Sleep, Diabetes & Heart Disease

You probably already know that your family history, along with lifestyle choices, can affect your risk for type 2 diabetes. But did you know that your sleep habits can also play a role? Sleep deprivation is an often overlooked but significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes and an increased risk of heart disease. 

The primary reason that regularly skimping on shuteye can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes is because your hormone levels get thrown out of whack according to the National Sleep Foundation. Specifically, with ongoing sleep loss, less insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar) is released in the body after you eat. Meanwhile, your body secretes more stress hormones (such as cortisol), which helps you stay awake but makes it harder for insulin to do its job effectively. The net effect: Too much glucose stays in the bloodstream, which can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

These effects have been seen with getting between four and a half to six hours of sleep per night. In particular, a decrease in slow-wave (or “deep”) sleep—which is thought to be the most restorative stage of sleep—seems to play a major role in maintaining proper insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.

READ MORE 

We’re talking about ‘Sleep, Diabetes & Heart Disease’ on August’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with musical inspiration from the iconic Phyllis Hyman on Tuesday, August 13, 2019, 6 – 7:30 PM, EST.

Dr. Patricia Farrell PhD joins us to share new research pointing to a lack of sleep being involved in insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes.

Our musical inspiration, Phyllis Hyman was a sensational singer-songwriter and actress. Deep-voiced and statuesque, Phyllis Hyman sang with a life-affirming energy and emotional intensity found in few other female vocalists.

Unfortunately Phyllis Hyman committed suicide, leaving a suicide note behind in 1995. Part of the note read “I’m tired. I’m tired. Those of you that I love know who you are. May God bless you.”  It has been reported that she suffered from bi-polar disorder and depression and had a history of substance abuse which involved alcohol and cocaine. Who knows what accomplishments she would have achieved if she had lived longer?

August’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Farrell PhD, Kristina Figueroa, ‘Tabouli: The Story of a Heart-Driven Diabetes Alert Dog’ Author Matt Pelicano, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach with Patricia Addie-Gentle.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from ‘The Essential Phyllis Hyman’ album courtesy of SONY Music.

TUNE IN

New Artificial Vision Device Reads Printed & Digital Text Aloud

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans, and OrCam Technologies, the world’s most advanced wearable AI-driven artificial vision innovator, jointly announced a cooperative agreement at the NFB’s annual National Convention that will help empower blind and low vision Americans to achieve increased independence.

Diabetic retinopathy affects blood vessels in the light-sensitive tissue called the retina that lines the back of the eye. It is the most common cause of vision loss among people with diabetes and the leading cause of vision impairment and blindness among working-age adults. 

Wireless, lightweight and compacted into the size of a finger, the pioneering technology of the AI-driven OrCam MyEye 2 artificial vision device discreetly reads printed and digital text aloud – from any surface – in real time.  The OrCam speaks the text aloud making newspapers, books, computer and smartphone screens, restaurant menus, labels on supermarket products and street signs become immediately accessible. The OrCam can also identify various products, US currency, credit cards, and even faces.

OrCam comes in two versions: OrCam MyEye, which is priced at $3,500, andOrCam MyReader, which costs $2,500. Let’s take these configurations one by one, describing what they can and can’t do.

July’s Diabetes Late Nite Podcast with music from P!nk

Catherine Lawerence shares her experience of living with type 1 diabetes for 50 years and being diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy on July’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with musical inspiration from P!nk.

Additional podcast guests include Beyond Type 2’s T’ara Smith, Catherine Lawrence , Dr. Sara (Mandy) Reece PHARMD, CDE, BC-ADM, BCACP, FAADE, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Glamazon Beauty owner Kim Baker, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. Hosted by the happiest health care “MC,” Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek. 

LISTEN NOW

Diabetes Murder Mystery at the Mermaid Parade

Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer but can’t quite keep his head above water in in Divabetic’s Diabetes Murder Mystery podcast, ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’.

