The Divabetic Vault: Mother Love, Jessica Issler and Catherine Schuller

Enjoy another flashback from the Divabetic Vault. We spotlight three fantastic divas: Mother Love, Jessica Issler RD, CDCES, and Catherine Schuller.
Here’s the backstory on how I met these fabulous divas photographed and how they helped me pioneer diabetes outreach for women.
I met comedian and talk show host Mother Love, who is living with type 2 diabetes, while volunteering backstage on the National TV show dLife. Mother Love was one of the four hosts on the program. She was under contract with Novo Nordisk when Divabetic partnered with Novo to sponsor Divabetic’s national outreach program, “Divabetic- Makeover Your Diabetes.” Every show needs a diva, so I chose Mother Love over the other celebrities under contract when Novo Nordisk asked me if we wanted a celebrity to join us at our outreach events in Philadelphia, PA, New York, NY, and Cleveland, OH. She even appeared in one of our Serve, Taste, or Trash! Videos at the American Diabetes Association’s Expo in New York, NY.

I’m so glad I did!! She was terrific on and off stage. She lights up the room. She would join me on stage to host our Glam More, Fear Less fashion shows and host one of the six education stations, The Tunnel Of Love, in the Makeover Maze. The Tunnel Of Love offered advice on love, intimacy, and sexual health issues related to diabetes.
I hosted pre and post-outreach program meetings and dinners in every city for my national team members and their families. Mother Love and her husband would join us for both meetings (which wasn’t in her contract.) She was hysterically funny and always, always made everyone feel loved. At our post-event dinners, I made it a tradition to toast everyone at the table and express my gratitude. After Luther’s stroke, I didn’t want to take a moment for granted. I also wanted people to know how much I enjoyed presenting this program. I consider Divabetic’s Makeover Your Diabetes national tour my biggest accomplishment. And I didn’t do it alone – I had a dazzling team of incredible people who partnered with me.
My parents and I met certified diabetes care and education specialist Jessica Issler  CDCES (second from left) backstage at dLife, too. We met everyone in the diabetes community, including Jessica, while volunteering as audience coordinators at show tapings. Jessica attended a taping with two other young female diabetes educators, whom I nicknamed “Charlie’s Angels of Diabetes.” After the taping, we exchanged contact information after realizing a shared passion for helping empower and educate at-risk people affected by and living with diabetes in fun ways. I invited her to one of our monthly Divabetic Club support meetings at the local YMCA. Shortly after, she began volunteering as a facilitator at several meetings.
Jessica also volunteered as our sole diabetes educator at our first makeover program, Lipstick & Laughter, at MESS Makeup Studios in New York City. She met with women after they received free makeup applications to discuss issues concerning their diabetes.

When Novo Nordisk requested that I create a core National Makeover team consisting of diabetes care and education specialists, stylists, fitness experts, and makeup artists, she was the second name on my list.  Between stops on our makeover tour, Jessica and I created several new, original outreach programs targeting children and their families affected by diabetes with Mount Sinai’s Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes Department. All of our programs, like our Makeover program, featured progressive education. Participants would travel from one education station to the next, getting the information they needed to problem-solve issues related to self-care and diabetes wellness.  I am opposed to lecture-style outreach.
Our first program, Walk To The Penguins, featured an obstacle course through Central Park that ended at the Zoo’s Penguins exhibit.
Our second program, the Broomstick Bash was a healthy Halloween party featuring several education stations, Ghost & Boast (goal setting for the holidays, Monster Moves (fitness), Freaky Foods (nutrition), and a broomstick decorating area. The program was first held in the Department offices and moved to Mount Sinai’s main lobby in the following years. The third annual Broomstick Bash was our largest outreach event, with over a thousand attendees.
 Jessica replaced Joy Pape, we met at dLife too, as the lead educator for Divabetic’s Makeover Your Diabetes program from 2007-2009. She also worked with me on another health and wellness program called Energy Up!, targeting at-risk young women. Then, Jessica consulted and created recipes for Energy Up! founder Katie Dolgin aka High Voltage’s bestselling book, The Sugar Savvy Solution.

