Magic mushrooms have gained notoriety in Hollywood for their capacity to enhance mental health, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve cognitive function.
What Are Magic Mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms are a type of mushroom that contains the chemicals psilocybin or psilocin. These chemicals cause you to see, hear, and feel things that are not real (hallucinations). They come in fresh, dried, or powder form. Powdered psilocybin can be inhaled (snorted) or injected (with a needle). Magic mushrooms are also taken as tea, cooked with food, or added to fruit juice.
But before adding magic mushrooms to your self-care for managing diabetes, you should talk to your healthcare collaborators.
Although the Food and Drug Administration is still conducting trials to study the effects of psilocybin on people with severe depression, most users agree that the results of micro-dosing with mushrooms are helpful.
Don’t Listen To A Trend, Listen To Your Healthcare Collaborators
Many celebrities like Kristen Bell and other over-stressed mothers are singing their praises.”I really wanted to try some psilocybin [the technical term for hallucinogenic mushrooms] and feel what kind of doors open, have a trip that was my own,” she explained.
It’s easy to be swayed by celebrities and media stories. A quick Google search found that the beta-glucans in magic mushrooms may improve insulin sensitivity and how glucose is used in the body. These mushrooms also have enzymes, vitamins, and potassium, which can help control blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
If you’re concerned about your use of substances or a loved one’s, don’t hesitate to contact the SAMSHA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357. It’s a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish.
Diabetes and menopause can team up to have various effects on your body. Knowing what to expect and how to manage it is what we will be discussing in Divabetic’s Menopause & Diabetes Panel Discussion & Sugar-Free Baking Demonstration on Zoom in honor of World Menopause Day on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, from 7 – 8:30 PM.
Catherine Schuller moderates a panel featuring Dr. Julianne Arena, MD, FACOG, ABAARM, Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love And Intimacy With Diabetesco-author, COO for Diabetes Sisters Donna Rice MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES, and photographer, Amparo. Amparo discovered, quite unexpectedly, in the ER, that she has diabetes after doctors told her her glucose level was over 800! Over the past six months, she’s been taking charge of managing her diabetes while facing hormonal changes during menopause – it’s a true Divabetic Victory story.
After our panel, Stacey Harris, The Diabetic Pastry Chef, demonstrates how to make her popular Sugar-Free Rum Cake Recipe.
One lucky winner will win a Divabetic Prize at the end of the program.
The purpose of World Menopause Day is to raise awareness of menopause and the support options = for improving health and wellness.
Our friends at Splenda have done it again! They’ve made it possible to indulge in a taste of Summer without guilt. Enjoy this Watermelon Mojito Mocktail recipe by Splenda.
Ingredients
4 cubes of fresh watermelon
4 mint leaves
1/2 teaspoon of Splenda Liquid Sweetener
1 ounce lime juice
5 ounces of lime seltzer water
Instructions
Add watermelon, mint leaves, and Splenda Liquid Sweetener to a cocktail shaker and muddle to release the juices.
Add lime juice and ice and shake until chilled.
Strain over ice-filled glass. Top with lime seltzer water.
Garnish with a watermelon slice and fresh mint.
Get nutritional information and more great recipes at Splenda!
What is A Mocktail?
A mocktail is a cocktail-style beverage made without alcoholic ingredients. It’s an elevated version of the standard non-alcoholic drink. It’s also crafted with sodas, juices, herbs, syrups, and the same mixology methods and tools used for regular mixed drinks. The final product is a non-alcoholic beverage that should be enjoyed and savored, just like a well-mixed cocktail.
Alcohol and Diabetes
Many people with diabetes enjoy an alcoholic beverage. But when drinking alcohol is combined with the medications most often used to treat diabetes—particularly insulin and sulfonylureas, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can result. While a glass of wine with dinner probably isn’t a big deal, two mojitos on an empty stomach at happy hour is.
Ironically, several symptoms of hypoglycemia—such as slurred speech, drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty walking—are also symptoms of being drunk; it can be difficult to tell the two apart. And if you often have hypoglycemia unawareness, a condition you don’t recognize you’re going low, drinking becomes especially dicey. Timing may also be an issue, as hypoglycemia can strike hours after your last drink, especially if you’ve been exercising.
What Exactly is Moderate Drinking?
