Can You Reverse Diabetes?
Many people find the phrase “reversing diabetes” misleading.
I know I do. First, there are many types of diabetes – which one are they talking about? Unfortunately, you cannot reverse type 1 diabetes, so making a blanket statement about ‘reversing diabetes’ is wrong and upsetting to anyone with type 1 diabetes.
Regarding type 2 diabetes, I remember being told that my boss Luther Vandross was no longer living with type 2 diabetes because he had lost weight. Looking back, I assumed they meant he didn’t need oral medications. However, their misleading comments had me convinced he was cured.
I lived in that bubble until he suffered a devasting stroke in 2003. Sitting in a chair in ICU, his doctors told me that he still lived with diabetes even when his weight changed. Throughout the over twenty years of living with diabetes, Luther had periods of well-managed and mismanaged diabetes. Like many people, who gain a significant amount of weight, he routinely gained or lost a hundred pounds or more; he stopped managing his diabetes. The damage he did to his capillaries during these periods of mismanaged diabetes was nonreversible.
Maybe he fully recovered from the stroke, returned to the stage, and continued to entertain fans worldwide; I would have a different opinion about ‘reversing diabetes.’ But given my life experience, I don’t like or use the phrase ‘reversing diabetes’ because it fuels the chaos or confusion regarding self-care.
Reversing diabetes is a term that usually refers to a significant long-term improvement in insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes who get their HbA1c below 42 mmol/mol (6%) without taking oral diabetes medication are said to have reversed or resolved their diabetes.
I prefer the phrase “moving forward with diabetes” much more
inspiring and motivating.
How about you? Does the phrase ‘reversing diabetes’ motivate you or annoy you?
Whether or not you embrace the term ‘reversing diabetes,’ you shouldn’t deny your living with diabetes.
More than 37 million people in the United States have diabetes, and 1 in 5 don’t know it. 96 million US adults, over a third, have prediabetes, and more than 8 in 10 don’t know they have it.
Let Lisa Stansfield inspire you to live loud and proud with diabetes. You Can’t Deny it!
Enlist the help of a mental health professional like our friend, Dr. Bevery S. Adler PhD, CDCES. She’s a licensed Clinical Psychologist, Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist, Author, and Speaker. Not only is “Dr. Bev” a fantastic therapist, but she’s also been living well with type 1 diabetes for over 50 years. She walks the talk. Take the time to interview therapists to find the one that best fits your needs.
Make an appointment with a certified diabetes care and education specialist to learn more about diabetes and how to manage it. Our friend, Rachel Zinman, living with LADA diabetes, said the ‘AH HA’ moment leading her to go from ‘survive to thrive’ with diabetes came after meeting with a diabetes educator.
Consider joining a diabetes support group. There’s nothing quite like being surrounded by people who know exactly what you’re dealing with. Many people hesitate about joining a diabetes support group. Still, the truth is that anyone who has ever attended a Divabetic Support meeting walks away with a better attitude about living with diabetes. Make sure you find a group with a qualified moderator. No one wants to sit in a room and be judged.
While you may not be able to reverse diabetes, you can reverse some things in life, like your car, DVD, or even this podcast!
We’re flipping the script on this podcast and presenting our regular show format from back to front because we hope to inspire you to look back at past mistakes with a new attitude. Mistakes teach important lessons. Every time you make one, you’re one step closer to your goal: optimum health. There’s no room for shame or blame when you’re able to accept your diagnosis. Let us help empower you to look back at your life with the satisfaction of knowing that diabetes didn’t dim your dazzle!
Singer-songwriter Lisa Stansfield inspires us to ‘throwback’ and discuss the concept of ‘reversing diabetes’ on this podcast.
In the late ’80s and throughout the ’90s, Lisa Stansfield was one of the coolest popstars on the planet. Her seductive, soulful vocals and timeless dance-pop songs took her to the top of the charts on both sides of the Atlantic. Four of her albums were international hits selling more than 15 million copies and spawning over 20 hit singles.
Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Kathy Gold RN, CDCES, Neva White DNP, CRNP, CDCES, the Digital Divas, Jessica Issler RD, CDCES, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Mama Rose Marie and special guest Cheri from Long Island, NY.
In tribute to Lisa Stansfield, we will be playing many of her biggest hits courtesy of SONY MUSIC.