I’m wearing an Energy Up! t-shirt instead of a Divabetic t-shirt in this photo because I was moonlighting for my friend High Voltage’s Energy Up! wellness program. Early in Divabetic’s history, I chose to focus solely on adult women, not children. Since there wasn’t any diabetes outreach exclusively for women yet, I didn’t want to dilute our message by trying to all things to all people. But I still wanted to help younger people living with, at risk, and affected by diabetes, so I channeled my creativity into helping High Voltage with her programming rather than muddy the waters with Divabetic. I had a great time presenting and producing programming for both organizations.

Funny side note: I wanted to be booked as a guest when I heard about the national TV show dLife starting. Sadly, the producers disagreed. However, I still volunteer backstage during show tapings as a production assistant. One day, the producers took pity on me and let me host a table selling Divabetic merchandise in the cellar where the audience waited before the tapings. It turned out to be a life-changing moment because the Who’s Who of the New York City Diabetes Community (at the time) attended these show tapings. I met people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, their family members, authors, fitness instructors, hospital administrators, nurses, doctors, politicians, diabetes educators, and celebrities (like Mother Love). So I was rubbing elbows with the Who’s Who, hosting a Divabetic merchandise table in the cellar.
After a taping, I invited my parents to fly to NYC from Columbia to help me backstage on the show. We would put on Divabetic and Dude-A-Betic t-shirts and head to the studio. We sold merchandise as well as offered free healthy snacks. Yes, I coerced my Mom into making snacks in my tiny one-bedroom apartment before shows for audience members!! One day, the tapings upstairs in the studio were delayed, so the head of the production asked me if I could entertain the audience while they waited. Let’s say a star was born when I got handed the boombox with the microphone!!! I held runway contests between audience members, played games like charades, and made everyone dance to Luther Vandross‘s music. Sometimes we would have so much fun in the cellar that no one would want to go upstairs for the tapings. People noticed us. I don’t think they had a choice.

The woman in the picture on the far right is Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller. I didn’t meet Catherine at dLife. I met Catherine when we sat next to each other as judges for a Plus Size Beauty contest. We fell into a quick and easy friendship. She is amazing! She inspires me every day. She inspires me to create, challenge myself, and live my best life. Over the past twenty years, she has given her time, talent, support, and enthusiasm to Divabetic.

The morning of our last Makeover program, Catherine suffered a stroke. We hosted the program at Riverside Church, the location of Luther’s memorial. Catherine was rushed to the same hospital, Presbyterian Hospital, where Luther Vandross recovered from his stroke related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes. She also received treatment from the same team of physical therapists who helped Luther during her recovery. Catherine also put our Glam More, Fear Less philosophy to work at rehab. She did her hair and makeup and wore a glitzy sweatsuit before going to rehab sessions. She felt the attendants treated her differently because she made an effort.
Looking back, I feel grateful and fortunate to partner with so many women on Divabetic. Thank you for letting me share my memories from our 20-year history. It’s been a fantastic journey for me.

Can You Reverse Diabetes?

Many people find the phrase “reversing diabetes” misleading.

I know I do. First, there are many types of diabetes – which one are they talking about? Unfortunately, you cannot reverse type 1 diabetes, so making a blanket statement about ‘reversing diabetes’ is wrong and upsetting to anyone with type 1 diabetes.

Regarding type 2 diabetes, I remember being told that my boss Luther Vandross was no longer living with type 2 diabetes because he had lost weight. Looking back, I assumed they meant he didn’t need oral medications. However, their misleading comments had me convinced he was cured.

I lived in that bubble until he suffered a devasting stroke in 2003. Sitting in a chair in ICU,  his doctors told me that he still lived with diabetes even when his weight changed. Throughout the over twenty years of living with diabetes, Luther had periods of well-managed and mismanaged diabetes. Like many people, who gain a significant amount of weight, he routinely gained or lost a hundred pounds or more; he stopped managing his diabetes.  The damage he did to his capillaries during these periods of mismanaged diabetes was nonreversible.

