Domestic Violence On The Rise

The spread of the COVID-19 is making violence in homes more frequent, more severe and more dangerous.

Domestic violence goes up whenever families spend more time together, such as the Christmas and summer vacations, she said.

Now, with families in lockdown worldwide, hotlines are lighting up with abuse reports, leaving governments trying to address a crisis that experts say they should have seen coming.

According to the New York Times, the United Nations called for urgent action to combat the worldwide surge in domestic violence. “I urge all governments to put women’s safety first as they respond to the pandemic,” Secretary General António Guterres wrote on Twitter.

For anonymous confidential help call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)

 

October’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guest, Rose Hall, from Tessie’s Teas, shares important resources for anyone seeking help with domestic violence. 

Divabetic Exclusive: Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes Interview

USA Today Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes stars in Divabetic’s newest Mystery Podcast, ‘Kill Me Madam’ available on demand with this LINK.

Tonya Kappes has written more than fifty Southern Cozy Mysteries, all of which have graced numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and two of them have been selected as a Woman’s World Book Club pick. Best known for stories charged with southern charm, emotion and humor and filled with flawed characters, her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews.

We caught up with this busy best-selling author to ask her a few questions about her books and to learn more about her passion for diabetes advocacy.

Q: I don’t even know where to start with questions because you’re such a busy author.  Why don’t you tell us about your Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery series.

Tonya Kappes (TK): I really wanted to create an older sleuth since most Cozy Mystery sleuths are in their 20’s. And…it’s easier to give the sleuth, Bernadette, some real life issues since she’s older and has seen more of the world than a 20 year old. With that said, I knew I could make the sleuthing a little more fun by her using her knowledge and her skills as a mail carrier to help sniff out the killer. Trust me…your mail carrier knows a lot of secrets you’d never want anyone to know. I knew that would be a great angle for a sleuth too.

Q: You mentioned on July’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast that your involvement in Divabetic’s Annual Mystery podcasts, over the past eight years, inspired your main character, beloved mail carrier, Bernadette Davis’s health issues. Can you explain?

TK: As you’ve been doing the mystery podcast and weaved information about diabetes self-care, I realized how I could easily inject real-life issues into Bernadette’s story. It makes her more relatable as an everyday person. For examples, I made her a widow with a not-so-great dead husband because relationships can be stressful and not always rosy behind closed doors. And what 50-something woman hasn’t gone through a socially awkward menopause moment? Bernadette’s moment might just be during a stakeout, but her health provides a shared connection of a genuine situation.

Q: Share a diabetes self-care tip you’ve learned from one of  Divabetic’s past Mystery podcasts?

TK: My dad has diabetes with severe neuropathy. I’ve learned how much you need to take care of your feet, which leads to making sure your blood levels are good, which leads into your diet. These tips have made me more educated when I go to his doctor appointments with him and talk to his doctor. It’s made me a better advocate. In fact, he will tell you that now he’s feeling better than he has in twenty years. He’s had diabetes for twenty-seven years.

Q: You were known as a storyteller, but not as a writer or reader. How did you become a best-selling author?

TK: Gosh, that’s hard to answer. I like to think that my interactions with my readers and my gratitude for them has played a big role.

Q: What do you love about mysteries? Specifically, Cozy Mysteries? 

TK: I love the small town, quirky characters, and the gossip that goes into solving the crimes.

Q: When did you realize that you’d actually made it as a writer? 

TK: Have I?

You can find Tonya Kappes all over social media and at Tonyakappes.com.

 

Diabetes Late Nite Podcast Inspired by Mariah Carey

We’re talking about ways to proceed with ‘CAUTION’ when coping with Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) with musical inspiration from Mariah Carey on Divabetic’s popular Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

Do you know living with type 2 diabetes puts you at greater risk for heart disease and stroke? Unfortunately most people don’t. We want to help you get CLUED INN and make a healthy comeback worthy of Mariah Carey.

Music critics agree that Mariah’s latest collection of songs not only maintains her status as one the best singer/songwriters in the game, but also eloquently displays her truth. She opens up about love, loneliness, and self-worth in a cautionary album that reminds us that she is still a force to be reckoned with after nearly three decades in the industry.

Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, 2015 AADE Diabetes Educator of the Year Susan Weiner, MS RDN CDE FAADE, Mama Rose Marie, Yoga For Diabetes Director & Author Rachel Zinman, WeAreEatNeat.com‘s Lloyd Owens, Type 2 Diabetes What To Know Community Moderator Nick Zevgolis, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.

Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Mariah Carey’s “CAUTION” courtesy of SONY Music.

Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled show of diabetes education and wellness advice with a twist that Diabetes Forecast Magazine describes as “not your typical fare”.

 

Divabetic’s Mystery Podcast: Swan Wake

When the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic heads to the Gotham City Ballet Company’s box office to fix a mix up with his ‘Swan Lake’ tickets he’s faced with a even bigger problem – a MURDER!

To make matters worse, one of his latest culinary creations, a gluten free cheesecake, seems to be covering the victim’s face. Even more shocking are the numerous scandals swirling around the Gotham City Ballet and it’s members that have everyone walking around on tip toes. Could our happy healthcare host’s wacky culinary skills make him an accessory to the crime or even a possible side dish? Now Mr. Divabetic with the help of his team of Certified Diabetes Educators, a Best-Selling Mystery Author and his own nosy Italian Mom must whip up his own crime-solving recipe, and fast–before a hearty dose of intrigue and a deadly dash of danger ends his diabetes advocacy and healthy catering career once and for all.

 

Our Swan Wake cast features Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, We Are Diabetes organization founder Asha Brown, Seveda Williams, Catherine Schuller, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Mary Ann Nicolay MEd, DTR, Mama Rose Marie, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ and Poet Lorraine Brooks.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Leonard Berstein’s recording of ‘Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake, Op. 20’ in celebration of the centennial of America’s greatest classical composer and conductor courtesy of SONY Music.

Sugar-Free Key Lime Pie Recipe by The Diabetic Pastry Chef

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 a traditional bakery item.

“I started experimenting by using almond milk or whole milk mixed with water to cut down on carbs, then tried different flours, incorporating white whole wheat flour, soy flour, oat flour, black bean flour, and other alternatives into my brownies, cakes, and cookies,” she said in an How 2 Type 2 article.

She adds,”To cut back on sugar, I started using all-natural substitutes, like agave nectar, and trying erythritol. I also bake with a store-bought blend of sugars that tastes delicious.”

Below is The Diabetic Pastry Chef’s Sugar-Free Key Lime Pie recipe, enjoy!

 

The Diabetic Pastry Chef’s Sugar-Free Key Lime Pie Recipe 

Ingredients

One 9″ pie crust, baked (traditional or graham cracker crust)
3 large eggs
1 c. granulated Whey Low®, Splenda® or Truvia® sugar substitute
1 c. half & half
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
3/4 c. key lime juice
1 Tbsp. finely grated lime zest
1/8 tsp. salt
whipped cream

Directions:

In medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together eggs, sugar substitute, half & half, cornstarch, key lime juice, lime zest and salt until thickened.

Cool and add to baked pie crust. Garnish with whipped cream and refrigerate for at least 3 hours

Free Baking Party on Zoom with the Diabetic Pastry Chef – Register Now

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 Baking Party with special guest, Stacey Harris aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef on Thursday, December 10, 2020, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.

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

REGISTER NOW – FREE REGISTRATION 

The Diabetic Pastry Chef shares her recipes in a fabulous book so that people with type 2 diabetes and others looking for sugar-free treats can make their own lower-carb versions of baked goods at home. She also started her own online bakery that ships homemade treats all across the country. The most common thing she hears from customers is, “I don’t even miss the extra sugar!”

Divabetic’s New Mystery Podcast Available On Demand For Free

 

There’s a good indication that murder might be part of the recipe when Nantucket’s ten time reigning Baking Champion’s last name is ‘Coffin’ on Divabetic’s Mystery podcas, Kill Me Madam.

But resentment, greed and Britannia’s own bad dealings turn everyone into a suspect when she’s found dead in the parking lot just before the Annual Decadents on Deck! Bake Off competition is about to kick off.

Divabetic’s Mystery podcast cast includes USA Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst-Nicolay MEd, NDRT, Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Wendy Radford, Coach The Cure‘s Trisha Artman, Mama Rose Marie, Seveda Williams, and Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. Produced by Leisa Chester-Weir.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from the Broadway Cast Album of ‘Call Me Madam’ courtesy of SONY Music.

