Reflections of a Unicorn with Type 1 Diabetes by Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDCES, Part 5

Reflections of My Journey with Diabetes

Over the past 46 years of living successfully with diabetes, I have developed some coping strategies that work for me.

Nobody is perfect! It is impossible to manage diabetes perfectly. If my blood sugars are fluctuating, I try to keep a close watch on stabilizing them. Diabetes is not an exact science and many factors, other than just food and insulin, affect their variability. Don’t panic and do the best that you can.

Take life – and taking care of your diabetes – one day at a time. When you look to the past, and focus on what you could have done, should have done, and would have done, that can leave you feeling depressed. It’s water under the bridge. No use dwelling on the past which you cannot change, Likewise, if you look to the future and focus on worrying, such as what if I go blind, what if I contract the Coronavirus, that will leave you feeling anxious. Worrying about the future does not make it more likely to happen or less likely to happen. It just zaps your energy. No use dwelling on the what if’s. The answer is: stay in the here and now.

Connecting with others. My journey which started in 1975 was before the Internet. There were not a lot of resources available for me. Today, there are books and blogs, online and in-person support groups, podcasts such as the monthly “Diabetes Late Nite” podcast hosted by Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek with guests and games to learn about diabetes and have fun at the same time.

Think of long-term benefits. Managing your diabetes is one of the primary ways to reduce your risks of complications. My personal motivation (I know it sounds silly) is to be able to wear cute shoes with heels. The same can be said for staying safe during the pandemic. Even if you are tired of wearing a mask, maintaining social distance, and following hand hygiene, the long-term benefit is keeping yourself safe and others safe, as well. It’s important to remember that you have control over how you will respond to the pandemic and do your part to control the spread.

Last, but not least, is feeling and expressing gratitude. I am grateful that I was born after the discovery of insulin or else I would not have lived to tell my story. I am thankful to all the doctors who have taken care of me during the past four decades. I am thankful to my patients with whom I have learned insights. A big thank you to Max Szadek for our collaborations over the years.  And. most especially to the love and support that I have received from my family. I will always appreciate the encouragement from my parents, my brother, my sister, my son, my daughter, and my step-son.

Wishing you success in your journey with diabetes!

Read Part 1

Read Part 2

Read Part 3

Read Part 4

Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDCES has published two books which include insightful lessons of empowerment written by successful men and women with diabetes. Available for purchase.

Dr. Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDCES guests on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music from Meghan Trainor.

Megan Trainor’s break-out hit, “All About That Bass” features lyrics about body acceptance.  In this case, the bass is a metaphor for the booty. “Yeah it’s pretty clear, I ain’t no size two / But I can shake it, shake it like I’m supposed to do,” she sings.

How well are you at accepting the fact that you’re living with diabetes? Negative emotions such as anger, frustration, hopelessness, fear, guilt and shame is very common among people with diabetes. Navigating your way through a range of emotions as well as learning to accept your diagnosis can prove to be a major stumbling block for many people’s daily diabetes self-care management.

Divabetic on Zoom Coming In February

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk?

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, virtual diabetes support event with style on Thursday, February 4, 2021, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.

Divabetic’s dynamic diabetes empowerment program kicks off with a Hat & Face Mask Fashion Show presented by Harlem Heaven’s Hats owner Evetta Petty.

Plus, a Diabetes Educational Group Activity and Discussion presented by Maryann Nicolay  BA, DTR.

Divabetic (Divabetic.Org) has presented diabetes support meetings with style since 2004. Our exciting mix of diabetes education and wellness advice on fitness, nutrition, and personal l health and beauty and fashion has helped hundreds of thousands of women at risk, affected by and living with diabetes to ‘keep their house a home’ by learning to prevent diabetes health-related complications.

Harlem’s Heaven Hat shop specializes in providing the right head wear and face mask for the right occasions.

Maryann Nicolay is a Registered Dietetic Technician and has worked with the Diabetes Partnership of Cleveland for over 20 years. Her primary responsibility is to develop and implement diabetes education materials and activities in diverse and/or underserved communities. Examples of creative education programs that MaryAnn has developed include African American Family Reunion Program, Best Practices in Blood Glucose Monitoring for allied health professionals, and Diva coaching sessions for women touched by diabetes.

FREE REGISTRATION – REGISTER NOW 

Gospel Singer Tamela Mann’s 50 Pound Weight Loss Began With Walking

Gospel singer Tamela Mann started her  50+ pound weight loss journey by walking, even though walking was a challenge for her. A few months before beginning her amazing weight loss journey last year she had knee replacement surgery.

