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.
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.
I miss the glamour and elegance of Luther Vandross’ performances. All of his dressed-up, glitzy, romanticized love songs were performed to perfection night after night. I loved every sparkling rhinestone, crystal bugle bead, luminous pearl, and shiny metallic thread on his breathtaking encrusted tuxedos. Designer Tony Chase’s wonderous mix of sweeping Art Noveau and geometric Art Deco designs helped Luther transport his audience to a magical place.
Since every show had to look like the first show, these costumes were worn, and the upkeep of these costumes was a nightmare for Luther’s experienced wardrobe department. Beads would break, threads would snag and pull, and collars would get stained. It was aggravating!
But, looking back over a glass of wine, I can appreciate Luther’s keen eye for detail and his unique way of putting on a spectacular show. Combine these costumes with graceful choreography, sophisticated orchestration, and glorious backing vocals, and you get every heart in the audience melt.
It’s incredible to think about the level of detail that went into each show, from the costumes and lighting to the choreography and chrome sets, not to mention the phenomenal talents of his band members and backing vocalists. I’m sure Luther’s performances left a lasting impression on everyone in the audience.
I’m so passionate about this stuff that I’m hosting a Luther Celebration program in New York City on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. This fabulous free event will feature a Panel Discussion with Luther’s backing vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, Luther’s choreographer, James Ervin, a live performance by Keith Anthony Fluitt, a Fashion Show curated by Catherine Schuller spotlighting Luther’s timeless elegance (Harlem’s Hats and Modafluer), a Live DJ, and an inspiring weight loss journey with Graffiti Glamour founder, Alicia Mitchell
I remember Luther performing “The Other Side Of The World” a few times in concert. He would sing a verse or two before sequing into another hit song. Why does this stunning song not get more airplay?
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!
I attended a Public Art Fund talk between two queer black photographers of different generations this week at Cooper Union.
Clifford Prince King lives and works in New York City and is a self-taught photographer and filmmaker; King documents his relationships in traditional, everyday settings that speak of his experiences as a Queer Black man. Clifford Prince King’s initial success came from Tumblr. He now has 47 million followers on Instagram.
Lyle Ashton Harris, from the Bronx, is a self-taught photographer who began his art career in the late 80s. His work examines the impact of race, gender, and desire on the contemporary social and cultural dynamic globally through intersections of the personal and the political. Harris has been widely exhibited globally, and his work is represented in the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum collections, the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, and the Tate Modern.
The slides of both photographers’ work appeared on the wall behind them throughout the conversation. Many images capture intimate moments of desire, affection, and self-realization between queer men of color. Both men often appear in photographs with their friends, lovers, and acquaintances.
Clifford Prince King and Lyle Ashton Harris both have unique perspectives and capture intimate moments of desire and self-realization between queer men of color in their photography.
It’s fascinating to hear about the different concerns and passions that these two artists have regarding their work and how they approach the intersection of race, gender, and desire in their art. The talk was on the eve of Clifford Prince King’s first Art Fund exhibition presented on New York City Bus Shelters & Newsstands. None of the photographs that will appear are pornographic. There is one photograph of two adult men kissing.
I was struck by the different perspectives between the two artists. In his fifties, Lyle was passionate about having the Public Art Fund capture people’s reactions to Cliff’s photographs. Lyle kept questioning how Clifford’s intimate portraits would work in public space, especially in these polarizing times. I understood his concern. Will people who pass by see these photos as pornographic or embrace them? He brought up the topic several times. I felt his passion stems back to his decades working in queer advocacy. When he spoke about his body of work, Lyle said his art saved his life. Having been relentlessly bullied in school, his camera aims to create safe spaces in a marginalized community. His photographs reflect location, space, and time. Lyle is passionate about archiving intimate moments between queer men of color for a lasting legacy. In contrast, Clifford Prince King has less to say about his art. When an audience member asked about the sacrifice of bringing a camera into an intimate setting, he admitted it was hard to date. One of his main concerns regarding his work is his connection to the sites where he photographs. He doesn’t want to betray himself as an interloper.
