Tag: Diabetes Outreach

Posted on

Meet Divabetic Prize Winner: Sandra Living With Type 1 Diabetes

Our recent Divabetic Baking Party’s Peak 10 Skin giveaway winner, Sandra is a tech-savvy diva who relies on several diabetes self-care tools to live her best life!

“I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2006”, says Sandra. “After 6 years of injections, I was put on an insulin pump and then later got a Continuous Glucose Monitor.”

Many people with type 1 diabetes use insulin pumps. Insulin pumps work by delivering a basal, or set, rate of insulin through a tube called a cannula.

The insulin pump is attached to a thin plastic tube (an infusion set) with a cannula (like a needle but soft) at the end of which insulin passes. This cannula is inserted under the skin, usually on the abdomen. The cannula is changed every two days. Your doctor works with you to determine the amount of insulin needed each day. Insulin pumps can also deliver an insulin bolus.

A Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) is a wearable sensor that automatically measures glucose levels 24 hours a day. A thin, disposable needle called a sensor stays under your skin. The sensor is removed and changed every few days. Glucose readings are provided at specific intervals, every five minutes or so. It also shows how your glucose levels are trending in the form of a trend arrow. You can tell if your glucose level is rising or dropping and treat yourself accordingly. 

“My current pump communicates with the CGM and automatically adjusts my insulin when my glucose readings are out of range, she adds.  

“Thank goodness for technology! It has made my diabetes easier to manage, and I can be more discreet. (no more finger sticks or insulin syringes!).”

Since Sandra participated in our Baking Party, we asked her about her sweet tooth. 

” I still watch what I eat (I read the nutrition label for everything I eat) and take the dog for walks twice a day (4 miles total), but I do NOT deprive myself of dessert.”

We love her attitude!

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

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

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

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

REGISTER NOW – FREE REGISTRATION

 

Posted on

Pink Champagne Christmas Story, Part 3

If my plans make me sound like Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible, I can’t help it. A lot is riding on our Christmas’ date night’ to get my Christmas wish. Because the only gift from Jasper I want for Christmas is a bigger family. 

Jasper’s constant complaints about the costs of having too many mouths to feed can’t dissuade me either. But, to be honest, the price of a bigger family isn’t the only thing he’s worried about. He’s also concerned about my health. I had gestational diabetes during my pregnancy with the twins. I can’t lie – It was brutal. There were times during my pregnancies when it was challenging to manage for me. My insulin resistance worsened around 32 – 36 weeks when I thought I had everything under control. I was literally waking and eating the same breakfast every day for weeks when suddenly I experienced crazy blood sugar levels. I kept thinking, “What the heck is going on, and what did you do wrong???” I was so frustrated, upset, and, yes, very emotional. I felt helpless. 

During my lowest points, Jasper was my rock. First, he dealt with the brunt of my anger and frustration with so much compassion. Then he even paid out of pocket for a therapist, who wasn’t covered by insurance, to help me process what I was feeling. To say I felt like a failure is an understatement. Every high reading on my blood glucose monitor chipped away at my confidence until I was a bundle of nerves. I didn’t trust myself or my body. Thankfully, Jasper found a specialist who helped me when I hit my lowest point. After that, it was a huge relief to learn that my progesterone hormone levels caused by insulin resistance crank up to another gear instead of negligence. Little by little, day after day, I got my blood sugar levels back on track with insulin therapy. Looking back, my initial hesitations to inject myself with insulin seem ridiculous. My insulin dosage even lowered after the release of my hormones slowed down, and my insulin resistance improved. And all that self-monitoring paid off, too, because today, we have two healthy, beautiful children. I can’t imagine my life without them. This is why I am so determined to have more children. Jasper feels the opposite; he isn’t budging either. If I make a sigh when we see a baby on TV, he recites the opinions of every specialist who has advised me against it. I’m more than likely to have gestational diabetes again, according to statistics. But these specialists don’t understand that I am not a statistic either. I have a better understanding of what’s involved and know my risks this time. I know I can do it. 

