2 Out of 100 People Infected with COVID-19 May Develop Diabetes

Researchers estimate that about 2 out of every 100 people who are infected with Covid-19 will have a new diagnosis of diabetes.
Several studies have found a link between a new diabetes diagnosis and Covid-19 reports CNN.

People who had mild Covid-19 infections in Germany found that they were 28% more likely to have a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes compared with people who were never infected.

Americans who had recovered from Covid-19: a 40% increase in risk at least a year after infection.
It appears the more severe someone’s coronavirus infection was, the higher their risk of diabetes. For people who were treated in the ICU, the risk of diabetes jumped 276%. This connection could be related to the steroids that some patients get while receiving acute care in a hospital setting, which can increase blood sugar levels.
A number of studies suggest that SARS-CoV-2 can attack the beta cells of the pancreas (that produce insulin) and may cause at least temporary harm, if not more permanent harm.
Another theory is that acute inflammation might lead to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is when the body is still making insulin but grows resistant to it and thus cannot respond to it.
“We already are challenged to care for all of the people with diabetes that currently exist. The last thing we need is increasing the numbers,” Dr. Robert Gabbay, chief scientific and medical officer at the American Diabetes Association told CNN.

Words have the power to elevate or tear down someone’s perception of themselves and their diabetes health.

For decades, much of the language around diabetes has been focused on adverse outcomes and laden with judgment and blame without considering individual needs, beliefs, and choices.

On the other hand, encouraging and collaborative messages can enhance health outcomes.

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.

Reflections of a Unicorn with Type 1 Diabetes by Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDCES, Part 5

Reflections of My Journey with Diabetes

Over the past 46 years of living successfully with diabetes, I have developed some coping strategies that work for me.

Nobody is perfect! It is impossible to manage diabetes perfectly. If my blood sugars are fluctuating, I try to keep a close watch on stabilizing them. Diabetes is not an exact science and many factors, other than just food and insulin, affect their variability. Don’t panic and do the best that you can.

Take life – and taking care of your diabetes – one day at a time. When you look to the past, and focus on what you could have done, should have done, and would have done, that can leave you feeling depressed. It’s water under the bridge. No use dwelling on the past which you cannot change, Likewise, if you look to the future and focus on worrying, such as what if I go blind, what if I contract the Coronavirus, that will leave you feeling anxious. Worrying about the future does not make it more likely to happen or less likely to happen. It just zaps your energy. No use dwelling on the what if’s. The answer is: stay in the here and now.

Connecting with others. My journey which started in 1975 was before the Internet. There were not a lot of resources available for me. Today, there are books and blogs, online and in-person support groups, podcasts such as the monthly “Diabetes Late Nite” podcast hosted by Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek with guests and games to learn about diabetes and have fun at the same time.

Think of long-term benefits. Managing your diabetes is one of the primary ways to reduce your risks of complications. My personal motivation (I know it sounds silly) is to be able to wear cute shoes with heels. The same can be said for staying safe during the pandemic. Even if you are tired of wearing a mask, maintaining social distance, and following hand hygiene, the long-term benefit is keeping yourself safe and others safe, as well. It’s important to remember that you have control over how you will respond to the pandemic and do your part to control the spread.

Last, but not least, is feeling and expressing gratitude. I am grateful that I was born after the discovery of insulin or else I would not have lived to tell my story. I am thankful to all the doctors who have taken care of me during the past four decades. I am thankful to my patients with whom I have learned insights. A big thank you to Max Szadek for our collaborations over the years.  And. most especially to the love and support that I have received from my family. I will always appreciate the encouragement from my parents, my brother, my sister, my son, my daughter, and my step-son.

Wishing you success in your journey with diabetes!

Read Part 1

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Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDCES has published two books which include insightful lessons of empowerment written by successful men and women with diabetes. Available for purchase.

Dr. Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDCES guests on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music from Meghan Trainor.

Megan Trainor’s break-out hit, “All About That Bass” features lyrics about body acceptance.  In this case, the bass is a metaphor for the booty. “Yeah it’s pretty clear, I ain’t no size two / But I can shake it, shake it like I’m supposed to do,” she sings.

How well are you at accepting the fact that you’re living with diabetes? Negative emotions such as anger, frustration, hopelessness, fear, guilt and shame is very common among people with diabetes. Navigating your way through a range of emotions as well as learning to accept your diagnosis can prove to be a major stumbling block for many people’s daily diabetes self-care management.

