My Blood Sugar Was 1700!

Amparo revealed her blood sugar level was 1700 when she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes on Divabetic’s World Menopause Day Zoom program. That scary moment became a wake-up call for Amparo to look closer at her lifestyle. Up until that point, Ampara never drank water. She consumed one Pepsi after another throughout the day.

Before she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Amparo admitted she was constantly thirsty and frequently needed to use the restroom.

Symptoms of high blood sugar include:

  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Blurred vision
  • Tiredness or weakness
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Stomach pain
  • Fruity breath odor
  • A very dry mouth

Our World Menopause Day panel was moderated by Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller and featured Donna Rice, Amparo, and Dr. Julianne Arena.

Dr. Julianne Arena is a double board-certified physician, a board-certified OBGYN who applies traditional, integrative methods and a multi-layered approach to helping women with sexual health and intimacy issues. She’s also a practitioner of Cliovana, the only treatment available that improves long-term clitoral stimulation with proven sound wave technology. Her goal is to help women create optimal and vibrant lives.

Catherine Schuller is the go-to person in the image industry for all things style and fashion for the plus-size woman. She began as a former Ford Model and became a spokesperson for the industry, a retail editor for Mode magazine, and wrote the highly acclaimed how-to guide The Ultimate Plus Size Modeling Guide, which has helped thousands of young women who want to enter the plus size modeling field. She is a frequently quoted media expert on the puls-size market and has appeared five times on The View, The Today Show, The Early Show, eight times on Neal Cavuto’s Your World, and many television and radio shows across the United States

Donna Rice is a registered nurse and a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. She is a national and international thought leader and author of four books, including Divabetic’s ebook Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide To Love And Intimacy With Diabetes. She is a Past President of the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists and the Past President of the Diabetes Health and Wellness Institute for Baylor Health Care Systems in Dallas, Texas. Donna is the Chief Operating Officer for DiabetesSisters and The Chief Evangelist for Call-ai, working on voice-driven AI for diabetes care and education.

According to research, hormone levels (most notably estrogen and progesterone) fall dramatically during menopause. Changes to our hormones can affect our blood sugar levels and make managing diabetes more difficult.

Diabetes And Cataracts

When you have diabetes, high blood sugars over time can lead to structural changes in the eye’s lens, accelerating the development of cataracts.

You may not notice cataracts since symptoms can be minor until clouding affects the center of the eye, then cataracts can progress rapidly. Other causes of cataracts:

  • Family history
  • Eye injury
  • Eye surgery
  • Repeated eye injections
  • Spending a lot of time in the sun without UV sunglasses
  • Using certain medications, such as corticosteroids

Know the Symptoms

  • Cloudy or blurry vision
  • Seeing double in one eye
  • Seeing halos around lights
  • Being extra sensitive to light and glare
  • Having trouble seeing well at night
  • Bright colors seem faded

How to Prevent Cataracts

  • Wear sunglasses with UV protection
  • Do not smoke—and if you currently do, quit!

Thankfully, cataract surgery can help reverse a cataract caused by diabetes. This short outpatient procedure involves removing and replacing a damaged lens with a healthy artificial lens.

We’re sharing ideas on lifestyle adjustments that can help you live your best life while managing your diabetes on this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast. Our experts offer straightforward, simple, and fun swap ideas for drinks, medications, self-care, and fashion. Plus, we share style tips and words of inspiration to help you maintain a healthy habit.

Developing these habits isn’t always easy. Adapting to a new routine can be tricky, and it’s often tempting to want to return to old ways if we don’t see immediate results. One of the biggest mistakes people make when forming a new habit is taking on too much too quickly.  Focus on what’s working in your diabetes self-care plan before overhauling diabetes management. Instead of decluttering the entire house, why not focus on one room or closet? Why not focus on the calories you drink rather than everything you eat?  If you want to eat healthier, try replacing one dessert daily with a piece of fruit rather than cutting out sugar completely. If you’re going to get into hiking, start with a walk at lunchtime. Setting small goals you can achieve will help keep you motivated along the way.

Guests include Catherine Schuller, Poet Lorraine BrooksPatricia Addie-Gentle RD, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, MEd, NDTR, and Mama Rose Marie. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.

The main themes of Divabetic’s diabetes mystery podcast GypsiesTramps & Peas are positive body image and summertime diabetes self-care tips.

