Tag: diabetes

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Divabetic Salutes Millie Jackson

Millie Jackson is a bold, brash, and bawdy entertainer called “The Original Bad Girl” by Vibe Magazine. She is known for her unfiltered and explicit lyrical content. Her live performances are known for her storytelling and jokes woven into her songs.

‘I guess the reason I sing about certain thing is because I’m outspoken,” she said. “There are some things that have to be said, and it seems like I’m the only woman saying them right now. In fact, a lot of times, people don’t compare me with other female singers but with my male counterparts! I guess I ought to regard that as a compliment!”

This trailblazer for female recording artists has earned her fans from all backgrounds. It is also rumored that Bette Midler and Roseanne drew inspiration from Millie’s high-voltage approach to sex in their respective careers.

Although her music has been kept off radio playlists due to its gritty R&B style, Millie Jackson added a new dimension to her career by creating, financing, directing, and starring in a hit musical stage play based on her r “Young Man, Older Woman” song. During the play’s touring years, audiences discovered Millie Jackson was equally talented as an actress.

We love her song, “Love Is A Dangerous Game,” from her album, “An Imitation Of Love,” released in 1986.


We love her song, “Love Is A Dangerous Game,” from her album, “An Imitation Of Love,” released in 1986.

At the height of the AIDS crisis, Millie Jackson would stop the music and urge her female fans to practice safe sex at her live shows. She would encourage them to buy and carry condoms rather than rely on their men to take the necessary precautions.

Throughout her career, Millie Jackson released 28 albums that sold 40 million copies, making her one of the most successful female artists of the 20th century. She is most well-known for her hit albums “Get It Out Cha System,” “Hard Times,” “A Moment’s Pleasure,” “Live and Uncensored,” “For Men Only,” “I Had To Say It,” “A Little Bit Country,” and “Live and Outrageous.”

Recently, she has been running her record label, Weird Wreckuds, and has released a single called “Butt-A-Cize” and an album entitled “Not For Church Folk!”


Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in nearly all countries. People with diabetes experience sexual dysfunction more often than the general public. Dr. Janis Roszler PhD, LMFT, RDN, LD/N, CDCES, FAND, and Donna Rice, MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES, the co-authors of Divabetic’s new e-book, Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love and Intimacy with Diabetes, available on Amazon, offer advice.
The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic explores issues of love, intimacy and diabetes on this 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 sexual problem or a loss of sex drive. 

Don’t equate sexual performance with love or a fulfilling relationship; focus on letting your partner know you care and want to give pleasure as part of your relationship.

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).
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Good Morning Gorgeous!

Good Morning, Gorgeous!

Just imagine what positive self-talk and powerful affirmations could do to your diabetes life.

Self-talk is the practice of talking to oneself, either aloud or silently. It can be positive or negative depending on your thoughts and external influences.

My good friend, Kathie Dolgin, professionally known as ‘High Voltage,’ uses affirmations daily to manage her health by avoiding added sugars.

According the American Heart Association reports American adults consume an average of 17 teaspoons of added sugar every day, more than 2-3 times the recommended amount for men and women respectively. This adds up to around 60 pounds of added sugar consumed annually. 

To keep all of this in perspective, it’s helpful to remember the American Heart Association’s recommendations for sugar intake.

  • Men should consume no more than 9 teaspoons (36 grams or 150 calories) of added sugar per day.
  • Women, the number is lower: 6 teaspoons (25 grams or 100 calories) per day. Consider that one 12-ounce can of soda contains 8 teaspoons (32 grams) of added sugar!  There goes your whole day’s allotment in one slurp.
We’re talking about ‘THE SWEETEST TABOO’ aka ‘SUGAR’ with musical inspiration from Sade on this episode of Divabetic’s podcast.

Often, High Voltage starts her day by saying, “I am happy! I am healthy! I am the best, and I deserve the best!”

My friend Paulette McWilliams offers this beautiful rendition of Luther Vandross’s song, “So Amazing”, arranged by Grammy winner ( Gregory Porter) Kamau Kenyatta.

Whatever the case, self-talk is the most potent form of communication because it either empowers you or defeats you.

Join us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much celebration featuring a Panel discussion, Fashion Show, Luther Games, Live Performances, and Live DJ on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at Thread Lounge in New York City. Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!

Luther Vandross was known for wearing rhinestones, tuxedos, and tailcoats on stage. He wore Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Tom Ford off-stage! He wasn’t afraid of wearing bright colors, animal prints, geometric patterns, and/or fringe. His style and incredible showmanship brought him legions of fans worldwide.

We’re celebrating the glitz and glamour that made his concerts more memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.

PANEL: How the Magic on Stage happened! Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, and Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell help us get a closer look at the Shine of the Rhinestones, Big Luscious Hairstyles, and Bold Makeup to the Graceful Moves and Tight Harmonies. Hosted by Max Szadek.

