Tag: Diabetes Tips

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Tonight! Don’t Miss Divabetic’s 9th Annual Mystery Podcast Live Broadcast

The BIG DAY is finally here!!!

Join us tonight for Divabetic’s 9th Annual Mystery podcast, Tomorrow Is Not On The Menu!

Find out what happens when the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, lands a to-die-for job as a caterer for the nation’s hottest health guru, Wendy Wattage‘s Wellness Retreat on the Jersey Shore. Everything seems low pressure and low calorie until the body of the nasty food critic, Marilyn Macaroni, is found stabbed to death with one of Max’s new chef knives. Now he’s the prime suspect in a big, fat murder investigation!

Can he and his team of friends, diabetes educators, and his nosey Italian mother, Mama Rose Marie, find the killer before the police arrive? Or will he be trading his fruit suit for coveralls with stripes?

The fun begins at 6 PM EST.

Enjoy loads of diabetes information and self-care tips wrapped up in a cozy mystery radio drama. Tune in using this link.

Weight loss murder never tasted so good.

Starring Mr. Divabetic, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Mama Rose Marie, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Maryann Horst Nicolay MEd, NTDR, Kathie Dolgin aka ‘High Voltage,’ Seveda Williams, Catherine Schuller and Lorraine Brooks. Produced by Leisa Chester Weir. Special thanks to our colleague, the multi-talented Wendy Radford.

Music from The Pink Panther and The Return of The Pink Panther soundtracks by Henry Mancini courtesy of SONY Music.

 

The fun begins at 6 PM EST.

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Language Matters in Diabetes Care with Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDCES, FADCES

On Divabetic’s March podcast, we’re talking about how language impacts people’s confidence to manage their diabetes self-care with musical inspiration from Prince. Tune in with the link. 

Words can elevate or destroy someone’s perception of themselves and their health.

Our musical inspiration chose to be identified as the infamous “Love Symbol” rather than a word for many years. He wrote: “It’s all about thinking in new ways, tuning in 2 a new free-quency.”

Could using symbols rather than words, like Prince, help you manage your diabetes wellness?

Unfortunately, much of the language around diabetes has been focused on adverse outcomes and complications and laden with judgment and blame without considering individual needs, beliefs, and choices.

Some enlightened health professionals, like our friend, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDCES, FADCES choose to encourage and use collaborative messages to enhance a person’s health outcomes. “How we collaborate with people with diabetes plays an important role in treatment outcomes and the psychosocial well-being of the individuals,” says Susan.

“As health care professionals, we often want to “fix” problems and forget to “listen” to the person with the lived experience. Rather than overwhelming a person with information, she says it’s vital to listen to what is most important to an individual and discuss that issue at the beginning of the appointment or conversation. “For example, if someone is concerned that they can’t afford their medication, they will not be ready to listen to information about nutrition or physical activity. Collaboration and active listening on the part of a clinician is essential to help build a good rapport and help reduce stress for a person living with diabetes.“

We encourage you to show yourself some love!

Divabetic March podcast guests include Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDCES, CDN, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, with music from Prince & The New Power Generation’s Love Symbol album courtesy of SONY Music.

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Healthy Red Quinoa Tabouli Recipe by Jill Weisenberger

Last night, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND shared her delicious Red Quinoa Tabouli recipe, answer our questions and even recommended some helpful kitchen tools at Divabetic’s Cooking Party on Zoom.

Jill’s latest book, The Beginner’s Guide To What To Eat With Type 2 Diabetes will teach you how to enjoy eating again without all the worry and guilt.

You’ll learn to fit in your favorite treat foods, so you never feel deprived, choose the right foods to avoid blood sugar spikes, keep track of the carb counts in your usual foods, eat to feel full – no more long-lasting hunger pangs, and more!

Enjoy a diva-licious discount on Diabetes Smarts bonus information when you purchase Jill Weisenberger’s The Beginner’s Guide To What To Eat With Type 2 Diabetes.  To save, enter the code ‘DIVABETIC’ for the bonuses to be free here.

 

“Enjoy this refreshing Mediterranean-style salad as a side dish with hot or cold foods, or make it into a meal with the addition of kabobs, chickpeas, chicken or salmon,” says Jill Weisenberger.

Healthy Red Quinoa Tabouli Recipe by Jill Weisenberger

Ingredients

Salad

  • 1 cup red quinoa cooked according to package directions with salt omitted (about 3 cups cooked)
  • 2 cups tightly packed finely chopped fresh parsley (about 3.5 ounces) Use more as desired.
  • 1/2 tightly packed cup finely chopped fresh mint (about 3/4 ounce)
  • 2 cups quartered cherry tomatoes (about 13 ounces)
  • 1½ cups diced cucumber (about 8 ounces)
  • ½ cup diced scallions (about 1.25 ounces)

SEE FULL RECIPE

 

Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND guests on this episode of Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite  podcast with music from Maria Callas. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from the Grandiose Stimmen: Maria Callas album courtesy of SONY Music.

