Understanding and Treating Heart Attack, Panic Attack, and Hypoglycemic Reaction Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDE

Heart attack, panic attack, and hypoglycemic reaction (low blood glucose) have symptoms which are common to all three conditions. However, treatment for all three are very different.

Symptoms of a Heart Attack:

Shortness of breath

Pressure, tightness, pain, or a squeezing or aching sensation in your chest or arms that may spread to you neck, jaw, shoulder, or upper back. (Note: women may have a heart attack without chest pain.)

Indigestion, heartburn or abdominal discomfort

Nausea or vomiting

Cold sweat

Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness

Unusual fatigue

Symptoms of a Panic Attack:

Sensations of shortness of breath or being smothered

Over-breathing (hyperventilating)

Nausea or abdominal distress

Dry heaving and/or gagging

Sweating

Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded or faint

Feeling of choking

Palpitations and/or accelerated heart rate

Chills or hot flushes

Trembling or shaking

Numbness or tingling sensations

Fear of losing control or going insane

Feeling that death is imminent

Symptoms of a Hypoglycemic Reaction (Low Blood Glucose):

Rapid heartbeat

Blurry vision

Sudden nervousness

Unexplained fatigue

Pale skin

Headache

Hunger

Shaking

Dizziness

Skin tingling

Sudden mood changes

Trouble thinking clearly or concentrating

Loss of consciousness, seizure, coma

What You Should Know About a Heart Attack

Heart disease is the most common cause of death for both women and men in the United States. However, of the nearly 500,000 heart attack deaths that occur each year, more than 239,000 are in women. Women’s symptoms may occur more often when women are resting. Mental stress may trigger heart attack symptoms in women. Sweating is typical for a heart attack, as is nausea, especially for women. Women of all ages should take heart health seriously. Women under the age of 65, and especially those with a family history of heart disease, need to pay close attention to heart disease risk factors. A heart attack is dangerous, and requires prompt medical attention.

You can’t deep-breathe your way out of a heart attack, but you can deep-breathe your way through a panic attack. If you feel your heart is racing, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth several times in a row. If it helps, you’re probably just panicking.  If it’s a heart attack, that deep-breathing is going to hurt.

What You Should Know About a Panic Attack

A panic attack is very sudden in onset and includes an intense fear and anxiety. Panic attacks will be over within 10 minutes (and often less), while heart attacks can last much longer. During a panic attack your body goes into fight or flight mode – your breathing rate increase, muscles tense, and heart rate quicken. A panic attack imposes no immediate danger; it is not going to cause a heart attack. Though it can feel like it, a panic attack won’t kill you.

What You Should Know About a Hypoglycemic Reaction (also known as an Insulin Reaction)

The American Diabetes Association defines hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose, in terms of two levels. Level 1 is when the blood glucose level is lower than 70 mg/dL. Level 2, known as severe hypoglycemia, is when the blood glucose level is lower than 54 mg/dL and requires the assistance from another person to treat. Severe hypoglycemia is classed as a diabetes emergency. If you experience any of the symptoms of hypoglycemia, even if you suspect anxiety, you should check your blood glucose. If you have low blood glucose and it causes symptoms, do not ignore it. Low blood glucose can be potentially life-threatening.

How to Treat a Heart Attack:

Call 911 or your local emergency number. Whenever you’re in doubt about your symptoms, seek care without delay. Only medical tests can rule out the possibility of a heart attack.

Chew and swallow an aspirin, unless you are allergic to aspirin or have been told by your doctor never to take aspirin.

Take nitroglycerin, if prescribed.

Begin CPR if the person is unconscious.

Lifestyle Changes to Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease:

Quit or don’t smoke.

Exercise regularly.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Eat a healthy diet that includes whole grains, a variety of fruits and vegetables, low fat or fat-free dairy products, and lean meats. Avoid saturated or trans fat, added sugars, and high amounts of salt.

How to Treat a Panic Attack:

Use deep breathing. While hyperventilating is a symptom of panic attacks that can increase fear, deep breathing can reduce symptoms of panic during an attack.

Close your eyes. Some panic attacks come from triggers that overwhelm you.  To reduce the stimuli, close your eyes during your panic attack.  This can block out any extra stimuli and make it easier to focus on your breathing.

