Arthel Neville Gets Carried Away With Words To Help Empower Women

I’d like to acknowledge the generosity of my friend and Divabetic supporter, Arhel Neville!

Arthel is helping me shower the cast and crew of Divabetic’s upcoming Mystery podcast: “Tomorrow Is Not On The Menu” with gratitude by supplying everyone with beautiful Arthel Neville Design™ handbags. Her generous heart is one of the many reasons I love her so much!

 “As a mentor, I’ve always been looked upon for words of encouragement. As a result, I’ve adopted sisters of all ages across the globe,” says Arthel. “I find inspiration in inspiring others, and I’m all about female empowerment. This led me to create Arthel Neville Design™, an accessories collection adorned with my original quotes.”
These words of affirmation made it onto her new accessories collection, as they serve as a personal reminder of proud accomplishments and doors Arthel dares to continue to open. By accessorizing with Arthel Neville Design™, she wishes her original quotes will encourage and inspire ‘girls’ of all stripes.
I met Arthel almost twenty years ago when I took a brief break working for Luther Vandross to go on a European Tour with Lionel Richie.  I’m still unsure how I convinced Luther to let me have three weeks off.  Arthel visited her fiance and future husband, the talented Taku Hirano. Taku played percussion in Lionel’s band under the music direction of Chuckii Booker. Arthel and I became fast friends. A few years later, she graciously agreed to be our celebrity co-host at two Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes outreach programs in her hometown, New Orleans.

Earlier this year, Arthel offered her beautiful tote bags as prize giveaways at Divabetic’s Mother’s Day-themed Baking Party featuring the Diabetic Pastry Chef on Zoom. Our next Baking Party is scheduled for Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at 7 PM EST. Click HERE to register.
Arthel hopes her accessories line will speak to you and allow you to send a message about yourself to others. Arthel Neville Design™ – an accessories collection that lets us get carried away with words.
Arthel Neville’s help boosting attitudes toward women at risk, affected by and living with diabetes means so much to our community.
At Divabetic we aim to help our community overcome barriers and live to their potential. Specifically, shame and guilt are two common barriers for many women (and men) living with type 2 diabetes. We want to encourage you to live well with diabetes.

Make sure to tune in to Divabetic’s upcoming Mystery podcast, Tomorrow Is Not On The Menu, on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, 6 – 7 PM EST.

Here’s a quick synopsis: 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 Max “Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, 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. Music by Ivan Hampden Jr.

9 Divabetic Mystery Podcasts Available On Demand

This year we celebrate presenting our ninth original Divabetic Mystery podcast on Blog Talk Radio.  We fill our mystery podcasts with diabetes and diabetes self-care information, a suspenseful cozy mystery, and a few laughs.

We use a cozy mystery format to show how the average person can make a difference. It doesn’t matter if the protagonist is a knitter, a librarian, or in our case, a diabetes advocate with a passion for baking —that person can solve a murder.

In cozy mysteries, the amateur sleuth is surrounded by a group of family and friends, cheering her or him on to solve the crime. These supporting characters help and hinder, and it is a story about a community banding together for what is right.

You can apply the basic principles of our mystery podcast to managing your diabetes. We suggest you work with a team of healthcare collaborators to achieve optimum health rather than go it alone. Don’t be afraid to ask ‘stupid’ questions – knowledge is power. And when you are in doubt, know that we believe in you! You can do it.

Divabetic’s First Mystery Podcast: Pink Panther

Will ‘Orange’ be the new black for Mr. Divabetic?

When a murder occurs in the Divabetic studios, the primary suspect becomes the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic. Our fruit suit-clad amateur sleuth sets out to prove his innocence with the help of USA Today’s Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes. As they try to solve the crime, Mr. Divabetic and the Diabetes Late Nite cast discover the harmful side effects of dietary supplements for people with diabetes.

If you are not cautious, diabetes and dietary supplements can be dangerous. Some supplements are contaminated with substances other than those stated on the label. Others should be avoided with certain medications.

The first step in deciding whether or not to mix diabetes and dietary supplements is to talk to your doctor. He or she can discuss the possible benefits and risks of dietary supplements.

