The 6 Best Questions to Ask Your Cardiologist

Everyday Health spoke with heart doctors to find out the right questions to ask to maintain heart health, and why they matter.

Question 1: What is my risk of having a cardiovascular problem in the future?

Why You Should Ask Understanding your risk for future heart disease, stroke, aneurysm and the like drives much of your care. Someone whose cholesterol is borderline but who has diabetes and a family history of heart disease will need their cholesterol treated much more aggressively than someone with a lower risk, for example. READ MORE

Question 2: What symptoms might indicate a worsening of my specific condition?

Why You Should Ask You may think you know the symptoms for some conditions, like chest pain indicating a heart attack, but a large percentage of women, and even some men, never experience these signs. That’s why it’s important that your doctor goes over all the warning signs that are personalized for you. READ MORE

Question 3: How important do you think it is to adopt new treatments and procedures?

Why You Should Ask You don’t want a doctor who just jumps on the bandwagon because every new technique needs to be studied and confirmed. But equally important, you don’t want someone so stuck in their ways that you don’t receive the benefits of medical advances. READ MORE

Question 4: Why are you recommending I take this test?

Why You Should Ask Most tests are important but patients should ask whether a test is accurate and reproducible, and will lead to a specific recommendation or change in therapy. Guidelines for appropriate tests can be found in medical journals online; if you look up a prescribed test and have questions about its value, call the office to ask more questions. READ MORE

Question 5: Why are you prescribing this medication?

Why You Should Ask Doctors — not your friends or social media buddies — are best positioned to explain the pros and cons of a drug based on the science. READ MORE

Question 6: Will any changes in my lifestyle make a difference?

Why You Should Ask Cardiovascular disease is an area where changes in lifestyle — diet, exercise, stress reduction, sleep — can greatly impact the course of the condition.

For example, the Mediterranean diet — which is high in vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats, and low in saturated fats and added sugars — was shown to improve many of the risk factors associated with heart disease in a study published in December 2018 in JAMA Network. The right diet is especially important if you are overweight or obese.

Healthline created a guide outlining what treatment options are covered by Medicare for Seniors. Find out the different parts of Medicare and what services, medications, and treatment are included under each part:

Does Medicare Cover Treatment for Heart Disease?
What You Need to Know About Medicare Part C

We’re talking about ‘hush hush’ topics in diabetes wellness such as intimacy issues, fears and food phobias with musical inspiration from H.E.R. on Diabetes Late Nite courtesy of SONY Music.

H.E.R. chooses to keep her true identity a secret but that’s proving harder to do after winning Best New Artist and Best R&B Song Grammy Awards this past year.

Guests include Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND, Michael Priv, Cheryl Farley “Food as Medicine” Nutritionist, Dr. Dugan Maddux and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.

Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from H.E.R.’s “I Used To Know Her: The Prelude” album courtesy of SONY Music.

Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.

Some doctors will go over lifestyle information with you, while others will refer you to dietitians, physical therapists, and other professionals they work with. Be sure to talk to your cardiologist about lifestyle changes to develop a plan that works for you. READ MORE

03/05/201903/05/2019

Combining Heart Health Education and Diabetes Alert Day Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDE

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease. More than one in three women is living with some form of cardiovascular disease.

Women with high blood pressure have an 83 percent higher risk of heart attack then men with hypertension.

Women smokers have a 55 percent higher risk of heart attack than male smokers.

Women with type 2 diabetes are 47 percent more likely to have heart attacks than men living with diabetes.

The good news? Heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions.

Risk factors that you can manage or treat with lifestyle changes and your healthcare provider’s help include:

High blood pressure

Smoking

High blood cholesterol

Lack of regular activity

Obesity or overweight

Diabetes

Risk factors that you can’t change include:

Age

Gender

Heredity (family health history)

Race

Previous stroke or heart attack

Start by knowing your numbers. You can’t manage what you don’t measure, which is why knowing your heart health risk is critical to prevent cardiovascular disease. Talk to your healthcare provider to learn about your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, and BMI (Body Mass Index).

Your heart depends on it. For more information about heart health go to the American Heart Association website at www.heart.org.

Alert ! Day for Type 2 Diabetes Awareness

Tuesday, March 26, 2019 is the American Diabetes Association’s “Alert ! Day” for type 2 diabetes awareness. Each year, held on the last Tuesday of March, is a one-day event that encourages everyone to take the type 2 diabetes risk test and participate in activities that will teach them about reducing their risk for diabetes.

