Broadway – Divabetic

04/06/202404/06/2024

The Wiz on Broadway, Luther Vandross Fashion Show & Listening Party

I saw the musical, The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical Wizard Of Oz” on Broadway this week.

The 1975 Broadway production won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Sadly, Stephanie Mills didn’t win a Tony Award, but she did win the Drama Desk Award. I feel you can’t touch her performance. Her voice soars, shines, and shatters your ears. She will always be Dorothy for me.

The musical’s idea originated with producer Ken Harper, who became the director and worked with Geoffrey Holder.

The original Wizard on Broadway actor Andre De Shields wrote, “It was Geoffrey’s masterful people skills and embrace of magical realism that metamorphosed The Wiz from caterpillar to butterfly,” according to Wiki.

The Wiz was a breakthrough for Broadway, a large-scale big-budget musical featuring an all-Black cast. Its success opened the door for future musicals, Dreamgirls, and Sophisticated Ladies, to be produced.

One of the first albums Santa brought me was the original Broadway cast recording. I would repeatedly listen to the music, especially “Ease On Down The Road” and “A Brand New Day.”

I didn’t learn that Luther Vandross wrote “A Brand New Day” until after passing in 2005. He never performed the song in concert, so I had no reason to make the connection. But what a song! I love his creative approach to writing a song about Evillene’s death.

Luther’s joyful concept of what’s to come versus celebrating the tragedy of the witch’s death is inspiring. “A Brand New Day” is featured in the new Broadway production twice.

Watching the show with my friends, Joe and Leisa, and FANDROSS CEO Seveda Williams was a beautiful experience.

I adore Deborah Cox, who plays Glenda. Several years ago, I saw her perform “Absolutely Not” and “Things Just Ain’t The Same” at a KTU radio listening party, and she blew the roof off with her electrifying performance.

Celebrating Luther’s songwriting talents and the cast’s wonderful performances was wonderful. Plus, I got to relive my childhood memories.

The film version of The Wiz starred Diana Ross as Dorothy, Michael Jackson as Scarecrow, Nipsey Russell as Tin Man, Richard Pryor as the Wizard, and Lena Horne as Glinda.

Join me for my Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday party celebrating Luther’s iconic Music and Style.

This free program features a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Live Performances, Style Vendors, and Live DJ Dan C.E. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, from 5:30 -8:30 PM at THREAD Lounge at the Renaissance Hotel.

PANEL: Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, and Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, discuss their experience working with Luther. Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell shares how small steps led her to big rewards in her healthy journey as she demonstrates how hair and makeup artistry can transform your attitude.

FASHION SHOW: Harlem’s Heaven, Kynetik Soundz, LPS Collection, Baro Sanchez, and Modafleur showcase the hottest trends in fashion. Plus, S Designs spotlights Luther’s Wedding Song, Here & Now, with funky, flashy, and fabulous wedding gowns you won’t miss! Hosted by Catherine Schuller.

LIVE MUSIC: Keith Anthony Fluitt performs some of Luther’s most beloved songs. DJ DAN.C.E. spins Luther’s hits all night long.

I’m thrilled to announce I’ll host the virtual FANDROSS Birthday Listening Party on Saturday, April 20, at 3 PM on Zoom. Join me, Luther Historian Leon Petrossian, Fonzi Thornton, Carlos Alomar, Nat Adderley Jr., and more special guests as we spin the group Luther’s glorious first album, “Luther,” during the program.

12/26/202312/26/2023

Murder Plain As Vanilla Mystery Podcast Excerpt

Enjoy this excerpt from Divabetic’s 10th Annual Mystery podcast, Murder Plain As Vanilla, streaming on Spotify, iTunes, and BlogTalkRadio.

Our mystery podcast isn’t only for mystery lovers. It’s a fun way to learn about diabetes and self-care. In between colorful characters, crazy adventures, and mysterious surroundings, we pack health and wellness tips that can help you take charge of your diabetes. We also encourage you to think like a detective the next time you experience unexpected blood sugar
fluctuations.

Search for clues, collect data, talk to witnesses, and bring your ideas to the authorities (healthcare collaborators) for solutions. A team approach to managing your diabetes isn’t a bad idea either.