It’s one drink daily for women and up to two per day for men. However, that “drink” is much smaller than some think, just five ounces of wine, a 12-ounce beer, or one and a half ounces of 80-proof spirits.
The information above is not a strict and steadfast rule. There are no universal guidelines for drinking alcohol for people with diabetes. Talk to your doctor about your drinking habits and seek their help developing your guidelines.
Alcohol and Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is linked to diabetes. Over time, mismanaged diabetes damages the small blood vessels, causing the walls of the blood vessels to stiffen and malfunction. These changes contribute to high blood pressure.
Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure to unhealthy levels. Having more than three drinks in one sitting temporarily raises blood pressure. Repeated binge drinking can lead to long-term increases in blood pressure.
What is Splenda ZERO Liquid Sweetener?
Splenda ZERO Liquid Sweetener has zero calories and dissolves easily in hot and cold beverages, sauces, glazes, and more. Its convenient size makes it easy to take with you anywhere, and its leak-free flip-top lid means no mess when you toss it in your purse, backpack, or briefcase Splenda delivers a variety of great-tasting solutions to help you achieve a healthy, balanced lifestyle without sacrificing taste.
We’re discussing healthy lifestyle swaps for people with diabetes on this episode of Divabetic’s podcast.
With a few simple swaps, you can help live your best life while managing your diabetes. Our experts offer straightforward, simple, and fun swap ideas for drinks, medications, self-care, and fashion. Plus, we share style tips and words of inspiration to help you maintain a healthy habit.
Developing these habits isn’t always easy. Adapting to a new routine can be tricky, and it’s often tempting to want to return to old ways if we don’t see immediate results. One of the biggest mistakes people make when forming a new habit is taking on too much too quickly. Focus on what’s working in your diabetes self-care plan before overhauling diabetes management. Instead of decluttering the entire house, why not focus on one room or closet? Why not focus on the calories you drink rather than everything you eat? If you want to eat healthier, try replacing one dessert daily with a piece of fruit rather than cutting out sugar completely. If you’re going to get into hiking, start with a walk at lunchtime. Setting small goals you can achieve will help keep you motivated along the way.
Guests include Catherine Schuller, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RD, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, MEd, NDTR, and MamaRose Marie. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.
Need a Summer tune?
Kylie Minogue has taken over the airwaves in my home with this catchy song!! Add it to your workout tape.
Poet Lorraine Brooks shares her poem about habits on Divabetic‘s Healthy Swaps podcast. We’re offering simple ideas to help you live your best diabetes life on our podcast.
We understand many people deal with diabetes distress and feel overwhelmed by the rentlessness of diabetes.
Feeling this way about your diabetes is understandable and it’s a natural reaction for anyone that’s been diagnosed with a long-term health condition.
Lots of people feel like this sometimes but it’s important you get help. If you don’t get support to help you cope, you’re more likely to reach burnout and that can be really serious. Please let us join you on the journey.
Habits by Lorraine Brooks
To do somethig once
Doesn’t make a habit yet
You have to repeat
Some habits are good
Like eating our vegetables
And counting our carbs
Bad habits die hard.
Our chooices become lifestyles.
And sometimes are poor
What is a habit
A behavior that binds us
But you can break free
To age with kindness
Cmes from having good habits
From when we are young.
I dont mind aging
Because I have formed habits\
That serve e well now
I’m aging like wine
Rich and mellow and sparkling
My habits paid off
I know I’m OK
I have worked hard to get here
And I will not quit
Be Kind To Yourself
Try to manage your expectations about your blood sugar levels and A1c test results and set smaller, more realistic goals.
It also helps to stop using phrases like ‘good’ or ‘bad’ blood sugar – as this can constantly feel like you’ve done something wrong. Talk about high or low blood sugar instead.
Taking time for yourself, like booking a massage or setting an evening aside for a long bath can help you relax.
We’re sharing healthy swap ideas on this episode of Divabetic‘s podcast. With a few simple swaps, you can help live your best life while managing your diabetes. Our experts offer straightforward, simple, and fun swap ideas for drinks, medications, self-care, and fashion. Plus, we share style tips and words of inspiration to help you maintain a healthy habit.