I walked away, thinking about why and how we create art.
Do we create art solely for ourselves or do we also consider how it will be perceived by others? I believe it’s a combination of both, but it’s not always easy to strike the right balance. For instance, last Halloween, when I was creating my art piece, I knew it would be displayed on the street for children to see. So, I took into account the context and the audience before I began working. However, once I started, I didn’t seek others’ opinions as I wanted to stay true to my creative vision.”
Sitting in the jam-packed audience, I wondered how to treat an unexpected low blood sugar. Experts recommend adhering to the 15-15 rule— have 15 grams of carbohydrate to raise your blood glucose and check it after 15 minutes. If it’s still below 70 mg/dL, have another serving. Repeat these steps until your blood glucose is at least 70 mg/dL.There always needs to be clarity about what foods contain 15 carbohydrates. Here are a few examples:
Three glucose tablets
Half a cup (4 ounces or 120 milliliters) of fruit juice or regular soda
6 or 7 hard candies
One tablespoon (15 grams) of sugar
Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love and Intimacy with Diabetes, book one in the series, written by Janis Roszler and Donna Rice, is your key to a happy, healthy, intimate life with diabetes.
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. Many people don’t know that diabetes can impact physical and emotional intimacy. And intimacy-related issues can be especially difficult to discuss with a partner or a health care provider. But don’t let diabetes hinder the romance. The Sweet Romance series is here to give you practical information and expert advice to tackle this sensitive subject. These comprehensive, interactive guides cover everything you need to know to enjoy a fulfilling sexual and emotional life despite the challenges of diabetes.
Join us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much celebration featuring a Panel discussion, Fashion Show, Luther Games, Live Performances, and Live DJ.
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
On my way to Joe’s salon, Hale Organic, I stumbled upon Frederick Castleberry’s bespoke suit boutique.
New York City offers so many wonderful ways to glamorize good health. Creating your style can empower you to stay on track with your diabetes self-care. Dressing up, showing up, and not giving up are mottos for many women who have faced unexpectedly high and low blood sugars.
The boutique’s pink walls covered in fantastic art looked like a jewel box store, and the sparkle of the jewel-stoned animal lapel pins caught my eye. Nordic Knots described his sense of style as blurring the lines between opulence and playfulness with his bold use of color and mishmash of references and muses, from Jacques Costeau to Pablo Picasso. I was in awe of his eclectic sense of style.
I met Frederick when I walked in, and he introduced himself. He told me how he worked at Ralph Lauren before striking out on his own and appeared on the HBO Max reality show “Stylish with Jenna Lyons.”
We had a great chat about his inspiration for fashion and design, and I saw the similarities between one of his main inspirations, Wes Anderson’s “Royal Tenenbaums,” and his brand.
Frederick’s great sense of humor aligns with his F.E. Castleberry brand’s motto — “The better you dress, the worse you can behave.” His custom-made menswear collection retails for thousands of dollars, along with $550 handmade English loafers, and he has 80,000 followers on social media.
On his website, Frederick emphasizes the importance of shoes for men: “Nothing a man wears is more important than his shoes.” He traveled to Northamptonshire, England, to make his signature footwear.
“The county has been handcrafting Goodyear welted shoes to exacting standards since 1880… The perfect place to try something new, the old-fashioned way.”
As I left the boutique, I couldn’t help but think that Frederick’s designs are truly one-of-a-kind and worth every penny.
If you have a blood glucose level between 100 and 125 mg/dL, you may have prediabetes. If your blood glucose level is 126 mg/dL or higher, you may have diabetes. An unhealthy blood glucose level on a non-fasting test is above 140 mg/dL.
You can either ignore it or choose to make some changes. Consult with your healthcare collaborators about what you can do to reach your goals. Prediabetes is a signal that changes are needed to avoid the development of Type 2 diabetes.