However, tonight seems like it’s months, not hours away. Nothing has gone according to my plans since we left the house this morning. I’m sure Tom Cruise could rectify the situation quickly without breaking a sweat. Then again, he’s not wearing three-inch heels or wading through the crowded streets of New York City holding hands with two five-year-old children anxious to see Santa Claus. The traffic was bumper to bumper coming into the city. Every store has been jam-packed with people. After waiting for over two hours for Santa Claus, the kids are tired and hungry. My feet are killing me too. All three of us are cranky but teetering towards Grizzly bears grouchy the longer we go without food. I’m in such a rush to feed them and get home that I drag them through the doors of the Windows of the World, New York’s sky-high restaurant. The restaurant’s close proximity to the parking garage was the deciding factor. Usually, I wouldn’t dare take the twins to such an expensive and stuffy restaurant, but their growling stomachs can’t wait. Our twenty-floor glass elevator ride to the top floor is an unexpected thrill for the kids. Thousands of lights twinkle at us when the elevator doors open to a cozy holiday atmosphere where every corner seems decorated in gorgeous evergreen garlands, ribbons, and pinecones. And surrounding windows provide a jaw-dropping three-sixty view of Manhattan. We sit down and order what I can only assume is the city’s most expensive hot chocolates with extra whipped cream and two grilled cheese sandwiches. I’m trying to hold off on food until I go out with Jasper later tonight.

Click HERE to read Pink Champagne Christmas Story PART 1 

Click HERE to read Pink Champagne Christmas Story PART 2

On 22 April 1974, this performance by Love Unlimited (also known for singing backing vocals for Barry White) was broadcast by AVRO television as part of TopPop, the Dutch version of Top of the Pops. Glodean James, the singer in the middle, was married to Barry White at that time.

 

Posted on

Free Baking Party with The Diabetic Pastry Chef

Register now for Divabetic’s free  Holiday-themed Baking Party with special guest, Stacey Harris aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef on Thursday, December 9, 2021, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.  One lucky participant received a free Splenda Gift Basket featuring a variety of their products.
After being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Stacey Harris (The Diabetic Pastry Chef) taught herself how to make pound cake, pecan rolls, pies, muffins, cupcakes, and other baked goods with about half the carbs you’d get from traditional bakery items.
The Diabetic Pastry Chef
Stacey Harris aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef captured the hearts and the taste buds of our attendees on Divabetic’s free Baking Party in  September. She returns to demonstrate how to make sugar-free Linzer tarts on December’s Divabetic Baking Party on Zoom.

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

Back by popular demand! The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic hosts this free, fun Virtual Holiday-themed Baking Party with our special guest, Stacey Harris aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef on Thursday, December 9, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.

REGISTER – FREE REGISTRATION 

 

Posted on

Once In A Blue Moon Program Recap & Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

In honor of National Diabetes Awareness Month, the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic presented Divabetic’s Once In a Blue Moon program on Zoom. This free, fun-filled, informative hour of diabetes outreach featured presentations from Maryann Nicolay MEd, NDTR, Wendy Satin Rapaport LCSW, PsyD, and Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller.

Wendy Satin Rapaport, aka The Diabetes Psyche, shared strategies to help us overcome negative feelings related to judgment and stigma. Dr. Wendy encourages us to use a technique called positive reframing. Positive reframing involves thinking about an adverse or challenging situation in a more positive way. Rather than contemplating feelings of frustration and helplessness, look at your situation with fresh eyes. For example, instead of saying, “I’d did something bad,” when looking at the number on your glucose meter, say, “Oh, this is helpful information.” Suppose you’re in a situation you truly can’t change. In that case, you can reframe your thoughts and change how you feel about it by finding benefits in the situation you face. She also encouraged us to find humor in our daily diabetes lives. When you’re looking for benefits, it doesn’t mean you gloss over negatives; you simply notice positives as well and focus on them.

MaryAnn Nicolay spotlighted the benefits of adding winter squashes (butternut, acorn, pumpkin, and spaghetti) to your meal plan. Winter squashes contain LOTS of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. In addition, they can promote heart and eyes health, lower risks of some cancers, and help with high blood pressure. 

Below is the Creamy Butternut Squash Soup recipe from MaryAnn Nicolay’s presentation.

Creamy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe from Robin Blair-Ackinson MPH

Ingredients

2 Butternut Squash, medium

2 Granny Smith Apples

2 cups Vanilla Almond Milk (or Soy Milk)

½ tsp Salt

1 tsp Ground Nutmeg

2 tsp Ground Cinnamon

½ tsp Ground Ginger (optional)

Directions:

  1. Peel and dice squash and apples
  2. Season squash with a little cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt
  3. Roast squash and apples on a roasting pan for 40-45 minutes in a 425-degree oven
  4. Heat milk to just below boiling
  5. Place squash and apples in a blender.  Slowly add milk.  If the soup is too thick, thin it with a little vegetable stock.
  6. Return to pot and add spices.  Simmer until hot

Makes 6 servings. Recipe by Robin Blair-Ackinson, MPH Cooking with C.A.R.E Unlimited. All rights reserved

Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller helped us to determine which style and type of blue jeans work with our figures. The blue circle is a symbol for World Diabetes Day, November 14, 2021. In addition, the blue circle signifies the unity of the global diabetes community in response to the diabetes pandemic.

