Disordered Eating Warning Signs on Divabetic’s Podcast

Barbra Streisand‘s The Broadway Album inspires us to stage a scene between 2 friends, starring Asha Brown & Trisha Artman, to bring attention to the warning signs of a disordered eating behavior related to diabetes known as diabulimia on this podcast

The term “diabulimia” (ED-DMT1) refers to this life-threatening combination and the unhealthy practice of withholding insulin to manipulate or lose weight. People suffering from ED-DMT1 may exhibit eating disorder behaviors, or they may only manipulate their insulin and otherwise have normal eating patterns.

This risky practice can have catastrophic health consequences ranging from blindness and nerve disorders to kidney failure and diabetic ketoacidosis (an acidic buildup in the blood resulting from inadequate insulin levels).

Unfortunately, ED-DMT1  is vastly underdiagnosed. Therefore, the first step in treating this dangerous disorder is understanding the causes and symptoms.

In this scripted scene, two good friends are shopping for bridesmaid’s dresses. Their candid conversation highlights some common warning signs of disordered behaviors. A roundtable discussion immediately follows the scene to offer further insight and resources.

 

One of our actresses, Asha Brown, founded the fantastic nonprofit organization, We Are Diabetes (wearediabetes.org). We Are Diabetes is devoted to providing support, education, guidance, and hope to individuals living with type 1 diabetes who struggle with disordered eating behaviors. The other actress, Trisha Artman offers health coaching for people with type 1 diabetes through her company, Coach The Cure. With personal diabetes experience, compassion, and professionalism, Trisha nurtures trusting relationships—promoting healthy changes in an empowered environment.

Divabetic’s podcast guests are We Are Diabetes founder Asha Brown, Maximize Your Metabolism Co-Authors Dr. Noel Maclaren and Sunita Singh Maclaren, Coach The Cure owner Trisha Artman, Dana B. Roseman, MPH, CDCES, RDN, American Heart Association’s Know Diabetes By Heart Advocate Karen Dawson and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES.

In 1985, Barbra Streisand returned to her roots with her twenty-fourth album, The Broadway Album. This return to her theater roots was a massive success, both critically and commercially.

Throughout the podcast, we will be featuring music from Barbra Streisand’s The Broadway Album courtesy of SONY Music.

Tune in over 140 Diva TalkRadio podcasts available for free on i-tunes (‘Divabetic’). Also, get the latest in diva news, diabetes headlines, and inspiration by joining our Divabetic Facebook page.

Divabetic Raises Awareness for Disordered Eating Behaviors on Podcast

We’d like to thank We Are Diabetes founder, Asha Brown and Coach The Cures Trisha Artman for helping to raise awareness for disordered eating behaviors related to diabetes on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast. These two advocates performed a short skit highlighting symptoms and common behaviors of disordered eating before a follow-up discussion with Integrated Diabetes Services‘ Dana B. Roseman, MPH, CDCES, RDN, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES. Below is the full script:

SOUND EFFECT: Street Sounds

Brittany (Asha): Thanks for coming with me to shop for Bridesmaid’s dresses. Glad you made it despite the traffic.

Jordan(Trisha): Sure, no problem.

Brittany: It’s so cool that Ashton’s letting us pick out our own dresses!

Jordan: I know, right? And we finally get to spend some time together. I never see you!

Brittany: Me too. Work is so crazy. I’m bummed I missed Ashton’s bridal shower. I heard about the cake!

Jordan: It was so much fun! Do you mean the Hummingbird cake from Magnolia’s?

Brittany: Yes, it sounded so good like everything else in there. I’m addicted to their chocolate cupcakes with vanilla frosting. I practically eat one every day.

Jordan: No way! If I ate cupcakes every day, I’d be as big as a whale.  How do you stay so thin?

Brittany: You’re kidding, right? I’m huge. Diabetes always gets in the way.

Jordan: What was that?

Britany: Never mind, let’s look for dresses.

Jordan: Didn’t you already show Ashton a dress last month?

Brittany: You mean the blush-colored Vera Wang? There’s extra fabric bunching around my waist now. I look pregnant in it.

Jordan: I don’t believe that! Your waist is so tiny. What are you doing?

Brittany: Oh, you know the same ole thing. Just a few more yoga classes.

Jordan: Why can’t that work for me? I go to spin class four times a week and still, I can’t seem to lose any weight. Hey Britt – let’s take before and after selfies to send to Ashton. C’mon, smile!

Brittany: No! I don’t like what I am wearing.

Jordan: Hey, are you okay? You look kind of pale.

Brittany: I’m fine. Let’s just sit down for a minute, okay?

Jordan: Should you check your blood sugars maybe?

Brittany: No, I checked before we met. I’m fine. Work is stressing me out.

Jordan: Look, there’s a Jamba Juice over there. Shouldn’t I get you something?

Brittany: No way! I can’t drink that. Their drinks are so fatting- just like milkshakes.