Here’s a quick synopsis: Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic, finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer. With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, he heads for Coney Island to cater his first party aboard a yacht for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found swimming with the fish. Was it an accident or foul play? Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, a lifeguard lothario, and some sequined mermaids, all intent on keeping their secrets buried deep within the sand. Can Mr. Divabetic prove Coach’s death was a murder, not an accident? Or will he end up floating out to sea?

Will he sink or swim? Tune in to find out if he can solve the murder of his former swim coach with the help of his friends, some sassy mermaids, and a cooky fortune teller. Along the way to revealing the identity of the murderer, he uncovers expert tips for diabetes self-care during the Summer months.

USA Today Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Seveda Williams, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, Mama Rose Marie, and Poet Lorraine Brooks help the fruit suit clad sleuth in this seaside adventure.

This year’s mystery podcast features music from the original cast recording of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music.

Divabetic’s Giant Lube Review For Vagina Dryness

Vaginal dryness is common in women with diabetes. High blood sugar levels can cause damage to the blood vessels in your vagina. This leads to a lack of lubrication. As a result, you can experience discomfort during physical activity, burning, irritation, itching, and sex can be painful.


Divabetic shares our favorite lubricants for women with diabetes coping with vaginal dryness. Vaginal lubricants cannot treat the underlying cause of vaginal dryness, such as lower estrogen levels, but can relieve the discomfort caused by dryness.

Although you might feel embarrassed to shoot for personal lubricants at your pharmacy, most of the top brands can be bought online. Lubricants help reduce friction, ease penetration and stimulate the senses. They come in a wide variety of formulas, fragrances, and flavors.

Water-based lubricants are the most versatile because they’re easy to wash off and don’t degrade the latex in condoms. Some water-based products contain glycerin (derived from sugar), while others are specifically glycerin-free. Water-based lubricants can also contain other ingredients, such as preservatives and antimicrobials.

Good Clean Love’ and “Slippery Stuff” are organic, water-based lubricants that won’t alter pH levels, which can lead to UTIs or vaginal infections. They’re paraben-free, glycerin-free, alcohol-free, and no petrochemicals. This aloe-based lubricant is made with 95% organic ingredients and infused with lemon and vanilla for a light flavor.

Best natural lubricant: Sliquid Organics Natural Gel One of the safest bets for people with diabetes is a high-quality silicone lubricant. No studies have shown people having reactions to pure silicone lubricant.

Best silicone-based lubricant: Pink Silicone Lubricant  Oil-based natural lubricants like coconut oil can break down the latex in condoms, too. They can also alter the pH of the vagina, which can lead to more infections.

Grammy Award-winning Singer Patti Austin, who continues successfully manages her type 2 diabetes after having gastric bypass surgery, sings the theme song for any woman who is getting back in the swing of enjoyable sex.

“I had type 2 diabetes,” says the former 285- pound singer. “I had obesity-driven diabetes,” who now weighs 140 pounds. Patti Austin had gastric bypass surgery to reach her new weight, and the result has been remarkable. We applaud her hard work, determination, and tenacity to maintain her weight loss.

Podcast guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Chris Pickering co-founder of ‘The Betes Bros, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Mama Rose Marie.

This podcast features songs from The Best Of Patti Austin album courtesy of SONY Music.

Rachel Zinman Says She’s On A Balancing Beam, Not A Tightrope Managing Her Blood Sugars

“Usually, my first thought in the morning is what’s my blood sugar?” says our friend Rachel Zinman, who has been living with type 1 diabetes for thirteen years. After that, the Yoga For Diabetes author tells herself, “I have to get up, get my meter and check my blood sugar levels.”

Before she adopted diabetes psychologist Mark Heyman CDCES’s “diabetes might be challenging, but I’ve got this” motto,  Rachel viewed the numbers on her meter as judgments. Now, she sees her morning blood sugar levels more or less as just numbers. As a result, she doesn’t take them so personally.

“Working with my diabetes educator taught me to manage my diabetes in terms of a balance beam rather than a tightrope,” she admits.

Now, Rachel shifts her mindset when she experiences high or low blood sugars. “I don’t think I will fall off a tightrope. I’ve learned I’ve got room to change things and open up my range like I’m on a balance beam. That has really changed how I feel. I feel better. I feel like I have a lot more freedom with food and insulin.”