Guests include Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Neva White MSN, CRNP, CDCES, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Leisa Chester Weir, Jennifer Martsolf from Trigg Laboratories, Author Peter Arpesella, and Mama Rose Marie.

The Pink Panther Theme by Henry Mancini courtesy of SONY Music.

Divabetic’s Second Mystery Podcast: Phantom Of the Okra

Mr. Divabetic gets caught up in a murder mystery when he agrees to host the Red Tomato Carpet at the 6th Annual Bake Bethesda A Pie Contest at Central Farm Market in Bethesda, MD.

Will orange be the ‘new black’ for Mr. Divabetic? Find out what happens when Mr. Divabetic, the Diabetes Late Nite cast, and some special friends try to solve this diabetes murder mystery loosely based on “The Phantom Of The Opera.” Enjoy diabetes self-care advice and nutrition information in-between moments of suspense, wide-goose chases, and entertaining banter.

Guests include 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.

Divabetic’s Third Mystery Podcast: Suspect Boulevard

Our third annual Diabetes Mystery Theater Podcast, ‘Suspect Boulevard’ revolves around dogs, dementia, diamonds, and diabetes. This special mystery theater production is loosely based on Billy Wilder’s film, Sunset Boulevard.

Our cast includes Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, ‘We Are Diabetes’ organization founder, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, Chef Robert Lewis, USA Today Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes and Mama Rose Marie.

Throughout the podcast, we will spotlight the wonderful music by the National Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Charles Gerhardt, courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic hopes to inspire you to become a Diabetes Detective will this third installment of the Diabetes Mystery Theater podcast.

Divabetic’s Fourth Mystery Podcast: Gypsies, Tramps And Peas

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. Was 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? Tune in to find out if he can solve the murder of his former swim coach with the help of his friends, some sassy mermaids, and a cooky fortune teller. Along the way to revealing the identity of the murderer, he uncovers expert tips for diabetes self-care during the Summer months.

USA Today Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic,’ Seveda Williams, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, Mama Rose Marie, and Poet Lorraine Brooks help the fruit suit clad sleuth in this seaside adventure.

This year’s mystery podcast features music from the original cast recording of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music.

Divabetic’s Fifth Mystery Podcast: Swan Wake:

When the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, heads to the Gotham City Ballet Company’s box office to fix a mix-up with his ‘Swan Lake’ tickets, he’s faced with an even bigger problem – a MURDER! To make matters worse, one of his latest culinary creations, a gluten-free cheesecake, seems to be covering the victim’s face. Even more shocking are the numerous scandals swirling around the Gotham City Ballet, and its members that have everyone walking around on tiptoes. Could our happy healthcare host’s wacky culinary skills make him an accessory to the crime or even a possible side dish? Now Mr. Divabetic, with the help of his team of Certified Diabetes Educators, a Best-Selling Mystery Author, and his own nosy Italian Mom, must whip up his own crime-solving recipe, and fast–before a hearty dose of intrigue and a deadly dash of danger ends his diabetes advocacy and healthy catering career once and for all.

Our Swan Wake cast features Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, We Are Diabetes organization founder Asha Brown, Seveda Williams, Catherine Schuller, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Mary Ann Nicolay MEd, DTR, Mama Rose Marie, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ and Poet Lorraine Brooks.

The podcast will feature music from Leonard Berstein’s recording of ‘Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake, Op. 20’ celebration of the centennial of America’s greatest classical composer and conductor courtesy of SONY Music.

Divabetic’s Sixth Mystery Podcast: Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes

Enjoy Divabetic’s 6th Annual Diabetes Mystery Podcast, Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes. The mystery is set in the fictitiously decadent world-renowned Gingerbread Men Cookie Baking Competition in New York’s Central Park Zoo. Mr. Divabetic’s healthy culinary misadventures continue in this year’s escapade as he enters the competition with headless cookies and pureed kale hot cocoa for the judges to sample. As if this dreadful combination wasn’t bad enough to land him at the bottom of the throwdown, his mother, Mama Rose Marie, is accused of poisoning one of the celebrity judges! Things go from bad to worse when the snake-phobic Mr. Divabetic hears about the giant python’s escape.

