Tag: celebrity health

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Rosie O’Donnell Talks About PreDiabetes, Type 2 Diabetes & Weight Loss Medications

“Food noise has been running my life, and I didn’t even know it until I took Mounjaro,” said Rosie O’Donnell on the Plus SideZ podcast.

Mounjaro is the brand name for Tirzepatide an injectable prescription drug used to treat Type 2 diabetes. The drug is prescribed along with diet and exercise to help improve blood sugar levels. Like most drugs, Mounjaro may cause mild or severe side effects such as diarrhea, heartburn, constipation, belly and body aches, and pain.

Rosie O’Donnell and my boss, Luther Vandross, were friends on and off-camera. They suffered the same issues related to body image, yo-yo dieting, living with type 2 diabetes, and food and sugar addiction.

I appreciate her honesty and straightforwardness in sharing her experience and mindset in this interview. She managed to find the right words to express her struggle with food addiction in a way that’s clear, concise, and easy to understand.

“My life was out of control without it (Mounjaro),” says Rosie on the podcast. “I do believe I was addicted to food, I was addicted to sugar, and I could not shake it.”

Rose O’Donnell opens up on the podcast about ignoring her Prediabetes diagnosis, living with Type 2 Diabetes, getting a gastric sleeve surgery (2013), having a heart attack (2012), ongoing weight issues, and how weight loss medications changed her life.

“[My doctor] says to me, ‘I don’t care if you lose more (weight). It’s about your numbers for your A1C’ and your something else. But they’re going down, and that’s a good sign. So I don’t want to lose it too fast anyway because it freaks me out,” she told Newsweek.

Additionally, Rosie hired a chef to make her calorie and protein-appropriate meals.

Since taking the medication, Rosie has lost over thirty pounds and hasn’t experienced any side effects. She says she hasn’t gained weight since using the medication – that’s a big deal for her.  She’s happy about losing weight slowly because, in the past, she’s been plagued by unwanted attention related to weight loss. It’s sabotaged her efforts to maintain and sustain weight loss.

Rosie feels the biggest benefit of the drug has been eliminating “food noise.” Food noise refers to the constant thoughts or recurring ruminations about food which could contribute to overeating and thus living with overweight and obesity.  I’d never heard this term before listening to Rosie’s interview, but it perfectly captures a person’s mindset about food addiction.

I wish these types of drugs and sensitive and respectful talk about food addiction were around when Luther was alive. I witnessed him struggle unsuccessfully to conquer his food addiction and then suffer from complications related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes because of it.

I discuss Luther’s ongoing struggle with food addiction and yo-yo dieting on this Luther Vandross Tribute podcast. Guests include Lisa Fischer, Jason Miles, Jeff James, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, and Chuck Flowers.  By the time Luther Vandross headed to the studio to record his fifth album Give Me the Reason, in 1986, he had lost considerable weight. Sadly, he regained weight as he began to tour for the album.

To her amazement, Rosie O’Donnell has found that she is no longer interested in snacks – not even cookies using the drug. “I’m free from food,” Rosie declared on the podcast.

Clinical trials studying Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for weight loss found the following results: Participants lost an average of 12-22% of their body weight over about 68 weeks when using the highest doses of Mounjaro (10-15 mg) along with diet and exercise.

Eli Lilly’s research found that around half of the participants in their study, who were both obese and had diabetes lost around 15 percent of their body weight while taking tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro.

Rosie is advocating affordably to help make this LIFE-CHANGING medication accessible to countless individuals whose lives have been transformed by its effectiveness over the last year.

Take this 1-minute test to find out your risk for prediabetes. Now is the time to take action. The CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program helps people with prediabetes make lasting lifestyle changes to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.

Working with a trained coach teaches you to eat healthy, add physical activity, and manage stress. With other participants, you’ll celebrate successes and work to overcome challenges. Click HERE to learn more.