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?

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic hosts this free, fun Virtual Holiday-themed Baking Party with our special guest, Stacey Harris aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef on Thursday, December 9, 2021,  7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.

During this virtual Baking Party on Zoom, The Diabetic Pastry Chef will prepare a holiday Sugar-Free Dessert recipe and share expert baking tips for substituting sugar substitutes and flours in your favorite holiday recipes.

Over 120 people registered for our last Divabetic Baking Party so don’t miss out!

After being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Stacey Harris (The Diabetic Pastry Chef) taught herself how to make pound cake, pecan rolls, pies, muffins, cupcakes, and other baked goods with about half the carbs you’d get from traditional bakery items.

REGISTER NOW – FREE REGISTRATION 

 

Posted on

Easy Meal Planning for Blood Sugar Control with Jill Weisenberger

One of our favorite educators, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND is offering an Easy Meal Planning for Blood Sugar Control program on Tuesday,  November 16, 2021, at 6:00 PM, EST.

Jill is excited to invite you to this program, specifically to recognize Diabetes Awareness Month. It’s sponsored by Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative (NEBPI). NEBPI is a subcontractor to the Beef Checkoff Program and is funded by U.S. Farmers and Ranchers.

And it’s going to be great, whether you have diabetes, prediabetes, or simply want to learn more about easy meal planning. By the end of this short program, you’ll

  • know the simple 3-step formula to crafting a balanced meal to manage your blood sugar
  • learn cooking techniques to boost your portion of food but not your blood sugar or weight
  • have a new, delicious beef recipe to prepare lickety-split
  • know where to access resources for more recipes, tips, and insights

Plus, Jill Weisenberger promises tons of fun, a chance to win prizes, and the opportunity to cook along with her. We’ll get you the ingredients list if you’d like to have dinner ready by the end of the program.

We’re talking about how to get over the fear and anxiety about speaking publically about your diabetes and related health issues (including depression and sleep apnea) on this Divabetic podcast with music from Carly Simon.

Grammy winner Carly Simon has recorded over 30 albums, won two Grammies, and an Academy Award. Carly Simon managed to accomplish her dreams by overcoming severe stuttering and painful migraines to achieve her success. When I was a young child,” Carly Simon has revealed, “I had a stammer. And the only time it went away was when I sang. One day, my mother said to me, ‘Don’t speak it, sing it.’ And that’s what I did.”

Leading advocates share their journeys and tools that help them: FreeStyle Libre 2 App, CPAP machines, and a new line of baked good mixes, TruEats.

  • The FreeStyle Libre system measures glucose levels through a small sensor applied to the back of your upper arm. It provides real-time glucose readings for up to 10 days, both day and night.
  • Sleep Apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. If you snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night’s sleep, you might have sleep apnea.
  • Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. A CPAP machine uses a hose and mask or nosepiece to deliver constant and steady air pressure.

Guests include the Director of Content of the sleep sites of Pillar4 Media, Marten Carlson, and Plus-Size Fashion and Tavel Blogger, LGBTQ+ Influencer, Alysse Dalessandro Santiago.

October’s Divabetic podcast features music from Carly Simon’s Coming Around Again album courtesy of SONY Music.

Posted on

Don’t Miss Divabetic’s Salad-Making Party with Jill Weisenberger in August

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.

REGISTER NOW

Eating a salad sounds healthy, doesn’t it? But a leafy green salad can go bad when you pile on the high calorie and high carb toppings, dressings, and other deep-fried offerings.

How do you make a great-tasting salad without sacrificing your diabetes wellness?

Special Guest, nutritionist Jill Weisenberger shares her favorite nutrient-dense salad and tasty dressing recipes that you can make at home and answers your nutrition questions.

Divabetic is committed to making sure that every ‘wellness with a wow’ program event that you register for is going to be great!

Just because something is called a salad on the menu does NOT make it the best choice.