Now, the happy healthcare host must decide to face his fear of snakes and recipe rejection or throw in his apron and risk getting caught up in another murder investigation. Can Mr. Divabetic and his team of amateur sleuths hunt down the real killer and get Mama Rose Marie out of jail? Will he be the next murder victim? Can he ever create an edible recipe?

The cast of Gingerbread Men Prefers Blondes features Mama Rose Marie, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, and MaryAnn Nicolay BA, DTR, The Happy Diabetic Chef Robert Lewis, Seveda Williams, Coach The Cure’s Trisha Artman, Jillian Walsh, Wendy Radford, Dave Jones, Lorraine Brooks, and Max Szadek.

Throughout this podcast, we will feature music from the original Broadway cast recording Gentlemen Prefer Blondes courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

Divabetic’s Seventh Mystery Podcast: Kill Me Madam

There’s a good indication that murder might be part of the recipe when Nantucket’s ten-time reigning Baking Champion’s last name is ‘Coffin.’ But resentment, greed, and Britannia’s own bad dealings turn everyone into a suspect when she’s found dead in the parking lot just before the Annual Decadents on Deck! Bake Off competition is about to kick off.

Delusional baker and amateur sleuth Mr. Divabetic is even shocked to find himself being treated as a suspect in the case by the local police after meeting her just once!

As if his life wasn’t crazy enough before, escaping a murderous mishap in New York and attempting a fresh start in Nantucket has turned into a complete and utter baking disaster now Max, along with his friends and nosy mother, have to add tracking down a murderer to his To-Do list, as well.

Can our team hunt down the real murderer before they strike again? Will he become the next victim? Can Max ever manage to bake an edible cake?

Divabetic’s Mystery podcast cast includes USA Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst-Nicolay MEd, NDRT, Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Wendy Radford, Coach The Cure’s Trisha Artman, Mama Rose Marie, Seveda Williams, and Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. Produced by Leisa Chester-Weir.

Throughout the podcast, we will feature music from the Broadway Cast Album of ‘Call Me Madam’ courtesy of SONY Music.

Divabetic’s Eighth Mystery Podcast: A Christmas Peril

The Holidays are full of surprises— especially after Mr. Divabetic gets a new job as the pastry chef at the St. Nicholas Nursing Home in a cozy Christmas Village. But adjusting to life in a Christmas Village is not all sugarplums and candy canes. Especially when a cantankerous resident, a real-life Ebenezer Scrooge, named Mr. Pincher almost dies——shortly after eating one of Max’s peanut butter swirl brownies. Despite all of the ingredients for danger, Mr. Divabetic and our team of amateur sleuths and his overly protective mother — set out to find the real culprit in the hopes that his name isn’t on a lethal naughty list.

Our story was inspired by Kevin Houdeshell’s tragic true-life story. Thanks to the Houdeshell family for their advocacy efforts on behalf of the Emergency Insulin Act of 2019 and the emergency prescription refill legislation. Known as Kevin’s or Howdy’s Law, it allows pharmacists to dispense an emergency supply of a chronic maintenance medication if the doctor cannot be reached – a common-sense act that could save a life.

Starring Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, USA Best Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Mama Rose Marie, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst-Nicolay MEd, NDRT, Terri Seidman, Trisha Artman, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis, Seveda Williams, and Wendy Radford. Special thanks to the Houdeshell family and Pharmacist Mandy Reece. Original music by Ivan Hampden Jr., Celine Dion’s vocals courtesy of SONY Music. Produced by Leisa Chester Weir.

In the spirit of Scrooge’s awakening at the end of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, we encourage you to honor Christmas in your heart by living in the Past, The Present, and the Future. Try to embrace the Spirits of all Three and the lessons they teach.

Divabetic’s Ninth Mystery Podcast: Tomorrow Is Not On The Menu

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 Max “Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, 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, and Lorraine Brooks. Produced by Leisa Chester-Weir. Music by Ivan Hampden Jr.

Amazing Stroke Survivor Lucinda Williams

Lucinda Williams

Seeing Lucinda Williams’ triumphant return to live performance after suffering a stroke was the one most magical and life-affirming surprises in my life.