Developing these habits isn’t always easy. Adapting to a new routine can be tricky, and it’s often tempting to want to return to old ways if we don’t see immediate results. One of the biggest mistakes people make when forming a new habit is taking on too much too quickly. Focus on what’s working in your diabetes self-care plan before overhauling diabetes management. Instead of decluttering the entire house, why not focus on one room or closet? Why not focus on the calories you drink rather than everything you eat? If you want to eat healthier, try replacing one dessert daily with a piece of fruit rather than cutting out sugar completely. If you’re going to get into hiking, start with a walk at lunchtime. Setting small goals you can achieve will help keep you motivated along the way.
Guests include Catherine Schuller, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RD, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, MEd, NDTR, and MamaRose Marie. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.
Clarence Waldron talks about his stroke, recovery, working as Senior Editor and Writer of Jet Magazine, and his memories of Luther Vandross and Aretha Franklin in this YouTube video. Twenty years ago, Clarence interviewed Luther’s mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross, for Jet Magazine after Luther suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes.
Language has the power to help or hinder our ability to manage diabetes. For example, choosing words that put people first instead of the stigma associated with diabetes.
“I was reluctant to say that “I was diabetic,” says Lorraine Brooks on Divabetic’s March podcast. “I wasn’t really sure I wanted anybody to particularly know. I don’t think I was embarrassed or ashamed. I just kind of felt like it was something that didn’t really concern anyone.”
Lorraine admits that switching terms made a difference. “I realized I can say, “I’m was somebody living with diabetes” instead of “being diabetic.” And just that little change of “I’m somebody with diabetes” just like “I’m somebody with brown eyes” it’s just a part of myself. It’s just another thing about me. It doesn’t have to have any judgment attached to it whatsoever to me or anyone else.”
Another word in diabetes self-care also under scrutiny is ‘control.’ Instead, the word ‘manage’ is being used more often when referring to blood sugars.
“Yes, it was liberating to use the term, manage instead of control,'” says Lorraine. “I manage my diabetes on a day-to-day basis. And sometimes, even though I’m managing it, it’s still out of control.” Lorraine adds, “So I think managing is what you’re doing if you live with this disease. It doesn’t mean you’re always going to be perfect. It just means your dealing with it to the best of your abilities.”
Hear more of Lorraine’s interview on Divabetic’s March podcast. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, and Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDCES, FADCES. Throughout the podcast, we will be featuring music from Prince & The New Power Generation’s Love Symbol 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 us for Divabetic’s next virtual outreach program.
Join 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.’s Remedy 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 10Skin’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!
On Divabetic’s March podcast, Poet Lorraine Brooks reads her latest poem, Judging and Grudging.
Judging and Grudging is about Lorraine’s recent real-life encounter with a podiatrist. “I felt she was quite offensive in her lack of knowledge and her lack of using the appropriate language,” says Lorraine. “She was making judgments about me and how I handled my diabetes.”
Judging and Grudging by Lorraine Brooks
My new podiatrist, who has never met me,
Feels it is her duty to address my diabetes,
Which does not offend me, although her comments make it clear
That she doesn’t “get” me.
She asks for my latest a1c, and the date,
And l dutifully tell her it was just last month,
that l stay on top of my bloodwork every 90 days,
And it’s been hovering around 8.
She doesn’t even look up from my feet
She shakes her head and makes that disapproving face,
While telling me l could “do better”, and l should lose weight
But in that moment, l refused to feel defeat.
I politely said, with all due respect, that statement is offensive
You have not done a history or proper exam,
You are making assumptions about who and what l am,
And your assessment of me is anything but comprehensive.
First of all, l am type 1, not 2,
I’ve had this disease for over 40 years, and yes, it is a struggle.
But l have no complications, and that includes my feet,
And now l feel l must educate you.
Everything in my life is not a result of what you see.
Every medical concern needs to be addressed objectively.
Whatever you would tell someone of average size
Is exactly what you should be telling me.
Pinched nerve? Tell me what to take, what to avoid, help me to cope.
Gastric reflux? Give me some practical advice l can use.
Don’t assume everything is about my size
Meet me where l am. Offer me hope.
Acknowledge that weight is just another statistic
That health, and well-being, are what you prescribe.
Tell me I’m ok without reservation
And examine yourselves to be more realistic.