Reflections of a Unicorn with Type 1 Diabetes by Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDCES, Part 4

The Past 20 Years

In 2001, I returned to my career. The question was: what did I want to do? In my heart of hearts, I wanted to work with people with diabetes. And so, it started. I worked per diem at a local hospital’s counseling center establishing myself as their diabetes expert. I spoke to diabetes support groups and I earned my credential as a “CDE” (known then as Certified Diabetes Educator, now referred to as “CDCES” Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist). In 2004, I took the big leap and I started my own full-time private practice.  Notable special achievements (besides my two children) were my two books.  In 2011, I published my first book “My Sweet Life: Successful Women with Diabetes.” In 2012, I published my second book “My Sweet Life: Successful Men with Diabetes.” Both books include insightful lessons of empowerment written by successful men and women with diabetes.

I’ve been honored to present several Invited Addresses. Included in those was the Keynote Address, sponsored by Divabetic.org, at their Victory Over Diabetes outreach event, presented with the Center for Urban Health at Thoms Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. in November 2015. My topic was: “Combining Cognitive Behavior Therapy and a Spiritual Approach to Achieve Diabetes Acceptance.” I’ve also been honored to receive many achievement awards throughout my career, too numerous to mention.

In March 2020, I experienced a new challenge to my health.  I contracted the Coronavirus. Thankfully, I was not admitted to the hospital; I was able to manage on my own. I had a low-grade fever for two weeks, no appetite, no energy, and very high blood sugars. I tried to stay hydrated (and used sugar-free flavor packets with electrolytes poured into my water bottles). One year later, I am suffering from post-COVID syndrome, also known as “long haulers syndrome,” with extreme fatigue. Despite my extreme fatigue I continue to treat my patients. The pandemic has had a psychological impact on everybody. I see more patients now struggling with mental health concerns, such as stress and anxiety, depression and bereavement.  If anybody is reading this and you feel you need some extra emotional support, please reach out to your healthcare provider or your local hospital for assistance.

Read Part 1

Read Part 2

Read Part 3

Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDCES has published two books which include insightful lessons of empowerment written by successful men and women with diabetes. Available for purchase.

Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDCES guests on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from Anthony Hamilton. Throughout the podcast, we will be featuring songs from Home For The Holidays courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

Luther Vandross’s Vocalists Remake Take You Out with COVID Safety Message

R & B Legend, Luther Vandross and his love songs are synonymous with Valentine’s Day and he had a long tradition of performing at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on that special day. The glamour and glitz of his stage productions was captured in his only live album, Live Radio City Music Hall 2003, recorded on Valentine’s weekend.

Enjoy this cautiously cheek-to-cheek twist on one of Luther’s iconic songs, “Take You Out” with a reminder to take the necessary precautions to stay safe.  we urge you and your loved ones to take the necessary precautions to stay safe. Wear a mask to protect yourself and others and stop the spread of COVID-19. Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from others who don’t live with you. Avoid crowds. The more people you are in contact with, the more likely you are to be exposed to COVID-19.

Diabetes is known to be a risk factor for severe cases of COVID-19

Early studies have shown that about 25% of people who went to the hospital with severe COVID-19 infections had diabetes. Those with diabetes were more likely to have serious complications and to die from the virus.

Now new evidence suggests some people who’ve recovered from COVID-19 are developing type 1 and type 2 diabetes according to research published November 2020 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.

More than one in 10 coronavirus patients  (14.4%) were newly diagnosed with diabetes after recovering from the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, according to the analysis of 3,711 patients across eight different studies.

On a personal note, this project is near and dear to my heart because several of my family members contracted COVID over the Christmas holiday. I am so grateful to the care, kindness and treatment that my family members received from the healthcare workers at Prisma Health Baptist Hospital in Columbia, SC. I was thrilled to lend a hand in helping Luther Vandross’s Former Vocalists & Band remake his iconic ‘Take You Out’ song with #COVID safety message.

CREDITS: “Take You Out” written by Warryn Campbell, Harold Lilly, and John Smith Lead Vocals: Keith Anthony Fluitt, Kevin Owens, Clayton Bryant Backing Vocals: Lisa Fischer, Cindy Mizelle, Tawatha Agee, Alfa Anderson. Music: Ivan Hampden, Jr. Vocal Arrangements: Lisa Fischer Mixer: Aaron Whitby Luther Vandross Archival Footage: Fonzi Thornton for Thorn World Hats & Masks Images: Harlem Heaven’s Hat FANDROSS CEO: Seveda Williams Revised Lyrics: Max Szadek, Lisa Fischer Video Production: Max Szadek