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How Long Can I Wear Nail Polish?

If you paint your toenails, experts advise you shouldn’t leave the paint on longer than two to three weeks. You should allow an equal amount of time for your toenails to be left natural. This includes not putting on a clear top coat of polish. The time in between nail polishes gives you with the opportunity to check for sores, infections, or any discoloration of the nails themselves.

Research shows that people with diabetes should be aware that keeping your nail polish on too long can dry out your nails. When that happens, fungus, yeast, bacteria, mold and mildew can develop underneath the nail plate, which can lead to long-term problems. 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.

Why diabetes can turn your nails yellow?

Some people with diabetes will notice that their nails take on a yellowish hue. The yellow coloring may have to do with the breakdown of sugar and its effect on the collagen in nails. The related thickening of yellow nails are sharper than usual and can dig into your skin.If you do get a cut on your foot, nerve damage may prevent you from noticing the injury. If you don’t feel the injury and don’t treat the infection, it could lead to bigger medical issues.

What Nail Polish To Wear

A study by researchers at Duke University showed evidence of a common nail polish chemical called triphenyl phosphate, or TPHP, in the bodies of every woman who painted her nails for the study.

Founded by a podiatric surgeon, Aila (loveaila.com) is committed to maintaining the health of your nails. The vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free lacquers come in a dazzling array of shades.

Aila Nail Lacquers are made without: Parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor, dibutyl phthalate, toluene, triphenyl phosphate, xylene, bismuth oxychloride, ethyl tosylamide, methylisothiazolinone, hydroquinone monomethyl ether, and plant derivatives.

“I have been wearing this on my fingers and toes since the moment it arrived,” says cruelty free beauty blogger One Lost Mama.

 

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Cooking Party with special guest, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.

FREE REGISTRATION

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Listen to Divabetic’s 10th Year Podcast Anniversary Special 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.

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Divabetic Mystery Phrase #33

Can you solve Divabetic’s Mystery Phrase #33? Our phrase is measured by the force that pushes on the walls of your blood vessels as they carry blood and oxygen to your organs (systolic pressure) and the force that’s created when your heart rests between beats (diastolic pressure).

Do you know what Divabetic’s Mystery Phrase #33 is?

Diabetes damages arteries and makes them targets for hardening, called atherosclerosis. That can cause high blood pressure, which if not treated, can lead to trouble including blood vessel damage, heart attack, and kidney failure.

There are several ways in which high blood sugar levels in the blood can increase blood pressure:

  • The blood vessels lose their ability to stretch.
  • The fluid in the body increases, especially if diabetes is already affecting the kidneys.
  • Insulin resistance may involve processes that increase the risk of hypertension.

In 2012, researchers quoted figures suggesting that 30% of people with type 1 diabetes and 50–80% of those with type 2 diabetes have high blood pressure in the United States.

The combination of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes can greatly increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

If your blood sugar level is too high, you may experience: increased thirst, frequent urination an fatigue. However, the American Heart Association (AHA) stresses that most of the time there are no symptoms for high blood pressure (also known as hypertension).

People usually find out they have high blood pressure when a doctor takes a blood pressure reading, or they take one themselves at home.

The reading will give two numbers:

  • The systolic is the top number
  • The diastolic is the bottom number

According to the AHA, the results will be one of the following:

  • Normal: Systolic below 120 and diastolic below 80
  • Elevated: Systolic 120–129 and diastolic under 80
  • Hypertension stage 1: Systolic 130–139 and diastolic 80–89
  • Hypertension stage 2: Systolic 140-plus and diastolic 90 or more
  • Hypertensive crisis: Systolic higher than 180 and diastolic above 120.

What is considered normal blood pressure for people with diabetes?

On the basis of recent studies, most people with diabetes should have a blood pressure that’s more than 130/80 mm.

People with diabetes can help decrease the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease by managing their blood sugar levels.

 

Here area few effective ways to lower your blood pressure levels:

  1. Stop smoking
  2. Increase activity and exercise more
  3. Lose weight if you’re overweight
  4. Cut back on sugar, refined carbohydrates and processed foods

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Cooking Party with special guest, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.

FREE REGISTRATION

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Divabetic Exclusive: Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes Interview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TK: Have I?

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

 

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Are Nuts Good For Diabetes?

We’re talking about the benefits of nuts for people with diabetes in Divabetic’s new Mystery Podcast, Kill Me Madam, available on demand for free.
Nuts can be a good snack for people with type 2 diabetes because they may help prevent heart disease, keep blood sugar controlled, and even aid weight loss according to an article on NDTV‘s website.
Nuts are known to be low-glycaemic foods, which is a ranking of carbohydrate according to how they affect blood sugar levels. They have a limited amount of dietary carbohydrate; therefore, it has a little effect on your blood sugars.
Almonds have been shown to slow down the blood sugar response when eaten with carbohydrate-rich foods, as per a study published in the journal Metabolism.