Five factors are used to determine your risk for type 2 diabetes which include: your age, your gender, for women: whether you were ever diagnosed with gestational diabetes, whether you have a close family member with diabetes, whether you have high blood pressure, your level of physical activity, and your weight category.

Only your healthcare provider can tell you for sure if you have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is more common in African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. Higher body weight increases diabetes risk for everyone.

The good news is you can manage your risk for type 2 diabetes. Small steps can make a big difference in helping you live a longer, healthier life. For more information about Alert ! Day go to: the American Diabetes Association’s website

Combining Diabetes Awareness with Heart Health Education

For one night only, on Tuesday, March 26, 2019, you can enjoy a FREE outreach event at NYC’s #1 Escape Room Experience, Clued Inn, with a heart health twist. Clued Inn’s goal is to enliven the mission of the American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Alert Day with a one-day wake up call and encourage further action through an interactive, gaming experience. Clued Inn aims to change perceptions about early recognition of type 2 diabetes, inform about the link between type 2 diabetes and heart health, and promote intervention before it leads to cardiovascular disease.

In many ways, type 2 diabetes is a puzzle since the most common symptoms vary from person to person. The same skills needed to succeed at the game are also necessary for preventing cardiovascular disease for people with type 2 diabetes. The escape room experience fosters the same collaboration as diabetes management. Players explore possibilities, think of creative solutions, ask questions, listen to answers, and try new ways of doing things. No one goes it alone and there’s more than one way to find a solution. All of these behaviors can be put to good use when tackling a health issue with your healthcare provider(s). For these reasons, Clued Inn offers a fun learning experience for everyone to improve problem solving skills and learn about the connection between type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It also gives at-risk individuals and their families better knowledge of the questions and conversations to be conducted at the next appointment they have with their healthcare provider.

Can you escape before it’s too late?

Solve the special “Diabetes and Heart Health” puzzles for a chance to receive prize giveaways, diabetes and heart health resources, and meet with nationally recognized diabetes educators. Online registration is quick and easy and the entire Escape Room Experience is totally free courtesy of the Clued Inn sponsor, Boehringer Ingelheim. For further information, and to register, go to www.CluedInn.org.

Dr. Beverly S. Adler, aka “Dr. Bev”, is a clinical psychologist and Certified Diabetes Educator with a private practice in Baldwin, NY. She was honored in 2016 with the “Certified Diabetes Educator Entrepreneur of the Year Award.”

She is the author/editor of two diabetes self-help books which include insightful lessons of empowerment written by successful men and women with diabetes. She has published articles in print and online about diabetes management – always with the focus on emotional adjustment. Dr. Bev has been quoted in numerous magazines and contributed to a monthly diabetes advice column online. She is a frequent contributor to the Divabetic Diabetes Daily Wire, where she blogs about diabetes topics from the psychological perspective.

Dr. Bev has lived successfully with type 1 diabetes for 42 years. You can connect with her on her website www.AskDrBev.com and on Twitter @AskDrBev.

02/23/201902/23/2019

Carson Daly’s Mother’s Heart Attack Linked to Diabetes

Recently TODAY Show’s co-host Carson Daly shared memories of his mother, who died of a heart attack in September 2017, to help raise awareness about the connection between Type 1 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Nearly two-thirds of people with diabetes have high blood pressure, and, according to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes are two to four times more likely to die of heart disease or have a stroke than people who don’t have the condition.

The connection between diabetes and heart disease starts with high blood sugar levels according to the Everyday Health website. Over time, the high glucose in the bloodstream can damage the arteries, causing them to become stiff and hard. Fatty material that builds up on the inside of these blood vessels, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This can eventually block blood flow to the heart or brain, leading to heart attack or stroke. Your risk of heart disease with diabetes is further elevated if you also have a family history of cardiovascular disease or stroke.

LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Carson Daly and his mother Pattie Daly Caruso arrive at the 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on August 25, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

“I never would have guessed that my mom was going to die of a heart attack,” writes Carson Daly. “She had some health issues — nothing in the heart. No symptoms. Never saw it coming. So I find myself this month being hyperaware about women and their health, as it pertains to the heart. Heart disease is the most common cause of death in American women. And I have been directly impacted by that.”