She confesses she’s blown away that she can enjoy her favorite breakfast food, avocado toast with normal blood sugars!

Rachel shares a guided meditation on January’s Divabetic podcast scheduled for Tuesday, January 11, 2022, with music by Teddy Pendergrass, as part of our New Year’s tradition to help center listeners’ minds, bodies, and souls.

Click HERE to read the three things that help Rachel Zinman start her day with a positive mind frame.

Product Review: Metamucil Sugar Free

“A day without Metamucil is like a day without sunshine,” writes one customer on Amazon.

Can a spoonful of an orange powder really provide relief for one of the most common yet often overlooked complications related to diabetes — CONSTIPATION?

I’ve Got Diabetes, But Why Am I Constipated?

Healthline reports a whopping 60% of people with long-standing diabetes deal with constipation.

High blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage in the digestive tract which can cause constipation, diarrhea, and incontinence.

While constipation can be a sign of poor long-term diabetes management, it could also be due to something as simple as not getting enough fiber. And consuming ample amounts of fiber each day can also lower your blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Constipation can be defined as having fewer than three regular bowel movements each week. It can also be defined as infrequent, unpleasant, and painful bowel movements. The kind that makes people make agonizing low guttural noises in the bathroom similar to those of a moose caught in a bear trap.

If eating more fiber, drinking more water, and increasing your physical activity doesn’t help then talk with your doctor about moving on to fiber supplements, stool softeners, or laxatives.

One supplement that’s pretty much everywhere is Metamucil Sugar-Free.

Metamucil Psyllium Fiber Supplement Sugar-Free Powder – Orange Smooth

How Does It Work? Metamucil works by increasing the bulk in your stool, an effect that helps to cause movement of the intestines. It also works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making the stool softer and easier to pass. Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative that can also help treat lower cholesterol.

Metamucil can play a role in helping certain people with diabetes get enough fiber, especially if they are constipated. But read the label carefully. This product replaces sugar with Aspartame.

Some people with diabetes have found that the aspartame-sweetened (Nutrasweet) Metamucil spikes blood sugar, in spite of the lack of sugar in it, which could be from the maltodextrin (an additive that makes the product nice and smooth).

Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than directed.

WebMD warns that this product may decrease the absorption of other medications you may be taking. Take this product at least 2 hours from your other medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

It may take 1 to 3 days before this medication starts working. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Do not take this medication for more than 7 days unless directed by your doctor.

Others humorously warn of potential side effects, “You should be aware that there may be an odorous side-effect, that for me, usually presents itself during church, so when those around you look in your direction, just discretely, point, with your thumb, to sweet old Sister Thompson sitting near you!,” writes Mike on Amazon.

“Metamucil is made from [a fiber called] psyllium husk, which slows down the absorption of glucose and can cause less of a spike in blood sugar,” says Audrey Koltun, RDN, a registered dietitian in the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in Lake Success, New York for Livestrong. But “this does not mean someone with diabetes who eats a high-carbohydrate/high-sugar diet can expect normal blood sugars after taking Metamucil.”

Dana Greene, RD, a dietitian in Brookline, Massachusetts, says she suggests fiber supplements like Metamucil to patients with diabetes when they can’t get what they need through diet, describing supplements as “a good backup plan.”

“ The taste of this product is great. I take it as a quick drink 2x a day and in conjunction with adding more fiber to my diet got me to go a little more frequently. It’s no miracle, but I definitely needed more fiber for my cholesterol and I take many medications which stop me up incredibly,” writes Angela in a product review.

Keep in mind when you increase your fiber intake too quickly with supplements you may experience bouts of painful gas, bloating, diarrhea, and/or constipation.

Don’t forget to talk to your Doctor, Registered Dietitian (RD), and/or Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) before adding supplements to your diabetes self-care plan.

 

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, virtual diabetes support program with style. Divabetic’s dynamic diabetes program features ‘What To Wear When Nothing Fits for Summer’ presented by Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller and ‘How To Master The Menu at The Cookout’ presented by MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, 7-8 PM, EST.

REGISTER NOW- FREE REGISTRATION 

La, LADA Means You Love Yourself Enough To Take Action

Once again we’re attempting to build a bridge between music and diabetes health with this Divabetic blog post.