There’s a good indication that murder might be part of the recipe when Nantucket’s ten time reigning Baking Champion’s last name is ‘Coffin’ in Divabetic’s Mystery podcast: Kill Me Madam.
Starring USA Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst-Nicolay MEd, NDRT, Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Wendy Radford, Coach The Cure‘s Trisha Artman, Mama Rose Marie, Seveda Williams, and Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. Produced by Leisa Chester-Weir.
 
Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from the Broadway Cast Album of ‘Call Me Madam’ courtesy of SONY Music.
 

LISTEN NOW

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Divabetic Mystery Phrase #29

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

 

The human body comprises around 60% water.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Even mild dehydration can affect you mentally and physically.

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

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

 

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

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

 

 

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Divabetic Mystery Phrase #27

Can you solve Divabetic’s Mystery Phrase #27? Our phrase is a great way to save time and money, as well as stay on track with your diabetes self-care goals.

Are you struggling with achieving your diabetes wellness goals?

Maybe you should consider planning your meals ahead of time. Experts agree that’s one of the key strategies for successful weight loss and/or tighter management of blood sugar levels is meal  planning.

If planning a whole week of meals ahead of time seems overwhelming to you then keep in mind that a few things prepared ahead of time will make it easier to eat healthy too.

Set yourself up for a week of delicious lunches without feeling guilty using meal-prep plans.  By prepping a week’s worth of lunches in advance (on Sunday, for example), you’ll avoid foods high in saturated fats, carbohydrates, sugar and calories and set yourself up for a week of diabetes wellness. Assembling meals ahead of time allows you to  portion sizes and ingredients, which can be beneficial if you’re managing a health condition—like type 2 diabetes—or trying to lose weight.
What should you eat? If you have diabetes, you should choose lean proteins, high-fiber, less processed carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables, and low-fat dairy.
Remember, if you weren’t packing any meals, one or two a week is a great start!
Setting small, realistic nutrition goals can also set you up for success. For example, try limiting sugar-filled drinks or setting a max number of days to eat out per week.
A registered dietitian can help you put together a diet based on your health goals, tastes and lifestyle. He or she can also talk with you about how to improve your eating habits, such as choosing portion sizes that suit the needs for your size and activity level.

 

Solving the Mystery of Your A1C 

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

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

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Cooking Party on Zoom where everything you need to win is within your own home.

Whether you have had diabetes for a long time or have only recently been diagnosed, having a diabetes management plan and supplies in place are essential for living life to the fullest.

Don’t miss Divabetic’s virtual Cooking Party with special guest Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ on Thursday, August 13, 2020, 7 – 7:40 PM, EST on Zoom.

Having diabetes doesn’t mean you need to deny yourself all the foods you love, but you do want to make healthier food choices. One good choice is to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, which are heavy in nutrition but light in calories.

During this virtual Cooking Party on Zoom, Chef Robert Lewis will prepare a recipe that won’t compromise your diabetes wellness. Register Now

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Divabetic Mystery Phrase #25

Can you solve the Divabetic Mystery Phrase #25?

The hidden affirmation you uncover focuses on mindful eating. If you’re struggling to cope with the stress, and anxiety of daily diabetes self-care: try repeating positive affirmations to yourself each morning to steer your mood in the right direction. This way of thinking can be helpful when the mental and emotional burden of coping with daily diabetes self-care gets tough. We also encourage you to seek out a therapist to help you adjust to life with diabetes.

Today’s fast-paced society distracts people’s attention away from their food toward Instagram, Facebook, and Smartphone Games Apps.

According to Healthline, eating has become a mindless act, often done quickly. This can be problematic, since it takes your brain up to 20 minutes to realize you’re full.

Eating too quickly often leads to overeating. You eat more and more because your brain doesn’t have enough time to receive fullness signals from your stomach.

It’s also been proven that you’ll eat less food if you eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly before swallowing.

2 Tips to  Help you Start Eating More Slowly:

  • Chew more. Count how many times you normally chew a bite of food, then double that amount. You may be surprised at how little you usually chew.
  • Set your utensils down. Putting down your fork between bites of food will help you eat more slowly and savor each bite.

Get More Tips

Solving the Mystery of Your A1C 

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

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

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Cooking Party on Zoom where everything you need to win is within your own home.

Whether you have had diabetes for a long time or have only recently been diagnosed, having a diabetes management plan and supplies in place are essential for living life to the fullest.

Don’t miss Divabetic’s virtual Cooking Party with special guest Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ on Thursday, August 13, 2020, 7 – 7:40 PM, EST on Zoom.

Having diabetes doesn’t mean you need to deny yourself all the foods you love, but you do want to make healthier food choices. One good choice is to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, which are heavy in nutrition but light in calories.

During this virtual Cooking Party on Zoom, Chef Robert Lewis will prepare a recipe that won’t compromise your diabetes wellness. Register Now

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