Pacifica Beauty. I am in search of products not only for Divabetic, but for my Sustainable fashion event at National Graphic’s Encounter venue, happening during NYFW in the Fall of 2019. I loved Pacifica’s 100% vegan approach and cruelty free ethos. Their beauty products are pure and effective, with over thirty products that are as clever as they are useful and planet friendly! The even feature a recycling program called Preserve for the customers to recycle empty packaging easily and efficiently. Send your empty package back to them for recycling…do this ten times and you get a free product. It’s that kind of conscious effort that is beginning to open everyone up to the need for eco friendly, sustainable, waste free living.
Slay All Day
So, wouldn’t it make sense for them to launch a product that is a nutritional supplement, water enhancer, smoothie booster, good for you from the inside/out called ‘Slay All Day‘? I love the title and even hear a little Cardi B. bird call on Okayyyy? when I looked at the ingredients, I realized it was totally in line with our “be a better eater” philosophy. And a wonderful way to use the powder in water that you need to be drinking all day long to stay hydrated. Drinkable beauty. Says it right on the jar!
In a little plastic jar (but we are recycling those through Perserve) is contained amazing ingredients that out taste and out perform any water enhancer product we’ve promoted in the past. It’s 100% vegan, gluten free, zero added sugar, ten calories per scoop, 2 grams of carbs. With pineapple, green tea, ashwagandha, and hyaluronic acid, this makes for a delicious addition to water or even enhance a smoothie with a few scoops of this delightful blend. It’s as delicious as it is good for you…no more harmful and toxic ingredients just to keep ourselves hydrated. I am in love with all of the products, I may have another entry about the makeup and skin care. They have such interesting natural ingredients that you can use knowing they are gentle for your face, and even gentler on the environment.
I didn’t get a discount code to have you order on line (they can’t undersell Target), but they gave me a fun mini supply, so the first five divas who respond to this blog through my email directly at catschuller11@gmail.com will get a large sample trial jar. You will LOVE IT. Leave me your address where to ship it with your request. Type in the comments or email re line I LOVE DIVABETIC… I’ll want you to literally tell me how you use your water enhancer and how Pacifica Beauty will be your new go to beauty powder. Being a diva is from the inside out!…You can Facebook me pm DM too on Divabetic page and simply say “I LOVE DIVABETIC….” That’s it, first five… free Slay All Day ….This is our first phase and really want to talk new products!! Once you get the product, just snap a photo of yourself with it and send it to me at catschuller11@gmail.com.
We’re talking with Nephrologist Dugan Maddux about kidney health on May’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast scheduled for Tuesday, May 14, 2019, 6 PM, EST.
Do you know that high blood pressure and diabetes are the main causes of Chronic kidney disease (CKD)?
Almost half of individuals with CKD also have diabetes and/or self-reported cardiovascular disease (CVD). More than 661,000 Americans have kidney failure.
Dugan Maddux
Nephrologist Dugan Maddux champions Fresenius Medical Care’s clinical innovation endeavors across the continent and is co-founder of the Gamewood companies, including Acumen Physician Solutions. Blogger, writer, and essayist, she developed the Nephrology Oral History project chronicling early dialysis pioneers.
Curious about the history of dialysis?
Dr. Willem Johan Kolff
Dr. Willem Johan Kolff began designing the artificial kidney at the University of Groningen in 1938, but moved to a small-town hospital to continue his work after Germany invaded The Netherlands during World War II. Dr. Kolff theorized that if a machine could replace the failing kidney for a few days to weeks, filtering out acid and waste materials from the blood, then the kidney tissue could regenerate and function again.
Using the restricted resources available during the war, Dr. Kolff created the first kidney machine from laundry tubs, a wooden drum, metal, a semipermeable sausage casing, and an electric motor. He filled the casing with blood, expelled the air, added the kidney waste product urea, and shook up the device in salt water. Small molecules of urea passed through the casing into the water, while the larger blood molecules stayed put.
“Dr. Kolff’s accomplishments underscore the power of one. He identified unmet needs and thought big,” said Lynda Szczech, MD, chair of the ASN Dialysis Advisory Group and associate professor of medicine at Duke University Medical Center. “His contributions were not just a piece of the pie, as so many of us strive to contribute. Dr. Kolff provided the pie plate and crust that are the vital supports for every nephrologist who follows him.”
We’re talking about ‘hush hush’ topics in diabetes wellness such as intimacy issues, fears and food phobias with musical inspiration from H.E.R. on Diabetes Late Nite courtesy of SONY Music.