I never expected, when I bought tickets to see Bonnie Raitt  (Lucinda was the opening act for Bonnie’s show) at the Beacon Theater in New York for my friend’s birthday, that I would see a stroke survivor reclaim her life and play music again. I was blown away!

Lucinda Williams suffered a stroke in November 2020 due to a blood clot on the right side of her brain. Although she is not sure of the exact cause of her stroke, she assumes it was caused by stress.

“What happens is your brain gets all… the wires get all crossed and you have to retrain your brain basically, to tell your arm to do whatever it is you’re trying to do,” Williams told the Rolling Stone. “So that’s the biggest challenge.”

She didn’t suffer speech aphasia from the stroke but walks with a cane, is unable to play guitar, and continues to experience pain on her left side. During her performance, she told the crowd that she hopes to play the guitar for us the next time she returns to New York!

Lucinda’s courage, strength, and perseverance remind me of my good friend and colleague, Catherine Schuller.

Catherine suffered a stroke on the morning of Divabetic’s last ‘Makeover Your Diabetes’ outreach at the Riverside Church in New York. Three years earlier, I found my boss, Luther Vandross, after he suffered a stroke related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes. To say I was heartsick when Catherine’s husband called me with the news of Catherine’s stroke is an understatement. However, Catherine’s life force and subsequent recovery serve as a source of inspiration for the Divabetic community.

Since her stroke, Lucinda Williams has been writing music.  “The main thing is I can still sing. I’m singing my ass off, so that hasn’t been affected,” Williams told the Rolling Stone. “Can’t keep me down for too long.”

New Beauty Trend: Oat Milk Blondes

According to Allure magazine the latest hair color trend that will be everywhere this summer is… “oat milk blonde.”

What is Oat Milk Blonde?

Well, it isn’t super bright or not borderline brown. The color lands in between those two shades. Still confused?

It’s more of a lived-in blonde that has soft shades of brown mixed in. Some of our favorite oat milk blonde celebrities are Uma Thurman, and Elizabeth Olsen.

For those who would be more likely to drink oat milk rather than get it for hair color, oat milk is generally low in protein and high in carbohydrates. Oat milk contains only about 1.5 grams of fat and 2 grams of protein. With a creamy texture, oat milk generally has a mild flavor that goes well in coffee. Calories per cup of oat milk are comparable to skim cow’s milk at 90 per serving. Don’t forget even plain oat milk has about 4 grams of added sugar! It also contains more fiber than either cow’s milk or nut-based milk, but hold off on swapping a bowl of steel-cut oats for glass.

We’re talking about ‘THE SWEETEST TABOO’ aka ‘ADDED SUGAR’ on this episode of Divabetic’s podcast with musical inspiration from Sade.

Divabetic’s podcast guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Tameka Milline, Catherine Schuller, Kathy Dolgin aka ‘High Voltage’, and Stephanie MacKendree. Throughout the podcast, we will be featuring music from ‘The Essential Sade’ album courtesy of SONY Music.

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?

Back by popular demand! The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, hosts this free, fun Virtual Baking Party with our special guest, Stacey Harris, aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, 7 – 8:30 PM, EST on Zoom.

REGISTER NOW

Divabetic Mysteries: Gypsies, Tramps & Peas Airs Tonight at 6 PM, EST

Mr. Divabetic returns tonight in another high-spirited Divabetic mystery podcast, Gypsies, Tramps & Peas. Click HERE to listen starting at 6 PM, EST.

Your favorite diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer in Coney Island. 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. Was 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? Tune in to find out if he can solve the murder of his former swim coach with the help of his friends, some sassy mermaids, and a cooky fortune teller. Along the way to revealing the identity of the murderer, he uncovers expert tips for diabetes self-care during the Summer months.

USA Today Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis aka The Happy Diabetic, Seveda Williams, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay MEd, NDTR, Mama Rose Marie, and Lorraine Brooks help the fruit suit-clad sleuth in this seaside adventure.

Divabetic Mysteries podcast features music from the original cast recording of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music.

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?

Back by popular demand! The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, hosts this free, fun Virtual Baking Party with our special guest, Stacey Harris, aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, 7 – 8:30 PM, EST on Zoom.

