The Queen of Funk, Chaka Khan, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure in 2011.
Experts say over time, diabetes damages the small blood vessels in your body, causing the walls of the blood vessels to stiffen. This increases pressure, which leads to high blood pressure.
Chaka Khan decided to give up on meat and dairy after her diagnosis.
“I went on a radical change in lifestyle,” she says. “I was on liquids for a year, and that gave me a good jump-start.”
Her new meal plan helped her drop 60 pounds and stop using her oral medications to manage her diabetes.
Last year marked Chaka Khan’s fiftieth year in the music industry. “I ran away from home and quit school. I knew what I wanted to do,” she told Jennifer Hudson on Jennifer Hudson’s talk show.
A lot of people know about Chaka Khan’s life of excess. Many speculate that her strange behavior on Versuz with Stephanie Mills was caused by substance abuse. However, the star vehemently denies the allegations even though the superstar almost died mixing sleeping pills and cocaine once and suffered from alcohol addiction, which she eventually recovered.
Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure. Having more than three drinks in one sitting temporarily raises blood pressure. Repeated binge drinking can lead to long-term increases in blood pressure.
Her latest song, Woman Like Me, hints at an earlier classic, I’m Every Woman, which she made famous but with a sharper edge. It’s her first single on Sono Recording Group SRG-ILS Group. It was produced by Gregg Pagani, who also co-wrote it with Francesca Richard and Jeffrey Anderson.
“My song, Woman Like Me,addresses the women of today. And a lot of the tribulations women are going through,” she told Jennifer Hudson. “Much of it is based on insecurities and looking outside yourself for gold when you are the gold.”
Chaka Khan’s I’m Every Womanwas her debut solo single from her first album, Chaka (1978). It was Khan’s first hit outside her recordings with the funk band Rufus. “I’m Every Woman” was produced by Arif Mardin and written by the successful songwriting team Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson.
The Queen of Funk, Chaka Khan, is inspiring Divabetic’s podcast. Mr. Divabetic interviews Chaka Khan’s former bandmember and producer, Ivan Hampden Jr., Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Pam Butler MS, CDE, Constance Brown-Riggs MSEd, RD, CDCES, CDN, Holly Clegg, the author of six cookbooks including Kitchen 101, Mama Rose Marie and real-life diva, Ginger Vieira, who is the author of Your Diabetes Science Experimentand record-setting competitive powerlifter living with type 1 diabetes.
Singer Anthony Hamilton has a lot to be thankful for this holiday season including his health.
“The Covid-19 pandemic and fully recovering from the virus has taught him to appreciate life,” he tells DRUM.
“It’s taught me to be thankful that you are healthy and have people you can depend on. Nurture those because we will need each other through time. Rest is important and it doesn’t take a lot to create. You don’t have to run around and wear yourself out. Prioritize yourself and make quality moves,” he says.
Anthony Hamilton’s goal was to avoid cliché and not repeat the formulas that shaped holiday records for years on his Christmas album,Home for the Holidays.
“The mundane songs that have been recorded over and over again, I really didn’t want to do that,” he says. “I didn’t want it to be so sterile that you couldn’t feel the personality. And I wanted it to be true to who I am as an artist.”
Anthony Hamilton thought about where he’d come from and applied it to the music. Instead of a traditional arrangement for “The Little Drummer Boy,” he told producer Kelvin Wooten, “Let’s put a little Outkast to it.” And for the title track, he called in a friend — singer Gavin DeGraw — to add a different flavor to the music.
The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic rings in the holiday season with inspiration from Grammy® Award winner Anthony Hamilton on Divabetic’s popular monthly podcast. Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Susan Weiner RD, MSN, CDCES, CDN, Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDCES, Author Lisa Eugene, Poet Lorraine Brooks, and Mama Rose Marie. This fast-paced, fun-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice focuses on healthy celebrations for the holidays.
Enjoy Anthony Hamilton’s performance of ‘Home For The Holidays.’
