Jessye Norman Is Our Diva Of The Month in March!

“A person has the right, and I think the responsibility, to develop all of their talents” – Jessye Norman.

Vocalist Jessye Norman was indisputably one of the major artists of our time. A triumphant career associated with the highest level of music making has led to many honors and awards, including the Kennedy Center Honors, the National Medal of Arts, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, the Glenn Gould Prize for Music, and more than 40 honorary doctorates.

Unfortunately Jessye Norman’s size and girth were big points of conversation for listeners and reviewers alike dating back to the 1970’s. She was referred to as “a woman of generous proportions with voice to match,” and “an entire orchestra in person”.
Jessye Norman candidly said, “dress size has nothing to do with opera singing” in an interview. “And certainly there were those instances when singers were told they need to fit into a certain size dress. Of course, women. Men? They just make the costume bigger.”
It has never been reported that Jessye Norman was living with or affected by diabetes during her lifetime. However, we still admire her for standing up to criticism and being a strong, independent woman and trailblazer.  She didn’t let people’s meanspirited comments stop her from being who she was! She lived her life to the fullest and continued to challenge herself as an artist.

How do you deal with criticism about your size and/or weight?

Unfortunately insults, criticisms, and hidden messages often make us awful about ourselves. Especially if they are being said by someone close to us.
People who comment on how you look are really just offering insight into  how little they would value themselves if they looked different. People who worry a lot about putting on weight might actually be afraid that they won’t be loveable if they don’t conform. They don’t trust that they are good enough regardless of how they look. In this case, their comments can make you appreciate that you don’t have the same insecurities that they do. 
Reflecting on how you respond to criticism will make you better at addressing criticism the next time. As the old adage goes, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
Sometimes, someone’s criticism towards you has nothing to do with you. If a stranger is criticizing you on social media, for example, sometimes it is best not to respond.

Oprah Winfrey learned to not ask herself, “What’s wrong with that person?”but rather, what happened to that person?”

We also like to recommend building a really good self care routine to boost your self esteem and happiness as these will give you resilience to any criticism too.

Tune in to Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, 6 – 7:30 PM. EST. We’re talking about weight loss drugs, how to maximize your metabolism, self-love, and heart health makeovers with music from Jessye Norman.
Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE offers her opinions on the top home blood pressure monitors.
Pharmacist and Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialists Mandy Reece PharmD CDCES, BC-ADM, BCACP, FADCES provides insight on the effectiveness and side effects of weight loss drugs including iraglutide, and semaglutide.
Maximize Your Metabolism: Lifelong Solutions to Lose Weight, Restore Energy, and Prevent Disease” Co-Authors Dr. Noel Maclaren and Sunita Singh Maclaren discuss how brain health is related to insulin resistance.
American Heart Association’s Know Diabetes By Heart Ambassador, Sarah B. shares why her mindset about her health changed after her husband’s death and how she came to adopt the motto: “We have a habit of putting limits on ourselves. We need to push beyond them.”
Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Jessye Norman’s Roots: My Life, My Song (Live at The Philharmonie Berlin) album courtesy of SONY Music.

Valentine’s Day Game Puzzle

This Valentine’s Day shower yourself with some self-love. Throw out every doubt in yourself, every negative thought and learn to love yourself.

Did you know that living with type 2 diabetes puts you at higher risk for heart disease and stroke? Talk to your doctor about your risk.

What To Ask Your Doctor

  1. What can I do to lower my risk for heart disease and stroke?
  2. Do any of my medications help me manage my risks for heart disease or other complications?
  3. Are there programs that can help me manage my condition? Can you give me a referral?
  4. How can I meet others going through my same experience?

Making Connections Game Puzzle 

Can you find the five words above that are connected to Valentine’s Day?  Each word starts with one of the choices from the left side column. It then continues with something from the middle column and then finishes with something from the right side column. Created by: Dani Raymond

 

Matters Of The Heart

We’re talking about matters of the heart related to diabetes with music from Celine Dion on this Divabetic Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

Heart disease is common in people with diabetes. The National Heart Association reports 65% of people with diabetes will die from some sort of heart disease or stroke. In general, the risk of heart disease death and stroke are more than twice as high in people with diabetes. However, by managing your risk factors, you may avoid or delay the development of heart and blood vessel disease.

Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Janis Roszler, PhD, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND, Mila Clarke Buckley aka The Hangry Woman, and Know Diabetes By Heart Ambassador Belle Kruegger.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Celine Dion’s Falling Into You album courtesy of SONY Music.

Love New Recipes?

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free Virtual Cooking Party with special guest, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND on Zoom on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, 7-8 PM, EST. Jill shares her favorite quinoa recipes with us!

