Tag: diabetes advocates

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Don’t Wait For An Occassion To Get An Eye Exam

It’s important for anyone with diabetes to rise to the occasion, not delay and get an annual eye exam from an ophthalmologist so that diabetic retinopathy can be detected early.

In its early stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR), you may not notice any symptoms or changes to your eyesight that this condition is damaging your eyes. If it is not detected and treated in a timely manner, your vision can be damaged permanently.

A basic eye exam cannot detect all aspects of diabetic retinopathy so you will require special exams. To get a better look at the inside of the eye, your doctor might use eye drops to dilate the pupils and may then view the retina with lenses and a special light called a slit lamp.

What Causes Diabetic Retinopathy? 

Over time, high blood sugar damages the walls of the small blood vessels in the eye, altering their structure and function. These blood vessels may thicken, leak, develop clots, close off, or grow balloon-like defects called microaneurysms. Often, fluid builds up in the part of the retina used in tasks such as reading. This condition is called macular edema.

What is Macular Edema?

Like I mentioned above, macular edema is the build-up of fluid in the center of the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye and the macula is the part of the retina responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision. Fluid buildup distorts vision

In advanced cases, the retina loses its blood supply and grows new, but defective, vessels. These fragile vessels can bleed and cause more problems, including glaucoma.

I had my pupils dilated at my recent eye exam. It’s not painful, and the peace of mind alone is worth protecting my sight was worth any discomfort with light sensitivity.

Still, hesitating to go to the eye doctor? Let the R & B group, Deele‘s biggest hits, “Two Occasions”(you’ve got two eyes, right?)  inspire you to schedule a regular eye exam to maintain healthy vision.

There is a big difference between comprehensive eye exams and routine eye exams. Routine eye exams are the appointments that you make when you need to get a new prescription for your glasses.

A comprehensive eye exam is typically an annual appointment where your eye doctor checks both your vision and overall eye health. This is important because the eye is a small, complex, and essential part of the body. Not only do our eyes help us to see, but they can also show signs of other eye and health conditions.

We’re talking about Eye Challenges related to Diabetes with musical inspiration from TLC on August’s Diabetes Late Nite Podcast on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, 6 PM, EST 

Guests include two leading doctors, Optometrist Sherrol Reynolds M.D. (Associate Professor and Chief of Advanced Ophthalmic Care at the Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, President of the National Optometric Association (NOA)), Retina Specialist and Surgeon Rishi Singh, M.D. (Retina Specialist and Staff Surgeon at the Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic), two Diabetes Eye Health Advocates Andrea Sledge and Natalie Karabel, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES. Hosted by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek.

Throughout our podcast, we are featuring music from TLC’s CrazySexyCool 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 the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Salad Making Party with special guest, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWWC, FAND on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.

FREE REGISTRATION – REGISTER NOW 

 

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La, LADA Means You Love Yourself Enough To Take Action

Once again we’re attempting to build a bridge between music and diabetes health with this Divabetic blog post.

Several women in the Divabetic community have shared their stories of being misdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes when they actually have latent autoimmune diabetes (LADA).

It’s understandable because LADA shares symptoms that correlate with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In fact, LADA often masquerades as type 2 diabetes, given its adult onset and delayed need for insulin treatment. 

But imagine what it feels like to follow your doctor’s guidance word for word and still experience high blood sugars.

You may feel flustered and frustrated. You may feel like you’re spinning your wheels. You may just give up!

That’s why we’d like to urge you to  love yourself enough to take action.

It’s not easy to overcome feelings of anger and annoyance to advocate for one’s health especially if you don’t think your doctor is listening to you. This actually happened to Mila Clarke Buckley, who is known on social media as ‘The Hangry Woman‘.

“In 2016, at 26 years old, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. About a year into my diagnosis, I talked to someone who said my diagnosis didn’t sound right at all, that I should get the GAD65 test. I asked a couple of doctors, but they shrugged me off. On August 4, 2020. I found out that I have LADA – Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults, ” she shared in a blog post.

February’s Divabetic Diabetes Late Nite guest, ‘The Hangry Woman’ shares how she managed to overcome a misdiagnosis to become a powerful diabetes advocate on Tuesday, February 16, 2021, 6 PM, EST. Tune in to the conversation using the link below:

 

 

Let Mila Clarke Buckley inspire you to seek out a second opinion if you’re following your doctor’s guidance for managing type 2 diabetes but still experiencing with chronic high blood sugars. The only way to confirm a diagnosis of LADA is through a blood test that checks for antibodies against the insulin-making cells of the pancreas. Your doctor may also check for levels of a protein called C-peptide to get information on how much insulin your body is making.