REGISTER NOW 

Sugar-Free Yellow Sunflower Cake Recipe by the Diabetic Pastry Chef 

Sunflower Cake
If you’re an avid Divabetic baker like we are, you’re always on the lookout for tips to help improve your skills. Recently, we learned that parchment paper is an essential baking tool because it creates a nonstick surface. So if you want brownies to lift out of the pan or cookies to slide off the sheet, parchment paper is a must. It can be a little pricey, but it’s 100% worth it— when your cake slides right out of the pan.
Sunflower Cake

Sugar-Free Yellow Sunflower Cake Recipe by the Diabetic Pastry Chef 

Ingredients 

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 Tbsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 1/2 cups dry sugar substitute of your choice

4 large eggs, room temp

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 1/4 cup buttermilk, room temp

1/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips or chocolate sprinkles, reserved for topping

Directions 

Grease and flour your pan; set aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients and set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer at medium speed, cream the butter, oil, and sugar substitute until fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk; mix well. Add the flour mixture to the batter and mix until combined, being careful not to overmix.

Pour the batter into the cake pan and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven onto a baking rack and unmold after about 10 minutes. Cool and fill the center with mini chocolate chips or chocolate sprinkles.

Note: My sugar substitute was erythritol. I used a Nordic Ware Sunflower Cake Pan to make this cake.

Traditionally, Sunflower cakes are made in a Nordic Ware Sunflower pan. However, this Sunflower Cake can also be made in a round bundt pan. Fill in the center hole with mini chocolate chips or chocolate sprinkles and use a sugar-free, thick, yellow glaze ladled around the top of the cake to look like cascading petals.

Join us for Divabetic’s upcoming free Baking Party with The Diabetic Pastry Chef on Thursday, April 28, 2022, 7 – 8:30 PM, EST on Zoom and you’ll be automatically entered into our random drawing for Divabetic’s prize giveaway.

Elizabeth is one of our past prize winners. Sh

Over 150 people registered for our last Divabetic Baking Party on Zoom, so don’t miss out!  Register now for Divabetic’s Baking Party on Thursday, April 28, 2022, 7 – 8:30 PM, EST on Zoom.

REGISTER NOW – FREE REGISTRATION

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic raises awareness for living a full, fabulous diabetes life at the Easter Parade on Fifth Avenue in New York City, NY. Special guests Carla Cravens, Catherine Schuller, Amy Goldin, and Jean & Valerie from Life Dressing: The Idiosyncratic Fashionistas. The New York City Easter Parade has been an annual tradition since Civil War days and features marchers in elaborate Easter finery, including some of the fanciest Easter bonnets imaginable.

You Can Be A Divabetic Prize Winner in April!

Join us for Divabetic’s upcoming free Baking Party on Thursday, April 28, 2022, 7 – 8:30 PM, EST on Zoom and you’ll be automatically entered into our random drawing for Divabetic’s prize giveaway.

Elizabeth is one of our past prize winners. She was one of 5  Peak 10 Skin’s Save My Sole Foot Rescue Cream winners.  This foot cream helps with dryness, cracking, rough heels, and more. Menthol and eucalyptus emit a soothing aroma during application while providing a cooling and refreshing sensation on contact that immediately begins to help ease the look, feel, and discomfort of dry feet. Shea butter is infused into this formula due to its known abundant nourishing benefits. The shea butter helps to add moisture and hydration to your depleted, dry skin. Coconut oil is combined with shea butter to provide additional moisturizing and hydration. It helps to condition the thick bottom skin of the feet. Your feet will thank you!

“Look forward to checking out the Mother’s day virtual party,” says Elizabeth.

Win gifts courtesy of Arthel Neville Design FABULOUS East/West Tote, Dr.’s Remedy Enriched Nail Care gift set, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes‘s Camper Cozy Mystery, Walden Farms Zero Calories, Zero Net Carbs Salad Dressings, and Peak 10 Skin’s Save My Sole Foot Rescue Cream during Mr. Divabetic’s random drawings on April 28, 2022. You must be present at our Baking Party to enter our gift drawings to win.

Chandra joined our last virtual Baking Party and won! Like 96 million other American adults she’s living with pre-diabetes. Of those with prediabetes, more than 80% don’t know they have it. Prediabetes puts you at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Take the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention‘s Prediabetes Risk Test NOW.