H.E.R. chooses to keep her true identity a secret but that’s proving harder to do after winning Best New Artist and Best R&B Song Grammy Awards this past year.
Guests include Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND, Michael Priv, Cheryl Farley “Food as Medicine” Nutritionist, Dr. Dugan Maddux and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.
Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from H.E.R.’s “I Used To Know Her: The Prelude” album courtesy of SONY Music.
Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.
Everyday Health spoke with heart doctors to find out the right questions to ask to maintain heart health, and why they matter.
Question 1: What is my risk of having a cardiovascular problem in the future?
Why You Should Ask Understanding your risk for future heart disease, stroke, aneurysm and the like drives much of your care. Someone whose cholesterol is borderline but who has diabetes and a family history of heart disease will need their cholesterol treated much more aggressively than someone with a lower risk, for example. READ MORE
Question 2: What symptoms might indicate a worsening of my specific condition?
Why You Should Ask You may think you know the symptoms for some conditions, like chest pain indicating a heart attack, but a large percentage of women, and even some men, never experience these signs. That’s why it’s important that your doctor goes over all the warning signs that are personalized for you. READ MORE
Question 3: How important do you think it is to adopt new treatments and procedures?
Why You Should Ask You don’t want a doctor who just jumps on the bandwagon because every new technique needs to be studied and confirmed. But equally important, you don’t want someone so stuck in their ways that you don’t receive the benefits of medical advances. READ MORE
Question 4: Why are you recommending I take this test?
Why You Should Ask Most tests are important but patients should ask whether a test is accurate and reproducible, and will lead to a specific recommendation or change in therapy. Guidelines for appropriate tests can be found in medical journals online; if you look up a prescribed test and have questions about its value, call the office to ask more questions. READ MORE
Question 5: Why are you prescribing this medication?
Why You Should Ask Doctors — not your friends or social media buddies — are best positioned to explain the pros and cons of a drug based on the science. READ MORE
Question 6: Will any changes in my lifestyle make a difference?
Why You Should Ask Cardiovascular disease is an area where changes in lifestyle — diet, exercise, stress reduction, sleep — can greatly impact the course of the condition.
For example, the Mediterranean diet — which is high in vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats, and low in saturated fats and added sugars — was shown to improve many of the risk factors associated with heart disease in a study published in December 2018 in JAMA Network. The right diet is especially important if you are overweight or obese.
Healthline created a guide outlining what treatment options are covered by Medicare for Seniors. Find out the different parts of Medicare and what services, medications, and treatment are included under each part:
We’re talking about ‘hush hush’ topics in diabetes wellness such as intimacy issues, fears and food phobias with musical inspiration from H.E.R. on Diabetes Late Nite courtesy of SONY Music.
H.E.R. chooses to keep her true identity a secret but that’s proving harder to do after winning Best New Artist and Best R&B Song Grammy Awards this past year.
Guests include Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND, Michael Priv, Cheryl Farley “Food as Medicine” Nutritionist, Dr. Dugan Maddux and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.
Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from H.E.R.’s “I Used To Know Her: The Prelude” album courtesy of SONY Music.
Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.
Some doctors will go over lifestyle information with you, while others will refer you to dietitians, physical therapists, and other professionals they work with. Be sure to talk to your cardiologist about lifestyle changes to develop a plan that works for you. READ MORE
This year’s Diabetes Mystery podcast ‘Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes’ airs on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, 6 – 7:30 PM on Blog Talk Radio.
Our annual mystery podcast stars the fruit suit clad, happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, Mama Rose Marie, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle and MaryAnn Nicolay. Additionally, We Are Diabetes founder Asha Brown stars as ‘Renata Whisk’, Chef Robert Lewis as ‘Former Councilman Skeeter Jones’, Seveda Williams as ‘Agnes Frumpster’, Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller as ‘Consetta Caruso’, Wendy Radford as ‘Natasha ‘Knockout’ Buchanan’, Dave Jones as ‘Damon Swain’ and Lorraine Brooks as the Narrator.
We will play music from the original Broadway cast recording of ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ courtesy of SONY MUSIC.
We hope our listeners find this story of diabetes mystery and intrigue to be further proof that you don’t have to feel trapped in a diabetes life. You can make changes, even tiny incremental ones, and get into a life that feels just right for you.
Enjoy Divabetic’s 4th Annual Diabetes Mystery podcast, “Gypsies, Tramps & Peas” mystery podcast starring Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis, Seveda Williams, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, Mama Rose Marie & Lorraine Brooks.