We’re dedicating  ‘La La Means I Love You’ by the Delfonics to all the amazing divas living with LADA who advocated for their health.

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31 Days Of Divabetic Podcasts, Day Fourteen

 

Divabetic (Divabetic.org) presents a month-long showcase celebrating 10 years of diabetes podcasting. Each of the featured podcasts spotlights our favorite guests, topics, poems, games and/or musical inspiration. Enjoy!

On Day 14, we’re spotlighting tonight’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast inspired by Patti LaBellle. Back in 2003, Patti LaBelle inspired me to coin the phrase ‘Divabetic’ when she said “I have diabetes, diabetes doesn’t have me.” Her outspoken attitude about living with diabetes pierced my heart as I sat in the audience. I wished that Luther had spoken to me about his diabetes and how to help him in case there was an emergency. Of course, you can’t turn back the clock. All I can do is share my experience with you in the hope you will be motivated to involve your family, friends and co-workers in your daily diabetes self-care.

Tonight’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast also signifies a new milestone in diabetes outreach for Divabetic. For the past decade we have produced at least one podcast each month of every year.

“All great achievements require time,” said Dr. Maya Angelou. She added, “Nothing will work unless you do.”

I staged a ‘comeback’ and so can you!

Back in July 2010, I was brokenhearted and discouraged. A full year had passed since Divabetic lost it’s major funding for it’s national outreach program, Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes and there was no light in sight. I felt like a failure. I was staring at a pile of rejection letters from numerous foundations and pharmaceutical companies requesting funding and another pile of requests from women with diabetes and/or certified diabetes educators begging us to bring Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes to their city. So it’s probably not a shock to learn that I said, “no” when it was suggested that I host a podcast.

Why would I want to do something new when I had just failed so miserably and let so many people down?
Starting over is not easy. However, I’ve had to do it several times in my life. In 2003, when I found my boss, Luther Vandross after he suffered a devastating stroke related to mismanagement of type 2 diabetes. In 2005, when Luther Vandross died and I lost my job (as well as my identity). In 2009, when Divabetic lost it’s major source of funding. Somehow after suffering every one of these ‘soul punches’ I persisted and so can you! That’s the message of this milestone.

Thank you to my team, our guests, SONY Music and you, our listeners for an amazing decade of diabetes podcasting. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for your help in helping me get back my groove. GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS!


We’re celebrating Divabetic’s 10th Year Podcast Anniversary with music from the world’s most famous “Divabetic”– Ms. Patti LaBelle. She has inspired us to adopt and promote a ‘NEW ATTITUDE’ about living with diabetes!

Thank you to our loyal listeners for sharing your stories, questions, concerns, and successes with us over the past decade. Our aim has been and continues to be to broaden the appeal of diabetes education with music, beauty/style, games, real-life stories, cozy mysteries radio dramas, and laughter.

10th Year Podcast Anniversary guests include: Patricia Addie-Gentle, RN, CDE, Lorraine Brooks, Dr. Andrea Chisholm OB-GYN, Luther McRae, Mama Rose Marie, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Seveda Williams, Catherine Schuller, Terri Seidman and special guests.

Our monthly podcasts are dedicated to Music Lovers living with, at risk and/or affected by diabetes. We aim to be the epicenter of the circle of care, a link between patients and their health care providers, a translator of clinical speak and a bridge between denial and acceptance, fear and confidence

Divabetic was inspired by the late music legend, Luther Vandross and created in 2005 by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, who, as Vandross’ assistant of 14 years, witnessed his boss, mentor, and friend struggle in silence and solitude with the diabetes and its related complications. Since its inception, Divabetic has presented outreach programs in 15 major U.S. cities, reaching hundreds of thousands of women, their families and health care professionals.

Experience more of our GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS philosophy at divabetic.org

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Our Seventh of Blue Christmas Gift Ideas from Asha Brown

On the seventh day of Blue Christmas my true friend, Asha Brown sent to me a copy of ‘Unleash Your Inner Diabetes Dominator: How to Use Your Powers of Choice, Self-Love, and Community to Completely Change Your Relationship with Diabetes for the Better’ by Daniele Hargenrader to inspire me.