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Remembering Luther Vandross

Today I’m thinking of my boss, Luther Vandross, on the anniversary of his passing.  Luther changed my life twice. First, he hired me to be his assistant, and then his stroke, related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes, made me a diabetes advocate.

In 1995, he moved me from San Francisco (where I worked in Regional Theater) to New York City to become his full-time assistant.  It was two years after I worked on my first Luther tour, Never Let Me Go, in 1993.

It was a dream come true for a kid who loves soul music from Rochester, NY (I was a diehard WDKX listener) without professional connections. In 2003, I became his caregiver after he suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes which led me on a path as a diabetes advocate.

My lack of knowledge regarding my grandmother’s diabetes and self-care dismissed concerns I might have had that mismanaged diabetes could destroy someone’s quality of life and health until it was too late. Calling diabetes ‘a touch of sugar’ is like saying a Great White shark is a Goldfish.

Luther was a generous, kind, funny, and hugely talented man. But sadly, I witnessed him struggle with food addiction. In reflection, I feel Luther’s behavior was similar to other addicts. He was either sober, abstaining from carbohydrates, or using, binge eating. No one talks about food addiction as they discuss or glorify drug use. But in my opinion, Luther was wrestling with a monster just as powerful and seductive as cocaine. Unfortunately, he lost the battle. He felt trapped in his body, and it caused him physical, mental, and emotional heartache.

But that’s not the whole story. Luther was a complex, multi-dimensional man, just like a multi-dimensional artist who was a successful songwriter, producer, vocal arranger, and vocalist. On many of his biggest hits, he showcases all of these skills.

The first time I met him, the sheer magnitude of his talent blew me away. He embodied the American Dream to me. He never had a Plan B because he felt if he did, then he wouldn’t pursue his dream. His bravery has influenced my life decisions and given me the strength to pursue my dreams.

Every July 1st, I renew my desire to help those at risk, affected by, and living with diabetes to ‘keep their house a home’ by learning to delay or prevent a mismanaged diabetes complication such as stroke.

Enjoy Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast guests, including Lisa Fischer, Jason Miles, Jeff James, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, and Chuck Flowers.

By the time Luther Vandross headed to the studio to record his fifth album, Give Me the Reason, in 1986; he’d become one of the most successful soul singers of the first half of the eighties. His four previous albums have been either certified platinum or double-platinum in America.

Luther Vandross’s fifth album, Give Me the Reason, comprised nine tracks, including the hits: So Amazing, There’s Nothing Better Than Love, Stop To Love and Give Me The Reason. We chose to spotlight this album because this is the first time Luther showcased his 100-pound weight loss on the album’s cover. He was not able to maintain or sustain the weight loss. Luther lost and gained at least a hundred pounds more than eight times while I worked for him. We’re discussing yo-yo dieting, self-love, and the power of positive talk can help you overcome feelings of failing or self-loathing related to body shape and size.

Today, I continue to present diabetes outreach with dazzle! Divabetic’s robust schedule includes newsletters, blog posts, virtual programs, and podcasts. I also work full-time for violinist Itzhak Perlman. Since Mr. Perlman, who has polio, uses a motorized scooter, I spend most days dealing with accessibility issues regarding air and ground travel and hotel accommodations. Mr. Perlman’s exuberance for life, humor and kindness, not to mention talent, make it all worthwhile. Although soul music and Rhythm and Blues will always be my first love, I’ve learned to appreciate classical music.

Itzhak Perlman is truly amazing! And yes, Mr. Perlman has listened to and enjoyed Luther’s music.

Over the past 20 years since Luther’s stroke, I have lost none of my passion for helping others at risk, affected by and living with avoid a similar fate to Luther’s. I am still keenly interested in eradicating the shame and blame associated with type 2 diabetes and elevating the conversation surrounding food addiction.

Throughout the podcast, we will feature music from Luther Vandross’s Give Me The Reason album courtesy of SONY Music.