Jordan: Are you sure? Don’t you need to drink something?

Brittany: I’m okay, okay? I know how to handle this.

SOUND EFFECT: Street noise

Research suggests that eating disorders are probably more common among women with diabetes than women who do not have diabetes. However, those with type 1 are twice as likely to suffer from disordered eating patterns.

If you or someone you know is struggling with disordered eating behaviors please contact We Are Diabetes.

To hear Asha and Trisha’s performance and our follow-up discussion click on the link below:

Divabetic Explores Diabulimia on Diabetes Late Nite Podcast

Tune into Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast when we raise the curtain on awareness for diabulimia with musical inspiration from Barbra Streisand on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, 6 – 7:30 PM. 

June’s podcast guests are: We Are Diabetes founder Asha Brown, Maximize Your Metabolism Co-Authors Dr. Noel Maclaren and Sunita Singh Maclaren,  Coach The Cure‘s Trisha Artman, Dana B. Roseman, MPH, CDCES, RDN, Know Diabetes By Heart Ambassador Karen Dawson and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE.

In 1985, Barbra Streisand returned to her roots with her twenty-fourth album, The Broadway Album that resulted in massive success, both critically and commercially. 

Barbra’s inspiring us to spotlight the issues and symptoms of diabulimia by staging a scene between two friends followed by a group discussion. Afterward, we will talk to one of our favorite NYC-based endocrinologists, Dr. Noel Maclaren, and his wife, Sunita Singh Maclaren, about their new book. Then actress and Know Diabetes By Heart ambassador and advocate Karen Dawson shares her experience suffering an eye stroke.

The happy healthcare host, Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek paraphrasing Ed Sullivan would like to say that, “We have a really big show tonight!”

We will be featuring music from Barbra Streisand’s The Broadway Album courtesy of SONY Music throughout the podcast.

Tune in over 140 Diva TalkRadio podcasts available for free on i-tunes (‘Divabetic’). Get the latest in diva news, diabetes headlines, and inspiration by joining our Divabetic facebook page.

Click on LINK to listen live or on-demand at any time 

Barbra Streisand’s The Broadway Album inspires Diabetes Late Nite Podcast In May!

We’re raising the curtain on important diabetes health-related topics such as diabulimia, stroke, and insulin resistance on this Broadway-themed podcast.

Are you ready to make a comeback!

Never in its 120 years has Broadway been dark this long. Producers are on Zoom calls every day, trying to figure out when and how their industry can reopen. What are you doing to manage your diabetes health?

There is no way to know your blood glucose levels without monitoring. You need to be able to see what it is you need to do and when you have time to do it. Being able to sync your “to-do” list with your appointments and daily diabetes-related tasks is the essence of creating a time sense and time planning.

Broadway employs 90,000 people and contributes over $2 billion a year to the city’s economy. But theater people and theatergoers can find a measure of comfort in the past. Broadway has faced several existential crises before and has always managed to claw its way back, often more vibrant than ever.

You can do it too!

Sometimes the best way to overcome an obstacle is to identify it. Think about what is keeping you from being active and/or cognizant of your self-care. Then google some of the American Diabetes Association’s solutions to the most common barriers. Is there a solution for you?

Learning effective time-management and diabetes self-management skills requires embracing new behaviors as well as utilizing your own unique strategies.

Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests include We Are Diabetes Asha Brown, Maximize Your Metabolism Co-Authors Dr. Noel Maclaren and Sunita Singh Maclaren, Coach The Cure Trisha Artman, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE.

 

In 1985, Barbra Streisand returned to her roots with the release of her twenty-fourth album, The Broadway AlbumHaving decided that Broadway musicals were no longer in the same league as some of the more commercial music dominating the charts in the early ‘70s, Streisand ended up taking an unforeseen fifteen-year break from Broadway and show tunes. This return to her “roots” was a shock to many, worrisome for some, but ultimately a massive success, both critically and commercially.

From the Putting It Together introduction right through the explosive Somewhere finale, this album is a sumptuous combination of the ultimate in voice, selected material, and arrangements. Standouts include Putting It Together, which kicks things off with laughter and lightness with some biting insights and undercurrents into the hopes and fears of this project, and the upbeat Something’s Coming.

It’s almost time to raise the curtains again in New York City, says Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Broadway needs to come back, and we will move heaven and earth to bring Broadway back,” he said. New York City’s theaters have been shut down for more than a year, since Mar. 12, 2020.

Throughout the podcast, we will be featuring music from Barbra Streisand’s The Broadway Album courtesy of SONY Music.

Tune in over 140 Diva TalkRadio podcasts available for free on i-tunes  (‘Divabetic’). Get the latest in diva news, diabetes headlines, and inspiration by joining our Divabetic facebook page.

Our Third Day of Blue Christmas Gift Ideas from Asha Brown

On the third day of Blue Christmas, my true friend Asha Brown sent to me Honey Stinger Glucose Gels to treat a low blood sugar quickly.