If you believe you are at a higher risk for heart disease, don’t despair. Learning more about the link between heart disease and diabetes can help you take steps to help protect your heart and manage your diabetes.

Start by working with your doctor to keep your blood glucose level within the target range. You can check on your efforts by having A1C tests at least twice a year; these reveal your average blood sugar level for the past three months. A normal A1C level should be below 5.7.

Join us for Clued Inn: Diabetes & Heart Health Escape Rooms! Complete either the 60 second Diabetes Risk Test or the Heart IQ Quiz and register for free for the first-ever Diabetes & Heart Health Escape Room Experience scheduled for National Diabetes Alert Day, Tuesday, March 26, 2019, 5- 10PM in New York City. Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Space Limited. BOOK NOW

02/11/201902/11/2019

‘Self-Acceptance & Diabetes’ by Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDE Clinical Psychologist and Certified Diabetes Educator

“Figure out who you are and do it on purpose” – Dolly Parton

This month’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast talks about self-acceptance and diabetes. Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek focuses attention on Julie Murphy’s book Dumplin’ and spotlighting the music of Dolly Parton who helped make the soundtrack for the Netflix movie. To summarize (and simplify) the story, it’s about a plus-size teenageddaughter of a former beauty queen, who learns how to accept her body and feel proud of who she is.

Self-acceptance can be an emotional struggle for many people, especially for women who judge their appearance critically. You fill in the blank: “I am too ______” short, tall, fat, skinny, young or old, etc. Let’s remember not to judge a book by its cover! Plus-size people can be superficially judged by their body type instead of what’s on the inside. It’s unfair, but you can’t change what others think. Try to remember to be yourself. People don’t have to like you, but you don’t have to care.

Some people are judged critically for having diabetes. It is assumed, and they are unfairly blamed and shamed, that they lead an unhealthy lifestyle (i.e. eating too many sweets, and being lazy). It’s hurtful to be so harshly judged, especially with no evidence to support those accusations. You know in your heart of hearts what is true and what is untrue. Remember that the most important relationship in your life is the one you have with yourself.

Benefits of Self-Acceptance

Self-acceptance is necessary for good mental health. A person who scores high on self-acceptance has a positive, non-judging attitude. A person treats themselves kindly, rather than harshly. A person allows themselves to be human, to make mistakes and learn from them. Know that as humans we are not perfect, nor should we be expected to act flawlessly.

Psychological benefits of self-acceptance include a decrease in depressive symptoms and an increase in positive emotions. Positive benefits include an increase in feelings of self-worth and self-esteem, and more self-kindness when mistakes occur. Self-acceptance is associated with more optimism and better recovery from stress. Other psychological benefits are a decrease in fear of failure, less desire to win the approval of others, and less self-criticism. Physical benefits include lower levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (a marker for glucose levels/insulin resistance).

Tips for Self-Acceptance

Use self-talk to encourage yourself. Tell yourself to keep trying and focus on positive aspects of what you did.

Forgive yourself. You have to accept your humanness and the fact that you are not perfect. If you hurt yourself through addictive behavior, avoidance, or otherwise behaving unwisely, make a coping plan for the next time you are in a similar situation so that you can begin to act differently. Remember, there are no failures, if you have learned and grown from your mistakes; there are only lessons learned.

Become mindful. Know what you think, feel and want. When you are mindful you can act on this knowledge rather than on what others want for you.

Practice good self-care. You can accept yourself more, when you take better care of your basic needs. Nourish yourself daily through healthy activities, like choosing healthful food choices, physical activity, sleep, intimacy, and healthy social interactions.

Final Thoughts

Challenge your negative thoughts about yourself. The underlying message of Dumplin is to figure out who you are and do it on purpose. Treat yourself with self-compassion. Tolerate yourself to be imperfect in some parts. We are deserving of love and respect just the way we are. Value yourself and all the things that make you unique. We are all works in progress.

Dr. Bev has lived successfully with type 1 diabetes for 42 years. You can connect with her on her website www.AskDrBev.com and on Twitter @AskDrBev.