“I was experiencing absolutely no symptoms,” said Viola Davis when she was first diagnosed with prediabetes reports Prevention Magazine . “None whatsoever. I felt totally healthy and able. Listen, I’m a workout fiend. I’m a really strong woman. I went in for a hormone test, and my doctor took an A1C test.”
the A1C test takes the average of your blood sugar levels for the past two to three months and is used to diagnosed type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The higher your number, the higher your risk of diabetes. Anything below 5.7 percent is considered a normal A1C level, while anything between 5.7 and 6.4 percent is considered prediabetes. An A1C level of 6.5 percent or higher indicates that you have diabetes.
“My test was a little high. It was 6.0, and it sort of leveled me because I eat right, I work out, my glucose level has always been good. It’s good now, so I didn’t understand it. My understanding of diabetes was that it was something that you control. If you had it, you did something to not control it. I didn’t think that’s not what could happen until I got it, and then I got it and became someone I stigmatized.”
We’re talking about HOT TOPICS in diabetes wellness with musical inspiration from H.E.R. courtesy of SONY Music. Guests included Poet Lorraine Brooks, Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND, Michael Priv, Cheryl Farley “Food as Medicine” Nutritionist, Dr. Dugan Maddux and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. TUNE IN
Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.
Divabetic was inspired by the late music legend, Luther Vandross and created in 2005 by Max Szadek, who, as Vandross’ assistant of 14 years, witnessed his boss, mentor, and friend struggle in silence and solitude with the diabetes and its related complications. President Barak Obama, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter have acknowledged Divabetic for its dedication and determination on behalf of the diabetes community. Visit Divabetic on the web: www.divabetic.org.
Oscar winning actress Viola Davis opened up about living with prediabetes and the toll that diabetes has had on her family on the TODAY Show.
“Type 2 diabetes has taken a toll on my family. My great-aunt suffered from complications of the disease, two of my sisters are currently living with it, and a few years ago, I was diagnosed with prediabetes,” Davis said. “I’m one of the 84 million American adults living with prediabetes and I’m sharing my story for the first time in an effort to inspire others to take action against the type 2 diabetes epidemic.”
Viola told Samantha Guthrie she was diagnosed with a high A1C. She admitted she didn’t know what that meant which is why she is championing support and education for people diagnosed with diabetes.
The A1C test measures your average blood sugar level for the past two to three months. The results of your A1C test can help your doctor:
Identify prediabetes. If you have prediabetes, you have a higher risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Diagnose type 1 and type 2 diabetes. To confirm a diabetes diagnosis, your doctor will likely look at the results of two blood tests administered on different days — either two A1C tests or the A1C test plus another diabetes blood test.
Monitor your diabetes treatment plan. The results of your initial A1C test(s) also help establish your baseline A1C level. The A1C test is then repeated on a regular basis to monitor your diabetes treatment plan.It measures your average blood sugar level for the past two to three months and can show how well your diabetes treatment plan is working to lower your blood sugar over time.
“I want to arm people with information to help them manage their diabetes,” said Viola Davis. “When I was young everyone said “you got the sugar'” and then you sort of waited to possibily get an amputation. You don’t have to that anymore!”
“My favorite word is ‘SUPPORT’ – supporting people who already have the diagnosis instead of stigmatizing them,” she said.
Viola and her sisters appeared on the TODAY show in support of her New “A Touch of Sugar” documentary film which addresses the health epidemic surrounding Type 2 diabetes, particularly among African-Americans.
“This delicious make-ahead savory bread pudding makes a light breakfast-style recipe. Pop in a cold oven if using a glass dish when baking,” says Best-Selling Cookbook Author Holly Clegg.
Ingredients
1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced
1 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 cups packed baby spinach
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste
Half loaf French or Italian bread, cut into slices, divided
2. In large nonstick skillet coated with nonstick cooking spray, sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic until tender. Add spinach, stirring until wilted, and add flour, stirring to mix well. Season to taste; set aside. Place half bread slices in prepared dish.
3. Spread spinach mixture over bread and sprinkle with 3/4 cup cheese. Top with remaining bread and remaining 1/4 cup cheese.
3. In bowl, whisk together eggs, egg whites, milk, and mustard. Pour egg mixture evenly over casserole, refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.
4. Bake at 350°F 40 – 50 minutes or until puffed and golden.
Terrific Tip: You can substitute 1 (10-ounce) box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry for fresh spinach, if desired. Adjust mushrooms and onions to your taste buds but they add great nutrition.
Nutritional Nugget: This is a great dish to try several days before your next cycle of treatment. Good source of vitamins and minerals.