Maybe he fully recovered from the stroke, returned to the stage, and continued to entertain fans worldwide; I would have a different opinion about ‘reversing diabetes.’ But given my life experience, I don’t like or use the phrase ‘reversing diabetes’ because it fuels the chaos or confusion regarding self-care.

Reversing diabetes is a term that usually refers to a significant long-term improvement in insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes who get their HbA1c below 42 mmol/mol (6%) without taking oral diabetes medication are said to have reversed or resolved their diabetes.

I prefer the phrase “moving forward with diabetes” much more
inspiring and motivating.

How about you? Does the phrase ‘reversing diabetes’ motivate you or annoy you?

Whether or not you embrace the term ‘reversing diabetes,’ you shouldn’t deny your living with diabetes.

More than 37 million people in the United States have diabetes, and 1 in 5 don’t know it. 96 million US adults, over a third, have prediabetes, and more than 8 in 10 don’t know they have it.

Although it’s not always possible to reverse type 2 diabetes, you can manage it. Seek help managing your blood sugar levels, lifestyle choices, oral medications, or insulin therapy to prevent complications from developing. One thing I learned from Luther was trying to manage your diabetes alone is a risky business. Luther had over twenty people helping him with his musical career. However, he tried to go ‘solo’ when managing his diabetes. After his devasting stroke, related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes, I realized the importance of a team approach to diabetes self-care. 

Let Lisa Stansfield inspire you to live loud and proud with diabetes. You Can’t Deny it!

Helpful Ways to Begin Accepting Your Diabetes 

Enlist the help of a mental health professional like our friend, Dr. Bevery S. Adler PhD, CDCES. She’s a licensed Clinical Psychologist, Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist, Author, and Speaker. Not only is “Dr. Bev” a fantastic therapist, but she’s also been living well with type 1 diabetes for over 50 years. She walks the talk. Take the time to interview therapists to find the one that best fits your needs.

Make an appointment with a certified diabetes care and education specialist to learn more about diabetes and how to manage it. Our friend, Rachel Zinman, living with LADA diabetes, said the ‘AH HA’ moment leading her to go from ‘survive to thrive’ with diabetes came after meeting with a diabetes educator.

Consider joining a diabetes support group. There’s nothing quite like being surrounded by people who know exactly what you’re dealing with. Many people hesitate about joining a diabetes support group. Still, the truth is that anyone who has ever attended a Divabetic Support meeting walks away with a better attitude about living with diabetes. Make sure you find a group with a qualified moderator. No one wants to sit in a room and be judged.

While you may not be able to reverse diabetes, you can reverse some things in life, like your car, DVD, or even this podcast!

We’re flipping the script on this podcast and presenting our regular show format from back to front because we hope to inspire you to look back at past mistakes with a new attitude. Mistakes teach important lessons. Every time you make one, you’re one step closer to your goal: optimum health. There’s no room for shame or blame when you’re able to accept your diagnosis. Let us help empower you to look back at your life with the satisfaction of knowing that diabetes didn’t dim your dazzle!

Singer-songwriter Lisa Stansfield inspires us to ‘throwback’ and discuss the concept of ‘reversing diabetes’ on this podcast.

In the late ’80s and throughout the ’90s, Lisa Stansfield was one of the coolest popstars on the planet. Her seductive, soulful vocals and timeless dance-pop songs took her to the top of the charts on both sides of the Atlantic. Four of her albums were international hits selling more than 15 million copies and spawning over 20 hit singles.

Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Kathy Gold RN, CDCES, Neva White DNP, CRNP, CDCES, the Digital Divas, Jessica Issler RD, CDCES, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Mama Rose Marie and special guest Cheri from Long Island, NY.

In tribute to Lisa Stansfield, we will be playing many of her biggest hits courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

By the way, we printed t-shirts with the phrase ‘Denial’s Not My Style’ over 20 years ago. We still stand behind every word in the phrase. There’s nothing new about the positive attitude we promoted in 2003 and will continue to promote in 2023. We might have to reprint some t-shirts to celebrate our 20th anniversary.