Here’s a short synopsis: When Mr. Divabetic’s arch-nemesis baking sensation Renata Whisk calls, offering a chance to participate in the Visions of Vanilla baking competition, he can’t refuse. It’s an invitation to compete against culinary giants Best-Selling Cookbook Author Lily Frost, Green Thumb Gourment, Hazel Honeywell, and the Cannoli Countess and, most importantly, a chance to pay back his debt owed to his mother.

But before Max’s hands touch flour, he discovers the dead body of the Vanilla King of Madagascar. As luck has it, Max is the last person to see the Vanilla King alive. To prove his innocence, he enlists his team, USA Today’s best-selling author Tonya Kappes, health educator MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR, and his mother, Mama Rose Marie. But when another baker’s dead body is found near Max’s station, even his mother tastes a recipe for disaster.

Now, armed with only Renata Whisk’s Puffed Pastry recipe, a rolling pin, and his team’s expertise in solving murders and dispersing diabetes health information, Max has no choice but to solve the mystery or at least die trying.

Co-Starring Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Dave Jones, Seveda Williams, and Amparo Peterkin. Script Editor Wendy Radford. Producer, Leisa Chester Weir. Music from the Broadway Cast albums of Anything Goes courtesy of SONY Music.

07/10/202307/10/2023

25th Anniversary of Broadway Barks

I attended the 25th annual Broadway Barks pet adoption event in Shubert Alley on Broadway on Saturday, July 8, 2023. People could meet and greet adoptable cats and dogs with celebrity presentations hosted by Broadway Barks co-founder and Tony Award winner Bernadette Peters and Randy Rainbow and appearances by Josh Groban from ‘Sweeney Todd’ and Jason Alexander from ‘Seinfeld.’

The free event was open to the public, and proceeds benefited the participating rescue and shelter groups, including the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Several celebrities showed up. Marsha Mason, and Carol Kane, introduced dogs with multiple health issues up for adoption. Tony winner Victoria Clark from “Kimberly Akimbo” introduced a beautiful dog.

Perhaps the strangest moment of the rag-tag show featuring ongoing sound system issues was Donna Murphy’s heartfelt but uninteresting tribute to her dog. The long-winded, dull-as-dishwater story of her dog’s adoption, with tidbits like her dog, hails from South Carolina, after a delayed start, left audience members wanting to give her the hook. “Learn how to read the room, lady,” one disgruntled audience member barked at the stage. Her story had nothing to do with the actual dogs up for adoption.

Tony winner Victoria Clark from “Kimberly Akimbo” introduced a beautiful dog. Victoria Clark has performed in numerous Broadway musicals and other theatre, film, and television works. Her soprano voice can also be heard on various cast albums and animated films.

Ageless Bernadette Peters was often abrupt with her cohost and seemed distracted during most of the show. However, she and Divabetic inspiration Mary Tyler Moore co-founded Broadway Barks.

Mary Tyler Moore was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 33 years; she was on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Her public statements about type 1 diabetes humanized the condition and gave voice to the thoughts, struggles, and experiences of many others living with the disease.

She changed the world for people living with diabetes, researchers seeking its cure, and health care providers for those with the disease.

“Mary will go down in the annals of comedy history as a genius comedy actor,” Bernadette Peters told ABC News’ “20/20.” “She was an original… She came from a true place inside herself, which we all can relate to. She made us look at it in a different way, in a funny way.”

Over 1,700 dogs and cats have found permanent homes due to Broadway Barks. Originally conceived as a program to promote the adoption of shelter animals, Broadway Barks has fostered a community spirit among many animal shelters and rescue groups.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS produces Broadway Barks each year, providing the talent and expertise that has helped make Broadway Barks successful and memorable year after year.

Mr. Divabetic chats with ‘New York Times bestselling author Mark Dagostino about his latest book Ellie & Coach: Diabetes, the Fight for My Daughter’s Life, and the Dog Who Changed Everything on this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast.

Elle & Coach is the true story of a Type-A mom struggling to care for a daughter who has Type 1 diabetes and of an incredible service dog who changes their lives for the better.

Stefany Shaheen tries everything to manage her daughter Elle’s deadly and unpredictable disease. Overcoming the skepticism that a dog can provide answers that medical science is still seeking, the family finds a resounding sense of peace and reassurance through Coach’s near miraculous abilities as a medic-alert dog, specially trained to detect dangerous changes in blood sugar levels.

Plus, Professional Animal Trainer Debby Kay, who specializes in scent detection work with dogs, shares how diabetes-alert dogs help people with type 1 diabetes. Debby Kay’s Super Sniffer® Medical Alert Dog Seminar for Trainers provides everything you need to start.