By the way, we printed t-shirts with the phrase ‘Denial’s Not My Style’ over 20 years ago. We still stand behind every word in the phrase. There’s nothing new about the positive attitude we promoted in 2003 and will continue to promote in 2023. We might have to reprint some t-shirts to celebrate our 20th anniversary.
Pass The Boa at Divabetic Club Meetings
Roughly nineteen years ago, I began hosting Divabetic’s first free monthly diabetes support meetings in New York City. Our meetings were open to all types of people living with, at-risk, and affected by diabetes and were held at the McBurney YMCA. At the first, the meetings were structured as ‘coaching sessions’ and presented by Life Coach, Dana Hariton, professional dancer and choreographer, Amy Jordan, both living with type 1 diabetes, and myself. The three of us came up with the idea after meeting in the audience at a dLife TV show taping. Initially, these meetings were called ‘Be A Diva’ and I’d make flyers that I would post on the walls of the Y with our meeting dates and times.
Later when I began volunteering backstage on a regular basis (and appeared on screen) at dLife, I met a wonderful, kind, and knowledgeable educator named Joy Pape RN, CDCES.
As Dana and Amy’s appearance began to taper off at our meetings, Joy joined and agreed to moderate our ‘Pass The Boa’ discussions. ‘Pass The Boa’ was our way of introducing ourselves to each other at the start of each meeting. We took turns passing a hot pink-colored feathered boa around the room and sharing our stories with each other. Everyone had a chance to be in the spotlight and voice their diabetes wellness successes and struggles.
As the years went by, different guest speakers ranged from florists, tea makers, tai chi instructors, beauty experts, fitness instructors, and even a passion pleasure expert. Actually, the pleasure toys meeting inspired me to add a sexual health and intimacy education station to our free national program, Divabetic Makeover Your Diabetes. Through the years the program’s name continued to change until it became known as the Divabetic Club. We also began hosting similar meetings in Cleveland OH and Philadelphia, PA with outstanding local educators and organizations such as The Diabetes Center Of Cleveland and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.
Today, I’m proud to say that we’re still offering free programming but it’s now virtual. Please join us and pass the boa at our upcoming baking party!
Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?
Back by popular demand! The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, hosts this free, fun Virtual Baking Party with our special guest, Stacey Harris, aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, 7 – 8:30 PM, EST on Zoom.
Recipe of The Week: Strawberry Pistachio Chocolate Greek Yogurt Bark
Sometimes scrolling through Instagram pays off. I came across this easy-to-make Eating Well’s Strawberry-Chocolate Greek Yogurt Bark recipe. It’s a perfect Summertime time snack because this treat is frozen so you can break it into chunks just like chocolate bark. I shared this recipe with my friend and fellow Divabetic Mystery podcast castmate, Seveda Williams. Seveda has appeared in Gypsies, Tramps & Peas (‘Boom Boom LaRue’), Swan Wake, Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes (‘Agnes Frumpster’), Kill Me Madam (‘Goldie Hightower’), and the upcoming A Christmas Peril (‘Ruby Garland’) podcasts.
“This year’s podcast is an early Christmas treat because it’s so much fun to be a part of. On top of the crazy plot twists, there’s so much great information and explanation. Plus, this year’s mystery has an important message to share with isteners.”
Seveda texted me back that this Greek Yogurt Bark is delicious! “It’s a delightful cold treat that’s easy to make, says Seveda. “I added some vanilla bean, cinnamon, and pistachios because I love chocolate and pistachios. Keep in mind, it takes a while to set up in the freezer so leave it in overnight.”
Eating Well’s Strawberry-Chocolate Greek Yogurt Bark Recipe
Ingredients
3 cups whole milk plain Greek Yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries
Click HERE for Full Recipe
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s low calorie, low carb, gluten-free, and low sodium. Plus, it’s packed with protein.
Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?
Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Salad Making Party with special guest, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWWC, FAND on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.
Eating a salad sounds healthy, doesn’t it? But a leafy green salad can go bad when you pile on the high calorie and high carb toppings, dressings, and other deep-fried offerings.
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Tune in to Divabetic’s 11th Podcast Anniversary with musical inspiration from Toni Braxton. Click Here.
The seven-time Grammy Award-winner has sold over 70 million records and is one of the best-selling R&B artists of all time.
When Toni Braxton was first diagnosed with systemic lupus in 2008, her doctors told her that she would need a heart transplant and might not ever perform again.