Find a focus object. Some people find it helpful to find a single object to focus all of their attention on during a panic attack.  Pick one object in clear sight and consciously note everything about it.

Picture your happy place. What’s the most relaxing place in the world that you can think of and picture yourself there; try to focus on the details as much as possible. This place should be quiet, calm, and relaxing.

Lifestyle Changes to Manage Panic Symptoms:

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, smoking and recreational drugs. All of these can trigger or worsen panic attacks.

Practice stress management and relaxation techniques. For example, yoga, deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation may be helpful.

Get physically active. Aerobic activity may have a calming effect on your mood.

How to Treat a Hypoglycemic Reaction:

Early symptoms can usually be treated by following the 15-15 rule. Eat or drink 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate. Fast-acting carbohydrates are foods that are easily converted to sugar in the body, such as glucose tablets or gel, fruit juice, or regular soda (not diet soda).

Check your blood glucose again in 15 minutes. If it is still low (below 70 mg/dL) repeat the step above.

If your next meal is more than an hour away, you will need to eat one carbohydrate choice as a snack (along with protein) to keep your blood glucose from going low again.

If you have type 1 diabetes and your blood glucose drops too low, you may pass out. If you do, a drug called glucagon should be injected into your skin, like you do with insulin This can be done by a family member or friend who has been taught how to do it. Since glucagon may cause you to vomit, you should be placed on your side when the injection is given. If no one knows how to give the injection, you should be taken to a hospital. You need a prescription for a glucagon kit. You should awaken about 10 minutes after the glucagon is injected. If you do not, you should be taken to a hospital at once.

Lifestyle Changes to Manage Blood Glucose:

Pay attention to feelings of hunger and give your body what it needs to function properly.

Always carry a fast-acting carbohydrate with you in case you need to treat an insulin reaction.

If you can’t figure out why you have low blood glucose, call your healthcare provider, as your medicine may need to be adjusted.

Understanding the symptoms for heart attack, panic attack, and hypoglycemia is important so you can receive the right treatment. In addition, it’s also important to make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of heart attack, manage panic symptoms, and manage blood glucose. 

Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE

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.

Join us for Clued Inn Escape Room, the first-ever, free Diabetes & Heart Health Escape Room Experience on National Diabetes Alert Day, Tuesday, March 26, 2019, 5- 10PM in New York City. Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Space Limited.  BOOK NOW 

Get Clued Inn About Your Shape

Divabetic hosts a sneak peek of Clued Inn: The First-Ever Diabetes & Heart Health Escape Room Experience at Hale Organic Salon in New York City scheduled for National Diabetes Alert Day, Tuesday, March 26, 2019 sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Guest presenters: Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Susan Weiner MS RDN CDE CDN FAADE, Catherine Schuller and Joe Murray will be discussing how your body shape relates to your risk for heart disease.

Does your Body Shape signal Heart Problems?

Having an apple shaped body – one where too much fat is stored around the middle (waist) –  may be a warning sign that you are at risk for heart disease and other health problems, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer states Dr. Tony Hampton, an obesity expert at Advocate Trinity Hospital in Chicago and a member of the Obesity Medicine Association.

A clue to your risk is where your body stores excess fat. So, paying attention to the size of your waistline may be a more effective strategy for good health than focusing strictly on your Body Mass Index (BMI), or your overall weight.

Body types shaped like a carrot, a pear or an hour glass tend to carry lower risk for heart disease, even when carrying extra fat.Divabetic’s Sneak Peek for Clued Inn: Diabetes & Heart Health Escape Room features Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller, Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE (author of MY SWEET LIFE: Successful Men with Diabetes and MY SWEET LIFE: Successful Women with Diabetes), Susan Weiner MS RDN CDE CDN FAADE (author of The Complete Diabetes Organizer, Diabetes: 365 Tips for Living Well) Hale Organic Salon owner and Master Stylist Joe Murray. The program is hosted by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek.

Don’t miss Clued Inn, the first-time Diabetes & Heart Health Escape Room Experience scheduled for Diabetes Alert Day, Tuesday, March 26, 2019 in New York City sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Free Admission. Space Limited. BOOK NOW

‘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.

Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy

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. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE

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.

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

Holly Clegg’s Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

All we can think about lately are dumplings as we gear up for February’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music from  Dumplin’ (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Dolly Parton courtesy of SONY Music on Tuesday, February 12, 2019.  

The film, Dumplin’ is based on the book of the same name by Julie Murphy. It tells the story of Willowdean “Dumplin'” Dickson (actress Danielle Macdonald), the plus-sized teenage daughter of former beauty queen Rosie Dickson (actress Jennifer Aniston), who signs up for her mom’s teenage pageant as a protest.

“Netflix’s Dumpin’ film has an emotionally impactful message of self-acceptance, wrapped in a charming coming-of-age story and steeped in Dolly Parton music,” says ScreenRant. 

I reached out to my friend, Best-Selling Cookbook Author Holly Clegg for a healthy dumpling recipe.

“This ultimate comfort food and soothing soup is made with rotisserie chicken and chicken and drop dumplings and is ready in no time at all!,” says Holly Clegg.  

Easy Chicken and Dumplings from Holly Clegg’s KITCHEN 101 cookbook

Ingredients 

1 onion, chopped

1 cup baby carrots

1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

6 cups fat-free low sodium chicken broth, divided

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

2 cups chopped skinless rotisserie chicken breast

2 cups biscuit baking mix

2/3 cup skim milk

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions: 

1. In large nonstick pot coated with nonstick cooking spray, sauté onion, carrots, and garlic over medium heat until tender.

2. In small cup, stir flour and 1/3 cup chicken broth, mixing until smooth. Gradually add flour mixture and remaining broth to pot; bring to boil. Add thyme and chicken.

3. In bowl, stir together biscuit baking mix and milk. Drop the mixture by spoonfuls into boiling broth.

4. Return to boil, reduce heat, and cook, covered, carefully stirring occasionally, 15-20 minutes or until dumplings are done. Season to taste. If soup is too thick, add more chicken broth.

Makes 8 (1-cup) servings

Nutritional information per serving: Calories 212, Calories from Fat 22%, Fat 5g, Saturated Fat 1g, Cholesterol 32mg, Sodium 563mg, Carbohydrates 26g, Dietary Fiber 2g, Total Sugars 4g, Protein 15g, Dietary Exchanges: 1 1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 1/2 lean meat

Terrific Tip: A short-cut for dumplings: cut flaky biscuits into fourths and drop into boiling broth or you can even use flour tortillas cut into fourths. You can slice carrots — but I find baby carrots a time-saver.

With over 1.5 million cookbooks sold, Holly Clegg has become a culinary expert on easy healthy everyday recipes through her nationally recognized best-selling trim &TERRIFIC®, Kitchen 101 and Eating Well cookbook series, including Eating Well Through Cancer, (English, Spanish and Chinese editions), Eating Well to Fight Arthritis and Diabetic Cooking with the American Diabetes Association. Holly Clegg attended the Cordon Bleu Cooking School, London. For more information, visit About Holly or The Healthy Cooking Blog for more recipes and tips.

LISTEN NOW: Mr. Divabetic shines the spotlight on author and chef, Holly Clegg, in this half-hour special edition of Diva Talk Radio. This fun-filled food frenzy will feature expert advice on quick, flavorful and healthy eating from Holly’s latest book, ‘Too Hot in the Kitchen:  Secrets to Sizzle at Any Age’

Tune in to February’s Diabetes Late NIte podcast with musical inspiration from Dolly Parton on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, 6 PM, EST. We’re talking about ‘SELF ACCEPTANCE & DIABETES’ with 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.  TUNE IN

Join us for Fandross ’80’s Fashion Brunch on Sunday, May 13, 2018

Join us for the inaugural Fandross Festival presented by the Vandross Family Estate and Divabetic celebrating the musical legacy of Luther Vandross and raising awareness for the prevention of diabetes health-related complications such as stroke.