Several women in the Divabetic community have shared their stories of being misdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes when they actually have latent autoimmune diabetes (LADA).

It’s understandable because LADA shares symptoms that correlate with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In fact, LADA often masquerades as type 2 diabetes, given its adult onset and delayed need for insulin treatment. 

But imagine what it feels like to follow your doctor’s guidance word for word and still experience high blood sugars.

You may feel flustered and frustrated. You may feel like you’re spinning your wheels. You may just give up!

That’s why we’d like to urge you to  love yourself enough to take action.

It’s not easy to overcome feelings of anger and annoyance to advocate for one’s health especially if you don’t think your doctor is listening to you. This actually happened to Mila Clarke Buckley, who is known on social media as ‘The Hangry Woman‘.

“In 2016, at 26 years old, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. About a year into my diagnosis, I talked to someone who said my diagnosis didn’t sound right at all, that I should get the GAD65 test. I asked a couple of doctors, but they shrugged me off. On August 4, 2020. I found out that I have LADA – Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults, ” she shared in a blog post.

February’s Divabetic Diabetes Late Nite guest, ‘The Hangry Woman’ shares how she managed to overcome a misdiagnosis to become a powerful diabetes advocate on Tuesday, February 16, 2021, 6 PM, EST. Tune in to the conversation using the link below:

 

 

Let Mila Clarke Buckley inspire you to seek out a second opinion if you’re following your doctor’s guidance for managing type 2 diabetes but still experiencing with chronic high blood sugars. The only way to confirm a diagnosis of LADA is through a blood test that checks for antibodies against the insulin-making cells of the pancreas. Your doctor may also check for levels of a protein called C-peptide to get information on how much insulin your body is making.

We’re dedicating  ‘La La Means I Love You’ by the Delfonics to all the amazing divas living with LADA who advocated for their health.

Divabetic Mystery Phrase #29

Can you solve Divabetic’s Mystery Phrase #29? Our phrase can help you feel full longer, without adding any additional calories.

 

The human body comprises around 60% water.

It’s commonly recommended that you drink eight 8-ounce (237-mL) glasses of water per day (the 8×8 rule).

Do you know our brain is strongly influenced by your hydration status?

Studies show that even mild dehydration, such as the loss of 1–3% of body weight, can impair many aspects of brain function as reported by Healthline.

Do you know what makes up 73 percent of the human heart? The answer is water, which is why when it comes to blood pressure health, water is the drink of choice.

Additionally, water will not raise blood sugars, which is why it is so beneficial to drink when people with diabetes have high blood sugar, as it enables more glucose to be flushed out of the blood. When your blood sugars are running high, your body will try to flush excess sugar out of your blood through the urine. As a result, your body will need more fluids to rehydrate itself. Drinking water can help the body with flushing out some of the glucose in the blood.

Having high blood sugars can also increase the risk of dehydration, which is a risk for people with diabetes.

Even mild dehydration can affect you mentally and physically.

If you don’t like the taste of water, it can help to add a slice of fruit, such as orange, lemon or lime. You can prepare cut slices of these fruits and store them in the freezer ready for use.

Make sure that you get enough water each day for your overall diabetes health.

 

We’re talking about depictions of diabetes on the silver screen including Steel MagnoliasSoul Food and The Baby-Sitter Club on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from 2Cellos. How realistic are these portrayals? How do we feel after viewing them?   Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Glucose SOS founder Pamela Heyward, Constance Brown-Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN, Kent Gash, Jessica Clark and Muniq Gut Health Shakes Founder, Marc Washington.

Throughout this podcast we will be featured music from the album ‘Score’ by 2Cellos courtesy of SONY Music.

 

 

Eighth Day of Blue Christmas Gift Ideas from Divabetic

On the eighth day of Blue Christmas my true love sent to me a Sunrise Alarm Clock to help me get a good night’s sleep. 

Divabetic is celebrating a Blue Christmas to bring attention to the mental health issues related to living with diabetes.

You probably know better than we do how diabetes affects your holiday experience. You might feel the weight of diabetes more at this time, because you can’t let go and celebrate like everyone else. Or maybe you do let go and then beat yourself up over it.

That’s why we asked our panel of experts, friends and past Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests to spread some holiday cheer by sharing their favorite products to help keep you ‘happy and healthy’ all year long.