Keep an ear out for Anthony Hamilton’s “Superstar” featuring Jennifer Hudson on his new album, Love Is The New Black. “It’s such a beautiful rendition, and it pays homage to the late, great Luther Vandross,” Anthony Hamilton tells City Metro.
Anthony Hamilton’s T.A.S.T.E Foundation’s mission is to address some of the most widespread issues facing the Black community in his home state of North Carolina and around the country such as hunger, homelessness, health, mental health, foster care, and education.
We’re talking about Weight Loss Journeys & Diabetes with musical inspiration from Jennifer Hudson on this episode of Divabetic’s monthly podcast.
We’ve watched Jennifer Hudson soar to stardom as her powerhouse pipes have taken her from American Idol back in 2004 to coveted roles in film, theater and TV, including as a judge on The Voice. Throughout that journey, the singer has also had another major life change: She went from a size 16 to a size 6, dropping 80 pounds. The star followed poor dieting practices and finally chose to approach her weight loss in a healthy way after giving birth to her son, David.
While studies show most people who drop significant pounds regain the weight they lose, Jennifer Hudson has managed to keep her svelte figure for the past nine years.
“I’m very careful and cautious of what I’m eating, so I just try to pace those meals throughout the day,” said Jennifer Hudson.
Jennifer Hudson supports the Barbara Davis Center (BDC). BDC’s mission is to provide state-of-the-art care to children and adults with type 1 diabetes and to teach patients how to prevent or delay complications. Their research is devoted to finding prevention, cure, and most effective treatment of diabetes and associated disorders.
Guests include Vanessa Hunter, Dr. Wendy Rapaport PsyD, Dr. Stewart Harris, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Autumn Reed.
Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from Jennifer Hudson’s self-titled album, ’Jennifer Hudson’ courtesy of SONY Music.
November’s Diabetes Late Nitepodcast guest, Vanessa Hunter lost over 200 pounds and has successfully maintained her incredible weight loss for over 10 years. The self-proclaimed ‘VIP of Diabetes’ shares her journey and advice for others interested in transforming their diabetes health exclusively with Divabetic:
Q: Describe your lifestyle before you began your weight loss journey? (Habits, work schedule, other priorities in your life, activity level, meals, etc.)
Vanessa’s reply: Prior to losing weight I worked as a sales manager job for Verizon. I was an over achiever and commuted to a job with days that lasted 10-12 hours. I ate fast food and I didn’t have an exercise routine.
Q: Have you tried to lose weight in the past? Please describe what stopped you.
Vanessa’s reply: I had a serious food addiction and it prevented me from ever trying to lose weight. Combined with no desire to exercise, I had little to no hope of ever losing a pound.
Vanessa Hunter
Q: What triggered this weigh loss? Did any celebrities inspire you?Vanessa’s reply: Waking up sick triggered my health transformation. It was apparent to many people that I represented an extreme health risk; I had all the signs of poor health. Oprah, Jennifer Hudson, Monique and Beyonce inspired me. Halli Berry who is living with diabetes inspired me too.
Q: What were your initial thoughts when were you first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes?
Vanessa’s reply: I had a 24-hour warning before I went to the ER for the big diagnosis in March 2010. When I woke up several days after admission, I was so grateful to be alive that my initial thoughts were – I’M NOT GOING TO LET FOOD KILL ME, I PROMISE.
Q: How did or does your type 2 diabetes factor into your decision to lose weight?
Vanessa’s reply: It played a major role in my desire to lose weight – I was under the impression that I could reverse my diabetes, so I went to the extreme to follow the rules, keep to the routine and find new activities to move my body. I lost 100 lbs. right before my co-workers’ eyes.
Q: Describe some obstacles in your weight loss journey and tell us how you managed to overcome them.