New York City’s liveliest brunch spotlights ’80’s ‘GLAM’ Fashions as a tribute to Luther Vandross and his love of all things Gianni Versace. $45 Brunch SpecialCome and enjoy a Fun-Filled Sunday afternoon featuring:

‘80’s FASHION SHOW: Our inclusive catwalk features innovative integration with all sizes, shapes, heights, genders, ages, ethnicities, nationalities, persuasions and orientations on the same runway.

DIABETES DISCUSSION: Diabetes by the Decades Spotlights the ’80’s: A Dynasty of Self-Care Discoveries with Dr. Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDE known as ‘Dr. Bev’. Dr. Bev is a Clinical Psychologist and Certified Diabetes Educator who has been living well with type 1 diabetes for over 40 years. Moderated by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek

DIVA RAFFLES: Win a copy of one of Dr. Beverly S. Adler’s books, MY SWEET LIFE: Successful Men Living with Diabetes and ‘MY SWEET LIFE: Successful Women Living with Diabetes’ and the ’80’s Dress of Your Choice!

’80’s DRESS AUCTION: Bid for your favorites over a Bloody Mary or Mimosa and help raise funding for America’s leading women’s diabetes outreach organization, Divabetic.

SPECIAL GUEST PERFORMERS!

Hosted by Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP and Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek.

Reservations Required: (212) 505-0005

ADMISSION: $45.00 (Includes Brunch Entree, one Mimosa or Bloody Mary and Gratuity. Tax not included)

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL TICKETS: Receive 2 Free Raffle Prize Tickets & Goody Bag before 4/20/18

The Vandross Family Estate and the national diabetes nonprofit organization, Divabetic (divabetic.org), proudly present Fandross Festival. “Keep your House a Home” and learn how to prevent diabetes health-related complications (such as stroke) from occurring.

We invite Luther fans of all ages to attend and celebrate Luther’s “so amazing” contributions to music, arts, and culture from Thursday, March 10 – Sunday, March 13, 2018 in New York City.

Fandross Calendar of Events: Fandross Kick-Off Party at Ashford & Simpson’s Sugar Bar on 5/10/18, Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton at the Blue Note on 5/11/18, Fandross Festival at SVA Theater on 5/12/18, Fandross Sunday Brunch at Casa de Femme on 5/13/18. All tickets sold separately on Eventbrite. More event details at Divabetic.org

Fandross Festival 2018 Hotel Accommodations:

Vandross Family Estate and Divabetic have secured a discounted room rate ($239.00) per night at the New York Marriott East Side located at 525 Lexington Avenue at 49th Street, New York, NY 10017.

Call: (212) 755-4000 mentioned ‘Luther Vandross Fan Club’. Hotel’s room rates are subject to applicable state and local taxes.

Self-Compassion and Diabetes Self-Care by Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE

“Be nice to yourself… It’s hard to be happy when someone is mean to you all the time.”
― Christine Arylo

What is self-compassion and how can it help you to better manage your diabetes self-care?

Self-compassion is treating yourself with the same kindness and support that you would provide for a friend. A recent research study conducted with people with diabetes demonstrated that self-compassion was significantly and positively correlated with higher well-being, lower A1C, and higher engagement with all self-management behaviors. Self-compassion is closely associated with emotional resilience, including the ability to sooth ourselves, recognize our mistakes, learn from them, and motivate ourselves to succeed. Self-compassion is also correlated with reduced levels of anxiety, depression, stress, and shame.

Anyone can learn how to be self-compassionate. Begin by acknowledging how you feel. For example, recognizing that you might feel angry (“I hate my diet restrictions and I’m not losing any weight”); victimized (“I know other people who don’t exercise, and they don’t have diabetes”); or doubt (“My blood sugar levels are always too high. Maybe I am a ‘bad’ diabetic?”). Next, acknowledge that others would probably have similar feelings in the same situation. You are not alone. Finally, express kindness to yourself. What would you say to a friend in your shoes? Perhaps you would say: “It can feel very unfair when you try hard to follow a diet program and you don’t see results right away.” Once you shift your frame of mind from a threat state to self-compassion, you are likely to find yourself calmer. Maybe you can review your menu plan and realize that you have included healthy food choices, but the quantities are too much?