REGISTER NOW – FREE REGISTRATION 

Puzzle answer: Romance, Sweetheart, February, Chocolate, and Bouquet

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.

Divabetic Presents Virtual Diabetes Outreach with Dazzle!

Since 2005, Divabetic (Divabetic.Org) has pioneered efforts in outreach to take diabetes education out of the clinical setting and present it in a more appealing and easier to understand ways. Our first national outreach program, Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes, presented personalized diabetes education (loosely based on AADE’s 7 Self-Care Behaviors) with free makeover services (makeup application, safe manicures, and mini massages) in eight major US cities.

Two years ago, we presented diabetes and heart health education in  New York City’s #1 Escape Room experience called Clued Inn on National Diabetes Alert Day.

Nationally Recognized Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator and Best-Selling Author Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, FAND, CHWC joined us for Divabetic’s recent free virtual Cooking Party on Zoom.

Enjoy some GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS highlights from Divabetic’s recent virtual outreach event featuring Harlem’s Heaven Hats‘ Hats & Masks Fashion Show and Poetry by Diabetes Late Nite podcast contributor Lorraine Brooks.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic talks with Rachel Zinman about how yoga and meditation practices can help you to manage the mental health aspects of living with diabetes.

 

Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Pendulum Therapeutics CEO and Co-Founder Colleen Cutcliffe, Ph. D., (the maker of Pendulum Glucose Control), Virginia Valentine, APRN, BC-ADM, CDE, FAADE, Dr. Darren Wayne from MealBetix and Yoga For Diabetes Author Rachel Zinman.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Aaliyah’s Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number album courtesy of SONY Music.

Don’t Lose Your Sight Because Of The Pandemic

The media’s focus on the risk of COVID-19 among seniors and people with diabetes has resulted in many delaying their eye care visits.

Most eye care services are critical to preserve, prevent loss of, or restore vision. This includes ongoing care for degenerative eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, etc.

Photo by Soroush Karimi on Unsplash

Unfortunately, many eye diseases progress silently or seem tolerable now but can quickly progress into irreversible damage or emergencies if in-person visit are postponed again and again.

To identify these conditions and preserve vision, healthcare providers need to measure the pressure of the eye and get an effective look inside. The only way to do that is with in person visits.

Equipment for patients to allow assessments of the interior eye structure, vision strength, the cornea and the pressure with the eye is not available remotely.

Another important reason not to put off your vision care is that new waves of coronavirus seems inevitable. If numbers continue to spike, ophthalmology services may have to pause again.

Talk to your healthcare providers about how to balance your risks. Don’t regret experiencing vision loss because of unnecesary fears.

We’re talking about diabetic macular edema with musical inspiration from Maxwell on this episode of Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) is an accumulation of fluid in the macula-part of the retina that controls our most detailed vision abilities-due to leaking blood vessels. In order to develop DME, you must first have diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the tissue at the back of the eye (retina). Poorly controlled blood sugar is a risk factor. Early symptoms include floaters, blurriness, dark areas of vision, and difficulty perceiving colors. Blindness can occur.

Guests include singer Alfa Anderson, Diabetic Macular Edema patient Maryanne Kass, Artist Bryce Chisholm, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring selected songs from several of several of Maxwell’s albums courtesy of SONY Music.

Easy Pizza Mini Peppers Recipe

These easy to make pizza mini peppers are filled with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni then broiled until the cheese is melted and bubbly. It’s the perfect low carb appetizer for your holiday celebrations!

Easy Pizza Mini Peppers Recipe

Ingredients

You’ll only need 5 simple ingredients to make pizza mini peppers.  Here’s an overview of what you’ll need:

Bell Peppers: grab diffferent colors for a more festive looking appetizer

Pizza or spaghetti sauce: right out of the jar! Look for one lower in sodium

Shredded Mozzarella or Provolone cheese: shredded is great!

Pepperoni or small meatballs 

Directions

Start by cutting the peppers in half lengthwise and removing the membranes and the seeds.

Stuff the peppers with a little pizza sauce, ome cheese and pepperoni, then spray them with olive oil.

Broil the peppers until the cheese is melted. Keep a close eye on them so that they don’t burn!

 

We’re talking about staying healthy during the holiday season with musical inspiration from Harry Connick, Jr. on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

The holiday season can present problems for those living with diabetes. Add a global pandemic, and it’s even more challenging.Continuous care and support are important to staying on track with your diabetes wellness goals throughout the holidays.