“This product is my go-to low blood glucose treatment!,” says Asha Brown, the founder and executive director of the We Are Diabetes (WAD) organization.  “It’s the best and tastiest glucose gel I’ve ever tried! They also don’t expire very quickly so you can pack them all over: your car, purse, work desk, etc.”

Honey Stinger Organic Energy Gel products provides great tasting, honey-based energy foods made with natural ingredients.  Made with USDA certified organic ingredients, organic tapioca syrup and organic honey. Top athletes as well as many people living with diabetes choose Honey Stinger to deliver concentrated carbohydrates (23 g) during activity. 0 g fat, 0 mg cholesterol. 13 g sugars, 50 mg potassium, 50 mg sodium. Sodium and potassium are vital electrolytes that keep your muscles functioning while minimizing cramping associated with intense exercise. 100 calories per packet.

Honey Stinger Classic Energy Gels are more versatile than other energy gels. Consume it straight from the packet before or during activity or spread it on toast or stir it into tea.

How to Treat a Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

Treating for hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) is usually recommended when a person’s blood glucose level is 70 mg/dl or less. The “rule of 15” is commonly used as a guideline for treatment: After checking your blood glucose level with your meter and seeing that your level is under 70 mg/dl, consume 15 grams of carbohydrate, wait about 15 minutes, then recheck your blood glucose level. If your blood glucose is still low, consume another 15 grams of carbohydrate and recheck 15 minutes later. Since blood glucose levels may begin to drop again about 40–60 minutes after treatment, it is a good idea to recheck your blood glucose approximately one hour after treating a low.

I think Asha Brown is simply, FABULOUS!!! She’s the Founder and Executive Director of the amazing We Are Diabetes (WAD) organization. WAD is primarily devoted to promoting support, education and awareness for type 1 diabetics who suffer from eating disorders. WAD is dedicated to providing guidance, hope and resources to those who may be struggling, as well as to their families and loved ones. 

Asha Brown was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 5 years old. As a dancer, actress and a fitness instructor by the time she was 17, the obsession with maintaining a healthy size and weight while coping with multiple autoimmune disorders (hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome, as well as type 1 diabetes) became a full-time job. Asha’s experience with symptoms of diabulimia led her to start the We Are Diabetes organization.

Today, Asha works with families, patients, and health professionals across the USA. She uses her personal experiences with ED-DMT1 to offer hope and support to those still struggling. She also establishes relationships with eating disorder facilities and diabetes organizations across the county to help connect people to appropriate care. Asha has presented at NEDA, AADE, and JDRF, among others. She writes for numerous websites including Diabetes Health, Diabetes Daily, and Beyond Type 1. She is a member of Diabetes Advocates and BEDA. 

If you or someone you know is a type 1 diabetic who is struggling with an eating disorder and are seeking support, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to WAD

For the past three years, Asha Brown has made our Diabetes Mystery podcasts truly sparkle! She’s played the organic farmer,  ‘Christine’ in ‘Phantom of the Okra’, the uptight, overworked personal assistant, ’Primrose Crump’ in ‘Suspect Boulevard’ and most recently the glitzy burlesque dancer, Coco Mimosa in this year’s Diabetes Mystery: ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’. She truly brings out the best of each performance. I’m so grateful to Asha for sharing her wonderful acting talents with our listeners and helping us raise awareness for diabetes and educate people about diabetes self-care in a fun, new way.

TUNE IN: Don’t miss December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music by Elvis Presley on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, 6 PM, EST. We will be discussing ways to not let diabetes make you feel ‘blue’ during the holiday season with our panel of experts. Guests include ‘Walking With Peety’ Author Eric O’Grey, Chilbrook Kennels Breeder Author, Diabetes Alert Dog and Scent Detection Expert, Debby Kay, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE and America’s #1 Energy Conductor, High Voltage. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring songs from the new “Christmas with Elvis and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” album courtesy of SONY Music. The album brings together Elvis Presley’s best-loved yuletide performances from “Elvis’ Christmas Album” (1957) and “Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas” (1971) re-imagined with sublime and exquisite new arrangements performed by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

NEED MORE INSPIRATION? Our panel of experts, Divabetic community members and past Diabetes Late Nite guests will be sharing more Blue Christmas Gift suggestions on this blog for the next twelve days to help you enjoy the festive spirit of the season without compromising your diabetes health!

Are you feeling ‘blue’ this holiday season?

You’re not alone. Diabetes can cause complications and health problems that may worsen symptoms of depression. Depression can lead to poor lifestyle decisions, such as unhealthy eating, less exercise, smoking and weight gain — all of which are risk factors for diabetes.

The good news is that diabetes and depression can be treated together. And effectively managing one can have a positive effect on the other.

If you think you might be depressed, seek help right away. Your doctor or diabetes educator can refer you to a mental health professional.

https://youtu.be/rqVMfTz_HDU