Sunrise alarm clocks gradually brightens from 1% to 100% in 30 minutes before the alarm time. And the light gradually dims and turns off finally when you set the sunset model. The gradual sunrise will naturally ease you awake, the alarm clock will ring at the time you set. Additionally, the adjustable sunset light helps guide you toward restful sleep.

Sunrise alarm clocks have 6 natural sounds (water, frogs, birds, sea waves and so on). FM radio can scan and save up to 40 radio channels automatically. Snooze function is available and the alarm rings every 5 minutes and gradually louder to gently bring you out of deep sleep. You can select one of seven colors(warm white-green-red-blue-purple-orange-indigo), or just let them cycle.

If you’ve ever slept in a room with east-facing windows, you know a sunrise has the power to wake you from even the deepest slumber, without being overly jarring. A sunrise alarm clock (which simulates a real sunrise by emitting red hues that turn bright yellow by your set wake-up time) can give you that same sensation anytime, any place. By mirroring the way you’d naturally wake up over a 30-minute period, it’s unlikely to awaken you during the middle of a REM cycle—which means you’ll feel more rested throughout the day. That said, this gadget is definitely one that we can see sticking around for the long haul.

Can lack of sleep affect your diabetes?

Sleep can affect your blood sugar levels, and your blood glucose control can also affect your sleep. It’s a vicious cycle. As the amount of sleep decreases, blood sugar increases, escalating the issue. Lack of sleep has been shown to increase blood sugar levels and the risk of diabetic issue.

Sleepless and restless nights hurt more than your mood and energy; it is a form of chronic stress on the body.  When there is added stress on your body this results in having higher blood sugar levels.  When researchers restricted people with type-1 diabetes to just 4 hours of sleep, their sensitivity to insulin was reduced by 20% compared to that after a full night of sleep.

When your blood sugar is really high, your kidneys will try to get rid of it by removing it from the body via urination.  This most likely causes you to get out of bed and go to the bathroom all night, resulting in inconsistent sleep patterns.  It can also wake you up by feelings of thirstiness.

High blood sugar levels also make it less comfortable for you to sleep by feelings of warmness, irritability and unsettledness.

Getting into a consistent sleep routine will improve your overall health and you may start to see subtle improvements in blood sugar as well.  The following tips sleep tips may help to promote better sleep:

  • Check and monitor your blood glucose to keep it under control
  • Establish a regular bedtime routine
  • Ensure your bed is large and comfortable enough
  • Ensure your room is cool and well ventilated
  • Ensure your room is dark and free from noise
  • Incorporating a period of exercise into each day

To stay informed on more information regarding diabetes and sleep issues subscribe to our blog.  And remember, you can always contact us here at The Alaska Sleep Clinic for any questions regarding how diabetes can affect your sleep at 855-AKSLEEP (855-257-5337).

On December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast we’re celebrating a Blue Christmas. I chose this theme in December because ‘Blue’ is the color that I most closely associate with diabetes and I feel that the mental health issues related to diabetes are often overlooked and ignored. Some listeners may feel that talking about depression is depressing which is understandable. However, I feel it is far more important to reach out to those coping with diabetes distress and burnout and let them know they are not alone.  Please join us!

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.

While it’s true that sadness and/or depression at holiday time can be a reaction to the stresses and demands of the season, people with diabetes are more likely to be depressed than others states David Spero BSN, RN for Diabetes Self-Management.

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/Uwfz5mMLSDM

 

Our Sixth Day of Blue Christmas Gift Ideas from High Voltage

On the sixth day of Blue Christmas, my true friend and health and wellness pioneer, High Voltage sent to me a NIKKAN PigMag Waterfall Water system for when I get thirsty.

Divabetic is celebrating a Blue Christmas to bring attention to the mental health issues related to living with diabetes.

You probably know better than we do how diabetes affects your holiday experience. You might feel the weight of diabetes more at this time, because you can’t let go and celebrate like everyone else. Or maybe you do let go and then beat yourself up over it.

That’s why we asked our panel of experts, friends and past Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests to spread some hoiday cheer by sharing their favorite products to help keep you ‘happy and healthy’ all year long.