Podcast guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Dan Houdeshell, Pendulum Glucose Control‘s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Orville Kolterman and Diabetes Meal Planning Made Easy, Author Hope Warshaw, MMSc, RD, CDE, and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Harry For The Holidays album courtesy of SONY Music.

Medtronic Launches Discount Program

Medtronic has launched a CGM Access Discount program, which allows users without insurance coverage, or those who switched insurance or lost coverage, to access a discounted out-of-pocket cost for a Medtronic CGM. The discount enables eligible patients to pay $180 for a Medtronic CGM (with a 12-month warranty) and $60/month for sensors. For more information on the program, click here. This program will help people while the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reviews proposed new changes that, if finalized, would expand Medicare coverage for CGMs.

Earlier this year, Medtronic expanded its Medtronic Assurance program for U.S. customers who lose their jobs and health insurance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Current eligible customers can receive a three-month supply of sensors, infusion sets and reservoirs at no cost.

Medtronic’s InPen integration with real-time Guardian™ Connect CGM system (continuous glucose monitoring) data helps people get to the right dose at the right time, by having all the data they need in one convenient place. Insulin insights and CGM data now appear together, so you can view doses, active insulin, and current glucose in one view without switching apps.

What is an InPen?

InPen is an insulin pen system designed for individuals using insulin injections and want the benefits of smart diabetes tech. The InPen app gets information from the InPen to keep track of diabetes data and help with insulin management decisions.

 

It automatically records insulin doses, tracks active insulin, and recommends mealtime and correction doses based on a bolus calculator. These features are especially impactful when it comes to determining how much insulin to give.

 

What is the Guardian™ Connect CGM system?

The Guardian™ Connect CGM system monitors glucose levels day and night, sending precise readings automatically to the app. The sensor continuously converts tiny amounts of glucose  into an electronic signal. Your system then uses these signals to provide sensor glucose values. The system includes a small sensor that can be worn up to seven days and a slim, discreet Bluetooth transmitter that can be worn in almost any situation.

It’s important to note that you will need to have both the InPen and Guardian Connect apps on your smartphone to enable real-time data sharing. InPen will be used to manage insulin and dosing, while the Guardian Connect app will manage your glucose and alerts. You will need to enter a blood glucose reading to calibrate in the Guardian Connect app and to use the bolus calculator in the InPen app. Since the data sharing is made possible by CareLink Personal software, you’ll also need to have an internet connection to see data in real time. Our goal is to continue building upon this technology and ease the burden of the daily decisions of managing diabetes.

The InPen and Guardian Connect CGM apps work on both iOS and Android devices. Click here to see if your device is supported.

 

Enjoy this edition of Diabetes Late Nite podcast with Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Dan Houdeshell, Pendulum Glucose Control‘s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Orville Kolterman and Diabetes Meal Planning Made Easy, Author Hope Warshaw, MMSc, RD, CDE, Mama Rose Marie and music from Harry For The Holidays album courtesy of SONY Music.

Divabetic’s Popular Baking Party Postposted

Unfortunately Divabetic’s  Baking Party with The Diabetic Pastry Chef has been postponed. We apologize for the inconvenience. We were looking forward to spending time together virtually with our special guest, Stacey Harris aka ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’ in 2021.

Sure, it’s disappointing that tonight’s virtual event is postponed but ‘Don’t get Down, Get DIVA!’ and enjoy these holiday offerings to help keep you safe, well and happy throughout the season.

Enjoy this December’s Holiday edition of our popular Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Dan Houdeshel, Pendulum Glucose Control‘s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Orville Kolterman and Diabetes Meal Planning Made Easy Author Hope Warshaw, MMSc, RD, CDCES, Mama Rose Marie and music from Harry Connick, Jr.’s  Harry For The Holidays album.

Flashback to last year’s Holiday edition of Diabetes Late Nite with Dr. Bart Roep, Janis Roszler, LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDCES, Hint Water‘s Anthony Fiorello, Know Diabetes By Heart Ambassador Christina Herrera, Diabetes Alert Dog owner Elizabeth Gallagher, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES and festive music from Yolanda Adams’s What A Wonderful Time Of The Year album.

2 Great, Quick Reads To Keep You Healthy! 

Navigating the Holidays With Diabetes from our friend, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDCES, FADCES – READ

22 High-Fiber Foods You Should Eat – READ

Watch highlights from Divabetic’s last virtual outreach event featuring a Hat & Mask Fashion Show presented by Harlem’s Heaven’s Hats and poetry from Lorraine Brooks.

How To Correctly Monitor Your Blood Pressure At Home

“When you have high blood pressure your heart is working overtime, all the time, “says Neva White DNP, CRNP, CDE on October’s Diabetes Late NIte podcast. “Measuring your blood pressure is one of the best  non invasive tests that we have available to give us a window into how well the heart is actually functioning.”