Join us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much celebration featuring a Panel discussion, Fashion Show, Luther Games, Live Performances, and Live DJ.
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.
Kevin James talks about the confusion and prevalence of a PreDiabetes diagnosis in this comedy routine.
Approximately 98 million American adults—more than 1 in 3—have prediabetes. Of those with prediabetes, more than 80% don’t know they have it.
While his routine is funny, it’s also misleading. His approach to brushing it off is problematic because prediabetes is a chance to reset and take action. Prediabetes is a serious health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
Letting it slide, a Prediabetes diagnosis will eventually lead to type 2 diabetes. With equal amounts of regret and self-judgment on top of this new diagnosis, no one is setting themselves up for a ‘win.’
Join a National Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle change program for more guidance and support. This program teaches you how to make gradual lifestyle changes that increase your chances of reversing prediabetes. You’ll have access to professional advice and a community of others on a similar journey to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. You can joke all you want as you work to achieve optimum health!
Gospel Singer Pat Lacy, who has worked with The Sounds of Blackness and Luther Vandross, shares her experience living with type 2 diabetes and how she modified her lifestyle to take charge of her health.
One positive side effect of Kevin’s comedy routine is that Kelly Clarkson revealed her Prediabetes diagnosis sparked her weight loss journey. The TV show host turned her health around by walking, eating a healthy mix of foods, and not depriving herself of an occasional treat.
Not everyone can indulge in a treat. My friend, health guru Kathie Dolgin, known as ‘High Voltage,’ can’t stop eating sugar once she has it. High Voltage chooses not to eat added sugar. She doesn’t believe in deprivation, so she’s found ways to satisfy her sweet tooth with natural sugars and alternatives. High Voltage joins me on this podcast!
Dr. Stephen Bracci & special guest Kath Dolgin discuss the standard American diet.
I’m committed to good health, so I try to walk for at least 30 minutes every day. My family history of type 1 and type 2 diabetes makes me aware that I am at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This information is one of the biggest motivating factors in my life to not take my health for granted.
If you’re like me and worried if you may have pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes, the Centers for Disease Control offers a quick, easy Pre-Diabetes Risk Test.
They also offer a National Diabetes Prevention Program that helps people with prediabetes make lasting lifestyle changes to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.
Working with a trained coach teaches you to eat healthy, add physical activity, and manage stress. With other participants, you’ll celebrate successes and work to overcome challenges. Find out more on their website.
It’s difficult to maintain good health when I’m out on a music tour. The long hours, lack of sleep, and high-caloric foods hinder my goals. So, my morning walk is one way I maintain a healthy habit until I get home.
Walking is a great place to start if you’re looking for a way to include more physical activity and exercise into your daily routine.
According to Medical News, brisk walking or striding at above 4 miles or 6.4 km per hour was associated with a reduced risk of around 39%, which is equal to 2.24 fewer cases of type 2 diabetes in every 100 people. Every increase of 1 km of speed was associated with a 9% reduction in risk.
On tour with Itzhak Perlman, my morning walk is always different because I travel to new cities every other day. I can never get bored when I’m stepping out on new terrain or city streets. However, I understand how daily walking around the same neighborhood or office park can be boring. If you’re worried about staying motivated, finding a music playlist, radio show, or podcast series to listen to when you’re walking can help to keep you engaged and make the time go faster.
My daily walks are a form of meditation, so I try to avoid the phone. If you’re interested in meditating, check out Divabetic’s annual Guided Meditation podcast with our friend, Yoga Instructor, and Author Rachel Zinman. Her friendly, straightforward approach to mediating has helped me calm my mind during these unprecedented times.
But you may also want to pick up the phone and call friends and family to stop you from feeling your walk is drudgery.
People always ask me what music I’m listening to. Right now, Itzhak Perlman’s Cinema Serenade album is on repeat. We just performed several pieces from the album with the Charleston Symphony. Here’s one of my favorites – enjoy!
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.
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.
“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,
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.