“I remember being petrified,” she said. “I was scared. I didn’t know anything about lupus.”
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect the joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels. It can also lead to heart disease and kidney disease.
Insulin resistance is increased in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Insulin resistance occurs when excess glucose in the blood reduces the ability of the cells to absorb and use blood sugar for energy. This increases the risk of developing prediabetes, and eventually, type 2 diabetes.
Guests include Dr. Sara Reece, PharmD – NGMC, GME, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Keith Anthony Fluitt, and Sonya Hogans. Hosted by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek.
Faith & Diabetes
We Love Catherine Schuller!
Barbra Streisand singing ‘Being Alive’ from her The Broadway Album, you’ll hear it on next week’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast, is inspiring this post. Seriously, the combination of Barbra’s voice, lyrics from a popular Broadway musical, and the sunshine streaming through my window at 7 AM are like a multi-vitamin for an older gay gent like me.
If there’s any truth to the saying or Madonna’s Vogue song lyric ‘beauty is where you find it then it’s clear I found it in Catherine Schuller. From the most moment we met, back in 2005, she has been a powerful, positive, and empowering force in my life. Always stylish, always upbeat, always sparkling! She has helped me to define and refine Divabetic’s GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS philosophy. Together found a way to stamp out the shame and blame associated with a diabetes diagnosis by making people feel better about themselves right now, not tomorrow. It’s funny how a bit of mascara, a bright-colored feather boa, and the hook to your favorite disco tune can push the clouds away.
I have plenty of reasons to love Catherine just for her work as Divabetic’s Image & Style Advisor on Divabetic’s national tour of Makeover Your Diabetes outreach programs. Her ability to comfort, care, and cheer on all types of divas (type 1, type 2, LADA, gestational, and prediabetes) was remarkable. But love beams are shooting straight out of my heart because of the passionate way Catherine lives after experiencing a stroke. I don’t think a day goes by that she doesn’t make the most of every moment.
During the pandemic, when I wasn’t sure if it was Monday or Thursday, Catherine managed to give Dr. Birx a run for her money! She took up my challenge to demonstrate many ways to tie a scarf on one of Divabetic’s past Zoom programs.
Next week Catherine joins me for the two-part stroke prevention webinar, Keep Your House A Home, for the Frazier Coalition for Stroke in Philadelphia. My good friend and health champion, Senior Health Educator for Center for Urban Health at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Neva White DNP, CRNP- BC, CDCES is organizing it.
Catherine plans to share her powerful testimony about advocating for her health after experiencing a stroke. After her husband told her to go upstairs and lie down, she told him in no uncertain terms to call an ambulance so she could get to a hospital. Her wise decision to seek help right away and not wait is why her recovery has been so excellent. Fortunately, Catherine’s quick thinking is precisely why she able to receive the stroke drug tPA. This potent clot-busting medication, tPA, may save critical brain tissue if a patient arrives at the emergency room within three hours of experiencing stroke symptoms. And there’s a new study that suggests that the traditional three-hour time window is too short. Combining data from multiple clinical trials, Maarten Lansberg, MD, PhD, assistant professor of neurology and neurological sciences at Stanford, and colleagues from Belgium and Germany have shown that treatment can benefit patients up to 4.5 hours experience their first symptom. Their findings were published online on May 21 in the journal Stroke.
The timing of treatment is essential because giving a blood thinner like tPA during a stroke can cause bleeding inside the brain. The longer a patient waits to get treatment, the more likely the risks of treatment will outweigh the benefits.
My life and the lives of many others were devasted by Luther Vandross’s stroke, related to his mismanagement of type 2 diabetes. I can’t turn back time and change his outcome, but hopefully, you can change yours. Let Catherine Schuller inspire you to GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS, and advocate for your health today, not tomorrow!
Patti LaBelle Says ‘We Can Do It!’
“Before I was diagnosed with diabetes, I never saw a doctor for anything. And when I passed out on stage that night and went to the hospital, the doctor said “You’re a type 2 diabetic.” I said, “Oh, really?” admits Patti LaBelle in an interview for Essence magazine.
Our favorite celebrity ‘Divabetic’ adds, “I knew it existed in the family. But I said, “not me.” I tell all of my friends, please check yourself before you wreck yourself – go to a doctor.”