FASHION SHOW: Designers showcase their gorgeous creations inspired by the romance and elegance of Luther Vandross. See the latest styles from Harlem’s Heaven and Modafleur, and more! Hosted by

PERFORMANCE: Luther’s most iconic songs performed by Luther’s most iconic songs by vocalist Keith Anthony Fluitt.

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Learn To Rest, Not To Quit

Living with diabetes can be tough, but you’re doing an amazing job so far! You’re taking care of yourself by watching what you eat, making time for physical activity, taking your medication, and checking your blood sugar levels regularly. However, sometimes it can be discouraging when you’re not seeing the results you were hoping for or when you develop health problems despite all your efforts.

Just remember that it’s okay to feel frustrated, discouraged, or burned out. It happens to many people with diabetes. You’re not alone!

It’s important to be kind to yourself and celebrate the progress you’re making every day. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted friend or a therapist for support. Your healthcare team is also there to help you refocus on new ideas and strategies.

Instead of focusing on big goals, try taking small steps toward achieving them. For example, lowering your A1c by 1% can be a great start. Remember, every little step counts, and you’re still headed in the right direction.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, it’s important to tap into encouragement, insights, and support from people who’ve been there. Divabetic is partnering with Diabetes Sisters to offer in-person and online group support and webinars. Accessing the right kind of support is essential to avoid burnout and continue taking care of yourself and your health. Keep up the good work!

Sia is helping Mr. Divabetic to shed some light on the emotional side of diabetes, including depression.  If you have diabetes — either type 1 or type 2 — you have an increased risk of developing depression. And if you’re depressed, you may have a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes. The good news is that diabetes and depression can be treated together. Effectively managing one can have a positive effect on the other.

Sia has made evoking viewers’ raw emotions from her videos a habit. Her usage of Maddie Ziegler with wild choreography, coupled with the black background, emphasizes the hurt and longing in Sia’s voice. She’s also the voice behind hit songs like ‘Chandelier’ and ‘Diamonds’, but the Grammy-nominated artist might be best known for not showing her face at public events. 

“If anyone besides famous people knew what it was like to be a famous person, they would never want to be famous,” Sia wrote. ““I don’t want to be famous or recognizable. I’ve been writing pop songs for pop stars now for a couple of years, and I’ve become friends with them and see what their life is like, and that’s not something I want.”

Sia has incredible talent that does not go unnoticed. The podcast will play selected cuts from Sia’s “1000 Forms of Fear” album courtesy of SONY Music. 

Guests include Dr. Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDE, Poet Lorraine Brooks, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Mama Rose Marie, and Zippora Karz, a former NYC Ballet Solo Ballerina with type 1 diabetes and author of the memoir “The Sugarless Plum”.

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Love Across Life Stages Of Diabetes Survey

If you’re living with diabetes, then you know firsthand the challenges it can bring to daily life, including in your relationships.

My organization, Divabetic, is proud to partner with Diabetes Sisters on the first-ever survey on love and relationships for women with diabetes, entitled Love Across Life Stages of Diabetes. 

By taking this survey, you can help our organizations better understand your unique experiences and struggles with diabetes and their partners. Your insights can lead to better resources and programming to support you.

Your voice matters, and your participation in this survey can make a real difference. Please take a few moments to share your thoughts and experiences by taking this unique survey.

For the past 64 years. Barbie has been a part of our lives, a cultural touchstone, or the quintessential image of what a woman should be but never will be – a sex or beauty object.

Greta Gerwig’s big screen makeover and the related marketing blitz are making us revisit and reevaluate Barbie’s impact on our lives, including our sex lives. After all, if Barbie and Ken are confused about what to do at sleepovers, you might be too, especially if you’re dealing with sexual health issues related to diabetes. Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in nearly all countries. People with diabetes experience sexual dysfunction more often than the general public.

Podcast guests: Dr. Janis Roszler PhD, LMFT, RDN, LD/N, CDCES, FAND, and Donna Rice, MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES, the co-authors of Divabetic’s new e-book, Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love and Intimacy with Diabetes, available on Amazon.

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Iconic Fashions by ModaFleur

My very smart, talented, gracious, stylish, and beautiful niece, Jacklene Creekmore, has a design company, ModaFleur, offering elegance in fashion, accessories, and tableware at affordable prices. She’s also the Brand Model!!!

Jacklene stayed with me in New York City during her summers at college. She was a fashion intern for American fashion designer Tracy Reese. Since we have a family history of diabetes, she would often attend our monthly Divabetic support meetings at the McBurney YMCA. Jacklene’s father has type 1 diabetes and my maternal grandmother had type 2 diabetes. Jacklene also helped out at our Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes outreach program in Atlanta, GA. In this program, we mixed beauty and fashion tips with diabetes self-care management advice.