Mr. Divabetic discusses language’s power to help or harm someone’s ability to manage their diabetes self-care with guests, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDCES, FADCES, and Lorraine Brooks. March’s musical inspiration is Prince and the New Power Generation. We feature songs from their Love Symbol album to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its release, 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, hosts Divabetic’s upcoming 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.’s Remedy 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 10Skin’s Save My Sole Foot Rescue Cream during Mr. Divabetic’s random drawings. You must be present at our Baking Party to be entered in our gift drawings.
Over 150 people registered for our last Divabetic Baking Party on Zoom, so don’t miss out!
A unicorn has come to mean a very rare find or somebody who is unique, according to online dictionaries. The term unicorn was used by Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek to describe me! Why? Because I am the rare combination of clinical psychologist AND certified diabetes care and education specialist specializing in the emotional treatment of people with diabetes for more than 20 years in private practice AND living successfully with type 1 diabetes for 46 years!
Consider the person who is feeling burned out during the winter season with the snow storms and cold temps. What if they decide to ignore the facts of winter’s wrath and abandon their heavy coats, scarves, hats, and gloves to wear tank tops and shorts? Foolish, right? Yes! Just because you are weary of winter weather, you can’t live in denial very long without freezing to death if you go outdoors.
Consider the person who is feeling burned out during the COVID-19 pandemic with the restrictions to wear a mask, keep social distance, and follow rules for hand hygiene. What if they decide to ignore the facts of Coronavirus transmission and abandon common sense precautions? Foolish, right? Yes! Just because you experience “pandemic fatigue,” you can’t live in denial very long without putting yourself and others (family and friends) in jeopardy for contracting the virus.
Now, consider the person who is diagnosed with diabetes. You can easily feel burned out trying to manage your blood sugar with all it’s protocols: check your blood sugar (multiple times per day), take your medication (insulin and/or pills, multiple times per day), eating healthy, being active, keeping up with medical appointments to monitor your diabetes. What if they decide to ignore the facts of keeping blood sugars within their target range and abandon a healthy lifestyle? Foolish, right? Yes! Just because you might experience anxiety and depression trying to manage diabetes self-care, you can’t live in denial without risking serious complications.
Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDCES has published two books which include insightful lessons of empowerment written by successful men and women with diabetes. Available for purchase.
Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDCES guests on Divabetic’s 10th Year Podcast Anniversary with music from the world’s most famous “Divabetic”– Ms.Patti LaBelle.
Can you complete our Divabetic Mystery Phrase below?
Why Set Goals?
Setting goals gives you long-term vision and short-term motivation . It helps you to organize your time and your resources so that you can make the most of your diabetes life.
How to Set a Goal
Most experts advise to set S.M.A.R.T (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound) goals that motivate you and write them down to make them feel tangible. Then plan the steps you must take to realize your goal, and cross off each one as you work through them.
Specific: Ask yourself what you want to accomplish, how long it will take, and if the goal is ongoing.
Measurable: Decide how you’ll measure the goal. Maybe you’ll have a cholesterol blood test, an A1c test, or go by your weight.
Achievable: Be sure the goal is achievable. Brainstorm ways to track your progress.
Realistic: Unrealistic goals set you up for failure. Keep your goals sensible, and consider setting smaller goals along the way to help you reach the finish line.
Timed: Create a realistic timeline to reach your goals. Long-term goals take time, but if they take too long, you may lose motivation.
Goal setting is a powerful process for thinking about your diabetes wellness, and for motivating yourself to turn your vision of this future into reality.
Starting to Set Personal Goals
The American Diabetes Associationrecommends to start by setting a few smaller goals at a time and don’t try to do it all at once. It takes time to build new habits and break old ones. Here are some examples of goals that include these three elements:
Eating goal: Four days each week (How Often) I will eat an apple instead of ice cream as my evening snack (Realistic and Specific).
Physical activity goal: Five days each week (How Often) I will take a 30 minute walk during my lunch hour since I don’t really need the whole hour to eat (Realistic and Specific).
Goals like“I will eat healthier.” and “I’ll move more.” are not specific enough.
Join us for Divabetic’s Free Virtual Outreach Event
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?
This is a guest blog post from our friend, colleague and Diabetes Late Nite guest, Dr. Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDCES (Clinical Psychologist and Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist).
I have continued working with my patients, via telehealth phone calls, during these past few months, while they and I are following stay-at-home orders to try to flatten the curve of the Coronavirus pandemic. This is some information that I’ve gathered to keep everybody informed.