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Divabetic Dances to Jody Watley’s Beat

“If I’ve learned anything in this business, it’s that you have to be fearless,” says Grammy winner Jody Watley.

Let Jody Watley’s music and attitude inspire you to live your best diabetes life. She’s guaranteed to make you get up and move with many of her iconic hit songs.

A former Soul Train dancer, Jody Watley started as part of the Los Angeles-based vocal trio Shalamar, which scored a Top 10 single with The Second Time Around in 1979 and continued charting into the mid-’80s. Her first solo hit was Looking for a New Love.

When asked about her musical influences at the beginning of her career, she said, “Starting out, it was the music of Motown and of course, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye.”

Many people have speculated about what caused the group, Shalamar to break up. According to Howard Hewitt, “There was a point right when we were breaking up and [Benny Medina] said, ‘[Watley] said you guys got into an argument in front of this hotel in the UK, in London where you used to stay.’”

During this argument, Jody remembers that Howard told her, “that she would never be s–t without Shalamar.’”

Those hurtful words are partly responsible for why Jody decided to distance herself from Shalamar while embarking on her own solo career.

“The music business is very hard on women over 22. You really have to prove yourself every time you make a record,” she said. “Are you as vibrant as you used to be? Are you as sexy? So I really want to prove that a woman in her 30s can be all those things and more.”

She released a Number One Fitness video, Dance to Fitness 1999. Jody directs this workout to the beat of her own music, reminding viewers to complete street-style choreographed steps with a few positive reinforcements.. She considered the project more of a breakthrough than a marketing move. “There wasn’t one black person in a fitness video,” she recalls, “and I thought it would be great if I opened that door.”

When traveling, Jody says finding healthy options can be challenging. However, it is on her show riders that she can make these requests, mainly because of the variety of dietary lifestyles her band members have.

“My dad was a big salad person, and I love salads to this day. My love of vegetables and salads comes from my dad,” she said.

“If I wasn’t traveling, I would cook because I have never been a big fast food person. I cooked meals,” says the mother of two.

In the face of adversity, Jody Watley has overcome obstacles and succeeded. Her career spans over forty years, with nine solo studio albums, four worldwide tours, and several accolades, including a Grammy for Best New Artist in 1988, a Lifetime Achievement Award from Billboard Music Awards in 2008, and seven Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 hits.

This year, Jody Watley’s sixth album, Flower album celebrates the 25th Anniversary of its release. The album departed from the typical music her fans expected her to release. Reflecting on her new musical direction, she said, “I didn’t want to make another record that felt specifically more R&B at that point,”  in a Fly Global Music interview fifteen years ago. “I felt happy and wanted something groovy to reflect where I was, as always. I (had) wanted to make a cutting-edge, international dance record, with soul and excitement, modern! But, I said, ‘perhaps you should compromise more,’ and subsequently, the A&R (of Atlantic Records) had more of its way. Flower wasn’t the record I wanted to make at all, but I did the best with what I was presented with

She chose to work with select members of Organized Noize (Ivan Matias), Masters at Work (Louie Vega, Kenny Gonzalez), Tony! Toni! Toné! (D’Wayne Wiggins and Randall Wiggins) and Groove Theory (Bryce Wilson) as well as Rahsaan Patterson, Malik Pendleton, Cassandra Lucas, Phil Galdston, Deric Angelettie, and Derrick Edmonson to get down to the business of record making.

Our favorite song from her Flower album is Rahsaan Patterson’s Lovin’ You So.

Currently, Jody Watley hosts The Jody Watley Show, a 2-hour monthly show airs every second Sunday exclusively on SiriusXM’s The Groove at 6 PM (EST) / 3 PM (PST) and on the SiriusXM app on smartphones and other connected devices as well as online. Enjoy contemporary R&B and classics from the ’70s and ’80s, including Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, Janet Jackson, Earth, Wind & Fire, Isley Brothers, the Gap Band, along with host Jody Watley, and more. 

