57 Years Of Living With Type 1 Diabetes with FatCatAnna

”I’ve been living with type 1 diabetes for 57 years,” says diabetes advocate, mentor, and blogger FatCatAnna on August’s Divabetic’s podcast. “So I feel like a kid at heart.”

Anna shares what it was like to manage diabetes in the 1960s. “I started with one insulin injection a day. It was pork insulin called NPH.”

It might be hard to imagine that the first insulins developed were from animals. But over the last century, there have been several innovations in insulin therapy, starting with the isolation of insulin and the purification and concentration of animal pancreatic extracts.

The first commercial insulin formulations were made with animal insulins, primarily beef and pork insulins, which had PK and PD properties similar to human insulin. However, a common problem with animal-source insulins was the formation of anti-insulin antibodies, leading to lipoatrophy and insulin resistance in many patients. Processing techniques were developed to purify active insulin. By 2006, the manufacturing of pork insulin (Iletin II) for human use was discontinued.

Today’s insulins include insulin mixtures, concentrated insulins, and insulins with alternate routes of administration, providing a wide array of options for people with diabetes.

Not only have insulin formulations changed over the past fifty years but so has

diabetes self-care management.  By the 1960s, the development of urine strips for detecting blood sugars and the single-use syringe allowed faster and easier insulin therapy options. This was still a far cry from today’s self-care tools. Specifically, the invention of the blood glucose monitor for home use, something we take for granted, was still several years away.

“Back then, I just did a jab in the morning,” says Anna. “Then, I had to eat like a soldier at 8 AM, 12 PM, little snacks in between, and so on.”

Fifty-seven years later, her curious mind keeps on top of all the new forms of insulin therapy and technology today.

“I like to learn all kinds of new and different things in technology,” she adds. “Now, I’m using a CGM (continuous glucose monitor). That’s a game-changer for anyone who is on insulin. The fact that gives you insight into what’s happening and warns you when you’re going high or going low helps you use your insulin properly.”

Hear FatCatAnna‘s full interview using this link on Blog Talk Radio using the player below:

Barry Manilow’s classic hit, “I Made It Through The Rain,” sparks real-life confessions about overcoming challenges related to diabetes self-care on this episode of Divabetic’s monthly podcast.

Hear how singer, and songwriter Alyson Williams, who is living with type 2 diabetes, made a triumphant return to the stage after her near-death experience from COVID and “The Rollercoaster Ride Of Diabetes” blogger, FatCatAnna, who is living with type 1 diabetes, opens up about her attempted suicide and managing diabetes in a mental hospital.

Additionally, we’re sharing an honest, no-filter look at the daily grind of living with diabetes and practical ways to help you pivot and stay positive. We encourage others with diabetes to live life to the fullest and apply Barry Manilow’s attitude to their daily lives.

“I believe that we are who we choose to be. Nobody is going to come and save you. You’ve got to save yourself. Nobody is going to give you anything. You’ve got to go and fight for it,” says the Grammy, Tony, and Emmy award-winning music icon with 50 Top 40 hits, 12 #1 singles, and more than 85 million albums.

Guests include The First Lady of Def Jam Alyson Williams, Poet Lorraine BrooksPatricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, diabetes advocate, blogger, and mentor FatCatAnna. Music from The Essential Barry Manilow courtesy of SONY Music.  Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.

Meet Divabetic Prize Winner: Sandra Living With Type 1 Diabetes

Our recent Divabetic Baking Party’s Peak 10 Skin giveaway winner, Sandra is a tech-savvy diva who relies on several diabetes self-care tools to live her best life!

“I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2006”, says Sandra. “After 6 years of injections, I was put on an insulin pump and then later got a Continuous Glucose Monitor.”

Many people with type 1 diabetes use insulin pumps. Insulin pumps work by delivering a basal, or set, rate of insulin through a tube called a cannula.

The insulin pump is attached to a thin plastic tube (an infusion set) with a cannula (like a needle but soft) at the end of which insulin passes. This cannula is inserted under the skin, usually on the abdomen. The cannula is changed every two days. Your doctor works with you to determine the amount of insulin needed each day. Insulin pumps can also deliver an insulin bolus.

A Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) is a wearable sensor that automatically measures glucose levels 24 hours a day. A thin, disposable needle called a sensor stays under your skin. The sensor is removed and changed every few days. Glucose readings are provided at specific intervals, every five minutes or so. It also shows how your glucose levels are trending in the form of a trend arrow. You can tell if your glucose level is rising or dropping and treat yourself accordingly. 

“My current pump communicates with the CGM and automatically adjusts my insulin when my glucose readings are out of range, she adds.  

“Thank goodness for technology! It has made my diabetes easier to manage, and I can be more discreet. (no more finger sticks or insulin syringes!).”

Since Sandra participated in our Baking Party, we asked her about her sweet tooth. 

” I still watch what I eat (I read the nutrition label for everything I eat) and take the dog for walks twice a day (4 miles total), but I do NOT deprive myself of dessert.”

We love her attitude!

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?

Back by popular demand! The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, hosts this free, fun Virtual Mother’s Day-themed Baking Party with special guests, Stacey Harris, aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef and Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller, on Thursday, April 28, 2022, 7 – 8:30 PM, EST on Zoom.

Win gifts courtesy of Arthel Neville Design FABULOUS East/West Tote, Dr. Remedy’s Enriched Nail Care gift set, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes‘s Camper Cozy Mystery, Walden Farms Zero Calories, Zero Net Carbs Salad Dressings, and Peak 10 Skin’s Save My Sole Foot Rescue Cream during Mr. Divabetic’s random drawings. You must be present at our Baking Party to enter our gift drawings to win.

Over 150 people registered for our last Divabetic Baking Party on Zoom, so don’t miss out!

REGISTER NOW – FREE REGISTRATION

 

Soara-Joye Ross Returns to Stage in ‘Rock and Roll Man: The Alan Freed Story

The fabulous Soara-Joye Ross doesn’t let diabetes dim her dazzle! 

She’s living with type 1 diabetes and currently starring as R & B singer, LaVern Baker in the hit musical drama, ‘Rock and Roll Man: The Alan Freed Story’ at Bucks County Playhouse.

Delores ‘LaVern’ Baker (November 11, 1929 – March 10, 1997) was an American rhythm-and-blues singer who had several hit records on the pop chart in the 1950s and early 1960s?  Her most successful records were “Tweedle Dee” (1955), “Jim Dandy” (1956), and “I Cried a Tear” (1958). She was among the first eight recipients of the Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation and became the second female solo artist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, following Aretha Franklin in 1987.

Baker told the audience at  the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, “Regardless of how old you are when you get this, it’s still good, baby.”

LaVern Baker had a stroke in the early 1990’s, and complications from type 2 diabetes forced her to have her legs amputated in 1995. But she returned to performing in 1996 with an undiminished voice and an indomitable spirit.

“Rock and Roll Man: The Alan Freed Story” is being produced at the Playhouse by Robyn Goodman, Alexander Fraser, Stephen Kocis, Josh Fiedler in association with Sharon A. Carr and Caiola Productions.

This high energy musical uncovers the true story of Alan Freed — the Father of Rock and Roll. It’s the 1950s and a cocky young DJ discovers the music that all America wants to hear — except no radio station will play it. Pursued by the notorious J. Edgar Hoover for promoting this unwholesome genre, Alan perseveres — unearthing the sound of a new generation through pure guts, grit, and determination. Featuring original songs and classic tunes by legends like Little Richard, Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis, this world premiere will have you rocking around the clock! BUY TICKETS 

Recently Soara-Joye Ross started wearing an insulin pump that she named “Black Panther” after a stint performing in the Arkansas Repertory Theatre’s production of ‘Sister Act’. Soara-Joye says her insulin delivery device aka ‘the pump’ has been a godsend for her managing her diabetes 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 says.