Here are a few tips for making sure your stay on track with your health goals when you eat salad:

  • Reach for darker greens, such as spinach, leaf lettuce, arugula, kale, and watercress, instead of iceberg lettuce.
  • Croutons don’t add much nutritional value, but they can add a lot of calories. So if you like a few crunchy toppings, add a tablespoon or two of chopped walnuts or flax seeds.
Nationally recognized Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator and Author Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND is the author of four books. Diabetes Weight Loss Week by Weekis a bestseller and can help you manage your weight and blood sugar at the same time. The Overworked Person’s Guide to Better Nutrition offers solutions to your everyday food and nutrition problems – no matter how busy you are. 21 Things You Need to Know about Diabetes and Your Heart gives you specific actions to take to improve your health right away. And Jill’s newest book Prediabetes: A Complete Guide leads you through dozens of concrete steps to lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other chronic health problems.
Learn to finally Stick With It and keep your motivation and willpower up for healthy lifestyle habits. Jill Weisenberger’s Stick With It is a self-paced video course that guides you step-by-step to the healthy habits you want. You’ll learn why your motivation and willpower move up and down like a roller coaster and what you can do to keep them up higher and longer.
Posted on

Don’t Miss Divabetic’s Free Program in April on Zoom

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Join us for Divabetic’s next program on Zoom on Thursday, April 15, 2021, 7-8 PM.

MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR presents  ‘How To Master The Menu at Your Favorite Mexican Restaurant’. 

MaryAnn Nicolay is a Registered Dietetic Technician and has worked with the Diabetes Partnership of Cleveland for over 20 years. Her primary responsibility is to develop and implement diabetes education materials and activities in diverse and/or underserved communities.

Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller presents ‘What To Wear When Nothing Fits’.

Catherine Schuller is one of the Plus Size Industry’s pioneers. She is a former Ford model, consumer advocate, promoter, marketer, editor, image consultant (Certified by AICI), author, and entrepreneur.

FREE REGISTRATION – REGISTER NOW  

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

Sweet Potato Walnut Balls Recipe by Jill Weisenberger

Earlier today, Jill Weisenberger joined Thomas Jefferson University Hospital’s Diabetes Boot Camp’s World Diabetes Day celebration on Zoom. Jill shared her favorite kitchen gadgets and healthy, delicious holiday snack ideas like Sweet Potato Walnut Balls during virtual event.

“My mother makes a sweet potato recipe similar to this (recipe) for Thanksgiving,” says Jill. “A few years ago, I modified her recipe to make it dairy free for one of our dinner guests. Last year I healthified it more and amped up the flavor by adding a bit of orange juice and orange zest. It’s definitely a keeper.”

Sweet Potato Walnut Balls Recipe by Jill Weisenberger

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds sweet potatoes
  • 1 Tbsp real maple syrup (feel free to use honey if you prefer)
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt or other coarse salt
  • 1/4 tsp coarse ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp orange zest, preferably freshly grated
  • 1 Tbsp orange juice
  • 4 Tbsp honey
  • 1.5 cups chopped walnuts, pecans or a combination of both

Nutrition

Serving: 1 ball | Calories: 109, Carbohydrates: 12g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 0.8g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 38mg, and Fiber: 2g

READ FULL RECIPE

How much do you know about Seeds and Spices? Both are used to flavor food, but research shows they’re chock-full of healthy compounds and have many health benefits. Try your luck at our fun quiz!

PLAY QUIZ NOW

 

We’re celebrating National Diabetes Awareness Month with musical inspiration from Angela Bofill. With her strong, distinctive alto, Angela Bofill carved a niche as an outstanding interpreter of soul ballads and became a mainstay on the Quiet Storm radio format. Angela Bofill suffered two strokes but neither stroke could take away her positive, humorous personality and her fighter spirit.Podcast guests: Angela Bofill, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, San Francisco & Palm Springs drag performer Mutha Chucka, and Evetta Petty from Harlem’s Heaven Hats. Throughout the podcast we will feature music from The Essential Angela Bofill 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 Tea Party with special guests, Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller, Tessie’s Teas’ owner Rose Hall and Harlem Heaven’s Hats owner Evetta Petty on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.

Tessie’s Teas are all natural caffeine-free, chemical-free instant crystallized teas that meet all of your healthy-living needs.

Harlem’s Heaven Hat shop specializes in providing the right head wear and face mask for the right occasions.

Catherine Schuller is a fashion curator, former plus model, coach, speaker, writer, producer, and image consultant.

How it works: Register prior to this event and we will send you the unique code to sign in to our Zoom Video feed. You will need a camera. We’ll all get acquainted and share niceties before the demonstration begins. At the end of our zoom event we’ll sit back, laugh, make smoothies and enjoy a toast together!

Cost: Free.

REGISTER NOW

 

 

 

Proudly powered by WordPress