Jody Watley’s story is one of overcoming the odds, the power of positivity, and defying expectations. She recently added a line of candles and an interior fragrance to her product line,  Sanctuary, inspired by the song of the same name on her Paradise album. She is also exploring a wellness box that complements her focus on self-care and well-being.

Need some inspiration to get back on track with your diabetes health goals? Tune in to Divabetic’s latest podcast on Healthy Swap suggestions.

With a few simple swaps, you can help live your best life while managing your diabetes. Our experts offer straightforward, simple, and fun swap ideas for drinks, medications, self-care, and fashion. Plus, we share style tips and words of inspiration to help you maintain a healthy habit.

Developing these habits isn’t always easy. Adapting to a new routine can be tricky, and it’s often tempting to want to return to old ways if we don’t see immediate results. One of the biggest mistakes people make when forming a new habit is taking on too much too quickly.  Focus on what’s working in your diabetes self-care plan before overhauling diabetes management. Instead of decluttering the entire house, why not focus on one room or closet? Why not focus on the calories you drink rather than everything you eat?  If you want to eat healthier, try replacing one dessert daily with a piece of fruit rather than cutting out sugar completely. If you’re going to get into hiking, start with a walk at lunchtime. Setting small goals you can achieve will help keep you motivated along the way.

Guests include Catherine Schuller, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RD, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, MEd, NDTR, and Mama Rose Marie. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.

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Tina Turner, Mismanaged High Blood Pressure & Chronic Kidney Failure

Tina Turner is ‘simply the best’ for raising awareness for the link between untreated high blood pressure and kidney failure during her lifetime.

“I can’t remember ever getting an explanation about what high blood pressure means or how it affects the body,” Tina Turner said in an article for Show Your Kidneys Love, an international campaign for kidney health.

“My kidneys are victims of my elevated blood pressure” -Tina Turner

She was on dialysis after having a kidney transplant years ago due to untreated hypertension. Untreated hypertension can cause blood vessels to narrow, decreasing blood flow to the kidneys. Without proper blood flow, the kidneys cannot remove excess fluid and waste from the body — and as that fluid builds up, blood pressure will only increase further. Chronic kidney disease may cause arms, legs, and face swelling. It’s a dangerous cycle that can lead to kidney failure, but intervening early is possible.

“I considered high blood pressure my normal,” Tina Turner is quoted on Show Your Kidneys Love’s website.  “Hence, I didn’t really try to control it. In 1985 a doctor gave me a prescription for pills of which I was supposed to take one a day, and that was it. I didn’t give it any more thought. After suffering a stroke in 2009 because of my poorly controlled hypertension I struggled to get back up on my feet. This is when I first learned that my kidneys didn’t work that well anymore. They had already lost thirty-five percent of their function. I tried to learn more about these organs’ function and meaning. Most people probably don’t even know where their kidneys are located and what they are for until their health is at stake.”

Mismanaged high blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure in the US.

Memorial Day Weekend is an excellent time to inform people of the link between alcohol and high blood pressure. Drinks with friends can be the best part of a three-day weekend, but when, what, and how much you drink matters.

Research shows drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure to unhealthy levels. Having more than three drinks in one sitting temporarily raises blood pressure. Repeated binge drinking can lead to long-term increases in blood pressure.

What is Moderate Drinking? 

Moderate drinking means having no more than one drink daily for women and no more than two drinks for men.

One can argue that Tina Turner frequently admitted she didn’t smoke or drink alcohol. But she admitted that after being diagnosed with high blood pressure in 1978, she thought of it as her “normal” and didn’t attempt to control it.

“I put myself at great danger by refusing to accept the reality that I required daily medication for the rest of my life,” she wrote on Instagram on March 9.

“Show your kidneys love. They deserve it.”

We’re discussing kidney disease and diabetes on this Divabetic podcast with musical inspiration from P.M. Dawn.