Don’t miss February’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast in support of the ‘Spare A Rose, Save A Child’campaign on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, 6 – 7:30 PM, EST. We’re talking about ‘SELF ACCEPTANCE & DIABETES’ with musical inspiration from Country Superstar, Dolly Parton. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr.Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Lisa R Young, PhD, RDN and more. Enjoy selected songs from Dolly Parton’s new album Dumplin’ Original Motion Picture Soundtrack courtesy of SONY Music. TUNE IN

02/05/201902/05/2019

#Cluesday

Does you have what it takes to Escape the Room?

Register now for Clued Inn, the first-ever diabetes and heart disease escape room experience presented by Divabetic on National Diabetes Alert Day, Tuesday, March 26, 2019 from 5 -10pm in New York City, NY.

“My experience of working as Luther Vandross’s personal assistant unexpectedly thrust me into a diabetes health crisis with limited knowledge of the disease. I’ll never forget the moment when the admitting doctor told me Luther’s stroke could have been avoided,” says Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. “I realized then, as I do now, how essential it is for friends, family members and yes, even co-workers to be informed and involved in someone’s diabetes self-care. So, Divabetic’s outreach projects like Clued Inn aim to appeal to people living with diabetes and their circle of friends and family members.”

Clued Inn is totally FREE, and you’re encouraged to bring your friends and family members. After taking either the Diabetes Risk Test or Heart IQ Quiz on https://cluedinn.org/ you can choose your adventure from 6 popular escape room themes at NYC’s #1 escape room venue. Plus, special giveaways for teams who solve the diabetes and heart diabetes puzzles.

Space limited. Register now!

12/03/2018

Join us for December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast

We’re talking about celebrating the holidays without compromising our diabetes wellness with musical inspiration from Kelly Clarkson on December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast scheduled for Tuesday, December 4, 2018, 6 PM, EST. TUNE IN

Kelly’s fabulous Wrapped in Red album hasquickly become a gift to our holiday music playlist with an eclectic mix of classic carols and original songs co-written by the singer.

Kelly Clarkson also inspires us to give ‘voice’ to topics such as the HIV Medication link to Type 2 Diabetes, Homeless & Diabetes, Heart Healthy tips, and Holiday Weight Loss Secrets on this podcast.

We’re challenging one lucky listener’s ‘Diabetes Health IQ’ during Mr. Divabetic’s ‘Wrapped In Red’ Game segment.

Can’t wait until Tuesday to test your ‘Diabetes Health IQ’? Then, try your luck at this question before Tuesday’s podcast:

Additinally, Mr. Divabetic shares his top picks from Divabetic’s Wrapped In Red Gift Guide. Enjoy great gift suggestions from our team of contributors including Yoga for Diabetes founder Rachel Zinman , Diabetes Strong’s Christel Oerum, Mary Kay’s Taryn Mcquain Bentaous, Chef Jonathan Bardzik and more!

December’s Diabetes Late Nite guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE, FAADE, Glucose Delivery Necklace co-creator Kris Maynard, Dr. Sara (Mandy) Reece, PharmD, CDE, BC=ADM, BCACP, FAADE, Maria Sakowitz, MS, RDN, LDN, CLT, Type 2 Diabetes – What To Know FB Community moderator Nick Zevgolis and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. TUNE IN

Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Kelly Clarkson’s “Wrapped In Red” courtesy of SONY Music.

Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.”

ANSWER: 4 chambers. The heart has four chambers: two atria and two ventricles. The right atrium receives oxygen-poor blood from the body and pumps it to the right ventricle. The right ventricle pumps the oxygen-poor blood to the lungs. The left atrium receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs and pumps it to the left ventricle.

TUNE IN

11/10/2018

‘Facing The Challenges of Living with Diabetes Everyday’ by Jessica Clark

Facing the challenges of living with diabetes everyday can be tough! And we’re not afraid to talk about it. You shouldn’t feel afraid either to express that ‘the struggle is real’ to friends, family and co-workers.

Need some inspiration for living ‘out loud’ about your diabetes?

Our Divabetic friend, Jessica Clark will stop by the studio to share her experience of living with the up’s and down’s of type 1 diabetes on November’s Diabetes Late Nite. Join us here on Wednesday, November 14 from 6 – 7:30 PM. CLICK HERE

Recently Jessica shared a very personal post on FB describing one of her saddest and most sincere diabetes moments. Below is what Jessica wishes you knew about her, the diabetes edition:

Every minute of my life is a calculation. And if it wasn’t, or I did it wrong, it can mean long-term tragic consequences. Even death.

I don’t feel good. Ever.

