Mary Ann Hodorowicz

03/30/202303/30/2023

Rosie O’Donnell Treated Her Sleep Apnea, So You Should Too!

“I had a problem that I was kind of embarrassed about,”says Rosie O’Donnell. “I was tossing, turning, and snoring like a buzz saw.”

Every night, millions of people like Rosie miss out on countless hours of sleep because of sleep apnea—and many more cases go undiagnosed!

Many women going through menopause assume they have insomnia, but they may have sleep apnea. Moreover, the two conditions have similar symptoms, including daytime fatigue, mood problems, and decreased work productivity. This is why it’s so important to be tested for sleep apnea rather than try to treat your condition with over-the-counter sleep aids or blame the quality of your duvet for maintaining a healthy night’s sleep.

Sleep Apnea Myth: “I’m a light sleeper.”

Studies have shown over and over again that you, as a patient, are very poor at predicting whether or not you have obstructive sleep apnea. This is because it only happens while you are sleeping.

Sleep Apnea Myth: “I don’t snore.”

Many people think obstructive sleep apnea is severe snoring. But many people with mild to moderate conditions may not snore at all. Remember that snoring, by definition, means that one is still breathing (somewhat). Apnea means total blockage. So,if you are not breathing, you are not snoring.

Rosie’s doctor said that when she underwent a sleep test, they discovered she was waking up over 200 times during the night, and she stopped breathing for almost forty seconds.

However, this severe condition affecting many people with diabetes is treatable.

Sleep apnea is a blockage of the airway, making it difficult to breathe. When this happens, your body wakes up so you can breathe, resulting in sleep loss.

Once a proper diagnosis was reached, Rosie was treated with CPAP, or a continuous positive airway pressure machine. She admitted that after one night of use with the CPAP she noticed an incredible difference.

Could sleep apnea be slowly ruining your life and hurting your health? You’ll never know until you get tested like Rosie O’Donnell. There are many options for getting an official diagnosis of sleep apnea, including a home sleep test.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) alters glucose metabolism and promotes insulin resistance. Over time these consistently higher glucose levels lead to a higher A1C and a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

We’re talking about nighttime diabetes management with musical inspiration from Gladys Knight & The Pips courtesy of SONY Music.

Gladys Knight doesn’t have diabetes, but the disease is as close to her heart as the memories of her mother, Elizabeth Knight, who died of complications from the disease in 1997. The five-time Grammy award winner never misses an opportunity to voice the message of early detection and treatment of diabetes.

Gladys shares her final words of wisdom: ”Do something about diabetes … Know more, do more!” Knight feels nearly as passionate about spreading that message as she does about the incredible singing career her mom helped her launch some 54 years ago.

Guests include Stacey Harris aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef, Mary Ann Hodorowicz, RD, LDN, MBA, CDCES, CEC, SleepyHead Central founder Tamara Sellman RPSGT, CCSH, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie.

10/18/201910/18/2019

1 in 4 Americans Ration Insulin

1 in 4 Americans have rationed insulin due to prohibitively expensive costs according to Beyond Type 1‘s helpful website.

If that’s you, you’re far from alone – and it’s not your fault.

If you need insulin now!

If you are in emergency need of insulin right now, always go to the emergency room. The below resources address those struggling to afford monthly costs (CLICK HERE FOR FULL LIST).

Manufacturer Discount Programs

If you take Lilly insulin (Humalog, Basaglar): the Lilly Diabetes Solutions Call Center Helpline provides personalized assistance for finding your best cost option (as long as you take Lilly insulin). Call 833-808-1234 9am to 8pm ET Monday to Friday. If you have high-deductible health insurance or are uninsured, you may be eligible for Lilly insulin at 40% discounted through BlinkHealth but this is not available if you are insured through Medicaid or Medicare. Additionally, if you are uninsured or have Medicare Part D, and meet certain income parameters you may be eligible for free insulin through LillyCares.
If you take Novo Nordisk insulin (Fiasp, NovoLog, NovoRapid, Levemir, Triseba): Patient Assistance Program provides free insulin to those who qualify, which is limited to those with no private insurance and who do not qualify for federal insurance programs and who are at or below 400% of the federal poverty level – with a few exceptions.