Makes about 7 (3/4-cup) servings
Nutritional information per serving: Calories 210, Calories from Fat 22%, Fat 5g, Saturated Fat 2g,Cholesterol 62 mg, Sodium 352 mg, Carbohydrates 26g, Dietary Fiber 2g, Total Sugars 6g, Protein 16g
With over 1.5 million cookbooks sold, Holly Clegghas become a culinary expert on easy healthy everyday recipes through her nationally recognized best-selling trim &TERRIFIC®, Kitchen 101 and Eating Well cookbook series, including Eating Well Through Cancer, (English, Spanish and Chinese editions), Eating Well to Fight Arthritis and Diabetic Cooking with the American Diabetes Association. Holly Clegg attended the Cordon Bleu Cooking School, London. For more information, visit About Holly or The Healthy Cooking Blog for more recipes and tips.
Several women from the Divabetic community have reached out to us with concerns about eating eggs. We contacted one of our favorite certified diabetes educators and registered dietitians, Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND for her expert advice.
“I am very comfortable recommending eggs as part of a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and other wholesome foods for most of my patients with diabetes. There is much to learn about individual differences, however, so it’s prudent to monitor cholesterol levels and adjust as necessary,” says Jill Weisenberger.
Why You Should Consider Including Eggs In Your Diet:
Eggs are affordable and easy to prepare.
They contain lutein, a cousin to beta-carotene. Lutein makes its way into the macula of the eye where it helps protect vision.
Eggs are nutrient-dense, a source of high-quality protein, and are low in saturated fat. I encourage moderate amounts of protein at each of the three main meals to help my weight loss clients minimize muscle loss while they drop pounds.
What’s Up with Eggs?
The egg is one of those nutrient-dense foods that generates a lot of debate about its healthfulness. Because eggs are high in cholesterol, which has historically been linked to heart disease, the public has long been warned about eating too many eggs, especially the cholesterol-rich yolk. People with diabetes may have even greater concerns because their risk of developing heart disease is quite high.
Here Are a Few Things About Eggs:
Recently the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology and Dietary Guidelines for Americans Committee stated that the evidence is not strong enough to conclude that cholesterol in foods raises blood cholesterol.
Some population studies have found that eating seven or more eggs weekly increases the risk of heart disease among people with diabetes. Not all studies find an association, however. I see a problem with population studies like these. The researchers cannot account for all of the variables in people’s diets. For example, on some plates, eggs keep company with wholesome fruit and whole-grain toast or oats. On other plates, eggs sit atop buttery biscuits and sausage gravy. Does the company eggs keep influence health? I would have to think so.
Jill Weisenberger’s comprehensive guide, ‘Prediabetes: A Complete Guide: Your Lifestyle Reset to Stop Prediabetes and Other Chronic Illnesses’ will lead you through dozens of concrete steps you can take to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other lifestyle-related chronic diseases. Taking an individualized approach to your lifestyle “reset,” this book will allow you to choose your own path to wellness, help you gain a greater sense of wellbeing, boost your confidence in your abilities to maintain a healthful lifestyle, and potentially even help you reverse prediabetes and avoid type 2 diabetes and other chronic illnesses. You’ll be feeling better than you have in years! Inside, you will learn to:
Identify your risks for developing type 2 diabetes
Set personalized and meaningful behavioral goals
Identify and build on your motivation for a lifestyle reset
Create positive new habits
Change eating habits for weight loss and greater insulin sensitivity
Choose wholesome foods in the supermarket and when away from home
Tweak your favorite recipes
Reduce sedentary time
Start or improve upon an exercise plan
Reduce emotional eating
Organize and track your progress with tools included in the book
Much more
Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND is a great resource for all things nutrition, food and diabetes. Whether she’s speaking, writing, chatting on social media, appearing on TV or working with individuals, her candid and energetic approach appeals to busy people, and her sound nutrition and fitness advice gets results. In fact, her appreciation for science and ability to translate science into actionable information earned her a place in US News & World Report’s 10 Dietitian’s You Need to Follow on Social Media.
On Tuesday, March 26, 2019, 130 people participated in Divabetic’s first-ever Clued Inn Diabetes & Heart Health Escape Room Experiencesponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Why was that date chosen? That is because it was the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) Diabetes Alert Day, which focused on type 2 diabetes awareness. What’s the connection between diabetes and heart health issues? According to the ADA, people living with type 2 diabetes are two times more likely to develop all types of heart diseases that affect the heart or blood vessels, such as heart failure, heart attack, and stroke. In addition to learning about the symptoms of type 2 diabetes, and learning about risk factors and gender differences of heart disease, what lessons were also learned from the Escape Room experience?