With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, he heads for Coney Island to cater his first party aboard a yacht for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found swimming with the fishes.

What it an accident or foul play?

Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, a lifeguard lothario and some sequined mermaids, all intent on keeping their secrets buried deep within the sand. Can Mr. Divabetic prove Coach’s death was a murder, not an accident? Or will he end up floating out to sea? Will he sink or swim?

Tune in to find out if he can solve the murder of his former swim coach with the help of his friends, some sassy mermaids and a cooky fortune teller. Along the way to revealing the identity of the murderer he uncovers expert tips for diabetes self-care during the Summer months.

Coney Island’s Annual Mermaid Parade

Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, USA Today Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller, Seveda Williams, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, Mama Rose Marie, Lorraine Brooks and Mr. Divabetic star in Divabetic’s Diabetes Murder Mystery podcast ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’ set at Coney Island’s Annual Mermaid Parade.

LISTEN NOW

Mr. Divabetic stops by Coney Island’s Mermaid Parade

Fibromyalgia & Insulin Resistance

Researchers have noticed that metformin can also address the pain of fibromyalgia, which has provided them with a new clue about this chronic condition reports Medical News.

“We showed that most — if not all — patients with fibromyalgia can be identified by their A1c levels, which reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months,” said lead researcher, Dr. Pappolla from The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX.

When the researchers compared the A1c test results of the people with fibromyalgia with those of age-matched controls, they found that the former group had significantly higher levels of hemoglobin A1c than the latter, indicating a measure of insulin resistance.

“[People with prediabetes] with slightly elevated A1c values carry a higher risk of developing central (brain) pain, a hallmark of fibromyalgia and other chronic pain disorders,” notes Dr. Pappolla, pointing out that this link between insulin resistance and fibromyalgia has been around for a long time.

READ MORE

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes abnormal pain all over the body, increased sensitivity to pain, and heightened feelings of fatigue, among other symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fibromyalgia affects 4 million people in the United States alone, which equates to about 2% of the population

Mr. Divabetic Raises Awareness for Diabetes at the Mermaid Parade

We’re talking about ‘Diabetes & Pride’ on June’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with musical inspiration from Ricky Martin.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Stonewall Uprising (June 29, 1969). It is widely considered to be the single most important event leading to the gay liberation movement.

Since Ricky Martin came out in 2010, he’s been a prominent voice for LGBT rights both in the U.S. and in his native Puerto Rico. Ricky Martin said, “I just wanna be free,” upon receiving GLAAD’s Vito Russo Award, which honors gay entertainers who promote equal rights. Martin opened up his life to Vanity Fair in its April 2012 issue and spoke candidly about his twins, Matteo and Valentino, and his longtime partner, Carlos Gonzalez.

As an openly gay man, Mr. Divabetic is proud to shine the spotlight on members from the LGBTQ+ community living with diabetes. Guests include Stephen Bernstein, Greg Rubin, Maria Salazar, Maya James and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.

LISTEN NOW

Collar Greens Health & Wellness Day in September 2019

Divabetic’s new outreach program, Collar Greens Health & Wellness Day, celebrates the positive changes both animals and people can make to affect each other’s heart health at Central Farm Markets in Falls Church, Virginia on Sunday, September 29, 2019, 9 AM – 1 PM.

Owning a dog can be wonderful. They provide great companionship, and are loyal, loving members of the family. They can also be trained for medical assistance such as diabetes alert and seeing eye dogs. Unfortunately people love their dogs so much they’re neglecting their own health issues as the humanization of pets continues as these statistics show:

Two-thirds visit the vet more than their doctor and more than half have called in sick at work to look after their dog.

Dog owners spend more on their dogs’ oral care than on their own according to the American Pet Products Association

Millennials (23-38 years old) expect to spend more money on their dogs over the course of the pet’s lifetime than they do on their own lifetime health care costs according to a TD Ameritrade survey.