To manage your health proactively and ward off any respiratory system threats, the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION recommends the following:
Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water
Avoid touching surfaces others have touched. Use your knuckles to push buttons, elbows to open doors, disinfectant wipes to clean tables or chairs. Use gloves or wipes to pump gas or when pushing grocery carts.
Teach yourself not to touch your face. If you must do so, then wash/sanitize hands, touch your face, wash hands/sanitize afterwards.
Practice social distancing—keep 6 feet away from others in public places
Make yourself a cloth face mask to wear in public, especially in high traffic areas (i.e. the grocery store)
When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw a tissue away immediately and wash hands
Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever and/or cough
If you have a fever, cough and/or difficulty breathing seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your healthcare provider. Contact your healthcare provider via phone/portal first. Going into a clinic can expose you to the virus, so if you are told not to go in, then don’t. Many centers have increased their use of telemedicine.
When visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of novel coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals
The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk, or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.
Wash hands every time you come into contact with an out-of-home item or place.
Regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home.
Avoid touching your face.
Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a handkerchief.
Act as though you have COVID and could pass it on.
Minimize risk when out in public
Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others.
Wear a cloth mask or face covering.
Adjust schedule to avoid busy times in public places. Take advantage of dedicated shopping times for vulnerable individuals if available.
Small routines can have a big impact on how we feel.
Barbara Corcoran advises, “Staying motivated at home can be tough. So, I divide my day in chunks. First, I knock out my chores and exercise, zone in on my work, then spend time with my family. I find being in control of my time keeps me mentally in a good place and makes me feel productive.”
Set yourself up for success with diabetes management
Test blood sugar levels more often; your body may be reacting differently under these new circumstances.
Familiarize yourself with how to check for ketones. Check for ketones regularly, regardless of blood sugar levels.
Secure a sufficient amount of supplies, including ketone strips and severe hypoglycemia treatment (glucagon).
Maintain a routine of physical movement and blood sugar friendly eating.
Contact your doctor or health professionals by phone / telehealth, if possible, for diabetes management questions and concerns.
Lean on your community for help – none of these behaviors are easy, and we all need support. Look into digital and online communities.
Lockdown can lead to “quarantine fatigue.” Try to stay busy by focusing on a project. Some projects my patients are working on include:
· Working on a vegetable garden
· Exercising
· Meditating
· Journaling
· Trying new recipes
· Putting together 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzles
· Quilting
· Sorting out their closets
· Reading a novel
· Writing a novel
What can you add to this list? One project that I worked on was updating my website. Check it out www.AskDrBev.com.
It’s okay if you can’t wait for lockdown to be over and also be uneasy for it to end. Most importantly please remember that you are not alone. You are not alone in this pandemic and you are not alone living with diabetes. If you need to, check your local area for mental health assistance and your local diabetes associations for help with managing your diabetes. As Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases says, “We’re all in this together.”
Dr. Beverly S. AdlerPhD, CDCES is a clinical psychologist and Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist, in private practice, specializing in treating the emotional issues of people with diabetes. She has lived successfully for over 45 years with type 1 diabetes. Visit her website: askdrbev.com
Dr. Beverly S. Adler helps us to celebrate Divabetic’s 10th Year Podcasting Anniversary with music from the world’s most famous “Divabetic”– Ms. Patti LaBelle on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, 6 – 7:30 PM, EST.
Divabetic’s 10th Year Podcasting Anniversary continues with a free Virtual Smoothie Party with special guest, Co-Author of the Best-Selling Intimacy & Diabetes e-book, Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND. on Zoom on July 16, 2020, 7 – 7:35 PM, EST. REGISTER NOW
10th Year Podcasting Anniversary Giveaway! Win a Dario Blood Glucose Meter starter kit in our random drawing. This all-in-one pocket-sized device can track blood sugar fluctuations and trends and identify hyper/hypoglycemic episodes right from your smartphone, providing readings within as little as 6 seconds. It’s scientifically proven, HIPPA compliant, and includes Dario Coaches to offer support and motivation to help manage your diabetes. Enter Divabetic’s Random Drawing by ‘LIKING’ Divabetic’s Facebook page.
The pelvic floor includes the muscles, ligaments and connective tissue in the lowest part of the pelvis. It supports your organs, including the bowel, bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum. The pelvic floor prevents these organs from falling down or out of your body. It also helps the organs function properly.