06/30/2023

Here Lies Love On Broadway

Last night we saw Here Lies Love on Broadway. It’s basically the life story of Imelda Marcos set to a disco beat. Most of the show occurs on a large dancefloor with audience members dancing to the action as it unfolds. Imelda Marcos’s frequent trips to New York’s illustrious Studio 54 and her numerous dances with World Leaders seem to be what Creator David Byrnes wanted to capture in the production. I thought the staging, multi-media, and music were innovative and exciting. However, I was confused by the portrayal of Imelda Marcos. She first appears as a poor teen whose first boyfriend, politician Ninoy Aquino, dumps her for his love of country.

Ninoy Aquino later served as a senator for the Philippines and governor of the province of Tarlac before playing a key role in opposing President Ferdinand Marcos. His future wife, Corazon Aquino, became the 11th president of the Philippines after his assassination.

After Ninoy leaves her, Imelda wins a local beauty contest and moves to the big city. Shortly after, she meets and weds Ferdinand Marcos.

How did a poor girl with no powerful connections manage to be involved with two of the Philippines’ most powerful men? We never find out. She appeared to be neither a victim nor a villain in the story, which sometimes makes the show a bit cumbersome. I’m not sure that’s necessarily true, but the real Imelda Marcos might be the culprit for that. Numerous reports state that she was known for altering the truth as well as her life story to her.

“She’s an unreliable narrator of her life,” says The Kingmaker Director Lauren Greenfield describing Imelda Marcos.

The Kingmaker looks at Imelda Marcos’ public persona and all the dastardly deeds she’s either been responsible for or denied that occurred while she was in the political limelight.

We know her husband, the dictator Ferdinand Marcos suffered many chronic illnesses during his lifetime, even though he loved to portray himself as a strong and powerful man.

“A refuge of a very sick man” was how Associated Press (AP) reporter Ben Alabastro described a room they found inside Malacañang Palace after the 1986 People Power Revolution.

Towards the end of her husband’s rule, many regarded Imelda as the ruler in Malacañan Palace when he got ill with lupus. She engaged in state visits all by herself (and her entourage). She met with powerful leaders like Chairman Mao Zedong, Fidel Castro, Saddam Hussein, and Muammar Gaddafi. Fidel Castro, the late Cuban leader, once said he only drove for two women: his mother and Imelda Marcos. She earned the nickname “The Iron Butterfly” and ultimately served as Manila’s Governor,

She even commissioned plenty of buildings during her husband’s term. From the Philippine Heart Center to the now-infamous Manila Film Center. She aimed to make Manila a world-class city after it was wiped out by the World War II bombing.

Like many other complex women, Nancy Reagan, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the media oversimplified her image. She is admired for her glamour yet despised for her extravagance. She is sometimes compared to Marie Antoinette. My memories of her are of a silly ‘shoe-obsessed woman’ rather than an intelligent, conniving powerbroker who oversees a political dynasty. What other former First Lady has been able to return to the palace she fled to see her children become a Senator and a President?

In 1986, Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos were ousted from power in the Philippines and landed in Hawaii’s lap. Their exile in the islands became a years-long, global spectacle. And it divided the community as the Marcos family brought their lavish and loud lifestyle to Oahu.

In the Philippines, diabetes is about 7.1% of adults between 20-79 years old. Diabetes continues to be the fourth leading cause of mortality in the Philippines. Filipino Americans also have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than White adults, other Asian adults, and Philippines residents despite their relatively low body weight.

09/19/202209/19/2022

Phantom of the Opera Is Closing But You Can Still Enjoy Phantom of the Okra

The Phantom of the Opera, Broadway’s longest-running show, is scheduled to close in February 2023. The musical – a fixture on Broadway since 1988, weathering recessions, war, and cultural shifts – will play its final performance on Broadway on 18 February.

Don’t worry you can still enjoy Divabetic’s Phantom of the Okra mystery podcast on demand.

When the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, agrees to host the Red Tomato Carpet at the 6th Annual Bake Bethesda A Pie Contest at Central Farm Market in Bethesda, MD, the last thing he expects to happen is to be the prime suspect in a murder.

Will orange be the ‘new black’ for Mr. Divabetic? Or will his team of highly skilled diabetes educators, a nosey best-selling mystery author, and his overbearing mother be able to prove his innocence before the police arrive?

