As many of you may know I am a ‘PWD Type 1’ (person living with type 1 diabetes), I have been living type 1 diabetes since 2014. I have been a diabetic since 2005. Being a diabetic is hard since you must be on top of your disease at all times. You don’t get a day off. I always have to check my blood sugars and carry my diabetes kit with me at all times to make sure that I’m prepared for anything. For example, I carry test strips, meter, alcohol swabs, lancet device, lancets, insulin – fast acting. Insulin – long acting ( in case I don’t get back home in time for my afternoon dose or since I’m at work before my morning dose), pen needles, glucose for lows, snacks, ice pack for summer timein my purse before I head out the door.
Managing my diabetes also means dealing stress. Stress is probably the hardest thing for me to manage! There’s always something to stress out about in daily life. I mean how do you go through life stress free? Daily struggles are always there from family and kids to jobs and loads of bills that must be paid. The list goes on and on. I get stressed just thinking about ‘stress’, LOL.
On June 16, 2017, I was informed by my employer that my job of 8 years had been eliminated; this meant that I would lose my benefits on June 30th. This rocked my world! What was I going to do? I needed my meds, supplies and lifesaving insulin. Over the next few weeks my husband and I sat down and tried to decide what to do. We had no choice except to put me on his health insurance. This meant that we’d lose a good chuck of his check since he works for a small company. But what else could we do? Talk about stress! My blood sugars during those weeks and the following months have been out of control. Some mornings I’ve woken up with sugars over 250 and I’ve had to take more insulin to correct. This is, of course, all due to stress.
People just don’t realize what a diabetic goes through. The highs/lows and everything in between are very tough on the body, spirit and family unit. I have tried to remain positive but it is very hard. I have been to two job interviews. I hope that one of them will pay off. In the meantime, I wake up every day and tell myself that I am priceless. That any employer will be glad to get me. When I leave the house I make sure to fix my hair and put on my makeup. I grab a different color of lipstick and tell myself that today I will be in control.
I guess I said all of this to just let someone out there struggling with depression, stress, uncontrolled sugars or whatever you are going through, YOU ARE NOT ALONE! We all face different things and that diabetes is hard. But remember this, God only gives his toughest battles to his strongest warriors! And believe me if you are diabetic, you are a warrior! Whatever seen or unseen battle you are fighting you are not alone.
Pick yourself up, straighten your crown, and stomp that runway called life.
*Editor’s Note: Eugenia Wells-Bassillio is the founder of the ‘Diabetic Divas Unite’ Facebook page. She also recently started working at Baptist Hospital in Oxford, MS
Share your experience living with diabetes on the Divabetic blog. E-mail Max Szadek at: mrdivabetic@gmail.com
Tune in to Divabetic’s 4th Annual Diabetes Mystery podcast, ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’ and learn how to manage your diabetes like a detective! LISTEN NOW
Don’t miss October’s Diabetes Late Nite with music by Old Dominion on Tuesday, October 10, 2017. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Dr. Andrea Chisholm, Dr. Michele Summers Colon, and Mama Rose Marie.
Check out the latest headlines in diabetes, diabetes self-management, healthy lifestyles and diva entertainment that we think you should know about.
Collapse at Salmon Farm Renews Debate About Fish Farming
Thousands of farmed Atlantic salmon were accidentally released into the waters between Anacortes and the San Juan Islands, and officials are asking people to catch as many as possible. Tribal fishers, concerned about native salmon populations, call the accident “a devastation.” READ MORE
Fatherhood After 40? It’s Becoming A Lot More Common
In the U.S., the average age a woman gives birth to her first child has been rising. And, a study published Thursday in Human Reproduction shows dads are getting older, too.
Of the roughly 4 million births each year in the U.S., about 9 percent of fathers are over 40. And “about 40,000 newborns have a father over the age of 50,” says Michael Eisenberg, an assistant professor of urology at Stanford University Medical Center and the senior author of the study. “This surprised me,” Eisenberg told us. READ MORE
Favorite Cookbooks: The Diabetes Comfort Food Diet by Laura Cipullo RD CDE and the editors of Prevention magazine
For those readers who are looking to simply cut back on sugar (and carbs) this book will provide many recipes that sound familiar (like bread pudding) but have been modified to fit a healthier lifestyle. Cipullo offers tips on adjusting one’s approach to meals. Studying her recipes and applying her techniques to your own recipes will help turn your own recipe box into a collection of things to make that will be tasty, familiar and give you the comfort of knowing that they are better for you with the changes made.READ MORE
How Diabetes Affects Your Bones
Bone fractures aren’t commonly discussed as a diabetes-related complication, but over the past decade, researchers and clinicians have increasingly realized that diabetes may weaken bones, upping the risk for break. READ MORE
11-year-old Marches Cross-Country for Diabetes Cure
Noah Barnes is walking close to a marathon-every day to bring an end to Type 1 Diabetes. He and his father are making their way from Key West, Florida, crossing the country on a diagonal, in the hopes of ending up in Blaine, Washington. READ MORE
Hurricane Harvey + Diabetes – Here’s How to Get What You Need and Here’s How to Give Whatever Resources You Can
Hurricane Harvey has left behind massive flooding rendering the city and surrounding areas nearly impassable. Our thoughts go out to those affected by the storm, which can really disrupt diabetes care – especially for those using insulin.
