healthjourney – Divabetic

05/19/202505/19/2025

Beautiful Bathrooms & Managing Diabetes In the Bathroom

Everyone loves a beautiful bathroom, right? Look at poet, artist, designer Apryl Miller‘s magical Eastside home in New York City!

It is truly an artist’s paradise with colorful patterned tiles, whimsical cabinetry, and breathtaking views. But even the most beautiful bathroom can’t magically fix the challenges of managing diabetes.

Managing diabetes is super important, especially when it comes to bathroom-related issues. Things like constipation, diarrhea, frequent urination, and urinary incontinence can affect daily life and personal dignity.

Sometimes, people don’t recognize the early signs of diabetes or pre-diabetes and go on living without making necessary lifestyle changes. This can lead to serious complications down the road. It’s essential to keep a close eye on blood sugar levels and follow medical advice to help prevent issues like bowel control problems.

I remember speaking with a woman who had unmanaged type 2 diabetes. She shared her struggle with not recognizing when to use the bathroom until it was too late. While determined to get her life back on track during college, she faced this personal challenge. High blood sugar can cause nerve damage in the digestive system, making it harder for her body to function correctly.

Plus, certain medications like Metformin, Ozempic, and Monjaro can have side effects that include diarrhea. It’s really important to take charge of diabetes management, not just for physical health, but also to maintain that sense of dignity and well-being. Let’s remember to be proactive and take steps toward better health! The first steps to overcoming the burden of diabetes management involve education, setting realistic goals, and building a support system.

Don’t try to change everything at once. Focus on one or two manageable goals at a time, like adding more servings of vegetables or exercising for 15 minutes a day. It takes time to make lasting changes and see results. Celebrate your successes and don’t get discouraged by setbacks.

Focusing on understanding diabetes, making small, achievable lifestyle changes, and connecting with others can help ease the feeling of being overwhelmed.

05/16/202505/16/2025

Emmy Award-Winning Alyson Williams Is Living With LADA

Emmy Award-winning singer Alyson Williams shares her experience of living with LADA (Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults) which develops in adults and shares characteristics with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Alyson Williams, well-known for her hit singles in the late 1980s and early 1990s, such as Just Call My Name, Sleep Talk, My Love Is So Raw, and I Need Your Lovin, inspires many with her music and her journey.

Living with LADA presents its own unique challenges, especially while touring and performing in different cities.

Alyson emphasizes the importance of self-care, encouraging everyone to prioritize their health regardless of their career demands. Seeking support from healthcare professionals can make a significant difference in managing fluctuating blood sugar levels.

Remember to treat yourself kindly today! Focus on positive self-talk, engage in self-care activities, and don’t hesitate to reach out to loved ones or diabetes support groups. It’s a journey we can navigate together, and every step counts!

You are doing great by taking care of yourself and staying informed.

01/13/202501/13/2025

Yo-Yo Dieting

Two weeks ago, if your New Year’s goal was to try to drop a pants size or two again, you might have felt the frustration of yo-yo dieting — that pesky cycle of losing weight only to regain it. It can be disheartening!

If this resonates with you, know that you’re not alone! Studies suggest that about 20–30 percent of adults deal with the ups and downs of weight cycling, with many experiencing over seven fluctuations in their weight.

Research shows that it’s common to regain even more than you initially lost when the weight returns. This adds extra challenges, especially when compared to more sustainable methods of losing weight.

Navigating this rollercoaster of emotions, doubts, and negative talk while hearing endless advice about needing more willpower is mentally exhausting. Our environments are also filled with tempting triggers, like those bright neon signs from fast-food restaurants, especially when coming home after a tough day. It’s no wonder it’s easy to slip back into old habits!

Consider making peace with food instead of going to war with your weight. Try to pay attention to your body’s signals for hunger and fullness. Consider embracing mindful eating, listening to your hunger cues, and not labeling foods as “good” or “bad.” This can help minimize your eating habits’ extreme ups and downs and promote healthier ones in the long run.

Remember, weight isn’t everything! Are you happy with your lab results? Are you surrounded by people who love and support you? Do you compliment yourself? Can you allow yourself to be in a photograph without flinching?

While tracking your progress with the scale can be tempting, many other important ways to gauge your overall health are often overlooked. You’ve got this!