Over 150 people registered for our last Divabetic Baking Party on Zoom, so don’t miss out!

During our Baking Party, The Diabetic Pastry Chef prepares a Mother’s Day Sugar-Free Dessert recipe, demonstrates her favorite kitchen tools, and shares expert baking tips for substituting sugar substitutes and alternative flours in recipes. Plus, Divabetic Style Icon, Catherine Schuller presents easy ways to add Spring’s hottest colors and accessories to your wardrobe.

Enjoy diva-savings on Peak 10 Skincare. It’s pure, clean, and effective. Peak 10 Skin’s founder, Connie Elder has been a loyal Divabetic supporter for years. She’s participated in several Divabetic outreach programs helping women to boost their confidence about managing their diabetes.

Once you register, we will send you the unique code to sign in to our Zoom Video feed. You will need a camera. We’ll all get acquainted and share niceties before the baking demonstration begins.

Over 150 people registered for our last Divabetic Baking Party on Zoom, so don’t miss out!  Register now for Divabetic’s Baking Party on Thursday, April 28, 2022, 7 – 8:30 PM, EST on Zoom.

REGISTER NOW – FREE REGISTRATION

 

Cost: Free.

Donations are greatly appreciated.

 

Diabetic Vs. Person With Diabetes: Language Matters

Language has the power to help or hinder our ability to manage diabetes. For example, choosing words that put people first instead of the stigma associated with diabetes.

“I was reluctant to say that “I was diabetic,” says Lorraine Brooks on Divabetic’s March podcast. “I wasn’t really sure I wanted anybody to particularly know. I don’t think I was embarrassed or ashamed. I just kind of felt like it was something that didn’t really concern anyone.”

Lorraine admits that switching terms made a difference. “I realized I can say, “I’m was somebody living with diabetes” instead of “being diabetic.” And just that little change of “I’m somebody with diabetes” just like “I’m somebody with brown eyes” it’s just a part of myself. It’s just another thing about me. It doesn’t have to have any judgment attached to it whatsoever to me or anyone else.”

Another word in diabetes self-care also under scrutiny is ‘control.’ Instead, the word ‘manage’ is being used more often when referring to blood sugars.

“Yes, it was liberating to use the term, manage instead of control,'” says Lorraine. “I manage my diabetes on a day-to-day basis. And sometimes, even though I’m managing it, it’s still out of control.” Lorraine adds, “So I think managing is what you’re doing if you live with this disease. It doesn’t mean you’re always going to be perfect. It just means your dealing with it to the best of your abilities.”

Hear more of Lorraine’s interview on Divabetic’s March podcast. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, and Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDCES, FADCES. Throughout the podcast, we will be featuring music from Prince & The New Power Generation’s Love Symbol album courtesy of SONY Music.

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care? Join us for Divabetic’s next virtual outreach program.

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, hosts this free, fun Virtual Mother’s Day-themed Baking Party with special guests, Stacey Harris, aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef and Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller, on Thursday, April 28, 2022, 7 – 8:30 PM, EST on Zoom.

Win gifts courtesy of Arthel Neville Design FABULOUS East/West Tote, Dr.’s Remedy Enriched Nail Care gift set, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes‘s Camper Cozy Mystery, Walden Farms Zero Calories, Zero Net Carbs Salad Dressings, and Peak 10 Skin’s Save My Sole Foot Rescue Cream during Mr. Divabetic’s random drawings. You must be present at our Baking Party to enter our gift drawings to win.

Over 150 people registered for our last Divabetic Baking Party on Zoom, so don’t miss out!

REGISTER NOW – FREE REGISTRATION

Divabetic Mysteries: A Christmas Peril Available On Demand

You can now enjoy our latest Divabetic Mysteries podcast, A Christmas Peril in its entirety (Episodes 1-11), on Facebook, YouTube, and BlogTalkRadio. We pack our annual mystery podcasts with diabetes and diabetes self-care information, a suspenseful mystery, and a few laughs.

Our main character, Mr. Divabetic is perfectly flawed to help us illustrate some of Divabetic’s cornerstone messages.