It’s been widely reported that people with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing complications due to COVID-19. We’re learning that people with diabetes tend to live in a chronic inflammatory state which is why they may experience a more severe inflammatory response to COVID-19 that can culminate in a life-threatening cytokine storm. Of course, reports like this seem to only add more stress and concern to people’s lives. Even a world-famous Divabetic isn’t immune to the burden that the pandemic has put on her diabetes and mental health.
“It’s been almost impossible to stay healthy, unless your mind is on the bigger prize and you’re saying, “I can do this. Even in COVID, I can cook the right things and I can feed my kids the right things.” You have to be mindful of whatever you buy from the grocery stores and whatever you put in on your table. So you have to try to make a healthy choice in these bad times. It’s so hard, but I believe we can do the best we can.”
We’re celebrating Divabetic’s 10th Year Podcast Anniversary with music from the world’s most famous “Divabetic”– Ms. Patti LaBelle. She’s encouraging a ‘NEW ATTITUDE’ about living with diabetes! Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle, RN, CDE, Dr. Andrea Chisholm OB-GYN, Luther McRae, Mama Rose Marie, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Seveda Williams, and Terri Seidman.
Divabetic was inspired by the late music legend, Luther Vandross and created in 2005 by Max Szadek, who, as Vandross’ assistant of 14 years Visit Divabetic
Cellulitis & Diabetes: What To Know
We’re blogging about cellulitis and diabetes after one of our good friends and Luther fans sent us photos from a clinic being treated for cellulitis with a back drain. Their healthcare provider mentioned that high blood sugars were feeding their infection.
What is Cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a common, potentially serious bacterial skin infection. It occurs when bacteria enter through a crack or break in your skin. The affected skin appears swollen and red and is typically painful and warm to the touch.
It may contain blisters exuding clear or yellow fluid or pus. Cellulitis can occur on any part of the body but is most common on the lower legs or feet.
Cellulitis & Diabetes: What’s the Connection?
Research shows that diabetes predisposes a person to common infections, such as cellulitis and pneumonia. Poor glycemic management was linked to the development of cellulitis.
Elevated blood sugars can increase the risk of skin infection and that the infection could also raise blood sugars. Additionally, the reduced blood flow from vascular problems could increase the risk of infection. This is why people with diabetes and those with poor circulation need to take extra precautions to prevent skin injury.
Foot and skincare are extremely important when you have diabetes especially when blood sugars are out of control. Visit your physician and podiatrist on a regular basis and request a full foot and leg exam.
Cellulitis can be prevented with diligent attention and care. Know what to look for and take active steps to make sure you do not end up with this unnecessary and possibly disastrous problem!
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, virtual diabetes support event with style. Divabetic’s dynamic diabetes program features ‘What To Wear When Nothing Fits for Summer’ presented by Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller and ‘How To Master The Menu at The Cookout’ presented by MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, 7-8 PM, EST
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Dining Out Advice At Your Favorite Mexican Restaurant
At Divabetic’s recent free Zoom outreach program, we dined out virtually at a Mexican Restaurant with MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, MEd, NDTR. MaryAnn shared what terms to look for and which terms to avoid when making our menu selections. Most of us can’t change the menu, but we can change what we eat and how much we eat.
Join us for Divabetic’s Zoom Program: ‘No Judgements’ on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, 7-8 PM. Mr. Divabetic hosts this free, virtual diabetes support program featuring ‘What To Wear When Nothing Fits for Summer’ presented by Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller and ‘How To Master The Menu at The Cookout’ presented by MaryAnn Horst Nicolay MEd, NDTR.
REGISTER NOW – FREE REGISTRATION
Divabetic Healthy Swap: Greek Yogurt for Sour Cream
Divabetic’s Luther Vandross Tribute podcast guests include Lisa Fischer, Jason Miles, Jeff James, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Chuck Flowers.
By the time Luther Vandross headed to the studio to record his fifth album Give Me the Reason in 1986, he’d become one of the most successful soul singers of the first half of the eighties. His four previous albums have been either certified platinum or double-platinum in America.
For Luther Vandross’ fifth album Give Me the Reason, the album comprised nine tracks including the hits: So Amazing, There’s Nothing Better Than Love, Stop To Love and Give Me The Reason.
Throughout the podcast, we will be featuring music from Luther Vandross’s Give Me The Reason album courtesy of SONY Music.