The nonprofit organization, Beyond Type 1, offers these solutions if you need help getting insurance coverage (CLICK HERE FOR FULL LIST).

If insurance is not an option through your employer or you are unemployed, head to Healthcare.gov. From there you can explore health insurance and assistance options based on your state, income, and specific circumstances.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) has a publication called “Financial Help for Diabetes Care” explaining programs which may provide additional coverage for medical expenses for a person with diabetes. View online here.

Insure Kids Now! – Every state in the nation has a health insurance program for people under 18. This website is offered by the US Health and Human Services Department to help navigate getting insurance – or call 877-Kids-Now

Music by Destiny’s Child on October’s Diabetes Late Nite

We’re talking about the skyrocketing cost of insulin on Diabetes Late Nite with T1International’s US Advocacy Manager, Allison Bailey, Mary Ann Hodorowicz RD, MBA, CDE, Jessica Clark and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and music from Destiny’s Child.

LISTEN NOW

Join the advocacy movement

Explore tools + actions you can take to get involved with access advocacy here.

10/04/201910/04/2019

Destiny’s Child on October’s Diabetes Late Nite Podcast

The ‘Year of The Diva’ continues on Divabetic’s free monthly podcast, Diabetes Late Nite with music from Destiny’s Child on Monday, October 7, 2019, 6 PM, EST.

We’re talking about the skyrocketing cost of insulin in the United States with T1International’s US Advocacy Manager, Allison Bailey, Mary Ann Hodorowicz RD, MBA, CDE, Jessica Clark, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE.

According to Business Insider the list prices of common types of insulin have roughly tripled over the last decade, even though they’re the exact same products offered 10 years ago. READ MORE

Bills, Bills, Bills

This year marks the 20th Anniversary of Destiny’s Child’s second studio album, ‘The Writing’s on the Wall’. Essence magazine referred to the album as a masterpiece of Black femininity, women empowerment, and honestly just a banger that still gives us nostalgic feels. Mega-hits off the album include “Say My Name,” “Bills, Bills, Bills,” and “Jumpin’, Jumpin’.”

Say My Name

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’.

TUNE IN

Jumpin’ Jumpin’

03/09/201703/09/2017

The American Health Care Act’s Impact on People with Diabetes

Mary Ann Hodorowicz RD, MBA, CDE, Certified Endocrinology Coder talks about how the new American Health Care Act will impact people with diabetes on March’s Diabetes Late podcast. CLICK TO LISTEN

Mary Ann is a 25+ year veteran in diabetes education and a current AADE board member who is passionate about helping with people with diabetes. During our interview, Mary Ann discussed several key issues ( including pre-existing conditions and preventive care) addressed in the American Health Care Act which will repeal and replace Obamacare. (You can read the bill online at readthebill.gop.)

According to Representative Paul Ryan, the goal of the American Health Care Act is to give every American access to quality, affordable health care. For families, that means lower costs, more choices and greater control.

The American Health Care Act intends to give states more funding and flexibility to support high-risk pools and reinsurance programs. Where Obamacare was built on mandates and coercion that make coverage more expensive, our plan takes care of those in need without driving up costs for everyone else.

It’s important to note that the American Medical Association (AMA) outlined provisions of the American Health Care Act that would have an adverse impact on patients and the health of the nation. Largely due to the decline in health insurance coverage the bill would likely cause, the AMA is unable to support the AHCA as drafted.

“The AMA supported health system reform legislation in 2010 because it was a significant improvement on the status quo at the time; and although it was imperfect, we continue to embrace its primary goal – making high-quality, affordable health coverage accessible to all Americans,” AMA President Andrew W. Gurman, M.D. said. “As drafted, the AHCA would result in millions of Americans losing coverage and benefits. By replacing income-based premium subsidies with age-based tax credits, the AHCA will also make coverage more expensive – if not out of reach – for poor and sick Americans. For these reasons, the AMA cannot support the AHCA as it is currently written.”