Vanessa’s reply: Obstacle #1 – Learning how to eat: the routine, the meal prep, the carb counting and more. I overcame this by doing research and reading everything I could find that related to my self-care journey.Obstacle #2 – Dealing with complications from diabetes. In my case it was gastro issues.I have yet to overcome the fact that my diet is limited, and fruits/veggies create sensitivity that leads to DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis).
Q: Share some tips that have worked for you to lose weight and 1-3 tips to maintain your weight loss ·
Vanessa’s reply: Drink lots of water, Walk after each meal, Meal Prep – better to be ready than to get ready!
Q: What advice would you give to someone who living with type 2 diabetes seeking to lose weight?
Vanessa’s reply: My advice is to know the carb limit of your diet, keep to a routine and seek help when you hit the wall.
Try Your Luck at Counting Carbs with Divabetic’s Carb Kitty Game
Q: The holiday season is just around the corner. What tools do you use to navigate the holidays and stay on track with your health?
Vanessa’s reply: ‘Tis the season to be jolly. That means we get to be the life of the party, not eat the life out of the party! Stay on track, enjoy the company, make memories, and avoid the illness.
Q: Tell us about the organization(s) you are involved in the diabetes community. What’s your goal? How did your October program go? What’s ahead?
Vanessa’s reply: My group, VIP of Diabetes has collaborations with Retina Risk – an app designed to protect our vision. We also collaborate with GlucoseZone for exercises specifically for people living with diabetes. I am a guest panelist monthly, and the next seminar is 11/23, 10-12noon at Mt. Airy United Fellowship, 701 W Johnson St @ Walnut Lane Circle. I actively volunteer for both The American Heart and American Diabetes Associations in Philadelphia. My website is www.vipofdiabetes.org and please follow me on Instagram @ness4wellness, all questions, invites, comments can be sent to vipofdiabetes@gmail.com
Q: Where do you turn to for online support?
Vanessa’s reply: Divabetic on Facebook of course. Online support provides daily inspiration, direction, answers questions, and lots more. Story: A client recently asked advice on meal plans and daily routines, due to an A1C over 11. Before our journey could begin, we needed to address the underlying reason for the spiral. Once identified the diet has been modified, and with a new outlook on exercise and compliance routines we are off to the makings of a successful wellness journey.
We’re sharing amazing Weight Loss Journeys & Helpful Ways to overcome fears related to Hypoglycemia with guests: Vanessa Hunter, Dr. Wendy Rapaport PsyD, Dr. Stewart Harris, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Autumn Reed on Novembers’ Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Jennifer Hudson
November’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guest, Autumn Reed, who is living with type 2 diabetes, has successfully lost and maintained an amazing 100+ pounds. Autumn, the self-confessed “The Queen of Meal Prep” shares her journey and advice for others interested in transforming their diabetes health exclusively with Divabetic:
Q: Describe your lifestyle before you began your weight loss journey? (Habits, work schedule, priorities, activity level, meals, etc.) Autumn’s response: My lifestyle before I began my weight loss journey is best described as lazy. I could always come up with an excuse not to eat healthier or exercise. I worked 40+ hours a week, I had my family to feed, this or that body part hurt and my favorite… I’m too tired. My activity level was beyond sedentary. On weekends I would take a nap between breakfast and lunch. I thought exercise was a punishment and why on earth would I want to eat something green.
Q: Have you tried to lose weight in the past? If so, please describe what stopped you.
Autumn’s response: I tried and succeeded in losing weight in the past, only to gain it all and then some back. Ten years before my diagnosis I lost 125 lbs doing the low carb diet, like the Keto, under a doctor’s supervision. It’s certainly not a diet you can live on forever.
Q: What triggered this weigh loss? Did any celebrities inspire you? Books?
Autumn’s response: This time my weight loss was triggered by my need to live. My diagnosis of diabetes was my wake-up call to better health. Finding an online support group that promoted “the plate method” was a huge factor in my success.
Q: When were you diagnosed with type 2 diabetes? What were your initial thoughts?