1. He’s resilient. Minor obstacles like a disastrous recipe or big problems like getting mixed up in murder investigations don’t deter his dreams of becoming the Next Food Network Star.

2. Healthy food doesn’t taste terrible. Unfortunately, Mr. Divabetic hasn’t figured out how to make one of his culinary creations taste good yet, but he has learned from his mistakes.

3. He doesn’t have all the answers, and that’s okay. Instead, he solves problems with the help of a team of friendly, upbeat certified diabetes care and education specialists, friends, and family members.

4. He doesn’t take himself too seriously. Instead, he rolls with the punches and punchlines and keeps his eye on the prize.

Divabetic Mysteries are a team effort that takes almost a year to produce. Each podcast is performed live on-air without interruption.

We have a blast from the initial story outline and first read-through to endless scriptwriting and fact-checking sessions and the final live broadcast! Of course, performing a 60-minute play without interruption is a bit nerve-racking and stressful for our cast of diabetes advocates, educators, authors, musicians, and poets.

Everyone’s afraid to make a mistake or even cough! But it’s also exhilarating to challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. We might not be trained actors, but we sure do like pretending to them for an hour!

Our story was inspired by Kevin Houdeshell’s tragic true-life story. Thanks to the Houdeshell family for their advocacy efforts on behalf of the Emergency Insulin Act of 2019 and the emergency prescription refill legislation. Known as Kevin’s or Howdy’s Law, it allows pharmacists to dispense an emergency supply of a chronic maintenance medication if the doctor cannot be reached – a common-sense act that could save a life.

Starring Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, USA Best Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Mama Rose Marie, Patricia Addie Gentle, Terri Seidman, MaryAnn Nicolay, Trisha Artman, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis, Seveda Williams, and Wendy Radford. Special thanks to the Houdeshell family, and Pharmacist Mandy Reece. Original music by Ivan Hampden Jr., Celine Dion’s vocals courtesy of SONY Music. Produced by Leisa Chester Weir. Video by Joe Hackney from Pixabay.

In the spirit of Scrooge’s awakening at the end of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, we encourage you to honor Christmas in your heart by living in the Past, The Present, and the Future. Try to embrace the Spirits of all Three and the lessons that they teach.

Thank you for listening!

Divabetic Mysteries: A Great Way To Learn About Diabetes!

Divabetic Mysteries are podcasts that use a cozy mystery format to educate people about diabetes and diabetes self-care. Our goal is to encourage people with diabetes to act like detectives. When unexpected issues related to your diabetes health occur, search for clues, take notes, consult with your healthcare team and work together to solve problems.

Hopefully, the intrigue and deception will draw you in and challenge you to see if you can figure out the puzzle before it’s revealed.  Our stories always end on a positive note to wrap the story up with an important life lesson and bow. Invariably, Mr. Divabetic’s dreams of becoming the Next Food Network Star remain intact thanks to the encouragement of his friends and mother long enough for another misadventure.

We hope you feel like you’ve just spent time with some good friends by the time you reach the end of the podcast. Our team enjoys rehearsing and performing these podcasts for you annually. Thank you for listening!

Our ‘A Christmas Peril’ podcast was inspired by Kevin Houdeshell’s tragic true-life story. Thanks to the Houdeshell family for their advocacy efforts on behalf of the Emergency Insulin Act of 2019 and the emergency prescription refill legislation. Known as Kevin’s or Howdy’s Law, it allows pharmacists to dispense an emergency supply of a chronic maintenance medication if the doctor cannot be reached – a common-sense act that could save a life.

Starring Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, USA Best Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Mama Rose Marie, Patricia Addie Gentle, Terri Seidman, MaryAnn Nicolay, Trisha Artman, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis, Seveda Williams, and Wendy Radford. Special thanks to the Houdeshell family, and Pharmacist Mandy Reece. Original music by Ivan Hampden Jr., Celine Dion’s vocals courtesy of SONY Music. Produced by Leisa Chester Weir. Video by Joe Hackney from Pixabay.

In the spirit of Scrooge’s awakening at the end of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, we encourage you to honor Christmas in your heart by living in the Past, The Present, and the Future. Try to embrace the Spirits of all Three and the lessons that they teach.