If I tell you I don’t feel good, then I REALLY don’t feel good.

It never works the way I want it to.

I can do the same thing every day, every detail, and have it still come out differently or wrong.

No one understands it.

But everyone is an expert on it.

I get judged for it.

It ruined my self-esteem.

Nothing is easy or straightforward

It changed me as a person, and sometimes I hate that.

I wonder how things could have been different if I didn’t have it.

I wonder what I would physically look like if I didn’t have it

I’ve been made fun of by my family and those closest to me regarding it

No matter what, I am seen as a complainer, wet blanket, trying to get attention, etc.

I go to bed every night not really knowing if I will wake up

I’m treated medically by people who learned how to care for me in books that are decades old

It’s fucking expensive to keep me alive

I feel like a burden physically and financially on people

I spend more to stay alive than people realize, even with insurance.

Giant for-profit corporations dictate the care I can receive and my quality of life.

A cure wouldn’t be profitable

My life is “managed” or “controlled”

Once you aren’t little or cute, few people genuinely care or help.

I’ve lost feeling in all of my fingertips.

I am diagnosed as “significantly visually impaired” because of it. Poor vision and night vision in my left eye. No peripheral vision, depth perception, or night vision in my right eye.

It isn’t easy or simple

It isn’t just eating well or working out

People judge and criticize my food choices.

My skin doesn’t get thicker or tougher to harsh remarks

I have to be “rude” and turn down items I can’t or shouldn’t have. (But then if I do have them, get judged or questioned, see above)

I subsequently make people feel “shitty” once I tell them why I can’t have said item.

But mostly, it’s lonely.

It’s really really lonely.

Here are several more of Jessica’s FB posts illustrating how ‘the struggle is real’ for millions of people living with type 1 diabetes:

“Diabetes awareness month real life post! Today was so shitty. Cracked windshield, dead (expensive) battery, so many things. I’m exhausted! Buuuut it’s 11pm and my blood sugar is 48 and I’m TIREEEDDD. But I can’t go to bed, because I might die. Sooo I’m not hungry or thirsty, but I’m drinking a juice box, eating to save my life. And this isn’t a once in a life time dramatic post. This is weekly, monthly. This is my ugly tired 11pm post of diabetes. This is T1D life. Jdrf one walk shirt was not planned lol.” – Jessica, November 2, 2018, 10:07 PM

“Most days, you control the diabetes. Some days, it controls you. Today was that day for me. It’s scary, and painful, but it’s not often. Bad enough I had to leave work, BG high enough I *probably* should have seen an ER (I didn’t, can’t afford healthcare costs. That’s another story. Lol) Shout out to all of my diabetic friends out there living through this shit we have to deal with.” – Jessica, October 10, 2018 at 4:16 PM

“This is the diabetes you don’t see. Tired, ready for bed, low blood sugar. Every time you test it drops lower and lower, and you keep treating and treating. You can’t breath, you’re confused, and your tired! But you can’t sleep, because if you sleep before it’s safe, you might not wake up. This is real. This is my life, every minute, of everyday, to some degree. This is the me you don’t see.” – Jessica, September 30, 2018

“Waking up to messages, comments, shares, from around the world is amazing, and I thank all of you. The gratitude I have, to have this life, and all of you in it is amazing. It is no secret that I am a “loud and proud” diabetic. A sometimes (unapologetically) open book. I love being able to help share moments that are common threads in the Diabetic community, but that little or no one vocalizes. I love being able to express what others cannot, for various different reasons. I would like to continue to do more for the community, in any way I can. I plan to work on more blogs, podcasts, events, whatever. If you would like to join me, come on in!” – Jessica, November 7, 2018

“My reason for sharing these moments is not to put a rain cloud over Diabetes or Diabetics. It’s simply to show how STRONG and how Human we really are. Most diabetics face challenges no one will ever see or know. Giving a voice to some of the moments and emotions is so important. Letting others know your feelings, and offer their help is crucial in being able to LIVE this wonderful life.”– Jessica, November 10, 2018

We’re celebrating World Diabetes Day with musical inspiration from Aretha Franklin on Diabetes Late Nite scheduled for Wednesday, November 14, 2018, 6 PM, EST. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport, Diabetes Strong’s owner Christel Oerum, Beautyphonics CEO and “Beneath The Makeup”Author Suzanne Perez, Jessica Clark, Coach the Cure Health Educator Trisha Artman, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Aretha Franklin’s ‘Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics’ courtesy of SONY Music. TUNE IN

Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.”

https://youtu.be/tcpky_48Z7g

11/02/201805/21/2020

Common Questions About Sweeteners with Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, FAND

Recently we received this question about sweeteners from Linda in Rochester NY, a member of the Divabetic community, who is living with type 2 diabetes on Divabetic’s FB page.