Our Divabetic murder mystery is loosely based on The Phantom Of The Opera. It offers self-care advice and nutrition information in-between moments of suspense, wide-goose chases, and entertaining banter.

Phantom of the Okra stars Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Asha Brown (founder of the We Are Diabetes organization), Central Farm Markets Co-Founder Debra Moser, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Author Peter Arpesella, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, Leisa Chester Weir, Terri Seidman, and Mama Rose Marie.

This podcast features song selections from The Phantom Of The Opera soundtrack courtesy of SONY Music.

We’re counting down until next week’s premiere of Divabetic’s latest mystery podcast, Tomorrow Is Not On The Menu, on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at 6 PM EST.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, lands his to-die-for job as a caterer for the nation’s hottest health guru, Wendy Wattage’s Wellness Retreat on the Jersey Shore. Everything is hunky-dory until the body of the nasty food critic, Marilyn Macaroni, is found stabbed to death with one of Max’s new chef knives.

Now he’s the prime suspect in a big, fat murder investigation! Can he and his team of friends, diabetes educators, and his nosey Italian mother, Mama Rose Marie, find the killer before the police arrive?

Weight loss murder never tasted so good.

Starring Mr. Divabetic, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Mama Rose Marie, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Maryann Horst Nicolay MEd, NTDR, Kathie Dolgin aka ‘High Voltage,’ Seveda Williams, Catherine Schuller and Lorraine Brooks. Produced by Leisa Chester-Weir. Music from The Pink Panther and The Return of The Pink Panther soundtracks by Henry Mancini courtesy of SONY Music.

04/23/202104/23/2021

Barbra Streisand’s The Broadway Album inspires Diabetes Late Nite Podcast In May!

We’re raising the curtain on important diabetes health-related topics such as diabulimia, stroke, and insulin resistance on this Broadway-themed podcast.

Are you ready to make a comeback!

Never in its 120 years has Broadway been dark this long. Producers are on Zoom calls every day, trying to figure out when and how their industry can reopen. What are you doing to manage your diabetes health?

There is no way to know your blood glucose levels without monitoring. You need to be able to see what it is you need to do and when you have time to do it. Being able to sync your “to-do” list with your appointments and daily diabetes-related tasks is the essence of creating a time sense and time planning.

Broadway employs 90,000 people and contributes over $2 billion a year to the city’s economy. But theater people and theatergoers can find a measure of comfort in the past. Broadway has faced several existential crises before and has always managed to claw its way back, often more vibrant than ever.

You can do it too!

Sometimes the best way to overcome an obstacle is to identify it. Think about what is keeping you from being active and/or cognizant of your self-care. Then google some of the American Diabetes Association’s solutions to the most common barriers. Is there a solution for you?

Learning effective time-management and diabetes self-management skills requires embracing new behaviors as well as utilizing your own unique strategies.

Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests include We Are Diabetes Asha Brown, Maximize Your Metabolism Co-Authors Dr. Noel Maclaren and Sunita Singh Maclaren, Coach The Cure Trisha Artman, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE.

In 1985, Barbra Streisand returned to her roots with the release of her twenty-fourth album, The Broadway Album. Having decided that Broadway musicals were no longer in the same league as some of the more commercial music dominating the charts in the early ‘70s, Streisand ended up taking an unforeseen fifteen-year break from Broadway and show tunes. This return to her “roots” was a shock to many, worrisome for some, but ultimately a massive success, both critically and commercially.

From the Putting It Together introduction right through the explosive Somewhere finale, this album is a sumptuous combination of the ultimate in voice, selected material, and arrangements. Standouts include Putting It Together, which kicks things off with laughter and lightness with some biting insights and undercurrents into the hopes and fears of this project, and the upbeat Something’s Coming.

It’s almost time to raise the curtains again in New York City, says Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Broadway needs to come back, and we will move heaven and earth to bring Broadway back,” he said. New York City’s theaters have been shut down for more than a year, since Mar. 12, 2020.

Throughout the podcast, we will be featuring music from Barbra Streisand’s The Broadway Album courtesy of SONY Music.

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

08/09/201708/09/2017

Do You Have A Pet Name for Your Diabetes or Insulin Pump?

Broadway Diva, singer, actress, Soara-Joye Ross, who is living with type 1 diabetes admits that she named her diabetes ‘Sasha’ and her new insulin pump ‘Black Panther’ … how about you?