There’s no “I” in “team”
When the participants were asked, in small group discussions with certified diabetes educators after they exited the escape room, whether they could have succeeded on their own, the unanimous answer was “no.” The analogy here is that when members worked together as a team they could complete the escape mission; likewise in order to be successful with managing medical issues, such as diabetes or heart health issues, your chances of success are improved when you work together with your health care team. Trying to escape by yourself or manage your health concerns by yourself is not a winning strategy. The lesson is: there is no “I” in “team.” A corollary to that lesson is: “you are not alone.” When it comes to successful diabetes management, a multidisciplinary team approach is recommended. Who should be a part of your health care team?
Your diabetes health care team
The ADA recommends a variety of health care providers who each play a role in your health. However, “you are the most important member of your health care team.” Your health care team depends on you to talk to them honestly and to tell them how you feel.
Although your Primary Care Physician (PCP) is seen for general check-ups and when you get sick, you should consider seeing an endocrinologist for your diabetes care. He or she is a specialist trained in treating diabetes (and thyroid issues). Most people with type 1 diabetes do see an endocrinologist and many people with type 2 diabetes may see an endocrinologist, especially if they are having trouble managing their diabetes or are developing complications. A certified diabetes educator (CDE) may be a nurse, dietitian, psychologist, podiatrist, pharmacist, etc. who works in some way to teach or care for people with diabetes. They may work in hospitals, clinics, diabetes centers, or private practice.
A registered dietitian (RD) is trained in nutrition and can help you learn how the foods you eat affect your blood sugar. He or she can teach you to balance food and medications and activity. You can learn to read food labels and plan healthful meals.
A mental health professional, such as a diabetes-focused licensed clinical psychologist or clinical social worker, can help with the emotional side of living with diabetes. Starting with receiving a diagnosis of diabetes, or coping with feelings of denial, anger, anxiety, or depression while living with diabetes, a mental health expert is an important member of the team. The goal of therapy is to empower you to accept your diagnosis so you can manage your diabetes the best that you can. If a person with diabetes is experiencing diabetes distress, where the person is stressed by all the demands of self-care, therapy can help to improve coping strategies. If a person with diabetes is experiencing symptoms of depression (unrelated to diabetes), a psychiatrist may be helpful to prescribe anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication (or both). Some psychiatrists also provide counseling.
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who cares for your eyes. The ADA guidelines recommend that you see your eye doctor at least once a year. You should undergo a dilated eye exam to detect changes in the blood vessels of your eyes due to living with diabetes. When eye problems are caught early, there are very good treatments.
A podiatrist is a specialist who is trained to treat feet and problems of the lower legs. Diabetes makes you prone to poor blood flow and nerve damage in the lower legs. Podiatrists treat corns, calluses, and more serious problems. Do not try to fix these yourself, because you could cause an infection.
Other members of your health care team may include a pharmacist, a dentist, an exercise physiologist, a cardiologist, a nephrologist (kidney specialist) and a neurologist.
Enjoy a long and healthy life with diabetes!
The escape room experience taught the participants that “taking care of your risk for and/or managing diabetes is important to help you take care of your heart. Just like you’re planning to escape this room, you can escape your risk of heart disease by working with a team. Work with your physician and create your own health care team to help manage your blood pressure and cholesterol and/or diabetes to keep your heart and blood vessels healthy.”
Dr. Beverly S. Adler, aka “Dr. Bev”, is a clinical psychologist and Certified Diabetes Educator with a private practice in Baldwin, NY. She was honored in 2016 with the “Certified Diabetes Educator Entrepreneur of the Year Award.”
She is the author/editor of two diabetes self-help books which include insightful lessons of empowerment written by successful men and women with diabetes. She has published articles in print and online about diabetes management – always with the focus on emotional adjustment. Dr. Bev has been quoted in numerous magazines and contributed to a monthly diabetes advice column online. She is a frequent contributor to the Divabetic Diabetes Daily Wire, where she blogs about diabetes topics from the psychological perspective.
Dr. Bev has lived successfully with type 1 diabetes for 40+ years. You can connect with her on her website www.AskDrBev.com and on Twitter @AskDrBev.
We’re talking about ‘Self-Acceptance & Diabetes’ with musical inspiration from Dolly Parton on Diabetes Late Nite. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr.Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Lisa R Young, PhD, RDN, and Type 2 Diabetes – What To Know Facebook Community member, Crystal.
Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Dolly Parton’sDumplin’ Original Motion Picture Soundtrack courtesy of SONY Music. LISTEN NOW