With the majority of people putting their dogs’ health before themselves, Diabetic’s Collar Greens Health & Wellness Day offers cardiovascular disease and diabetes information in a dog friendly environment.

Divabetic is partnering with local veterinarians and service dog experts to leverage pet owners’ interest in their pets and in turn engage them in discussions about their own risk for diabetes and heart health with Virginia Hospital Center and Inova Health System professionals. 

Please join us! 

Diabetes Late Nite Inspired by Ricky Martin

We’re talking about ‘Diabetes & Pride’ on June’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with musical inspiration from Ricky Martin.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Stonewall Uprising (June 29, 1969). It is widely considered to be the single most important event leading to the gay liberation movement.

Since Ricky Martin came out in 2010, he’s been a prominent voice for LGBT rights both in the U.S. and in his native Puerto Rico. Ricky Martin said, “I just wanna be free,” upon receiving GLAAD’s Vito Russo Award, which honors gay entertainers who promote equal rights. Martin opened up his life to Vanity Fair in its April 2012 issue and spoke candidly about his twins, Matteo and Valentino, and his longtime partner, Carlos Gonzalez.

As an openly gay man, Mr. Divabetic is honored to shine the spotlight on members from the LGBTQ+ community living with diabetes. Guests include Stephen Bernstein, Greg Rubin, Maria Salazar, Maya James and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.

Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a  lot.”

LISTEN NOW

Feeling Guilty About What You Just Ate?

Feeling guilty about what you ate?

You’re not alone. The link between guilt and diabetes may derive from the social stigma and common misconception that diabetes is an easily preventable condition. Many Americans still believe type 1 is caused by eating too much sugar and that the sole cause of type 2 is obesity.

“It’s natural for people to feel like they’ve done something to bring it on,” says Susan Guzman, PhD, director of clinical education at the Behavioral Diabetes Institute in San Diego. “It’s common for people to look inward for some sort of causal event because it makes them feel more in control. But when it comes to diabetes, there are a lot of things out of our control.”

We’re celebrating Divabetic’s 8 Year Anniversary of Diabetes podcasting with musical inspiration from Patti Austin.

Grammy Award-winning Singer Patti Austin is in constant demand globally for live performances, thanks to a legacy of recordings that started in 1955, continued through the ‘60s with success as a teenage R&B star before establishing herself as a mainstay among jazz and soul audiences through her ‘70s recordings.  By the ‘80s, Austin became known to the wider international audience as a result of the Grammy-nominated “Baby Come To Me” and “How Do You Keep The Music Playing”, her early ‘80s classic duets with James Ingram.

In New York, they referred to Patti as the “Queen of Studio” for her singing abilities. When she arrived on set to work for Randy and Michael Brecker, Patti met Luther Vandross for the first time. The moment created a lasting friendship.

“Another thing (besides music) that bonded me to Luther was our weight issues,” she said. The two dialed each other often. “When touring, if we were in the same city, we attended movies together.” “He would usually pick some silly movie like [Scary Movie]” she said, expanding on the personal side of their relationship in a loving, humorous way.

“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.

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.

Throughout this podcast we will be featuring songs from ‘The Best Of Patti Austin’ album courtesy of SONY Music.

LISTEN NOW

What Do You Know About Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?

ANSWER: The terms “diabetic peripheral neuropathy” or “diabetic neuropathy” refer to nerve damage as a result of diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that primarily affects the arms and legs and causes numbness, loss of sensation, and pain, tingling, or burning sensations. 

About 50% of people with diabetes have a form of nerve pain. The highest rates of neuropathy are seen in people who have had diabetes for at least 25 years. 

Peripheral neuropathy is the most common complication of diabetes.