Linda writes “Splenda (sucralose) is my sweetener of choice, tasting the most like sugar. I’ve been told it raises blood sugar. I’ve also heard that stevia does not affect blood glucose levels, but it has a nasty after taste to me. Splenda has a stevia product out that’s not bad, but expensive. Your thoughts?”

We contacted our good friend, a Diabetes Late Nite podcast guest, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator and Best-Selling Author Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, FAND, who consulted to Splenda about two years ago on a small project. Currently, Jill is a consultant to the Calorie Control Council, a trade organization for non-nutritive and low calorie sweeteners like sucarlose and stevia. Below are Jill’s answers and advice regarding Linda’s questions.

Q: Can Splenda raise blood sugars?

Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, FAND(JW): Splenda is a brand. It’s not a specific product. I assume that you mean sucralose, as this was the original Splenda sweetener.

There is no reason to think that a compound that is essentially without carbohydrate (like sucralose) could directly affect blood sugar. A teaspoon of sucralose provides less than a gram of carbohydrate. A teaspoon of sugar provides 4 grams, and a teaspoon of honey provides about 5 grams of carbohydrate. From a blood sugar standpoint, sucralose is the better choice.

Q: Can Stevia raise blood sugars?

JW: As with other non-nutriitive sweeteners (NNS), it cannot directly affect blood sugar levels.

Q: Can you recommend any Stevia products that have little to no after taste?

Some newer stevia products use the extract Reb D instead of Reb A. I find that Reb D tastes better, but taste is an individualized thing. Splenda Naturals is a stevia sweetener made with Reb D. If you hunt around in the supermarkets, you might find others as well.

Q: What sugar substitutes do you recommend?

JW: I have no real preference. I am not fearful of low calorie and non-nutritive sweeteners. Many of the scary headlines are misleading or based on studies that provide only a small picture of the full health landscape. Other headlines are downright false. That being said, I don’t think anyone needs artificial or NNS. We can adjust our tastes to learn to enjoy foods without added sweetness or we can use very small amounts of regular sugar. I use very little of any type of added sweetener, but I use a wide variety of types – both natural and artificial, both with calories and carbs and without. But since I use very little, I know that it affects me minimally.

Q: Can you share a few tips about using sugar substitutes for people living with type 2 diabetes?

JW: If anyone is truly fearful but wants to continue using sweeteners, I recommend using a variety, so no one sweetener is consumed in large amounts. The category of NNS is quite large, and each compound is metabolized differently. Keep in mind that the dose makes the poison. Small amounts of NNS are not considered harmful. But even water when consumed in very large amounts can cause death.

Jill Weisenberger’s comprehensive guide, ‘Prediabetes: A Complete Guide: Your Lifestyle Reset to Stop Prediabetes and Other Chronic Illnesses’ will lead you through dozens of concrete steps you can take to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other lifestyle-related chronic diseases. Taking an individualized approach to your lifestyle “reset,” this book will allow you to choose your own path to wellness, help you gain a greater sense of wellbeing, boost your confidence in your abilities to maintain a healthful lifestyle, and potentially even help you reverse prediabetes and avoid type 2 diabetes and other chronic illnesses. You’ll be feeling better than you have in years! Inside, you will learn to:

Identify your risks for developing type 2 diabetes

Set personalized and meaningful behavioral goals

Identify and build on your motivation for a lifestyle reset

Create positive new habits

Change eating habits for weight loss and greater insulin sensitivity

Choose wholesome foods in the supermarket and when away from home

Tweak your favorite recipes

Reduce sedentary time

Start or improve upon an exercise plan

Reduce emotional eating

Organize and track your progress with tools included in the book

Much more

Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND is a great resource for all things nutrition, food and diabetes. Whether she’s speaking, writing, chatting on social media, appearing on TV or working with individuals, her candid and energetic approach appeals to busy people, and her sound nutrition and fitness advice gets results. In fact, her appreciation for science and ability to translate science into actionable information earned her a place in US News & World Report’s 10 Dietitian’s You Need to Follow on Social Media.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music by Patti Austin. We’re talking about healthy strategies to help you deal with the “FOOD POLICE” with guests: Poet Lorraine Brooks, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Chris Pickering co-founder of ‘The Betes Bros, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Mama Rose Marie.