31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts: Day Four

Divabetic (Divabetic.org) presents a month-long showcase celebrating 10 years of diabetes podcasting. Each of the featured podcasts spotlights our favorite guests, topics, poems, games and/or musical inspiration. Enjoy!

You can’t really call yourself ‘Diva Talk Radio’ without paying homage to Cher. And on Divabetic’s Diabetes Roundtable podcast from March 2011 we did just that with our self-proclaimed ‘Cher-Spectacular’. Cher certainly is a woman that was born for show business. But even though she has been successful now for over sixty years, her fame never went to her head. Described as a humble and heart-warming person by her colleagues, the singer, actress and perfume maker has time and time again proved that to be a real icon, a beautiful surface is not enough.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8Ht0ulBrua/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The ‘Queen of Reinvention’ refuses to accept the word “age-appropriate”

Inspired by the iconic Goddess of Pop, Mr. Divabetic orchestrates an ensemble of fabulous guests on Divabetic’s Diabetes Roundtable podcast including Divabetic’s Charlie’s Angels of Diabetes Outreach in a discussion of hot topics, red carpet beauty tips from celebrity makeup artist, LA-based,Jeff Jones, self-care tips from Divabetic’s Mama Rose Marie and top “pop” picks from Stan the Announcer Man.

Plus, we’re dining with a dietitian at IHOP in a menu review of healthy food choices and Mr. Divabetic reflects on his obsessions with Cher.

Tune in and call in to get inspired, to give a shout-out or to play Divabetic’s Diabetes Numerology game featuring divalicious gifts. On this show, our Charlie’s Angels include dynamic certified diabetes educators, Jessica Issler, RD, CDE from Norfolk, VA, Judi Wilcox, RD, CDE from Hollywood, FL and Debra Norman, RN, CDE from Woodland Hills, CA.

 

Our monthly podcasts are dedicated to Music Lovers living with, at risk and/or affected by diabetes. We aim to be the epicenter of the circle of care, a link between patients and their health care providers, a translator of clinical speak and a bridge between denial and acceptance, fear and confidence

Divabetic was inspired by the late music legend, Luther Vandross and created in 2005 by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, who, as Vandross’ assistant of 14 years, witnessed his boss, mentor, and friend struggle in silence and solitude with the diabetes and its related complications. Since its inception, Divabetic has presented outreach programs in 15 major U.S. cities, reaching hundreds of thousands of women, their families and health care professionals.

Experience more of our GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS philosophy at divabetic.org

 

31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts: Day One

Divabetic (Divabetic.org) presents a month-long showcase celebrating 10 years of diabetes podcasting. Each of the featured podcasts spotlights our favorite guests, topics, poems, games and/or musical inspiration. Enjoy!

Our monthly podcasts are dedicated to Music Lovers living with, at risk and/or affected by diabetes. We aim to be the epicenter of the circle of care, a link between patients and their health care providers, a translator of clinical speak and a bridge between denial and acceptance, fear and confidence

Divabetic was inspired by the late music legend, Luther Vandross and created in 2005 by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, who, as Vandross’ assistant of 14 years, witnessed his boss, mentor, and friend struggle in silence and solitude with the diabetes and its related complications. Since its inception, Divabetic has presented outreach programs in 15 major U.S. cities, reaching hundreds of thousands of women, their families and health care professionals.

Experience more of our GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS philosophy at divabetic.org

 

Divabetic’s Diabetes Roundtable podcast from August 2010 centers around our Diabetes Numerology game puzzle. Diabetes Numerology Game puzzles pair random blood glucose values with real-life situations to help you brush up on your problem-solving skills and test your Divabetic IQ. Always check with your doctor to find out what your specific game plan should be for any given diabetes self-care situation. 

On this episode, three of the smartest and friendliest diabetes educators from around the world aka ‘Charlie’s Angels of Outreach’ make their debut. Our dynamic certified diabetes educators featured are:  Jessica Issler RD, CDE from Norfolk, VA,  Judi Wilcox RD, CDE from Hollywood, FL and Lori Bednarz RN, CDE from Pennsylvania, PA.