Diabetes Late Nite Inspired by Ricky Martin

On Tuesday, June 11 2019, we’re talking about ‘Diabetes & Pride’ on  Diabetes Late Nite podcast with musical inspiration from Ricky Martin starting at 6 PM, EST.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Stonewall Uprising (June 29, 1969). It is widely considered to be the single most important event leading to the gay liberation movement.

Since Ricky Martin came out in 2010, he’s been a prominent voice for LGBT rights both in the U.S. and in his native Puerto Rico. Ricky Martin said, “I just wanna be free,” upon receiving GLAAD’s Vito Russo Award, which honors gay entertainers who promote equal rights. Martin opened up his life to Vanity Fair in its April 2012 issue and spoke candidly about his twins, Matteo and Valentino, and his longtime partner, Carlos Gonzalez.

As an openly gay man, Mr. Divabetic is honored to shine the spotlight on members from the LGBTQ+ community living with diabetes. Guests include Stephen Bernstein, Greg Rubin, Maria Salazar, Catherine Schuller and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.

Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a  lot.”

LISTEN NOW

Best Nail Polish For Diabetes #5

I know that coping with diabetes on a daily basis can not only be stressful but it can also be more time consuming especially in the morning. Sometimes you need a little ‘pick me up’ to get you through the day. 

Self-pampering is a great way to reward yourself for being proactive about managing your diabetes and there’s no better way to treat yourself than by giving yourself a safe manicure!

I want to help you ‘Makeover Your Diabetes’ by sharing the best products in beauty/fashion, diabetes self-care and exercise to help you “GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS” with less stress this year!

For people with diabetes, it is vitally important that they learn to care for their nails. Your nails protect your fingers and toes from injury and trauma.

I know that coping with diabetes on a daily basis can not only be stressful but it can also be more time consuming especially in the morning. Sometimes you need a little ‘pick me up’ to get you through the day. 

Self-pampering is a great way to reward yourself for being proactive about managing your diabetes and there’s no better way to treat yourself than by giving yourself a safe manicure!

I want to help you ‘Makeover Your Diabetes’ by sharing the best products in beauty/fashion, diabetes self-care and exercise to help you “GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS” with less stress this year!

For people with diabetes, it is vitally important that they learn to care for their nails. Your nails protect your fingers and toes from injury and trauma.

When caring for the nails, take note if they look unusually pale or white. Pale looking nails could indicate anemia according to Health Status.

In some people with diabetes, the nails take on a yellowish hue. Often this coloring has to do with the breakdown of sugar and its effect on the collagen in nails. This kind of yellowing isn’t harmful. It doesn’t need to be treated.

But in certain cases, yellowing can be a sign of a nail infection. People with diabetes are more likely than those without diabetes to get a fungal infection called onychomycosis. This infection usually affects the toenails. The nails will turn yellow and become brittle.

By caring for the feet and nails carefully people with diabetes  can often find problems early before such drastic measures must be taken.

Smith & Cult

One of Divabetic’s picks for the best Nail Polish for Diabetes is Smith & Cult. A classic red polish, free of eight hard-to-pronounce chemicals, poured into a chic gold-capped glass bottle that can double as bedside table decor! – what more can you ask for?!!! The red is a favorite, but all the shades prove ultra-high performance, meaning they’ll keep your speedy at-home manicure glossy and vibrant for more than two days.

We’re talking about ‘Diabetes & Pride’ on June’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with musical inspiration from Ricky Martin.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Stonewall Uprising (June 29, 1969). It is widely considered to be the single most important event leading to the gay liberation movement.

Since Ricky Martin came out in 2010, he’s been a prominent voice for LGBT rights both in the U.S. and in his native Puerto Rico. Ricky Martin said, “I just wanna be free,” upon receiving GLAAD’s Vito Russo Award, which honors gay entertainers who promote equal rights. Martin opened up his life to Vanity Fair in its April 2012 issue and spoke candidly about his twins, Matteo and Valentino, and his longtime partner, Carlos Gonzalez.