5 Simple Strategies to Soothe Yourself

  • How would you treat a friend? Respond to yourself in the same way you would respond to a close friend when he or she is suffering.
  • Explore self-compassion through writing. Write a letter to yourself about your feelings (such as shame, insecurity, etc.) from a place of acceptance and compassion.
  • Write a self-compassion journal. Keep a daily journal in which you process your difficult issues through a perspective of self-compassion. This activity will help make self-kindness and mindfulness a part of your daily life.
  • Change you critical self-talk. Acknowledge your self-critical voice and reframe your observations in a more friendly way. Challenge your negative assumptions about yourself and instead use kinder and gentler self-talk.
  • Taking care of the caregiver. Keep your heart open and help you care for and nurture yourself at the same time that you are caring for and nurturing others.

Self-compassion is about how you motivate yourself; instead of doing it with blame and self-criticism, self-compassion motivates like a good coach, with encouragement, kindness, and support. It’s an example of the Golden Rule in reverse: Learning to treat yourself as you would treat others in need – with kindness, warmth, and respect.

Let’s remember the original and real Diabetes Hero!

Sir Frederick G. Banting, Primary Discoverer of Insulin

If you have diabetes, November 23, 2017 will be Thanksgiving…. And November 14th will be ‘Thanks Given’!

Dr. Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDE 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.

Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE talks about ‘self-compassion and diabetes’ on our blockbuster Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from Whitney Houston on World Diabetes Day on Tuesday, November 14, 2017, 6 -7:30 PM, EST.

Enjoy an exclusive first listen of “Whitney Houston – I Wish You Love: More From ‘The Bodyguard’”ahead of the album’s release date courtesy of SONY Music on November’s Diabetes Late Nite. This 25th anniversary of “The Bodyguard” soundtrack album features the hit song, “I’m Every Woman” echoing the recent statistics that 1 in 10 women are now living with diabetes.

Throughout the podcast we will be talking to experts about ways to safeguard you and your family from experiencing diabetes health-related complications such as stroke, blindness and amputation.

November’s Diabetes Late Nite guests include  Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Constance Brown Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN, Poet Lorraine Brooks, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE, Mindy Bartleson, T1D, blogger at “There’s More to the Story”, and author, and America’s #1 Energy Conductor, Kathie Dolgin aka ‘High Voltage’.

High Voltage’s Secret to ‘Loving Yourself’

‘Love yourself, love your health’ is a catchy saying but putting into daily practice takes time and effort especially for those of us who don’t even like our hair (!)

How do you actually love yourself and your diabetes health? 

My good friend and mentor, Kathie Dolgin aka ‘High Voltage’ is a walking billboard for self-compassion. She’s a health and wellness pioneer, best-selling author and TV personality, who has helped thousands of people get their energy up and their weight down. She has been featured on the TODAY Show, Good Morning America, CBS Morning Show, CNN, Extra, Entertainment Tonight, E! Network & More.

High Voltage believes in the power of Affirmations. Affirmations are statements said aloud with confidence about a perceived truth which have helped thousands of people make significant changes in their lives.

An affirmation can work because it has the ability to program your mind into believing the stated concept.uses affirmations.

High Voltage’s daily affirmations start with “I’m Happy, I’m Healthy” and then she adds a phrase like “I am the best and I deserve the best” or “I am fit, fabulous and fierce!” 

Trust me, it works! I worked with her for several years on her Energy Up! Program in New York and I witness first-hand the power of affirmations in your daily life. Starting your day by saying aloud “I’m Happy, I’m Healthy and I choose to be FABULOUS” is like a double shot of attitude. 

How do you practice self-compassion? That’s what we’re talking about on November’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast. 

Tune in to November’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast on World Diabetes Day on Tuesday, November 14, 2017, 6 – 7:30 PM, EST.

Enjoy an exclusive first listen of “Whitney Houston – I Wish You Love: More From ‘The Bodyguard’” ahead of the album’s release date courtesy of SONY Music. This 25th anniversary of “The Bodyguard” soundtrack album features the hit song, “I’m Every Woman” echoing the recent statistics that 1 in 10 women are now living with diabetes.

Throughout the podcast we will be talking to experts about ways to safeguard you and your family from experiencing diabetes health-related complications such as stroke, blindness and amputation.

Guests include Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Constance Brown Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN, Poet Lorraine Brooks, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE and Mama Rose Marie.