With passion and dedication, Jacklene has curated a collection of bold clothing, captivating jewelry, and exquisite tabletop linens. She believes that fashion is not just what you wear; it’s how you live in your everyday world. 

This mother of two juggles a business, marriage, and motherhood with style and grace! She hopes you allow Modafleur to help you express your own unique style, allowing you to shine with authenticity and originality.

Modafleur is a fabulous way to glamorize good health!! Speaking of ways to glamorize good health, please take a minute to fill out Divabetic and Diabetes Sisters Love Across All Life Stages of Diabetes Survey.

Living with diabetes can be challenging, especially when it comes to relationships. Participating in this survey can help these organizations better understand your unique experiences and struggles, leading to better resources and programming to support you. Your voice matters, and your participation in this survey can make a real difference. Your answers will help us focus our ongoing outreach efforts over the next year.


So, take a few moments to share your thoughts and experiences by taking this unique survey. Together, we can help improve the lives of those living with diabetes and their partners. Thank you for your participation.

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I Wrote A Love Song!: Standards

The moment you wake up on Valentine’s Day and realize you wrote a love song!!!

STANDARDS is my homage to many of the greatest female vocalists of all time, who sang with their hearts on the Quiet Storm. Many of these icons’ personal and professional journeys hit close to home to my friends, vocalists Crystal Blackman Wilson and Penny Wilson.

I sent them my lyrics sheet and a recording of myself singing the melody. Penni called me a few days later and said she loved the song, but my vocal skills needed some TLC. Thankfully, Penni and Crystal got to work. They tweaked a few lyrics (Penni came up with the hook, and Crystal came up with the melody). Then, my friend Ivan Hampden Jr. jumped on it and built the song. It was an amazing collaboration. I feel so fortunate to work with talented people I greatly admire. Crystal, Penni, and Ivan bring to life my personal reflections and set them to music. My friend and graphic designer George Corsillo (who designed multiple album covers for Luther Vandross) designed the artwork.

https://open.spotify.com/track/3B1Ash4Rhg7HcZzD3sx4tP?si=f503fb19b9e9409b

“The women mentioned in the song are legends to my sister and me,” says Penni Wilson. “We grew up listening to Sarah Vaughan and idolized Etta James and Dionne Warwick. They inspired us to sing in the first place.”

Romantic relationships play an important role in our everyday lives. But when diabetes enters the picture, it can complicate even the most loving and open relationships. Divabetic’s e-book, “Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide To Love & Intimacy With Diabetes,” Dr. Janis Roszler PhD, LMFT, CDCES, LD/N, FAND, and Donna Rice MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES is available on Amazon. Get Your Copy Today!

“Sweet Romance” Co-Authors Janis Roszler and Donna Rice offer advice on discussing your diabetes diagnosis as well as issues related to intimacy, fertility, and menopause,

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Fill Out Our Love Across Life Stages of Diabetes Survey

If you’re living with diabetes, then you know firsthand the challenges it can bring to daily life, including in your relationships.

That’s why my organization, Divabetic, is proud to partner with Diabetes Sisters on the first-ever survey on love and relationships for women with diabetes, entitled Love Across Life Stages of Diabetes.

By taking this survey, you can help our organizations better understand your unique experiences and struggles with diabetes and their partners. Your insights can lead to better resources and programming to support you.

Your voice matters, and your participation in this survey can make a real difference. Please take a few moments to share your thoughts and experiences by taking this unique survey.


Co-authors of Divabetic’s ebook, “Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide To Love & Intimacy With Diabetes,” Dr. Janis Roszler PhD, LMFT, CDCES, LD/N, FAND, and Donna Rice MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES offer advice on discussing your diabetes diagnosis as well as issues related to intimacy, fertility, and menopause with the people you care about the most. 

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Who Do You Tell About Your Diagnosis on An Upcoming Podcast

Living with diabetes can be a challenging experience, especially when it comes to your relationships. That’s why it’s important to talk to your loved ones about your diabetes diagnosis and how it affects your life. It can help you surround yourself with a more supportive and encouraging environment. Co-authors of Divabetic’s ebook, “Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide To Love & Intimacy With Diabetes,” Dr. Janis Roszler PhD, LMFT, CDCES, LD/N, FAND, and Donna Rice MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES offer advice on discussing your diabetes diagnosis as well as issues related to intimacy, fertility, and menopause with the people you care about the most.

Their podcast interview will air on Tuesday, February 13, 2204.

To help us better understand your unique experiences and struggles with diabetes, the national nonprofits Divabetic and Diabetes Sisters are partnering on the first-ever survey on love and relationships for women with diabetes on the same day. This survey, titled “Love Across All Life Stages of Diabetes,” allows you to share your thoughts and experiences with us so we can create more meaningful programming and resources to serve you.