Do you think giving a pet name to your diabetes and/or your device(s) could help you manage your diabetes?

Personally, I think giving your diabetes, your pump and/or your continuous glucose monitor a pet name is a great idea for helping you to cope with diabetes. A healthy sense of humor could certainly come in handy when you consider that the emotional dimensions of diabetes are often overlooked by healthcare professionals as well as patients.

“Laughter is the best medicine . . . unless you have type 1 diabetes, then insulin is probably better,” writes Dr. Beverly S. Adler, aka “Dr. Bev,”, who is a clinical psychologist and Certified Diabetes Educator in an article for Diabetes Connect.

“I named my diabetes “Sasha” because she’s like a person to me. She was like a two-year-old for the first several years. Now she acts like a teenager by always wanting to do her own thing and not what I always want her to do!,” says Soara-Joye on August’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

Soara-Joye has performed abroad and all over the country. Named, “A True Musical Theatre Diva!” by BroadwayBox.com, this native New Yorker has performed in NY from Broadway (Les Misérables & The Dance of the Vampires) & Carnegie Hall (Jerry Springer the Opera) to the Winspear Opera House in Dallas (The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess) all the way to the Alter Oper in Frankfurt, Germany (Smokey Joe’s Cafe)! She has performed at highly acclaimed regional theaters, Off-Broadway, in Film, (Garden State)and just guest starred on HBO’s new comedy, Crashing, directed by Judd Apatow.

Our favorite Broadway DIVAbetic’s 10 year diaversary approaches in September and she recently started wearing an insulin pump that she named “Black Panther”. Soara-Joye says her insulin delivery device aka ‘the pump’ has been a godsend for her managing her ‘Sasha’ especially with such a rigorous performance schedule.

“With the insulin pump I can suspend my insulin delivery which is extremely helpful if I’m constantly on stage like I was when I was performing as Deloris Van Cartier ( in the musical, ‘Sister Act’),” she adds.

This Broadway DIVAbetic Has An Entourage Supporting Her with Her Diabetes Self-Care

Soara-Joye admits that on ‘day one’ of rehearsals for a show, she tells her stage manager and all involved on the creative team that she has type 1 diabetes. She also shares that her diabetes has a name: “Sasha” and that she’s pretty much another character in the show, that they need to know about.

One of her six dressers on ‘Sister Act’ was standing by in the wings with glucose tablets, insulin and juice boxes just in case Soara-Joye needed any of them. She also helped monitored Soara-Joye’s numbers on her continuous glucose monitor to watch out for trends in her blood sugar during the show. “My main dresser, Alison Clifton and the rest of my fabulous team of dressers were a godsend!,” says Soara-Joye.

Let Soara-Joye Ross Inspire You to Manage Your Diabetes like a Diva!

When you stop to consider that many people with chronic conditions such as diabetes often have to adjust their aspirations, lifestyle, and employment I feel Soara-Joye is truly a diva inspiration. Let Soara-Joye’s openness and creative coping skills as well as her ability to empower her co-workers to be part of her health entourage motivate you to not let diabetes dim your dazzle!

Soara-Joye appears in Judd Apatow’s HBO series ‘Crashing’ and will soon be starring as (Delores) LaVern Baker, the popular American Rhythm & Blues Singer from 50’s and 60’s, in the musical, ‘Rock and Roll Man’.

“Managing diabetes is a full time job, but with a little bit of humor we can take it all in stride,” writes Dr. Bev for Diabetic Connect. “Look for humor in a bad situation, and uncover the irony and absurdity of life. This will help improve your mood and the mood of those around you. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use.”

Everything’s Coming Up Roses! We’re going behind the scenes on our upcoming Mr. Diabetic Mystery podcast. ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’ (scheduled for September 12, 2017) with music from the Original Broadway cast of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music.

Our annual diabetes mystery podcast hopes to encourage you to become a Diabetes Detective. Look for clues, search for patterns, investigate the reasons behind your blood sugar high’s and low’s and report to the authorities (your healthcare team) about medical information found on the internet.

On August’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast we’re discussing tips for Summertime Diabetes Management, the Best in Swimsuit Coverups, Body Image Issues, Health Hazards of Professional Eating Contests, Safe Pedicures and Broadway’s Biggest Divas.