“During my recovery, physical activity was difficult for me, but I made it a priority to focus on my mental health and nutrition,” she wrote in an Instagram post her procedure.

One month later, Mann recovered enough to begin physical activity again. “Starting to walk without a cane, thank you to everyone for your prayers. The journey continues,” she wrote in the caption on her instagram post.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDnTi3FFayk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Her journey grew to include cutting down her portions, using an elliptical machine, and following WW weight loss program . The program sets you up with 24/7 access to a virtual coach and features a “science-based SmartPoints system” that’s personalized for your age, height, weight, and sex. It guides you on what to eat, cook, or choose at restaurants and parties based on your preferences—no food is off-limits. “We can still drink and eat!” Mann wrote in an Instagram caption.

https://youtu.be/2b03pUrQQIk

Tamela Jean Mann is an American gospel singer, and actress. Mann began her career as a singer with the gospel group Kirk Franklin and the Family. Since starting the WW (Weight Watchers) program she has lost over 50 pounds.

Not even knee replacement surgery or a busy schedule has stopped the star from reaching her fitness goals.

Tamela Mann and her husband, David, are working together on their weight loss reports Prevention. David’s favorite healthy foods during sheltering in include watermelon and eggs.

David has asked Tamela to be his “sugar manager since he was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in 2013 according to the Praying Woman website.” If David strays too far from his plan (she notes he has a weakness for sugary breakfast cereals), she gently reminds him.

“You don’t realize that we drink a lot of our sugar: in our sodas, our sugary juices,” David says. “I just tell people: Cut back off the juice and sodas.”

Tamela pre-plans her meals and typically starts her day with eggs, toast, and bacon for breakfast. “I’m beginning to eat the eggs without cheese to save SmartPoints,” she said. And her favorite ZeroPoint foods, which you can eat unlimited amounts of on the WW plan? Fruit! “There’s a wide variety of fruit [on the ZeroPoint foods list]—I love that,” she told WW.

https://youtu.be/ZK3Q7lJrzdE

The Grammy award-winning gospel singer and actress admits her husband and 31-year-old daughter Tiffany, who also joined WW, are her biggest inspirations.

“It’s nice to have a family member who’s like-minded on this journey! We both have goals we’re trying to reach,” Mann told WW. “Mama has always led by example—she’s a great wife and mother, and an incredible performer. I’ve found myself looking to her to learn how to take better care of my body because she’s taken off! She is doing so good!” Tiffany said of Mann.

https://youtu.be/YzYVporCGTM

WW and Pre Diabetes

Millions of people are estimated to have prediabetes and don’t even know it. WW’s proven weight-loss program can help people with prediabetes manage their weight. Weight Watchers doesn’t have a system for counting carbs, it does provide guidelines for making smart food choices. The WW SmartPoints® system guides you to foods that are lower in sugar and higher in protein.

LEARN MORE

Elliptical machines are easier on the joints and features an uninterrupted circular motion that allows for an impact-free workout. This can be helpful for individuals with knee, ankle, hip or lower back injuries. These allow you to exercise both your arms and your legs.

DISCOUNT ON ELLIPTICAL MACHINES

Gospel superstar, Yolanda Adams is inspiring our conversation about healthy ways to celebrate the holidays on this episode of Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

This Grammy-winning Gospel/Adult Contemporary artist has one of the most persuasive and popular voices in music and works closely with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources to ensure that kids in low- income areas receive immunizations. Along with that nationwide program, she lends her energy and commitment to Houston charities such as juvenile diabetes and The Escape Center. ”I’m very involved with kids because after being a teacher for seven years, I just can’t stop loving the kids. I am a teacher forever.”

“I like to listen to Christmas music year-round. It puts a smile on your face, and then it gets you in a spirit heart-wise to give and be gracious,” Yolanda Adams admitted.

December’s podcast guests include Dr. Bart Roep of City of Hope, Janis Roszler, LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE,  Hint Water‘s Anthony Fiorello, FAND ‘Know Diabetes By Heart’ Ambassador Christina Herrera, Elizabeth Gallagher, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Yolanda Adams’ album,“What A Wonderful Time” courtesy of SONY Music.

 

One of our ‘FAVORITE THINGS’ for Christmas 2020 is a stylish Harlem’ss Heaven Face Mask. Check out their wide assortment and bejeweled and beautiful matching face masks and hats collection.

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