Please take a few moments out of your day to participate in this survey. You can find the link on our websites, Divabetic.Org and DiabetesSisters.Org, and our social media platforms.

Your input can make a difference in the lives of other women living with diabetes.

Divabetic’s ebook, “Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide To Love & Intimacy With Diabetes,” is available at Amazon.

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The Mountain Meditation with Rachel Zinman

Mr. Divabetic talks with international Yoga Teacher and Author Rachel Zinman, living with LADA diabetes, who shares a guided meditation, “The Mountain Meditation.”

The Mountain Meditation by Jon Kabat-Zinn, encourages us to seek inner stability and peace, even amid unpredictable change and chaos.

See if you can sit like the mountain, still and grounded through the changes of weather, time, and seasons, allowing day and night to come and go, accepting change, not resisting it.

This meditation is usually done in a sitting position, either on the floor or a chair. 

Remember that taking time daily to meditate and connect with your inner self can greatly benefit your overall well-being and diabetes wellness. The Mountain Meditation is a great way to ground yourself and find stability, even amid chaos and uncertainty. Practicing this meditation regularly can help you to better navigate life’s ups and downs with greater ease and resilience. So take a deep breath, find a comfortable seat, and allow yourself to be still like a mountain. 

In her book, Yoga for Diabetes, Rachel Zinman shares her journey and the hard-won wisdom gained from her own experience of yoga and diabetes.

The Subway Bhaktis are musicians and yoga teachers Nyck Jeanes and Rachel Zinman based in Byron Bay, Australia.

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Divabetic’s Murder Plain As Vanilla Mystery Podcast is Fully Animated On YouTube

Enjoy our animated video playlist of Divabetic’s 10th Annual Mystery podcast, “Murder Plain As Vanilla”, streaming on Spotify, iTunes, and BlogTalkRadio.

If you love listening to our annual mystery podcast, you’re in for a treat. We animated every podcast scene this year, including our colorful characters and situations.

Animating our tenth annual mystery podcast is a beautiful way to celebrate a decade of our team’s work. Our team of educators, mystery writers, advocates, friends, and family step out of their comfort zone to become voice actors and perform in our podcasts. We appreciate their time, talent, and enthusiasm for this yearly project.

Animating this year’s mystery podcast was an eye-opening experience for Divabetic founder Max Szadek, who writes, produces, and directs these yearly podcasts.

“The animation brings out the entertaining approach to diabetes education,” says Max Szadek. “It also reinforces key messages in diabetes, self-care, nutrition, and health and wellness.”

Our mystery podcast isn’t only for mystery lovers. It’s a fun way to learn about diabetes and self-care. In between colorful characters, crazy adventures, and mysterious surroundings, we pack health and wellness tips that can help you take charge of your diabetes. We also encourage you to think like a detective the next time you experience unexpected blood sugar fluctuations. Search for clues, collect data, talk to witnesses, and bring your ideas to the authorities (healthcare collaborators) for solutions. A team approach to managing your diabetes isn’t a bad idea either.

Here’s a short synopsis of Divabetic’s 10 Annual Mystery podcast, “Murder Plan As Vanilla”: When Mr. Divabetic’s arch-nemesis baking sensation Renata Whisk calls, offering a chance to participate in the Visions of Vanilla baking competition, he can’t refuse. It’s an invitation to compete against culinary giants Best-Selling Cookbook Author Lily Frost, Green Thumb Gourment, Hazel Honeywell, and the Cannoli Countess and, most importantly, a chance to pay back his debt owed to his mother. But before Max’s hands touch flour, he discovers the dead body of the Vanilla King of Madagascar. As luck has it, Max is the last person to see the Vanilla King alive. To prove his innocence, he enlists his team, USA Today’s best-selling author Tonya Kappes, health educator MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR, and his mother, Mama Rose Marie.

But when another baker’s dead body is found near Max’s station, even his mother tastes a recipe for disaster. Now, armed with only Renata Whisk’s Puffed Pastry recipe, a rolling pin, and his team’s expertise in solving murders and dispersing diabetes health information, Max has no choice but to solve the mystery or at least die trying.

Divabetic Mysteries: “Murder Plain As Vanilla” features Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Dave Jones, Seveda Williams, Leisa Chester Weir, and Amparo Peterkin. Written by Max Szadek and Wendy Radford. Produced by Leisa Chester Weir. Animated by Max Szadek

Enjoy all of Divabetic Mysteries Podcasts streaming on Blog TalkRadio, iTunes, and Spotify: “Pink Panther,” “Phantom of the Okra, “Suspect Boulevard,” “Gypsies, Tramps & Peas Swan Wake, Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes”, “Kill Me Madam,” “A Christmas Peril”, “Tomorrow Is Not On the Menu.”

Website: Divabetic.Org

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