Divabetic is celebrating a Blue Christmas to bring attention to the mental health issues related to living with diabetes.

You probably know better than we do how diabetes affects your holiday experience. You might feel the weight of diabetes more at this time, because you can’t let go and celebrate like everyone else. Or maybe you do let go and then beat yourself up over it.

That’s why we asked our panel of experts, friends and past Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests to spread some holiday cheer by sharing their favorite products to help keep you ‘happy and healthy’ all year long.

 

 

Asha’s pick: “Unleash Your Inner Diabetes Dominator” is a guidebook filled with inspiring stories showing you how to claim your personal power written for people with diabetes and our loved ones. Learn how to use your powers of choice, self-love, and community to completely change your relationship with diabetes for the better, and how to turn a perceived adversity into advantage.

After reading this book, you can expect to feel a paradigm shift in the way you look at diabetes, an increased confidence in yourself and your capacity to handle any challenges you are faced with, as well as a feeling of pride and accomplishment as you take the actions you need to take and see positive results.

3 BONUSES: Get an online health and wellness training program for FREE (over $100 Value) when you take action now. See diabetesbook.com for details.

Readers have also reported feeling a sense of freedom from the physical and emotional stress and anxiety of the day to day management of diabetes including type 1, type 2, pre-diabetes, LADA, gestatational, and MODY.

“This book is perfect for ANY person living with diabetes. It will help you learn how to live your life with joy and empowerment!,” says Asha Brown.

What is a Diabetes Dominator?

“Diabetes Dominator is a state of mind: Instead of diabetes being perceived as a weakness or a curse, diabetes can actually be a great source of strength if we choose to let it,” says Danielle. “We all have the power to turn adversity into advantage. Diabetes can be a catalyst for improving our lives, paying closer attention to what matters most in life, and for being of service to others. I didn’t always feel this way, and that’s why I wrote this book,” adds Danielle.

ABOUT DANIELLE: After Danielle Hargenrader’s type 1 diabetes diagnosis at age 9 and the unexpected and sudden death of her father a few years later, she ballooned up to 200 pounds, and battled clinical depression and a binge eating addiction for over 8 years. Through these adversities, she eventually took herself from obese to athlete. Her book ‘Unleash Your Inner Diabetes Dominator’  provides you witha shortcut (system) to the she took, and continues to travel to this day.

Asha Brown is the Founder and Executive Director of the amazing We Are Diabetes (WAD) organization. WAD is primarily devoted to promoting support, education and awareness for type 1 diabetics who suffer from eating disorders. WAD is dedicated to providing guidance, hope and resources to those who may be struggling, as well as to their families and loved ones.

Asha Brown was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 5 years old. As a dancer, actress and a fitness instructor by the time she was 17, the obsession with maintaining a healthy size and weight while coping with multiple autoimmune disorders (hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome, as well as type 1 diabetes) became a full-time job. Asha’s experience with symptoms of diabulimia led her to start the We Are Diabetes organization.

Today, Asha works with families, patients, and health professionals across the USA. She uses her personal experiences with ED-DMT1 to offer hope and support to those still struggling. She also establishes relationships with eating disorder facilities and diabetes organizations across the county to help connect people to appropriate care. Asha has presented at NEDA, AADE, and JDRF, among others. She writes for numerous websites including Diabetes Health, Diabetes Daily, and Beyond Type 1. She is a member of Diabetes Advocates and BEDA. 

If you or someone you know is a type 1 diabetic who is struggling with an eating disorder and are seeking support, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to WAD

For the past three years, Asha Brown has made our Diabetes Mystery podcasts truly sparkle! She’s played the organic farmer,  ‘Christine’ in ‘Phantom of the Okra’, the uptight, overworked personal assistant, ’Primrose Crump’ in ‘Suspect Boulevard’ and most recently the glitzy burlesque dancer, Coco Mimosa in this year’s Diabetes Mystery: ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’. She truly brings out the best of each performance. I’m so grateful to Asha for sharing her wonderful acting talents with our listeners and helping us raise awareness for diabetes and educate people about diabetes self-care in a fun, new way.

On December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast we’re celebrating a Blue Christmas. I chose this theme in December because ‘Blue’ is the color that I most closely associate with diabetes and I feel that the mental health issues related to diabetes are often overlooked and ignored. Some listeners may feel that talking about depression is depressing  which is understandable. However, I feel it is far more important to reach out to those coping with diabetes distress and burnout  and let them know they are not alone.  Please join us! 