Autumn’s response: I was diagnosed with type 2 on 12/4/2016 (for the second time). Approximately 10 years prior my doctor did blood work, gave me Byetta for 3 months, redid my blood work and then said, “go about life as usual”. I was never told how serious it is. I was never told that once you’re diabetic, you’re always diabetic. I wasn’t smart enough back then to stop and realize that I needed to find out about diabetes and change my life. I’m guessing that was probably my lazy, sedentary lifestyle talking.
Q: How did or does your type 2 diabetes factor into your decision to lose weight? How has your self-care routine changed?
Autumn’s response: My first thought this time around was I would spend the rest of my life never eating what I wanted, ever again. How could I never eat a cookie or pizza? My type 2 diabetes factored into my weight loss when I reached 281 lbs. I experienced high glucose crankiness, had no energy and was out of breath tying my shoes or walking from the car to the store. I knew it was time to change. My self-care has changed tremendously… meal prep is my new middle name. I also started exercising at least once a day and sometimes twice. Injuries have gotten in the way and caused me to slow down but not stopped me.
Q: Name 1-2 obstacles in your weight loss journey and describe how you managed to overcome them.
Autumn’s response: The 2 major obstacles in my weight loss journey have been a broken ankle and a torn meniscus, which caused my activity level to decrease immensely. It’s very frustrating not being able to enjoy my exercise routines.
Q: List 1-3 tips that have worked for you to lose weight and maintain your weight loss.
Autumn’s response: My tips for weight loss:
1. Plan meals or plan ahead.I use MyFitnessPal to calorie and carb count my meals, I bought a Fitbit fitness tracker and if I go out to eat, I look at the menu ahead of time.
2. Hold yourself accountable. Nobody is perfect. If you eat something or do something that makes you feel guilty, own up to it with yourself instead of being hard on yourself. It’s easier to screw up once and move on then to keep repeating it.
3. Find a support system. Enlist family, friends, a local group or online support – it’s the only way.
To maintain my weight loss:
1. Plan meals.
2. Celebrate every goal met.
3. See a dietitian.
Q: Who’s on your team? Name 1-2 people (friends/family and/or health professionals) and describe the role they have played in helping you manage your health.
Autumn’s response: My husband has been so supportive throughout my journey. He helps with meal prepping and his lunches are the bomb – no more drive-throughs, lol. The online support group Type 2 Diabetes Plate Method Support has been my biggest support of all. Cindy Lou, Ansley Dalbo and Rick Storm just to name a few have been key players in my success. They’ve taught me so much about diabetes, food, my body and exercise.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who living with type 2 diabetes seeking to lose weight?
Autumn’s response: My advice to any type 2 seeking to lose weight would be talk to your doctor, see a dietitian and do as much reading and research as you can because this is YOUR body. Holidays at first were the worst! Now I just factor in what I WANT to eat and roll with it. If I eat a little extra, I don’t punish myself – I just know it’s only one meal or snack and move on. No more dwelling on enjoying things I like to eat.
Q: The holiday season is just around the corner, what tools do you use to navigate the holidays and stay on track with your health?
Autumn’s response: I have been involved in a few online support groups. Diabetes-What to know, Type 2 support and Type 2 Diabetes-Plate Method Support. My goal is to help educate other type 2 diabetics on this disease and let them know that diabetes is a word… NOT a sentence. My October went very well despite its challenges of health and family issues. This month I plan to research and find more recipes that are health and holiday friendly. I’ll be honest, the online support that I’ve found has really changed my health and my entire life. I help admin in a group and find that I learn just as much from them as they do from me. I’m not sure about someone I’ve helped directly but it sure does feel amazing to see others posting their weight loss or A1C on the group page. I know to a lot of those people we are their only support. They look forward to the informative and educational posts. We can even lighten the mood with some diabetes “funnies” occasionally.