High Voltage is the founder and executive director of the national nonprofit organization, Energy Up!, whose mission is to prevent childhood obesity. Energy Up! is the only health and wellness childhood obesity program built on the Energy Up! Addiction model with a published medical study. Numerous New York City private and public schools, the township of Huntington, Long Island and the Gerald J. Freidman Diabetes Institute at Beth Israel Medical Center have experienced High Voltage’s unique health and wellness programming.

Learn more about High Voltage @ www.energyup.org

 

It’s time to get Sugar Savvy – read about solutions for dropping those stubborn pounds, energizing your body, and feeling great about yourself. Health and wellness guru Kathie “High Voltage” Dolgin will help you retrain your brain to say no to sugar and its harmful effects, and get you on the path to “Fit, Fabulous and Fierce.

Our most successful Sugar Savvy Sister lost over 18 pounds in 6 weeks! *

Divabetic Delivers Big Divas on World Diabetes Day!

Our favorite divas from the world of entertainment, beauty/fashion, poetry and diabetes education, Whitney Houston, Constance Brown-Riggs, Karline Ricketts, Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle, Mama Rose Marie and ‘Dr. Bev’, join us to celebrate World Diabetes Day on Diabetes Late Nite scheduled for Tuesday, November 14, 2017, 6 -7:30 PM.

First up, we have an exclusive first listen of “Whitney Houston – I Wish You Love: More From ‘The Bodyguard’” ahead of the album’s release date courtesy of SONY Music.

The Bodyguard Original Soundtrack Album set a record for the most albums sold in a single week since the Nielsen SoundScan introduced a computerized sales monitoring system in May 1991, with sales of 1,061,000 copies during Christmas week of 1992, becoming the first album sold over 1 million in one week.

In November 1999, Houston and The Bodyguard Soundtrack, were named the “Top-selling R&B Female Artist of the Century ” by the RIAA, respectively.

Whitney’s iconic songs are inspiring us to discuss how to become your own ‘Diabetes Bodyguard’.

Safeguarding yourself and your diabetes health requires a healthy dose of Self-Compassion.

Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE discusses how the ‘negative talk’ inside our heads affects our diabetes. 

How do you talk to yourself?  Do you talk to yourself with kindness? Or do you  beat yourself up for being diagnosed with diabetes, unexpected high’s and low’s, your weight and/or unhealthy habits?

There is a vast difference between feeling sorry for yourself and feeling kindness toward yourself. When you see yourself as a victim, you indulge in selfpity. You are a bottomless pit of misery, and you may find yourself crying endless victim tears.

Dr. Beverly Adler (aka “Dr. Bev”, right) is an award-winning certified diabetes educator and diabetes psychologist. She has combined her first-hand knowledge of living with Type 1 diabetes with a PhD in clinical psychology to serve the mental health needs of those within the diabetes community. She’s also written two self-help books ( “My Sweet Life: Successful Men with Diabetes” and “My Sweet Life: Successful Women with Diabetes”) and many articles, and does speaking engagements.

Constance Brown-Riggs discusses her personal fitness journey as well as her new book, “Diabetes Guide to Enjoying Foods of the World”.

Constance Brown- Riggs is an award winning Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator, and the co-author of the new book, “Diabetes Guide to Enjoying Foods of the World”. This guide provides information on native foods and flavors, strategies for healthy eating, recommended healthful pleasures, dishes for special occasions (or smaller portions), and carbohydrate counts for popular dishes for 11 popular ethnic cuisines. Help your clients learn to quickly identify the best choices for their meal plan, whether preparing ethnic foods at home, eating in restaurants, or traveling abroad.

Karline Ricketts believes“Beauty starts from the inside.”  In 1997, Karline opened her first salon in West Palm Beach, FL, to provide an upscale client environment for a growing ethnic consumer market. This former NYC  accounting professional, who spent many evening hours working for the legendary  Studio 54, retrained and retooled under the tutelage of Paul Mitchell Systems.