Prince Be, the psychedelic pop-rap group P.M. Dawn’s frontman, suffered various health problems from mismanaged type 2 diabetes. He had several strokes, including one in 2005 that left him partly paralyzed, and gangrene, which led to the partial amputation of one leg. He died of renal failure resulting from complications of diabetes at age 46.

Renal failure  (often called kidney failure) is when the kidneys stop working and cannot remove waste and extra water from the blood or keep body chemicals in balance. Acute or severe renal failure happens suddenly (for example, after an injury) and may be treated and cured. Chronic renal failure develops over many years, may be caused by conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, and cannot be cured. Chronic renal failure may lead to dialysis (cleaning the blood by passing it through a membrane or filter) or a kidney transplant.

Podcast Guests: Poet Lorraine Brooks, Mama Rose Marie, Lynette Luckers from the Marion Luckers Kidney Foundation, Chef Robert Lewis aka The Happy Diabetic, Janis Roszler, RD, CDCES, FAND and  Luther Vandross Superfan, and Historian Leon Petrossian.

Tina Turner believed most people don’t know their kidneys are located; this video proves they don’t know where their pancreas is either! Your pancreas produces insulin. Insulin lowers blood sugar levels in your body.

 

 

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Divabetic Podcast on Stroke

On Divabetic’s podcast, Clarence Waldron shares his stroke, recovery, working as Senior Writer and Editor from Jet Magazine, and his memories of legends Luther Vandross and Aretha Franklin.

Twenty years ago, Clarence interviewed Luther’s mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross, for Jet Magazine after Luther suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes.

When I was growing up Jet Magazine was everywhere — barbershops, salons, and waiting rooms. The digest-size magazine featured pop culture stories, What’s On TV, Wedding Announcements and Anniversaries, the (in)famous Jet Beauty of the Week, and Jet’s Top 20 Singles.

Clarence’s story is an excellent reminder of why it’s essential to ACT F.A.S.T. if you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke. The acronym FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time) has been used by the American Stroke Association, American Heart Association, and others to educate the public on detecting stroke symptoms.

Earlier treatment results in a greater chance of recovery, a reduced likelihood of permanent disability, and a lesser need for extensive rehabilitation.

You’ll quickly hear Clarence’s upbeat attitude and ferocious appetite for music and divas have served him well during his recovery.

Throughout this podcast, we feature music from Aretha Franklin’s Get It Right album and Luther Vandross’s Live At Radio City Music Hall 2003 20th Anniversary Edition album courtesy of SONY Music.

Get It Right is Aretha Franklin’s twenty-ninth studio album, released in 1983 by Arista Records. It was produced by Luther Vandross, following his successful teaming with the singer for the Gold-certified album, Jump to It. Album highlights include I Wish It Would Rain, I Got Your Love, and Every Girl Wants My Guy.

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Divabetic Podcast Inspired by Etta James

Etta James inspires this episode of Divabetic’s podcast.

After the six-time Grammy award winner conquered her drug addiction in 1988, she struggled with her weight.  At the peak of her obesity, she reportedly weighed as much as 400 pounds. At just five foot three, this weight gain often left her bedbound, and when she did appear publicly, she was seen in a wheelchair. She was unable to perform during this period.

However, after successful gastric bypass surgery, she lost over 200 pounds and began to perform again.

She told Ebony Magazine in 2006 she could sing “lower, louder and longer” than before.

However, she still had enormous difficulty adjusting to her smaller stomach. “I had trouble keeping food down,” she said. Her mental health also suffered. “I went through a depression. You’re doing well, and then all of a sudden you’re not. I thought I was going to fail.”

Etta James’s openness about her frustrations in managing her weight after the surgery has helped other people cope with the same issues. It’s important to remember you’re not alone if you struggle with weight loss issues, depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem. You owe it to yourself to get comprehensive treatment for all your symptoms—including your mental health symptoms. Seek a referral to a mental health professional to get the treatment you need for any mental health issues you are dealing with.