Republicans have long said that they have to empower patients as consumers to spur competition and bring down costs. That’s why they will also nearly double the amount of money you can contribute to health savings accounts to pay for out-of-pocket expenses. This will end Obamacare’s limits on how you save and spend your health care dollars.

What do you think?

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Gladys Knight & The Pips. We’re taking about sleep apnea, the dawn phenomenon, midnight cravings and a topic that’s keeping some of us awake at night; President Trump’s repeal of the Affordable Care Act with my guests: Stacey Harris aka ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’, Tamara Sellman from SleepyHead Central,Mary Ann Hodorowicz, RD, LDN, MBA, CDE, CEC, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie.

We’re giving away a fabulous Divabetic Prize pack courtesy of Cabot Cheese, Nu Naturals and Dr. Greenfield’s in our INSTANT WINNER Challenge.

03/07/2017

Join us Tonight for March’s Diabetes Late Nite!

Tonight we’re talking about Nighttime Diabetes Management with musical inspiration from Gladys Knight & The Pips courtesy of SONY Music on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, 6 -7:30 PM, EST.

Gladys Knight doesn’t have diabetes, but the disease is as close to her heart as the memories of her mother, Elizabeth Knight, who died of complications from the disease in 1997. A five-time Grammy award winner, Knight is as busy as ever gracing the entertainment world with her exceptional voice. Yet she never misses an opportunity to voice the message of early detection and treatment of diabetes.

Gladys shares her final words of wisdom: ” Do something about diabetes … Know more, do more!” Knight feels nearly as passionate about spreading that message as she does about the incredible singing career her mom helped her launch some 54 years ago.

Tonight we’ll be discussing sleep apnea, the dawning effect, midnight sweet cravings and a topic that’s keeping some of us awake at night; President Trump’s repeal of the Affordable Care Act with my guests: Stacey Harris aka ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’, Tamara Sellman from SleepyHead Central, Mary Ann Hodorowicz, RD, LDN, MBA, CDE, CEC, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie.

Plus, I’ll be giving away a fabulous Divabetic Prize pack courtesy of Cabot Cheese, Nu Naturals and Dr. Greenfield’s in our INSTANT WINNER Challenge.

Please take a minute to follow me on twitter, like us on Facebook and donate to Divabetic at divabetic.org your tax deductible contributions are greatly appreciated

TUNE IN: Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Gladys Knight & The Pips tonight, March 7, 2016, 6-7:30 PM, EST.

01/07/2017

Don’t miss Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Alicia Keys this Tuesday!

We’re getting up close and personal on two big issues concerning your diabetes health on Diabetes Late Nite scheduled for this Tuesday, January 10, 2017, 6 PM, EST.

Our music guest, Alicia Keys’ make-up free movement is inspiring us to take an unfiltered look at food waste and food safety as well as some of the new innovative solutions to solving the biggest food and agriculture concerns with President and Founder of Food Tank Danielle Nierenberg. Food Tank, a nonprofit organization focused on building a global community for safe, healthy, nourished eaters.

We’re also going with speak to Mary Ann Hodorowicz RD, MBA, CDE about President Elect Donald Trump’s potential reforms and provisions to the Affordable Care Act – Obamacare.

Although, neither President-elect Donald Trump nor Vice President-elect Mike Pence, who met with House and Senate Republicans at the Capitol, offered lawmakers details about their repeal plan, U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan said on Thursday he expects to have legislation to replace, as well as repeal, the Affordable Care Act this year.

“Our legislating will occur this year,” Ryan, a Wisconsin Republican, said at a news briefing. “What date all of this gets phased in on is something we do not now know,” partly because the administration is not in office yet.”

Plus, The Charlie’s Angels of Outreach (Patricia Addie-Gentle), Mama Rose Marie and Poet Lorraine Brooks will be joining us. And our INSTANT WINNER will receive a prize package featuring 6 months free access to mysugr pro, a Cabot Cheese gift box, an assortment of Dr. Greenfield’s Diabetic Foot, Hand & Body Creams and Nu Naturals samples.