Diabetes Late Nite Podcast Inspired by Angela Bofill in October!

We’re talking about the symptoms, causes and prevention for stroke 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.

TUNE IN

Angela Bofill suffered a stroke in 2006 and was paralyzed on her left side. She suffered a second stroke in July 2007 which required therapy and left both her speech and mobility impaired. One thing the strokes couldn’t take was Bofill’s positive, humorous personality and her fighter spirit. After she lost the ability to sing, she returned to the stage for “The Angela Bofill Experience” in which she skillfully narrated her life story, while her band and other singers sang her hit songs.

Podcast guests include Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Patricia Addie-Gentle, and Rose Hall from Tessie’s Teas.

Throughout the podcast we will featuring music from Angela Bofill’s first two albums, Angie and Angel In the Night courtesy of SONY Music.

Divabetic’s 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.

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

Divabetic Mystery Phrase #35

Can you solve Divabetic’s Mystery Phrase #35? Our phrase could be useful in preventing and treating Rheumatoid arthritis and insulin resistance.

If you have diabetes, you may be wondering if gluten is something you should avoid.

Gluten is a type of protein found in certain grains. These include wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten can cause inflammation of the small intestine in people with celiac disease. Roughly 10 % of people living with type 1 diabetes have celiac disease according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

Celiac disease is chronic; there is no cure. “The only treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet,” says Edwin Liu, MD, a pediatric gastroenterologist and director of the Colorado Center for Celiac Disease at Children’s Hospital Colorado as reported by Diabetes Forecast magazine. The diet helps relieve symptoms and allows the intestine to heal.

Gluten-free foods are currently trendy, so the diet is easier than ever to follow. Still, it can present some challenges due to all those sneaky sources of gluten including soy sauce and some hot dogs. Unless you see a “gluten-free” label, assume most pastas, baked goods, beer, and snack foods have some gluten.

People with non-celiac gluten sensitivities might notice digestive problems, lethargy, headaches, joint pain, and other issues after ingesting gluten. The only way to keep symptoms at bay is sticking with a gluten-free diet. In this case, you should consult with a doctor or try temporarily removing gluten from your diet to see if it helps.

Solving the Mystery of Your A1C 

Many people wonder how their hba1c number relates to their  blood sugar levels. After all, daily diabetes self-care management can be a jumble of numbers: weight, blood sugar levels, carbohydrate counts, fat grams, serving sizes, etc.  Hopefully, this handy chart will provide some clarification.

When it comes to the numbers, there’s no one-size-fits-all target. A1C target levels can vary by each person’s age and other factors, and your target may be different from someone else’s. If you feel your hbA1C number is on a higher side, say over 7 or 8%, do not worry! Knowledge is power. You can lower your hbA1C by creating your own personal self-care plan with your healthcare professional.

 

There’s a good indication that murder might be part of the recipe when Nantucket’s ten time reigning Baking Champion’s last name is ‘Coffin’. But resentment, greed and Britannia’s own bad dealings turn everyone into a suspect when she’s found dead in the parking lot just before the Annual Decadents on Deck! Bake Off competition is about to kick off.

Divabetic’s Mystery podcast cast includes USA Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst-Nicolay MEd, NDRT, Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Wendy Radford, Coach The Cure‘s Trisha Artman, Mama Rose Marie, Seveda Williams, and Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. Produced by Leisa Chester-Weir.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from the Broadway Cast Album of ‘Call Me Madam’ courtesy of SONY Music.

Divabetic’s 7th Annual Mystery Podcast: Kill Me Madam Premieres Tonight!

Divabetic’s 7th Annual Mystery Podcast: Kill Me Madam Premieres Tonight

Click HERE for LIVE BROADCAST starting at 6 PM, EST

There’s a good indication that murder might be part of the recipe when Nantucket’s ten time reigning Baking Champion’s last name is ‘Coffin’.

But resentment, greed and Britannia’s own bad dealings turn everyone into a suspect when she’s found dead in the parking lot just before the Annual Decadents on Deck! Bake Off competition is about to kick off. Delusional baker and amateur sleuth Mr. Divabetic is even shocked to find himself being treated as a suspect in the case by the local police, after meeting her just once! Can our team hunt down the real murderer before they strike again? Will Mr. Divabetic become the next victim? 