As she entered her 70s, Etta James began struggling with health issues. She was hospitalized in 2010 for a blood infection and other ailments. It was later revealed that the legendary singer suffered from dementia and was receiving treatment for leukemia.

Podcast guests include Lorraine Brooks, Dr. Monique Renee Rolle, Catherine Schuller, Susan Greenberg Weiner, and Mama Rose Marie.
Throughout the podcast, we will spotlight Etta James’ iconic recordings from the All The Way and The Essential Etta James albums courtesy of SONY MUSIC.
Diabetes Late Nite podcast inspired by Etta James, is free on iTunes, BlogTalkRadio, and Spotify.

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Happy Birthday Ella Fitzgerald!

Happy Birthday Ella Fitzgerald, on her 106th birthday!

Ella Fitzgerald was living with type 2 diabetes. Sadly, she had both of her legs amputated. But losing her limbs didn’t stop her from performing on stage. I think that’s a great testament to her strong will and determination.

There are still so many obstacles blocking people with disabilities from living their best life. I’m sure Ella Fitzgerald encountered many of them, from the smallest stair to the pity and scorn in people’s eyes. Week after week, traveling on the road from city to city to perform at night makes it difficult to maintain and sustain a health regimen, especially diabetes self-care. As someone who has traveled on the road supporting musician, I can easily understand how the rigors of touring can take a toll on your physical and mental health.

It’s easy for someone to write her off for not taking care of herself because it’s harder to admit how easy it is to ignore your diabetes. The number of people who don’t manage their diabetes dramatically outnumbers those who do.

Sadly,  ignoring your diabetes leads to disastrous consequences. Mismanaged diabetes can lead to amputations, usually of the toes, feet, or legs. Causes include reduced blood flow or peripheral neuropathy. Managing your blood sugar is one way to help prevent it.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)Trusted Source, about 130,000 people in the United States who have diabetes have amputations yearly.

Better diabetes management and foot care have caused lower limb amputations over the past 20 years. However, 2018 research suggests that young and middle-aged adults in the United States are experiencing an uptick in diabetes-related amputations.

With ongoing diabetes management, foot care, and wound care, many people with diabetes can limit their risk of amputation or prevent it entirely. Education is crucial.

We proudly celebrate the First Lady of Song and raise awareness for the greater need for diabetes education on this episode of Divabetic’s podcast with Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDCES, CDN, Lorraine Brooks, Ansley Dalbo, Anna J. Stewart, and Leola and Cornelia.

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Ruben Studdard Looks Fantastic! 

Ruben Studdard looks fantastic!

In a 2020 episode of the TV Show, Biggest Loser, former American Idol winner Ruben Studdard, 35, received some startling news about his health. Dr. Robert Huizenga diagnosed the singer with type 2 diabetes.

According to the show’s medical expert, Studdard’s insulin level, average blood sugar and instantaneous blood sugar levels were high across the board.

“I AM AFRAID,” the Velvet Teddy Bear replied. “I have seen a lot of lives cut short because of health issues.

It’s easy to assume he could be referring to Luther Vandross, who suffered a stroke at age 52 and died at age 54 due to the mismanagement of type 2 diabetes.

Luther had over fifty people supporting him with his music, but he chose to go it alone when managing his diabetes. One thing I have learned over the past twenty years is that for people with diabetes, a team approach to managing their health is ideal. From supportive healthcare collaborators to nonjudgmental co-workers, a team approach offers you the support you need when the daily grind of self-care burns you out.

Many people ignore or don’t treat their with type 2 diabetes, choosing to believe their diagnosis isn’t that serious.  Too many doctors suggest losing weight is the easiest way to solve their problems. But what if it isn’t?

I watched my boss, Luther Vandross, struggle with his weight for over a decade. He lost and gained a hundred pounds multiple times while I worked for him. Whenever we thought he had found a way to maintain his weight loss, something would trigger weight gain.