The Red Cross, FEMA, JDRF, the American Diabetes Association (ADA), and other organizations are working to provide help to people in the diabetes community affected by this crisis. Here are resources on accessing diabetes care supplies and shelters as well as ways you can help. READ MORE
Remembering Princess Diana on the 20th Anniversary of Her Death
It may be an exaggeration to say that Princess Diana saved the monarchy. But it’s still fair to say the wildly popular “people’s princess” did buy the royal family some time.
In her short life, she rattled the emotionally reserved monarchy. She shook the hands of AIDS patients. She spilled the beans on her soap opera marriage and talked to the press about her battle with bulimia. She pursued — and was pursued by — the celebrity-obsessed media. She was one of the most famous people in the world, and the British public loved her. They still do.
“She’s still the people’s princess,” ran a front-page headline in the Sun on Thursday. READ MORE
Anwar Carrots Wants to Be the Martha Stewart of Street Wear
Mr. Carrots was the creative force behind Peas & Carrots International, a street wear brand in Los Angeles that he founded with his friends Joshton Peas and Casey Veggies, a breakout rapper. The label, known for its pop graphic T-shirts, developed a cult following. It garnered glowing coverage on lifestyle websites like Complex (a “coolest L.A.” brand), Hypebeast (“international phenomenon”) and XXL (“spreading like wildfire”). In 2014, after disagreements with one of his partners, Mr. Carrots left to start his own label, Carrots by Anwar Carrots.READ MORE
Ford’s Robocar Delivers Pizza in the Name of Science
Ford is putting one of its autonomous vehicles to good use: delivering pizza in Ann Arbor, Michigan. For the next few weeks, randomly selected Domino’s customers will get the option to have their pie brought over by a modified Ford Fusion Hybrid, complete with the roof mounted whirring “coffee can” sensors and plenty of “research vehicle” stickers.. READ MORE
Don’t Miss The Newest Mister Divabetic Mystery podcast entitled ‘Gypsies, Tramps and Peas’ on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, 6 PM, EST.
Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer. 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.
USA Today Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Seveda Williams, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, Mama Rose Marie and Poet Lorraine Brooks help the fruit suit clad sleuth in this seaside adventure. Healthy delicious recipes provided by Chef Robert Lewis and Stacey Harris aka ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’.
This year’s mystery podcast features music from the original cast recording of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music.
Join the show! Get the full script for ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’ and read along as our cast performs. Please e-mail: mrdvabetic@gmail.com
Don’t let the end of Summer get you down, get DIVA! Our Divabetic Go Ginger! Labor Day Celebration spotlights different recipes featuring ginger by Chef Ward Alper aka ‘The Decadent Diabetic’s to help put a kick in your 3 day weekend.
Did you know that ginger is among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet? It is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain.
Ginger has a long history of use as a nausea remedy for seasickness and morning sickness related to pregnancy. According to a review of 12 studies that included a total of 1,278 pregnant women, 1.1-1.5 grams of ginger can significantly reduce symptoms of nausea.
Now, it looks like the spice can lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, according to a new study by researchers from Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences in Yazd, Iran.
“Ginger can increase the effects of blood thinners, so if you’re taking these drugs, don’t take ginger,” advises Martha Howard, MD, medical director of Wellness Associates of Chicago. READ MORE Make sure to tell your doctor that you’re adding ginger to your regimen, and monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.
Our good friend, Chef Ward Alper aka ‘the Decadent Diabetic’who is living with type 2 diabetes, helps us craft a menu with a redheaded spin for our Divabetic Labor Day Celebration. We’re partnering his recipes with our favorite red heads starting with Tina Louise who played ‘Ginger’ on the 1960’s TV series “Gilligan’s Island.” .
Va va voom! Tina Louise, aka, Ginger Grant While the show didn’t receive accolades at the time and was viewed by critics as a silly, slapstick comedy, it became a cultural icon which is still in syndication today.
Tina caught the eye of Hollywood execs and after actress and sex symbol, Jayne Mansfield turned down the role of the ‘movie star’ on a sitcom. Although probably the least prestigious of jobs, playing Ginger is what Tina Louise is best known for – like it or not. The role did make Louise a pop icon of the era, and in 2005 an episode of TV Land Top Ten ranked her as second only to Heather Locklear as the greatest of television’s all-time sex symbols.