You can be an INSTANT WINNER! Enjoy a Divabetic Prize package featuring a Nu Naturals gift basket filled with diabetic safe, low glycemic tooth friendly sweeteners, a Cabot Cheese gift basket filled with an assortment of delicious low-fat cheeses, Dr. Greenfield’s Diabetic Foot, Hand & Body Lotions which specifically designed for people with diabetes with sensitive and delicate skin, and a TRU Chocolate gift box. TRU Chocolate is the only 72% dark chocolate snack that’s sugar free, gluten free, ethically sourced and incredibly delicious. It’s TRU, you can finally eat chocolate and be healthy with their chocolate covered flame raisins, almonds, wafers and gluten free pretzels!

November’s Diabetes Late Nite guests include Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE and Constance Brown Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN along with Poet Lorraine Brooks, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE, Karline Ricketts and Mama Rose Marie.

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.”

CLICK HERE to Listen to November’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast on Tuesday, November 14, 2017, 6 -7:30 PM, EST.

Finding Forgiveness After Decades of Guilt by Gail Eisenberg

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time to share resources and stories in an effort to shed light on this highly taboo and stigmatized topic.

My college friend, Gail Eisenberg agreed to share the following excerpt from her forthcoming memoir on the Divabetic blog:

Visceral congestion, pending chemical examination.

Decades later, those five words on a mustard-yellow death certificate were the only explanation I’d had for my mother’s demise in May of 1980, when I was 14. The question remained: Had my mother killed herself? Without proof, I would allow myself to waver. I convinced myself that uncertainty was better than having to say goodbye. But about 10 years ago, as I approached 40 — the age Mom was when she died — I needed resolution. I was determined to ground myself in facts. I dialed New York City’s chief medical examiner to request a copy of her autopsy report.

Within two weeks, I held the legal-size pages folded tightly in thirds. As I read, I imagined my mother’s toe-tagged body draped in a crisp white sheet as it slid out from the metal chamber, the glint of the scalpel, the snap of latex gloves. The pages of the report included terms I didn’t understand, quantities I couldn’t comprehend, body parts I didn’t know existed. My mother described à la carte.

Then: Final cause of death: Acute propoxyphene and diazepam toxicity. Suicide. 

My list of socially marginalized affiliations grew — motherless, gay, only child, suicide survivor. I thanked God I wasn’t left-handed. I felt sad, yet satisfied. Until I saw something on the document I’d somehow missed:

Notes found at scene to be brought to mortuary.

“Did Mom kill herself?” I’d asked my father many times over the years, wondering if he’d protected me from the truth at 14, hoping he’d tell me at 40.

“I don’t think Mama meant to do it that day,” he’d reply. “All the medications she was on caught up to her.”

READ MORE

Gail Eisenberg is a New York City-based freelance writer who is working on a memoir, from which this essay is adapted.

A common method of suicide attempt in people with diabetes includes uses of high doses of insulin or other medications to treat the disease.

How widespread is insulin suicide?

According to research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, an analysis of overdose-related calls to a poison center suggested that 95 percent of insulin overdoses were deliberate. READ MORE

We’re discussing ‘Diabetes & Suicide’ on Diabetes Late Nite podcast with guests, Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Neva White DNP, CRNP, CDE, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Author Kim Boykin, the founder of thebetes.org, Marina Tsaplina and Mama Rose Marie. LISTEN

If you’re thinking of suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is avaiable 24/7 across the U.S. Call the National Suicde Prevention Lifeline: 1 (800) 273-8255

Do You Have A Pet Name for Your Diabetes or Insulin Pump?

Photo credit: Stephen B. Thornton

Broadway Diva, singer, actress, Soara-Joye Ross, who is living with type 1 diabetes admits that she named her diabetes ‘Sasha’ and her new insulin pump ‘Black Panther’ … how about you?

Do you think giving a pet name to your diabetes and/or your device(s) could help you manage your diabetes?

Personally, I think giving your diabetes, your pump and/or your continuous glucose monitor a pet name is a great idea for helping you to cope with diabetes.  A healthy sense of humor could certainly come in handy when you consider that the emotional dimensions of diabetes are often overlooked by healthcare professionals as well as patients.

“Laughter is the best medicine . . . unless you have type 1 diabetes, then insulin is probably better,” writes Dr. Beverly S. Adler, aka “Dr. Bev,”, who is a clinical psychologist and Certified Diabetes Educator in an article for Diabetes Connect.