Thanks to Billie for sharing their work on Unsplash.
Mismanaged diabetes can weaken the pelvic floor muscles. A damaged pelvic floor weakens normal functioning of the bowel, bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum can be affected. In plain English, people with mismanaged diabetes may experience an overactive bladder, poor control of sphincter muscles that surround the urethra, urine retention, and urinary tract infections.
Pelvic floor symptoms are significantly associated with reduced sexual arousal, infrequent orgasm, and painful intercourse (known in medical terms as dyspareunia).
Getting Help
There’s no question that incontinence can have a significant impact on the quality of life. Unfortunately urinary incontinence can be uncomfortable to talk about with anyone including your doctor. But talking is the first step to getting properly treated and taking back control of your life.
Once you have a conversation, your doctor may refer you to a specialist for follow-up care.
Bladder Control Quiz – Is this Happening to You?
Bladder control issues are not a normal part of aging and they are not something you have to just live with. Take control of your pelvic health by completing this short quiz to find out if its time for you to reach out for help.
The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic explores issues of love, intimacy and diabetes on this special one hour podcast.Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to sexual health complications including vaginal dryness, sensation and performance. Up to 50% of men and 25% of women may experience some kind of sexual problem or a loss of sex drive.
Mr. Divabetic’s guests include Best-Selling Author Lisa Eugene, Jennifer Martsolf from Trigg Laboratories (the makers of Wet Lubricants) and Janis Roszler MS, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND (2008-2009 Diabetes Educator of the Year (AADE).
If you or your partner is experiencing sexual difficulties, you may find it helpful to meet with a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, marriage counselor or sex therapist. These professionals can help you learn how to reduce stress and change behaviors and attitudes, particularly when impotence is caused by stress or other mental health issues.
GLAM MORE FEAR LESS: Join Divabetic’s growing Facebook and Twitter communities. We’re celebrating 10 years of presenting diabetes educational outreach that dazzles!
Everyone might think that all smoothies are ‘healthy’ but that’s just a bit of wishful drinking. In reality, many of the most readily available smoothies in America also contain the most calories, added sugars and carbohydrates.
We encourage people with diabetes to be mindful of carbohydrate intake in their smoothie, as this is what will directly affect blood sugars, rather than rely on a bunch of fancy terms like ‘superfood’ , ‘green’, and ‘detox’ to quill any suspicions before taking a sip.
Thankfully, our friend, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND agreed to share a few quick facts on smoothies for our Divabetic blog readers prior to our zoom outreach event.
Q: Will fruit smoothies spike blood sugars?
Jill Weisenberger (JW): Anything with carbohydrates has the potential to spike blood sugar levels for people with diabetes, Certainly fruit, especially blenderized fruit, can do that. So the key is what else is in your smoothie.
Q: Jill, are smoothies in general as healthy as most people seem to believe?
JW: Smoothies can be an excellent way to get health-boosting, disease-fighting nutrients from fruits and vegetables. However, the wrong kind of smoothie can be a bad choice for people with diabetes, especially when eating out. There’s an infinite number of smoothies you can make, so each person is bound to find several healthy combinations they like.
Are you wondering if smoothies will spike your blood sugars?
The American Diabetes Association recommends checking your blood sugars one to two hours after you start eating and/or drinking to capture the peak level of your blood glucose.
Keep in mind that blood glucose results often trigger emotions. Blood glucose numbers can make you feel angry, frustrated, and/or blue. Knowledge is power: tracking your blood glucose levels is wonderful tool to see how your diabetes care plan is working, and whether you need to adjust your plan with the help of your healthcare professional.
One lucky Divabetic Zoom Party participant will receive their pick of one of Jill Weisenberger’s sensational books (see below) in the random drawing held at the end of our outreach event:
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.
Jill Weisenberger’s candid and energetic approach and her sound nutrition and fitness advice has earned her a place as one of 10 Dietitians You Need to Follow on Social Media in US News & World Report. Jill offers healthy and delicious recipe ideas and nutrition strategies that are based in sound nutrition science. Whether you’re looking for disease prevention or management, nutritious meals that people actually want to eat, or truths (and myths!) about the latest food trends, get reasonable and realistic tips from expert Jill Weisenberger.