Help us to learn more about our community! It’ll only take a minute … and you could win the chance to make your acting debut in our Annual Mystery podcast in September 2020! 

PODCAST SURVEY

 

Start a ‘SUGAR LIPS’ Log to Help You Manage Your Diabetes

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but lipstick runs a close second. Why not incorporate your diabetes self-care into your daily beauty routine?

Don’t let diabetes dim your dazzle!

I truly believe that you have to love yourself enough to want to improve your diabetes health. Since 90% of women feel that wearing lipstick makes them feel better about themselves, why not reward yourself before you check your blood sugars by adding some color to your lips? The little boost of confidence you gain from your favorite shade  can help you to cope with those unexpected readings too.

15 MINUTE Beauty‘s Best Splurge Red Lipsticks: Mac’s Ruby Woo is one their best selling reds for a good reason!  It’s a classic bright red that works for almost everyone. BUY IT

If you’ve struggled in the past with adding your diabetes self-care into your daily routine then a SUGAR LIPS log  just might be the answer. Experts agree that linking my new habit with a current behavior make it much easier to change. No need to be motivated. No need to remember.

One good example of this concept is creating a new habit of flossing by always doing it after brushing your teeth. The act of brushing your teeth is something that you already do and that acts as the reminder to do your new behavior. READ MORE

When you stop and think that most women apply their lipstick 4 or more times in one day the resulting SUGAR LIPS log data could prove to extremely beneficial to you and your doctor. If you try it, I bet you will both be smiling! And guess what? A new tube of lipstick is a healthy way to reward yourself for lowering your A1C.

15 MINUTE Beauty‘s Best Splurge Red Lipsticks: Chanel Rouge Allure in Pirate is a classic red shade with a lot of blue mixed in, and the red isn’t too bright. It’s a go to for many women! BUY IT 

How to Keep A SUGAR LIPS Log

Write down your blood sugar values after each application of lipstick throughout your day.  Jot down the time of day, your medication, and any changes in food, activity, illness and/or stress related to your blood sugars.  Keep in mind when checking your blood sugar that the important thing is to know how to interpret the numbers and take the necessary action. For example, if you take insulin and your blood sugar is high, you may need to bolus, or take more rapid-acting insulin, to bring your levels down into range. If you manage your Type 2 diabetes with diet and exercise, you might treat high blood sugar with a walk around the block.

Now imagine how good you’ll feel at your next doctor’s visit when you take out your SUGAR LIPS logbook filled with pages of blood sugar readings!

BEAUTY TIP: Extend the life of your lipstick application by setting your lips reports Bustle. Blotting helps press color into the lips, but if you really want your lipstick to stay put, hold a single ply of tissue over your lips, and dust a setting powder on top.

Face Your Diagnosis Like A Diva!

Unlike some other diseases that rely primarily on professional medical treatment, diabetes treatment requires active participation by the person who has it. You have to have ATTITUDE!! Monitoring your blood sugar level on a regular basis and analyzing the results is believed by many to be a crucial part of the treatment equation.

Self-monitoring is an integral part of diabetes management because it puts you in charge. Regardless of how you manage your diabetes — through diet and exercise alone or combined with oral medicines or insulin — regular blood sugar monitoring provides immediate feedback on how your program is working.

“Checking your blood glucose gives you the freedom to make choices without worry, the confidence to learn from your actions, and the motivation to keep striving to do better,” says Linda Dale, RN, BA, CDE, Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Outpatient Diabetes Education Program at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Diabetes Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan as reported by Diabetes Self-Management. “Monitoring tells you that what you’re doing either is working or isn’t, and it serves as motivation to keep up actions that are working or to make changes.” READ MORE 

15 MINUTE Beauty‘s Best Splurge Red Lipsticks: Tom Ford’s Lip Color in Cheery Lush  is on the pinker end of the red spectrum and is fairly bright.  It’s a statement lip color best paired with minimal makeup.  BUY IT

DIVABETIC TIP: You should wait to check your blood sugars if you usually reapply your lipstick after eating or drinking. Most of the food you consume will be digested and raises blood glucose in one to two hours. To capture the peak level of your blood glucose, it is best to test one to two hours after you start eating. The American Diabetes Association recommends a target of below 180 mg/dl two hours after a meal.