Mr. Divabetic is celebrating World Diabetes Day with musical inspiration from Aretha Franklin on Diabetes Late Nite scheduled for Wednesday, November 14, 6 -7:30 PM, EST. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport, Diabetes Strong‘s owner Christel Oerum, Beautyphonics CEO and “Beneath The Makeup”Author Suzanne Perez, Mama Rose Marie and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Aretha Franklin’s ‘Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics’ courtesy of SONY Music.

Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.” Enjoy over 175 free podcasts available on demand anytime, anywhere on blogtalkradio.com and i-Tunes!

10/31/2018

Diva Beauty Tips with Beautyphonics CEO & “Beneath The Makeup” Author, Sue Perez

We’re revving up our ‘DIVA’ quotient and making diabetes education dazzle on November’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with special guest, Beautyphonics CEO and “Beneath The Makeup” Author, Sue Perez on World Diabetes Day, Wednesday, November 14, 2018, 6 -7 PM, EST.

Ready to turn up your inner ‘DIVA’? Check out Emmy Award Nominated TV Makeup Artist, Sue Perez‘s expert tips and tricks for the most common makeup problems exclusively for Divabetic:

Q: Why does my foundation look orange?

Sue Perez: Because it’s either not the right shade, your using too much or you are setting it with a pressed powder or bronzer. Makeup will naturally oxidize during the day. Only a sheer translucent powder needs to be used for everyday wear after your base makeup.

Q: Why doesn’t my makeup last?

Sue Perez: If you don’t hydrate your skin it could be drier. Our skin will absorb what you put on top of it to prevent moisture loss. Being a professional makeup artist I always use under makeup primers that will protect your foundation from vanishing during the day. The same is true of eye makeup. Using a eye shadow base will increase the longevity of your eye makeup

Q: Why does my eyeliner smudge?

Sue Perez: All pencil liners tend to move, as they are oil based. Try using a waterproof pencil or apply eye shadow over your liners to set them. Liner used in the water line will move more as we blink our eyes so decide if you need to use liner in that area of the eye. I outline a great easy makeup application in my book that all women can do for a daytime makeup.

Q: Why do some of shades of lipstick make my teeth look yellow?

Sue Perez: Try using cooler colors that have a blue undertone like pinks and reds. It will contrast with the color of your teeth and bring out the white. The same is true of your eyes. Using navy, royal blue or cobalt blue eyeliners, mascara and eye shadow will brighten the whites of our eyes.

Q: How often should I clean my makeup brushes?

Sue Perez: Once per month. Don’t soak your makeup brushes! This can make the hair fall out more from the ferule base of the brush. Just use a little hair shampoo diluted in water, rinse and squeeze out the excess water. Lay brushes flat on a dry surface or towel and let them air dry.

Q: Why do I have to wash off my makeup?

Sue Perez: When I was working as an esthetician I got to see a lot of women with clogged pores and blackheads. I could tell which clients didn’t wash off their make up. Makeup and dirt left on the skin along with any makeup will get absorbed through your pores. Another reason why you should not workout wearing cosmetics either. I talk about this in my book and make recommendations.

Q: The official color of World Diabetes Day is blue. But blue eye shadow seems so 1960’s. What’s a diva to do? How do you recommend adding blue to your makeup?

Sue Perez: Blue is better on any eye color except blue! Brown eyed babes wear dark navy or royal blue of you like intensity. Gorgeous green eyes look best using violet, mauve, and lavender, which is blue based and will contrast the green /hazel and make their eyes appear greener. And for my blue-eyed gals they should use pinks, rose, grey and charcoal smoky shades to contrast that often-fantastic sky blue eye color. ( Note: no one is born with black eyes, they “appear” black. )

Q: For a lot of women with diabetes tending to their self-care cuts into their time to put on their makeup. What tips can you offer to look fabulous without a lot of time?