“I named my diabetes “Sasha” because she’s like a person to me. She was like a two-year-old for the first several years. Now she acts like a teenager by always wanting to do her own thing and not what I always want her to do!,” says Soara-Joye on August’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

Photo credit: Stephen B. Thornton

Soara-Joye has performed abroad and all over the country. Named, “A True Musical Theatre Diva!” by BroadwayBox.com, this native New Yorker has performed in NY from Broadway (Les Misérables & The Dance of the Vampires) & Carnegie Hall (Jerry Springer the Opera) to the Winspear Opera House in Dallas (The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess) all the way to the Alter Oper in Frankfurt, Germany (Smokey Joe’s Cafe)! She has performed at highly acclaimed regional theaters, Off-Broadway, in Film, (Garden State)and just guest starred on HBO’s new comedy, Crashing, directed by Judd Apatow.

Our favorite Broadway DIVAbetic’s 10 year diaversary approaches in September and she  recently started wearing an insulin pump that she named “Black Panther”. Soara-Joye says her insulin delivery device aka ‘the pump’ has been a godsend for her managing her ‘Sasha’ especially with such a rigorous performance schedule.

“With the insulin pump I can suspend my insulin delivery which is extremely helpful if I’m constantly on stage like I was when I was performing as Deloris Van Cartier ( in the musical, ‘Sister Act’),” she adds.

Photo credit: Stephen B. Thornton

This Broadway DIVAbetic Has An Entourage Supporting Her with Her Diabetes Self-Care

Soara-Joye admits that on ‘day one’ of rehearsals for a show, she tells her stage manager and all involved on the creative team that she has type 1 diabetes. She also shares that her diabetes has a name: “Sasha” and that she’s pretty much another character in the show, that they need to know about.

Soara-Joye with five of her dressers

One of her six dressers on ‘Sister Act’ was standing by in the wings with glucose tablets, insulin and juice boxes just in case Soara-Joye needed any of them. She also helped monitored Soara-Joye’s numbers on her continuous glucose monitor to watch out for trends in her blood sugar during the show. “My main dresser, Alison Clifton and the rest of my fabulous team of dressers were a godsend!,” says Soara-Joye.

Let Soara-Joye Ross Inspire You to Manage Your Diabetes like a Diva!

When you stop to consider that many people with chronic conditions such as diabetes often have to adjust their aspirations, lifestyle, and employment I feel Soara-Joye is truly a diva inspiration. Let Soara-Joye’s openness and creative coping skills as well as her ability to empower her co-workers to be part of her health entourage motivate you to not let diabetes dim your dazzle!

Photo credit: Stephen B. Thornton

Soara-Joye appears in Judd Apatow’s HBO series ‘Crashing’ and will soon be starring as (Delores) LaVern Baker, the popular American Rhythm & Blues Singer from 50’s and 60’s, in the musical, ‘Rock and Roll Man’.

“Managing diabetes is a full time job, but with a little bit of humor we can take it all in stride,” writes Dr. Bev for Diabetic Connect. “Look for humor in a bad situation, and uncover the irony and absurdity of life. This will help improve your mood and the mood of those around you. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use.”

Everything’s Coming Up Roses! We’re going behind the scenes on our upcoming Mr. Diabetic Mystery podcast. ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’ (scheduled for September 12, 2017) with music from the Original Broadway cast of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music.

Our annual diabetes mystery podcast hopes to encourage you to become a Diabetes Detective. Look for clues, search for patterns, investigate the reasons behind your blood sugar high’s and low’s and report to the authorities (your healthcare team) about medical information found on the internet.

On August’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast we’re discussing tips for Summertime Diabetes Management, the Best in Swimsuit Coverups, Body Image Issues, Health Hazards of Professional Eating Contests, Safe Pedicures and Broadway’s Biggest Divas.

LISTEN: August’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from the musical, ‘Gypsy’ features guests Actress, Singer Soara-Joye Ross, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Maryann Nicolay BA, DTR, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Founder & Executive Director of the We Are Diabetes organization Asha Brown, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes and Mama Rose Marie.