 

High Voltage’s pick: NIKKAN PigMag Waterfall Water Systems provide filtered and enhanced drinking water for a fraction of what bottled water costs. Because the PiMag Waterfall works without electricity or plumbing, it can be used in any location. Some products on the market using similar filtration technology claim to be equivalent to the PiMag Waterfall but do not perform at a comparable level and fail to meet accepted filtration test standards.

People with diabetes have an increased risk of dehydration as high blood glucose levels lead to decreased hydration in the body according to Diabetes.co.uk. Diabetesinsipidus, a form of diabetes that is not linked with high blood sugar levels, also carries a higher risk ofdehydration.

Can you lower blood sugar by drinking water?

According to Diabetes.co.uk, your blood sugar is on the higher side, near 10 or over, your kidneys will try to take sugar out of your blood. Drinking water can help the body along with this. Just a word of caution. … So, in summary, if you’re not on flexible insulin, your best bet for lowering blood sugar is to take a walk and keep hydrated.

“I have used NIKKAN products for over 30 years,” says health and wellness pioneer Kathie Dolgin aka High Voltage.

If our blood glucose levels are higher than they should be for prolonged periods of time, our kidneys will attempt to remove some of the excess glucose from the blood and excrete this as urine.

Whilst the kidneys filter the blood in this way, water will also be removed from the blood and will need replenishing. This is why we tend to have increased thirst when our blood glucose levels run too high.

If we drink water, we can help to rehydrate the blood. The other method the body uses is to draw on other available sources of water from within the body, such as saliva, tears and taking stored water from cells of the body.

This is why we may experience a dry mouth and dry eyes when our blood glucose levels are high.

If we do not have access to drink water, the body will find it difficult to pass glucose out of the blood via urine and can result in further dehydration as the body seeks to find water from our body’s cells.

My good friend and mentor, Kathie Dolgin aka ‘High Voltage’ is a walking billboard for ‘happy and healthy’ at any age! 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.

Did you know Dr. Weintraub‘s study shows that patients with diabetes who also have peripheral neuropathy are receiving significant benefits from using magnets?  They say that some patients, in addition to some easing of the pain and numbness that is a part of peripheral neuropathy, are also showing signs that the nerve fibers are actually regenerating.

Nikken magnetic products contain proprietary, patented innovations and make use of static (permanent) magnets, for safety and reliability. Nikken products such as the Kenko Sleep System incorporate bipole magnets to produce a pattern of magnetic flow that creates a landscape of peaks and valleys of magnetic energy considered ideal for a sleep surface. The Kenko PowerChip™ introduced DynaFlux® Magnetic Technology, with a unique system that increases field depth. The Kenko Naturest® Travel Pillow and KenkoSeat® II also feature DynaFlux® Magnetic Technology

“I use their magnet shoe insoles and I sleep in their magnet sleep system.”

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.

Sugar Savvy includes: • a complete 6-week plan to transform your eating and exercise habits • easy-to-assemble Power Meal Formulas plus more than 40 simple Power Meals and Snacks you can use to eat Sugar Savvy anywhere • Moving Affirmations that move your body and your spirit • inspirational stories and advice from the 17 Sugar Savvy Sisters who tried our program, every single one of whom lost weight • and much more! This one-of-a-kind plan beats obesity where it begins—in your brain. The Sugar Savvy motto: Eat whatever you want, but we will change what you want. Guaranteed!

“Very easy to follow. I typically find any other carb or sugar book so complicated. Easy read and to incorporate into your every day life without a hassle,” states an Amazon review.

“This book is a huge eye opener. I’m still reading it but it’s great so far,” states an Amazon review.

One of the most successful Sugar Savvy Sister lost over 18 pounds in 6 weeks! *

https://youtu.be/Uwfz5mMLSDM

On December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast we’re celebrating a Blue Christmas. I chose this theme in December because ‘Blue’ is the color that I most closely associate with diabetes and I feel that the mental health issues related to diabetes are often overlooked and ignored. Some listeners may feel that talking about depression is depressing  which is understandable. However, I feel it is far more important to reach out to those coping with diabetes distress and burnout  and let them know they are not alone.  Please join us! 

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.

While it’s true that sadness and/or depression at holiday time can be a reaction to the stresses and demands of the season, people with diabetes are more likely to be depressed than others states David Spero BSN, RN for Diabetes Self-Management.

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.