Sue Perez: Working as a fast television makeup artist I have created short cuts to a quick makeup application. Being Emmy Nominated for my work inspired me to write about my experiences and share my knowledge with the world. In my book “Underneath the Makeup” I have a makeup application anyone can do using just a few products and makeup brushes in 15 minutes! My Book is for ALL women that truly want to understand and define their own unique beauty. You will learn the secrets that are easy and fun to understand so you can do your own makeup effortlessly.

You can also view videos on Sue Perez’s website for more instruction at Beautyphonics.com where we created an instructional self care video that is great for women who have diabetes!

We’re celebrating World Diabetes Day with musical inspiration from Aretha Franklin on Diabetes Late Nite scheduled for Wednesday, November 14, 2018, 6 -7:30 PM, EST.

There are many reasons that Aretha Franklin is the legend of legends, a groundbreaking singer with the fortitude to transcend race and genre, using that tremulous voice as the bulldozer to break down every barrier set up in her way.

Aretha’s own health journey is sparking a discussion about the uncertain connection between pancreatic cancer and diabetes. Long-standing diabetes can be considered a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. It causes a modest increase in risk of 1.5- to two-fold. Some of the other risk factors for pancreatic cancer include smoking, chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), family history of pancreatic cancer, obesity and certain genetic syndromes.

Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport, Diabetes Strong’s owner Christel Oerum, Beautyphonics CEO and “Beneath The Makeup”Author Suzanne Perez, Mama Rose Marie and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.

Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Aretha Franklin’s ‘Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics’ courtesy of SONY Music.

Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.”

10/25/2018

How Much Do You Know About Insulin? Part 2

How much do you know about insulin?

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic has created a new game to test one lucky listener’s ‘INSULIN IQ’ featuring a series of questions about insulin for November’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with musical inspiration from Aretha Franklin’s rendition of ‘Teach Me Tonight’ from her Aretha Franklin Sings The Great Diva Classics album courtesy of SONY Music.

Can’t wait until Wednesday, November 14th? Test your knowledge with these two ‘Teach Me Tonight Challenge’ questions (answers appear at the bottom of this blog post):

3: Which animal was insulin first tested on?

A. A cow

B. A pig

C. A dog

4: What year was insulin first used on a human?

A. 1912

B.1922

C. 1932

5: How many people are living with diabetes in the world?

A. 322 million

B. 399 million

C. 422 million

Are you concerned about the average price of insulin skyrocketing in recent years – nearly tripling between 2002 and 2013?

Join us in calling for increased transparency and more affordable insulin. More than 377,207 people have signed the American Diabetes Association’s petition to support those struggling with insulin affordability. Add your name today. CLICK HERE

Don’t miss November’s Diabetes Late Niteon Wednesday, November 14, 2018, 6 PM, EST.Divabetic will be hosting November’s Diabetes Late Nite with music by Aretha Franklin on World Diabetes Day Wednesday, November 14, 2018, 6 PM EST in celebration of World Diabetes Day.

You may be wondering why November 14th is World Diabetes Day?

November 14th is a significant date in the diabetes calendar because it marks the birthday of the man who co-discovered insulin, Sir Frederick Banting. Banting discovered insulin in 1922, alongside Charles Best. Insulin isn’t just a drug. It’s the difference between life and death for millions of people with diabetes – and it’s something they will need every day for the rest of their lives.

Guests included Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport, Owner of Diabetes Strong Christel Oerum, Makeup Artist & Skincare Expert Suzanne Perez, Mama Rose Marie and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. Plus, win a copy of Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport’s newest book,

“Friendship Matters: memoir, life lessons, laughter” as part of our World Diabetes Day giveaway! TUNE IN

ANSWERS: 1). C: DOG. Canadian physician Frederick Banting and medical student Charles H. Best would be credited with discovering the hormone insulin in the pancreatic extracts of dogs. Banting and Best injected the hormone into a dog and found that it lowered high blood glucose levels to normal. 2). B: 1922. On 11 January 1922 insulin was first used in the treatment of diabetes. Insulin was discovered by Sir Frederick G Banting, Charles H Best and JJR Macleod at the University of Toronto in 1921 and it was subsequently purified by James B Collip. 3). C: 422 MILLION. According to the World Health Organization, 422 million people are living with diabetes worldwide, nearly doubling the prevalence from 4.7 percent in 1980 to 8.4 percent in 2014. In the United States alone, an estimated 29.1 million adults and children are affected.