TUNE IN! Don’t miss December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music by Elvis Presley on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, 6 PM, EST. We will be discussing ways to not let diabetes make you feel ‘blue’ during the holiday season with our panel of experts. Guests include ‘Walking With Peety’ Author Eric O’Grey, Chilbrook Kennels Breeder Author, Diabetes Alert Dog and Scent Detection Expert, Debby Kay, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE and America’s #1 Energy Conductor, High Voltage. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring songs from the new “Christmas with Elvis and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” album courtesy of SONY Music. The album brings together Elvis Presley’s best-loved yuletide performances from “Elvis’ Christmas Album” (1957) and “Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas” (1971) re-imagined with sublime and exquisite new arrangements performed by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

NEED MORE INSPIRATION? Our panel of experts, Divabetic community members and past Diabetes Late Nite guests will be sharing more Blue Christmas Gift suggestions on this blog for the next twelve days to help you enjoy the festive spirit of the season without compromising your diabetes health!

Are you feeling ‘blue’ this holiday season?

You’re not alone.

While it’s true that sadness and/or depression at holiday time can be a reaction to the stresses and demands of the season, people with diabetes are more likely to be depressed than others states David Spero BSN, RN for Diabetes Self-Management.

Diabetes can cause complications and health problems that may worsen symptoms of depression. Depression can lead to poor lifestyle decisions, such as unhealthy eating, less exercise, smoking and weight gain — all of which are risk factors for diabetes.

The good news is that diabetes and depression can be treated together. And effectively managing one can have a positive effect on the other.

If you think you might be depressed, seek help right away. Your doctor or diabetes educator can refer you to a mental health professional.

https://youtu.be/Uwfz5mMLSDM

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Diabetes & Divas: Dina Merrill

Actress Dina Merrill, who was also the heiress to two fortunes died at age 93 on Monday.

I consider Dina Merrill to be a ‘Divabetic’. She was both an icon of taste and sophistication as well as an amazing diabetes advocate.

Her life as t he daughter of the Wall Street broker E. F. Hutton and the cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post inspired me to write last year’s Mister Divabetic Mystery podcast: “Suspect Boulevard”.

I literally started making notes for a new mystery idea on my iPhone during my visit to her mother’s fabulous Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens in Washington, DC. I spent the day in Washington after raising awareness for diabetes by hosting the Red Tomato Carpet at Central Farm Markets in Bethesda, MD.

A beautiful portrait of Dina Merrill as a child in her mother’s bedroom captured my imagination.  At the time I had no idea of Dina’s personal connection to diabetes nor her work in diabetes advocacy. I learned that Dina Merrill created a yearly award for scientific excellence in her  son David’s name for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in 1974. She also served as the International Ambassador for ORBIS International, the flying eye hospital, which teaches advanced eye care and eye surgical techniques all over the world.

The award was recently presented to the research team at ViaCyte, Inc., a San Diego, Calif.-based regenerative medicine company that is at the forefront of developing an encapsulated cell-replacement therapy that has the potential to provide long-term relief from daily insulin dosing. The islet implants would potentially release insulin on demand in response to the body’s rising blood-glucose levels.

Dina Merrill made her Broadway debut in John Van Druten’s The Mermaid Singing in 1945. She had a more substantial role in 1975’s revival of the drama Angel Street.

The New York Times referred to Dina Merrill as an elegant presence in most of her 30 or so mid-20th-century movies, Ms. Merrill played the betrayed wife who loses both her husband, Laurence Harvey, and her mink coat to Elizabeth Taylor in “Butterfield 8” (1960); the chic fashion consultant who loses Glenn Ford to Shirley Jones in “The Courtship of Eddie’s Father” (1963); and the steadfast socialite wife of an assistant district attorney played by Burt Lancaster in “The Young Savages” (1961). Her 100-plus TV appearances ranged from What’s My Line? to What Makes Sammy Run? to The Magnificent Ambersons.

We fondly will refer to this tireless and legendary philanthropist as a ‘Divabetic’.

LISTEN NOW: Mister Divabetic Mystery podcast: “Suspect Boulevard.” The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic hopes to inspire you to become a Diabetes Detective will this third installment of Diabetes Mystery  Theater podcastOur cast includes Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, ‘We Are Diabetes’ organization founder, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDE, 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 Philaharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Charles Gerhardt courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

 

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