Do you feel like you self-sabotage your best efforts? Use “But” – According to LIfeHac, when you start to think negative thoughts, you should use the word “but” to interrupt bad thought patterns. “I’m no good at this, but, if I work at it I might get better later.” READ MORE

BEAUTY TIP: Lip liner can be a game-changer for a few reasons reports Bustle. The first is that it keeps lipstick from bleeding outside the lines of your lips. By applying it all over the lips, it can also help make your lipstick last longer by giving it something to stick to. Lastly, if you want to up your lip game, using a liner that is slightly (and I mean slightly) darker than your lipstick can give flattering dimension to the lips.

 

GOLDEN RULES OF STYLE Podcast: Healthcare host Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek presents the golden rules of style with celebrity style and image expert Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, LISTEN

GOLDEN RULES OF A DIABETES DIET Podcast: Healthcare host Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek presents the golden rules of a diabetes diet  with Jessica Issler, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator LISTEN

 

What the ‘Golden Girls’ Can Teach You About Diabetes Self-Care

While the women exchange quips and get into fights, the overarching message of the show focuses on the importance of chosen family, and women supporting other women. Further, we see the women enjoying life after marriage.

Whether you identify with Blanche, Dorothy, Rose or Sophia, I think the ‘Golden Girls’ can help inspire you to improve your diabetes self-care. Over the years, I have hosted 3 podcasts loosely inspired by the ‘Golden Girls’ and a ‘Golden Girls’ inspired  diabetes outreach program  presented in Pittsburgh, PA, New York, NY and Philadelphia, PA.

Why?

Let’s face it managing diabetes for women like the ‘Golden Girls’ presents a variety of challenges, ranging from increased insulin resistance and weight gain to sexual health issues and depression. As you age, you may be most aware of your new gray hairs and wrinkles, but aging causes changes throughout the entire body.

It used to be said that having diabetes aged people an additional 20 years. Today, thanks to better tools for managing diabetes and preventing and treating its complications, people with diabetes have the opportunity to live longer than ever before.

However, managing diabetes in the golden years presents a variety of challenges, ranging from increased insulin resistance and weight gain to sexual health issues and depression.

LISTEN NOW: Mr. Divabetic takes a ’50 Shades of Gray’ approach to talking about diabetes and aging during this lively hour of diabetes education and empowerment.

My guests include Dr. Andrea Chisholm MD, FACOG, OB-GYN, “How To Fight FATflammation!”, Author Lori Shemek PhD, “The Secrets to Living and Loving With Diabetes” and “Sex and Diabetes” Janis Roszler, MS, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND 2008-2009 Diabetes Educator of the Year (AADE), Humorist and Author “The Sweet Blessing: My Adventures in Diabetes” Trisha Porretti RN, BSN, CDE.

LISTEN: GOLDEN GIRLS podcast about ‘Diabetes & Food Choices’ as we Age. Guest, Jessica Issler, RD, CDE, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator,  offers the golden rules of diabetes care with a focus on food. Using the original Golden Girls – Blanche, Sophia, Rose and Dorothy – as inspiration, Jessica reviews healthy food options for a variety of palates (including cheesecake!) and shares advice on counting carbohydrates.

“I had to write ‘Golden Girls’…I’ve never gotten excited about a network idea before, but this was compelling. I could write grown-ups.” — Susan Harris, creator of ‘The Golden Girls,’ September 1985

LISTEN NOW: Studio d podcast on the Golden Rules of Style based on the ‘Golden Girls’  with Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP. Let the four iconic  ‘Golden Girls’ characters inspire you  to embrace your inner diva with the style! Catherine provides practical style advice to help you achieve a Glam More, Fear Less mindset in your diabetes life.