Featuring USA Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst-Nicolay MEd, NDRT, Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Wendy Radford, Coach The Cure‘s Trisha Artman, Mama Rose Marie, Seveda Williams, and Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. Produced by Leisa Chester-Weir. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from the Broadway Cast Album of ‘Call Me Madam’ courtesy of SONY Music.

 

Divabetic Mystery Phrase #29

Can you solve Divabetic’s Mystery Phrase #29? Our phrase can help you feel full longer, without adding any additional calories.

 

The human body comprises around 60% water.

It’s commonly recommended that you drink eight 8-ounce (237-mL) glasses of water per day (the 8×8 rule).

Do you know our brain is strongly influenced by your hydration status?

Studies show that even mild dehydration, such as the loss of 1–3% of body weight, can impair many aspects of brain function as reported by Healthline.

Do you know what makes up 73 percent of the human heart? The answer is water, which is why when it comes to blood pressure health, water is the drink of choice.

Additionally, water will not raise blood sugars, which is why it is so beneficial to drink when people with diabetes have high blood sugar, as it enables more glucose to be flushed out of the blood. When your blood sugars are running high, your body will try to flush excess sugar out of your blood through the urine. As a result, your body will need more fluids to rehydrate itself. Drinking water can help the body with flushing out some of the glucose in the blood.

Having high blood sugars can also increase the risk of dehydration, which is a risk for people with diabetes.

Even mild dehydration can affect you mentally and physically.

If you don’t like the taste of water, it can help to add a slice of fruit, such as orange, lemon or lime. You can prepare cut slices of these fruits and store them in the freezer ready for use.

Make sure that you get enough water each day for your overall diabetes health.

 

We’re talking about depictions of diabetes on the silver screen including Steel MagnoliasSoul Food and The Baby-Sitter Club on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from 2Cellos. How realistic are these portrayals? How do we feel after viewing them?   Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Glucose SOS founder Pamela Heyward, Constance Brown-Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN, Kent Gash, Jessica Clark and Muniq Gut Health Shakes Founder, Marc Washington.

Throughout this podcast we will be featured music from the album ‘Score’ by 2Cellos courtesy of SONY Music.

 

 

New Product: Smirnoff Zero Sugar Infusions

Happy Hour?

If you have diabetes but want to relax with an cocktail, most experts agree that you should avoid sugary concoctions that are loaded with carbohydrates.

Up until now, that might have been a challenge but more and more alcohol companies are adding low carb and low sugar spirits to their offerings.

Smirnoff Zero Sugar Infusions feature zero sugar, and 100% flavor. Each of these new Zero Sugar Infusions clocks in at just 72 calories per 1.5 oz serving—with zero grams of carbohydrates, zero grams of fat, and zero grams of sugar

Smirnoff Zero Sugar Infusions Available In 3 Flavors

Cucumber & Lime is infused with the crisp, cool flavor of a fresh cucumber paired with the bright citrus notes of lime. Simply serve in a stemless wine glass with ice, splash in some soda, garnish with cucumber slices and a lime wedge, and you’re done!

Strawberry & Rose is infused with the delicate & slightly sweet strawberry flavor with a light rose petal finish. Simply serve in a stemless wine glass with ice, splash in some soda, garnish with rose petals and a strawberry, and you’re done!

Watermelon & Mint is infused with juicy watermelon flavor balanced with the taste of fresh mint for a refreshing finish. Simply serve in a stemless wine glass with ice, splash in some soda, garnish with watermelon slices and a mint sprig, and you’re done!

Moderation is key in drinking alcohol whether you have diabetes or not. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends women should have no more than one alcoholic beverage per day, and men should consume no more than two. One drink equals 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1 1/2 ounces spirits.

Consuming alcohol can cause your blood sugars to drop (hypoglycemia) as well as liver damage, particularly if you drink in excess, and/or you drink on an empty stomach. Speak to your doctor for guidance on what is best for you.

We’re talking about depictions of diabetes on the silver screen including Steel MagnoliasSoul Food and The Baby-Sitter Club on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from 2Cellos. How realistic are these portrayals? How do we feel after viewing them?   Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Glucose SOS founder Pamela Heyward, Constance Brown-Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN, Kent Gash, Jessica Clark and Muniq Gut Health Shakes Founder, Marc Washington.

Throughout this podcast we will be featured music from the album ‘Score’ by 2Cellos courtesy of SONY Music.