Unfortunately, mismanaged type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating health consequences such as stroke, kidney failure, amputation, and blindness.

Research has shown that people who lack proper diabetes self-care education are more likely to be affected by complications of mismanaged diabetes. Diabetes is a complex and challenging disease that requires daily self-management decisions made by the person with diabetes. The emotional toll of living with diabetes can also take its toll on someone’s ability to manage their care.
Anxiety—feelings of worry, fear, or being on edge—is how your mind and body react to stress. People with diabetes are 20% more likely than those without diabetes to have anxiety at some point. Managing a long-term condition like diabetes is a source of anxiety for some. If you suffer from anxiety, please seek professional help.  Talking to others about how you feel helps relieve some of the stress and overcome feeling overwhelmed. 
Most of us take our health for granted. We leave our houses without eating. We sit for hours in a chair without getting up.  We think we’re hungry when we’re thirsty. We don’t listen to our bodies. Sadly, most people don’t adopt health habits until diagnosed with a chronic condition.
Awareness of your blood sugar levels, what you eat, and when you eat can be exhausting. Many people push back on being aware of everything in their bodies.

“I’ve worked since I was 11-years-old to be a professional singer,” says Ruben Studdard. “That’s all I ever wanted to do.” He confessed to being on the show because he knows it’s time to focus on his health.

“I most definitely want to be around for a long time,” said Ruben Studdard. “This has really, like, given me a second chance.”

Divabetic remembers Luther Vandross (April 20, 1951 – July 1, 2005) with this special podcast, Tribute to Luther Vandross, celebrating his career during the 1990’s. Luther Vandross was a musical master whose style influenced a generation of today’s vocalists. His distinctive brand of satin-smooth vocal magic moved international audiences and continues to touch people today.

The happy healthcare host, Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek, who worked with Vandross for more than 14 years, hosts this tribute podcast featuring Luther’s former vocalists Paulette McWilliams, Pat Lacy, Tawatha Agee, Cindy Mizelle, and Kevin Owens, band member Bryon Miller, Vandross family member, Seveda Williams, friends Darren Margo and David Jones, the Luther Vandross historian, Leon Petrossian and Luther super fan, Jane Goodman from Great Britain.

Throughout the podcast, we will play selected Luther Vandross songs that he recorded during the 1990’s courtesy of SONY Music.

Divabetic, the organization inspired by Luther’s diabetes journey, revisits the singer’s career in the decade of hair scrunchies, boy bands, grunge, and rave parties. This Luther tribute remembers the moments, the music and the man, and the motivation to ensure that no one struggles with diabetes alone or in silence. Keep ‘your house a home’ and learn how to prevent diabetes health-related complications from occurring. Visit: www.divabetic.org

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Rosie O’Donnell Treated Her Sleep Apnea, So You Should Too!

“I had a problem that I was kind of embarrassed about,”says Rosie O’Donnell. “I was tossing, turning, and snoring like a buzz saw.”

Every night, millions of people like Rosie miss out on countless hours of sleep because of sleep apnea—and many more cases go undiagnosed!

Many women going through menopause assume they have insomnia, but they may have sleep apnea. Moreover, the two conditions have similar symptoms, including daytime fatigue, mood problems, and decreased work productivity. This is why it’s so important to be tested for sleep apnea rather than try to treat your condition with over-the-counter sleep aids or blame the quality of your duvet for maintaining a healthy night’s sleep.

Sleep Apnea Myth: “I’m a light sleeper.”

Studies have shown over and over again that you, as a patient, are very poor at predicting whether or not you have obstructive sleep apnea. This is because it only happens while you are sleeping.

Sleep Apnea Myth: “I don’t snore.”

Many people think obstructive sleep apnea is severe snoring. But many people with mild to moderate conditions may not snore at all. Remember that snoring, by definition, means that one is still breathing (somewhat). Apnea means total blockage. So,if you are not breathing, you are not snoring.