Enjoy this episode of Diabetes Late Nite with guest, Soara-Joye Ross and hear how she manages her type 1 diabetes like a diva! LISTEN NOW 

MAKEOVER YOUR DIABETES! Are you curious about why amputations occur? Learn what you need to do if you do have a diabetic foot ulcer so that it heals and doesn’t progress to amputation from the Diabetes Council. READ MORE

 

What’s Trending At Divabetic this Week

Check out the latest headlines in diabetes, diabetes self-management, healthy lifestyles and diva entertainment that caught our eye this week

What’s Trending: 6 Things People With Diabetes Can Do To Have a More Supportive Partner

People with diabetes who are married to a supportive partner have a secret weapon in helping to better manage their disease reports the OnTrack Diabetes website. However, it’s also common for tension, misunderstandings—and even unintentional sabotage—get in the way of your relationship, even when your spouse wants the best for you.

“I go to a diabetes support group . . . I have a place where I can go and talk. But I am concerned he has nobody to talk to except me and he is not coming to me with his fears,” a woman with diabetes explained in a recent survey.

These strategies can help you get the support you need from your spouse, so you can work as a team to stay healthy READ MORE

What’s Trending: Mom says Daughter was Not Permitted on Water Slides due to Insulin Pump

A 12-year-old girl with type one diabetes says she was not permitted to ride the water slides at a public water park in Kettering because of the insulin pump attached to her body reports Fox 45Now.com.

12-year-old Alexis said a lifeguard told her the reason she could not ride was the insulin pump attached to her right hip.

“It was that one slide and that one lifeguard, that when I walked up there she pointed at my insulin pump and said you cannot go on the slide with that on,” Alexis said.

Alexis said the pump makes her insecure and this was the first occasion that she had worn a two-piece bathing suit and exposed it in public. READ MORE

What’s Trending: Proof that Your Life is ‘Richer’ from Growing & Eating Vegetables! (Canadian woman, finds long-lost Diamond Ring wrapped around Carrot)

After losing her engagement ring on her family farm more than a decade ago, Canadian Mary Grams resigned herself to the idea she would never see it again reports the Guardian.

That is, until the diamond ring showed up this week – 13 years after she lost it –wrapped tightly around a misshapen carrot that had been freshly plucked from the garden.

The 84-year-old said she likely lost the ring as she was pulling a large weed from her farm in central Alberta in 2004, prompting a frantic search. “We looked high and low on our hands and knees … we couldn’t find it. I thought for sure either they rototilled it or something happened to it,” she told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. “I cried so many times.” READ MORE

What’s Trending: ‘Girls Trip’ Crosses $100 Million at Domestic Box Office

Universal Pictures’ “Girls Trip” has crossed the $100 million mark at the domestic box office after four weeks, to become the studio’s sixth film to reach that milestone this year reports Variety.

“Girls Trip” has also taken in $9.9 million internationally as it starts its foreign rollout. Australia and Romania will release the film on Aug. 31, with additional markets launching the film through the end of the year. READ MORE

What’s Trending: Donatella Versace ‘Lip Syncs for Her Life’ to ‘Versace On The Floor’ 

Donatella Versace was the muse to her brother – the late, great Gianni Versace – before she took over the reigns at the house. It’s great to see her having fun with her image!

With a gang of models – all dressed in Versace, of course – the Italian designer mouths the words to  Bruno Mars’ song, “Versace on the Floor”, dancing around what is presumably a room in the grand Versace mansion. Serena Williams and Bruno Mars himself were among the fans commenting on the Instagram post. With any luck, it will become the official music video for the song. Donatella proving once again that she lives up to the ‘Don’ in her name. READ MORE

From Our Diva Vaults: Diabetes Roundtable podcast Inspired by Gloria Estefan!
Superstar Gloria Estefan inspires September’s Diabetes Roundtable’s one hour whirlwind of wellness hosted by the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic.

“Gloria’s inspiring us to talk about the discipline and commitment it takes to stay at the top of her game for over thirty years in music or diabetes self-care,” says Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek.This seven time Grammy Award winner Gloria Estefan’s music, heritage and films infuse our Hot Topic discussions and Diabetes Numerology Game segments. Special guests include: Best-Selling author, Cherry Adair, Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE, ‘The Complete Diabetes Organizer’ co-authors Susan Wiener RD, CDE and Leslie JoselNeva White DNP, CRNP, CDE, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Jeff James, Mama Rose Marie and ‘My Bleeding Finger’ blogger, Tim Brand, who is the father of daughters living with type 1 diabetes. LISTEN NOW