We’re sharing amazing weight loss journeys & ways to help overcome fears related to Hypoglycemia with guests: Vanessa Hunter, Dr. Wendy Rapaport PsyD, Dr. Stewart Harris, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Autumn Reed on Novembers’ Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Jennifer Hudson
Autumn Reed shares how small changes added up to big results in weight loss in Diabetes Forecast Magazine.
Her A1C went from 7.3 to 5 percent, and she was able to come off her diabetes medications completely. Best of all, she’s less interested in sitting around the house. “I feel like a different person—like the person who was inside all this time but couldn’t get out.”
We’re talking about Weight Loss Journeys & Diabetes with musical inspiration from Jennifer Hudson in honor of National Diabetes Awareness Month, November, on Diabetes Late Nite on Tuesday, November 12, 2019, 6 PM, EST.
Jennifer Hudson
We’ve watched Jennifer Hudson soar to stardom as her powerhouse pipes have taken her from American Idol back in 2004 to coveted roles in film, theater and TV, including as a judge on The Voice. Throughout that journey, the singer has also had another major life change: She went from a size 16 to a size 6, dropping 80 pounds. The star followed poor dieting practices and finally chose to approach her weight loss in a healthy way after giving birth to her son, David.
Jennifer Hudson
While studies show most people who drop significant pounds regain the weight they lose, Jennifer Hudson has managed to keep her svelte figure for the past nine years.
“I’m very careful and cautious of what I’m eating, so I just try to pace those meals throughout the day,” said Jennifer Hudson.
Jennifer Hudson supports the Barbara Davis Center (BDC). BDC’s mission is to provide state-of the-art care to children and adults with type 1 diabetes and to teach patients how to prevent or delay complications. Their research is devoted to finding prevention, cure, and most effective treatment of diabetes and associated disorders.
November’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests include Vanessa Hunter, Dr. Wendy Rapaport PsyD, Dr. Stewart Harris, Patricia Addie-Gentle, and Autumn Reed.
Jennifer Hudson’s Debut Album
Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from Jennifer Hudson’s self-titled album, ’Jennifer Hudson’ courtesy of SONY Music. This 2008 self-titled debut album reflects Jennifer’s high-powered soulful style voice which is transcendent and timeless. Guests features on the album include Fantasia on “I’m His Only Woman”, Ludacris on “Pocketbook”, plus the highlights version of “And I am Telling You I’m Not Going” from Dreamgirls. Jennifer first gained notice as one of the finalists on the third season of the FOX television series American Idol. She went on to star as Effie White in the 2006 motion picture adaptation of the musical Dreamgirls for which she won numerous awards including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA and a SAG Award. 13 tracks. BUY NOW
We’re talking about ‘Weight Loss Journeys & Diabetes’ with musical inspiration from Jennifer Hudson on November’s Diabetes Late Nite podcastin honor of National Diabetes Awareness Month.
We’ve watched Jennifer Hudson soar to stardom as her powerhouse pipes have taken her from American Idol back in 2004 to coveted roles in film, theater and TV, including as a judge on The Voice. Throughout that journey, the singer has also had another major life change: She went from a size 16 to a size 6, dropping 80 pounds. The star followed poor dieting practices and finally chose to approach her weight loss in a healthy way after giving birth to her son, David.
While studies show most people who drop significant pounds regain the weight they lose, Jennifer Hudson has managed to keep her svelte figure for the past nine years.
“I’m very careful and cautious of what I’m eating, so I just try to pace those meals throughout the day,” said Jennifer Hudson.
Jennifer Hudson supports the Barbara Davis Center (BDC). BDC’s mission is to provide state-of the-art care to children and adults with type 1 diabetes and to teach patients how to prevent or delay complications. Their research is devoted to finding prevention, cure, and most effective treatment of diabetes and associated disorders.
Guests include Vanessa Hunter, Dr. Wendy Rapaport PsyD, Dr. Stewart Harris, Patricia Addie-Gentle, and Autumn Reed.
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.”