Rosie’s doctor said that when she underwent a sleep test, they discovered she was waking up over 200 times during the night, and she stopped breathing for almost forty seconds.

However, this severe condition affecting many people with diabetes is treatable.

Sleep apnea is a blockage of the airway, making it difficult to breathe. When this happens, your body wakes up so you can breathe, resulting in sleep loss.

Once a proper diagnosis was reached, Rosie was treated with CPAP, or a continuous positive airway pressure machine. She admitted that after one night of use with the CPAP she noticed an incredible difference.

Could sleep apnea be slowly ruining your life and hurting your health? You’ll never know until you get tested like Rosie O’Donnell. There are many options for getting an official diagnosis of sleep apnea, including a home sleep test.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) alters glucose metabolism and promotes insulin resistance. Over time these consistently higher glucose levels lead to a higher A1C and a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

We’re talking about nighttime diabetes management with musical inspiration from Gladys Knight & The Pips courtesy of SONY Music.

Gladys Knight doesn’t have diabetes, but the disease is as close to her heart as the memories of her mother, Elizabeth Knight, who died of complications from the disease in 1997. The five-time Grammy award winner never misses an opportunity to voice the message of early detection and treatment of diabetes.

Gladys shares her final words of wisdom: ”Do something about diabetes … Know more, do more!” Knight feels nearly as passionate about spreading that message as she does about the incredible singing career her mom helped her launch some 54 years ago.

Guests include Stacey Harris aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef, Mary Ann Hodorowicz, RD, LDN, MBA, CDCES, CEC, SleepyHead Central founder Tamara Sellman RPSGT, CCSH, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie.

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Divabetic Remembers Sharon Paige

“Sharon (Paige) possessed one of the most unique female vocals that blended perfectly with the smooth singing and vocal prowess of Harold Melvin and Teddy Pendergrass,” said Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, founders of Philadelphia International Records, in a statement.

Singer Sharon Paige, who performed with Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, died from cardiovascular disease and mismanaged diabetes in 2020 at 67.

“Cardiovascular disease” has three types and covers a broad term that covers a long list of conditions:

  • Atherosclerosis: This condition causes fatty plaque to build up in your blood vessels, which can lead to events like a heart attack or stroke.
  • Arrhythmia is also known as an “irregular heartbeat. This condition is caused by structural changes or damage to your heart.
  • Heart failure occurs when your heart muscles weaken and lack blood supply.

You and your family should be aware of the common signs and symptoms. However, many symptoms can be more or less severe than others, and some people may experience no symptoms.

Having type 2 diabetes means thinking about your heart because you’re twice as likely to have heart disease or a stroke than someone who doesn’t have diabetes—and at a younger age.

Over time, high blood sugar can damage the blood vessels and nerves that control your heart.

From daily blood sugar monitoring for managing your A1C to adding exercise and making smart food choices, these changes are important for helping you stay heart-healthy.

According to her son, Jean-Baptiste, Sharon Paige stopped performing in the last decade of her life due to diabetes.

I speculate that the grueling touring schedule prohibited her from performing, especially if she was coping with diabetes health-related complications such as nerve damage (neuropathy,) loss of vision, or ambulatory issues.

It could have been challenging to stay on stage for long periods if Sharon Paige suffered from the most common diabetes complication, nerve damage. Nerve damage causes numbness and pain, often affecting the feet and legs, but it can also affect your digestion, blood vessels, and heart.

Sadly, there’s a lack of information regarding her diabetes mismanagement, similar to many celebrity health articles, to provide readers with a greater understanding.

We’re celebrating Divabetic’s 12th Year Anniversary of Podcasting with musical inspiration from Babyface and music from his A Closer Look album courtesy of SONY Music. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDCES, FADCES, Ivan Hampden Jr., and Collage Artist Tom Cocotos. Hosted by Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek.

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