She has a bevy of acting credentials including Broadway, television and movies, and also studied at some of the most prestigious acting schools including the Actors Studio and with the one and only Lee Strasberg. She has starred in movies with the likes of Brad Pitt, Lee Marvin, Katherine Ross and Miou-Miou, to name a few. She has continued to expand her wings including voiceovers for a gaming machine (MegaJackpot product), recorded an album (“It’s Time for Tina”), and has written several books. Wow, an impressive woman!
The question “Ginger or Mary Ann?” is regarded to be a classic pop-psychological question when given to American men of a certain age as an insight into their characters, or at least their desires as regarding certain female stereotypes.
Chef Ward thinks his Grilled Tuna with Ginger would be the perfect dish for Ginger Grant to prepare on the beach for the Professor!
Grilled Tuna With Ginger
The Decadent Diabetic’s Grilled Tuna with Ginger
Carbohydrates per serving 0g.
Chefs Note: This is a fast and simple recipe for tuna. It works equally well with frozen(and defrosted) tuna as it does with “fresh” tuna. It also works well with swordfish. I like MY fish (heresy, I know) on the drier side but I have included instructions for a rare preparation as well.
INGREDIENTS
1 4-5 ounce piece of the best tuna (sushi grade) you can find
pepper to taste
Zest of ½ lemon
2 tsp. Soy sauce
½ tsp. garlic, grated or minced
½ tsp. fresh dill, chopped
½ tsp. fresh parsley, chopped
½ tsp. ground ginger
1tsp. olive oil
Juice of ½ lemon
HOW TO PREPARE THE RECIPE:
Preheat Grill
Combine all of the ingredients EXCEPT the lemon juice and coat the piece of tuna. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours (this can be done on a still frozen piece of tuna as it defrosts). Add the lemon juice just before cooking.
Heat the grill to medium high. Pat the tuna dry and place tuna steak onto the grill and cook on each side.
For rare- Cook on the grill 3 minutes per side
For medium- Cook on the grill for 4 minutes per side
For medium well- Cook on the grill for 4-5 minutes per side
Cook the marinade in a skillet until it starts to boil. Spoon over the fish.
Go Ginger! Insulated Diabetes Insulin Pen Pouch / Case by TraceyMichell
A fun and attractive new design to hold your insulin pens, needles and contact details safe and secure. This is an insulated fold over pouch secured with velcro. Inside there is plenty of room to store your needles in a pretty Chicken or the Egg pocket also secured with velcro. There is storage for two pens and a plastic wallet to slip in your ID details. Complete with a carabiner clip to attach to your belt/bag this pouch is practical, contemporary and fashionable. Length approximately 18cm. Matching Blood Test Kit also available. BUY NOW
Why Can’t You Wear White After Labor Day?
While no one is completely sure exactly when or why this fashion rule came into effect, our best guess is that it had to do with snobbery in the late 1800s and early 1900s. By the 1880s, in order to tell who was acceptable and who wasn’t, the women who were already “in” felt it necessary to create dozens of fashion rules that everyone in the know had to follow. That way, if a woman showed up at the opera in a dress that cost more than most Americans made in a year, but it had the wrong sleeve length, other women would know not to give her the time of day. READ MORE
Take care of yourself. Whether you’re taking a vacation, getting a massage or just generally relaxing, your slower times give you a (likely) rare opportunity to address your mental and physical help. Take advantage of it to be recharged for the time when sales are booming, or when you need to take care of the next couple of things on the list.
Heath Headlines: A new study from the British Journal of Cancer revealed that natural red-headed men are 54 percent less likely to develop prostate cancer. Researchers think it might have to do with the way genes that dictate hair pigmentation also influence tumor development.
Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer. 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.
USA Today Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Seveda Williams, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, Mama Rose Marie and Poet Lorraine Brooks help the fruit suit clad sleuth in this seaside adventure. Healthy delicious recipes provided by Chef Robert Lewis and Stacey Harris aka ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’.
This year’s mystery podcast features music from the original cast recording of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music.
Join the show! Get the full script for ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’ and read along as our cast performs. Please e-mail: mrdvabetic@gmail.com
As many of you may know I am a ‘PWD Type 1’ (person living with type 1 diabetes), I have been living type 1 diabetes since 2014. I have been a diabetic since 2005. Being a diabetic is hard since you must be on top of your disease at all times. You don’t get a day off. I always have to check my blood sugars and carry my diabetes kit with me at all times to make sure that I’m prepared for anything. For example, I carry test strips, meter, alcohol swabs, lancet device, lancets, insulin – fast acting. Insulin – long acting ( in case I don’t get back home in time for my afternoon dose or since I’m at work before my morning dose), pen needles, glucose for lows, snacks, ice pack for summer time in my purse before I head out the door. 