As an openly gay man, Mr. Divabetic is honored to shine the spotlight on members from the LGBTQ+ community living with diabetes. Guests include Stephen Bernstein, Greg Rubin, Maria Salazar, Catherine Schuller and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.

Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a  lot.”

Phantom of the Okra Mystery Podcast

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic gets caught up in a murder mystery when he agrees to host the Red Tomato Carpet at the 6th Annual Bake Bethesda A Pie Contest at Central Farm Market in Bethesda, MD. 

Will orange be the ‘new black’ for Mr. Divabetic?

Find out what happens when Mr. Divabetic, the Diabetes Late Nite cast and some special friends try to solve this diabetes murder mystery loosely based on “The Phantom Of The Opera”. Enjoy diabetes self-care advice and nutrition information in between moments of suspense, wide-goose chases, and entertaining banter. 

Featuring Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Asha Brown (founder of the We Are Diabetes organization), Central Farm Markets Co-Founder Debra Moser, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Good Like This Author Peter Arpesella, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDE, CDN, Leisa Chester Weir, Terri Seidman,  Mama Rose Marie and Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek.

This podcast features song selections from “The Phantom Of The Opera” soundtrack courtesy of SONY Music. 

LISTEN NOW

How will dialysis affect my relationships?

Nephrologist Dr. Dugan Maddux shares answers to your kidney health questions on May’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast. LISTEN NOW. 

During the podcast, we raised the question “How will dialysis affect my relationships?”

Here is Dr. Maddux’s reply: Chronic kidney disease like many other chronic conditions can cause day to day stress, but the goal of kidney care is to help people live as normal a life as possible.  Sharing your care plans and needs with family and friends may help them support you in living with kidney disease and dialysis.  Living well on dialysis includes following a healthy diet and being active which are actions that are good for everyone!People with kidney disease, their caregivers and family should not feel alone in managing life with dialysis.  Dialysis care includes support from a multi-disciplinary team including social workers, dietitians, nephrology nurses, patient care technicians and nephrologists.  This care team can help with feelings of depression, being overwhelmed, and anxiety and they can help solve other common problems like transportation for medical care and how to access healthy food.  Dialysis care does impact daily life, but it should not change your relationships. 

Divabetic Glossary of Terms: What is a Nephrologist?

nephrologist is a medical doctor who specializes in kidney care and treating diseases of the kidneys. A nephrologist can help people in kidney failure by prescribing medications, offering special diet advice and coordinating dialysis care when the time comes. The term nephrologist comes from the Greek word “nephros”, which means kidney or renal and “ologist” refers to someone who studies. Nephrologists are also called kidney doctors.

People with diabetes may have long-term complications that involve kidney disease and eventual failure. A nephrologist is an important member to add to your healthcare team, if you have symptoms of kidney disease.

Dr. Dugan Maddux

Nephrologist Dugan Maddux champions Fresenius Medical Care’s clinical innovation endeavors across the continent and is co-founder of the Gamewood companies, including Acumen Physician Solutions. Blogger, writer, and essayist, she developed the Nephrology Oral History project chronicling early dialysis pioneers.   

Read Dr. Maddux’s recent blog post on the experience of being a caregiver for family or friends with CKD, ESRD or other chronic conditions: https://newsroom.fmcna.com/whitepapers/caring-for-caregiver/ 

We’re talking about secret, hush hush topics in diabetes wellness such as intimacy issues, fears and food issues on Diabetes Late Nite with musical inspiration from H.E.R. courtesy of SONY Music. 

H.E.R. chooses to keep her identity a secret but that’s proving harder to do after winning Best New Artist and Best R&B Song Grammy Awards this past year. Mr. Divabetic’s guests include Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND, Cheryl Farley “Food as Medicine” Nutritionist, Dr. Dugan Maddux and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.

Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from H.E.R.’s I Used To Know Her: The Prelude album courtesy of SONY Music. 

Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot’.