Alicia says her makeup free crusade has served her well as an a self-empowerment tool. She said, ”I don’t want to cover up anymore. Not my face, not my mind, not my soul, not my thoughts, not my dreams, not my struggles, not my emotional growth. Nothing.”

She even talked about it in one of her new songs, “When a Girl Can’t Be Herself,” quoting the line “Who says I must conceal what I’m made of / Maybe all this Maybelline is covering my self-esteem.“

Let Alicia Keys help inspire you to push past your fears and face the issues that concern you most about your diabetes self-care this year!

Throughout this podcast will be playing selected songs from Alicia Keys’ sixth studio album,“Here” courtesy of SONY Music.

TUNE IN: Click on this link to listen to Diabetes Late Nite podcast inspired by Alicia Keys scheduled for Tuesday, January 10, 2017, 6 PM, EST.

12/23/2016

What Every ‘Divabetic’ Should Know About Menopause

According to a recent article published in the New York Daily News women in perimenopause and menopause don’t realize they have diabetes. The symptoms of diabetes can be confused with symptoms of menopause including frequent urination, night sweats, anxiety, mood swings, foggy thinking, dry itchy skin, and vaginal infections.

In general, women with diabetes lose more years of life than men do. And while the death rate for women with diabetes has risen dramatically since the 1970s, it hasn’t risen for men with the disease. It’s estimated that girls born in the year 2000 have more than a 1 in 3 chance of getting diabetes in their lifetime.

Overweight women at any age with any one of the following risk factors should also be checked for diabetes: inactive, have a first-degree relative with diabetes, have polycystic ovaries, delivered a baby over 9 pounds, have high blood pressure above 140/90 or take blood pressure medication, have low good cholesterol. Be sure to measure your blood sugar regularly.

Divabetic (divabetic.org) is a national diabetes organization dedicated to women.

LISTEN NOW: On the Mr. Divabetic Show: That State Of Women’s Health we’re talking about the state of women’s equality and diabetes and sexual health post-election. While the outcome of the Presidential election means different things to different people, it is no secret that many of the words, values, and behaviors Americans have heard and seen during this election have deeply affected many people, including women.

Did you know that women are more likely than men to suffer from mental illnesses such as anxiety and PTSD? Also, the numbers show us that women have not historically enjoyed the same power and privilege as men. For some women, the result may be a subtle but constant sense of vulnerability and vigilance.

From reproductive rights to Medicare coverage, there could be a lot of policy changes impacting US women over the next four years. Additionally, many women may feel threatened from hearing about a powerful leader’s many sexual assault accusations and the rising incidents of hate crimes post-election.

Guests include: Dr. Andrea Chisholm OBGYN, Peak 10 Skincare founder and Domestic Violence Advocate Connie Elder, Poet Lorraine Brooks, We Are Diabetes organization founder, Asha Brown, Mary Ann Hodorowicz RD, CDE and the President of Women in Government Relations, Kathryn Schubert.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Leona Lewis’ “Christmas, with Love” album courtesy of SONY Music.

12/20/2016

Special Podcast: Woman’s Health 2017

Mr. Divabetic discusses the state of women’s equality and diabetes and sexual health post-election tonight, Tuesday, December 20, 2016, on a special Diabetes Late Nite podcast at 6 PM, EST.

While the outcome of the Presidential election means different things to different people, it is no secret that many of the words, values, and behaviors Americans have heard and seen during this election have deeply affected many people, including women.

Mr. Divabetic’s guests include: Dr. Andrea Chisholm OBGYN, Peak 10 Skincare founder and Domestic Violence Advocate Connie Elder, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Mary Ann Hodorowicz RD, CDE, Asha Brown, and the President of Women in Government Relations, Kathryn Schubert.

TUNE IN: Special podcast: Woman’s Health 2017

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Leona Lewis’ “Christmas, with Love” album courtesy of SONY Music.

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.” Enjoy over 100 free podcasts available on demand at i-Tunes, divabetic.org and blog talk radio.