LISTEN: August’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from the musical, ‘Gypsy’ features guests Actress, Singer Soara-Joye Ross, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Maryann Nicolay BA, DTR, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Founder & Executive Director of the We Are Diabetes organization Asha Brown, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes and Mama Rose Marie.

08/06/201708/06/2017

‘From Broadway to the Beach!’ on August’s Diabetes Late Nite

Everything’s Coming Up Roses! on August’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast when we feature music from the original Broadway cast of ‘Gypsy’ scheduled for Tuesday, August 8, 2017, 6 PM, EST.

Gypsy is musical that loosely tells the story of burlesque stripper Gypsy Rose Lee, but the story focuses on her star struck, verging on maniacal, mother Rose Hovick who was bound and determined to make vaudeville stars out of her children

The list of dynamic divas who have played the infamous stage mother, Mama Rose, in Gypsy include Ethel Merman, Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, Bernadette Peters, Patti Lupone, Rosalind Russell and Bette Midler.

The way each of these amazing Broadway legend tackled the role of ‘Mama Rose’ is comparable to how people manage their diabetes because everyone’s self-care management is unique and different with subtle nuances based on one’s own life and lifestyle. And that’s perfectly acceptable!

“Each Rose blooms differently and produces unique petals, fragrances and thorns, just as Mama Rose has been given a wide-range of complex performances and distinct interpretations, “ wrote Mark Robinson, a theatre, television, and film historian, for Playbill.

Diabetes management is personal too. Let Ethel, Bernadette, Patti or Bette inspire you to not let diabetes dim your dazzle! To truly succeed you have to make it yours! Know what makes your blood sugar level rise and fall – and talk to your doctor about how you can manage these day-to-day factors in your life.

We’re also heading the beach on August’s Diabetes Late to discuss Summertime Diabetes Management, the Best in Swimsuit Cover ups, Body Image Issues, Health Hazards of Eating Contests like Nathan’s Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, Healthy Desserts and how a Broadway Diva manages her type 1 diabetes eight shows week.

The August heat is tough enough for the average person, but for the estimated 21 million Americans with diabetes, special precautions may be required. Joslin Clinic offer the following tips for people with diabetes during these steamy summer days:

Keep hydrated. Dehydration, or the loss of body fluids, can happen on these very hot summer days whether you have diabetes or not. If you have diabetes, dehydration also can occur when blood glucose is not under control. When blood glucose is elevated, this can lead to an increase in the body’s excretion of urine. To prevent dehydration drink plenty of caffeine-free fluids such as water, seltzer or sugar-free iced tea and lemonade. Limit your intake of alcohol.
Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, especially if you are working or exercising outdoors. People with diabetes and other chronic diseases like heart disease are more susceptible to overheating. Symptoms include: feeling dizzy or fainting; sweating excessively; muscle cramps; skin that is cold or clammy; headaches; rapid heartbeat and/or nausea. If you experience any of these symptoms, move to a cooler environment, drink fluids like water, juice or sports drinks (based on your healthcare provider’s instructions) and seek medical attention. MORE TIPS

BE AN INSTANT WINNER: Test your Diabetes IQ and send your answer to the question below to mrdivabetic@gmai.com. Correct answers will be entered into our random drawing to win August’s PRIZE GIVEAWAY. Prize package includes Dr. Greenfield’s Hand & Body Cream, Cabot Cheese, Nu Naturals and a Summertime Fashion accessory. Our INSTANT WINNER will be announced on-air during August’s Diabetes Late Nite this coming Tuesday, August 8, 6 PM, EST.

Plus, we’re going behind the scenes on our newest Mr. Diabetic Mystery podcast. ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’ with music from the Original Broadway cast of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music.

Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer. With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, he heads for Coney Island to cater his first party aboard a yacht for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found swimming with the fishes. What it an accident or foul play? Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, a lifeguard lothario and some sequined mermaids, all intent on keeping their secrets buried deep within the sand. Can Mr. Divabetic prove Coach’s death was a murder, not an accident? Or will he end up floating out to sea?

Will he sink or swim?

August’s Diabetes Late Nite guests include Best-Selling AuthorTonya Kappes, Broadway Star Soara-Joye Ross, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, We Are Diabetes organization founder, Asha Brown, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Nicolay BA, DTR and Mama Rose Marie. TUNE IN: August’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast inspired by Gypsy schedule for Tuesday, August 8, 2017, 6 PM, EST.