The American Heart Association recommends home monitoring for all people with high blood pressure to help the healthcare provider determine whether treatments are working. Home monitoring (self-measured blood pressure) is not a substitute for regular visits to your physician.

How to use a home blood pressure monitor

Be still. Don’t smoke, drink caffeinated beverages or exercise within 30 minutes before measuring your blood pressure. Empty your bladder and ensure at least 5 minutes of quiet rest before measurements.

Sit correctly. Sit with your back straight and supported (on a dining chair, rather than a sofa). Your feet should be flat on the floor and your legs should not be crossed. Your arm should be supported on a flat surface (such as a table) with the upper arm at heart level. Make sure the bottom of the cuff is placed directly above the bend of the elbow. Check your monitor’s instructions for an illustration or have your healthcare provider show you how.

Measure at the same time every day. It’s important to take the readings at the same time each day, such as morning and evening. It is best to take the readings daily however ideally beginning 2 weeks after a change in treatment and during the week before your next appointment.

Take multiple readings and record the results. Each time you measure, take two or three readings one minute apart and record the results using a printable (PDF) or online tracker. If your monitor has built-in memory to store your readings, take it with you to your appointments. Some monitors may also allow you to upload your readings to a secure website after you register your profile.

Don’t take the measurement over clothes.

Photo by Hush Naidoo on Unsplash

Why keep a blood pressure journal?

One blood pressure measurement only tells what your blood pressure is at that moment. A diary of multiple readings taken over time provides a better picture of your blood pressure that can help you partner with your physician to ensure that your treatments  to lower high blood pressure  (HBP or hypertension) are working.

If you have been prescribed medication to lower your blood pressure, don’t stop taking your medication without consulting your doctor, even if your blood pressure readings are in the normal range during home monitoring.

Chickpeas with Lemongrass, Grass & Farro One-Pot Meal Recipe by Jill Weisenberger

Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND was our special guest on Divabetic’s recent free Cooking Party event on Zoom. Jill shared several of her favorite healthy soup recipes, answered questions and encouraged participants to try new flavor combinations like cinnamon and spinach!

“You can boost the protein even more (in the recipe below) when you heap Greek yogurt on top or enjoy a glass of cold milk with your meal,” says Jill Weisenberger. “No butternut squash? No problem. Leave it out. Add a couple extra carrots if you have them.”

Below is one of Jill’s favorite one-pot meal loaded with plant protein and exquisite flavor.

Chickpeas & Farro: a Healthy Vegetarian One-Pot Meal Recipe by Jill Weisenberger

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 large carrots, sliced
  • 12 ounces butternut squash, cubed
  • 1 4-inch piece lemongrass, smashed slightly with a knife
  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed or chopped
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 14.5-ounce can petite diced tomatoes, no salt added, undrained
  • 4 cups vegetable broth look for lower sodium varieties
  • 2 15-ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup dry farro
  •  cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt or other plain strained yogurt of choice

Nutrition:Serving: 1.75cup, Calories: 340, Carbohydrates: 62g, Protein: 16g,  Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 0.5g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 650mg, Fiber: 12g

Click HERE for Full Recipe

The latest numbers from the CDC suggest that nearly 1 in 3 adults have either prediabetes or diabetes. These are alarming numbers, and finding out that you are the one out of three can be even more alarming.  Shock, denial, and confusion are not uncommon reactions. But there is a flipside to learning you have prediabetes. It can be scary, but it’s also an opportunity—an opportunity to “reset,” to improve your health, and to get yourself in better shape than ever. Let Prediabetes: A Complete Guide show you how!

This comprehensive guide will lead you through dozens of concrete steps you can take to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other lifestyle-related chronic diseases. Taking an individualized approach to your lifestyle reset, Prediabetes: A Complete Guide will allow you to choose your own path to wellness and help you gain a greater sense of wellbeing, boost confidence in your abilities to maintain a healthful lifestyle, and potentially even help you reverse prediabetes, avoid type 2 diabetes and other chronic illnesses, and have you feeling better than you have in years!

Diviabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite Podcast Inspired by Patti Austin

Tune in to Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with musical inspiration from Patti Austin.

“I had type 2 diabetes,” says the former 285- pound singing sensation. “I had obesity-driven diabetes,” continued the now 140-pound Austin. To reach her new weight, Patti Austin had gastric bypass surgery and the result has been remarkable.

Podcast guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Chris Pickering co-founder of ‘The Betes Bros’, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Mama Rose Marie.