God, Faith And Diabetes

When you’re dealing with diabetes health challenges, do you seek out your doctor or do you say, “it’s in God’s hands” and do nothing?

Many people turn to faith-based ways to manage health and life challenges. Saying “I’m leaving it to God’ is a common way to normalize and cope with challenging situations. It’s been reported that over 300 published scientific studies have demonstrated the medical value of religious commitment (including worship attendance, prayer, scripture study, and active participation in a spiritual community). These benefits include enhanced ability to cope and manage mental illness, chronic illness, pain, and addictions.

Recent research has shown that a large number of women are incorporating spirituality as part of their breast cancer treatment. Spirituality has been defined as a felt connection with a non-mental, non-emotional, and non-physical aspect of being commonly referred to as a ‘Higher Power’ or something greater than the self.

A recent study examined the benefits of prayer in racially diverse breast cancer patients. They found that women who prayed found positive aspects in their experience with breast cancer.

‘Recently, I had the opportunity to visit St. Francis Xavier Church on a trip to Missoula, Montana.

When this beautiful church was built in 1892, it became the largest church in Montana. It is a cruciform church in the Romanesque Revival style. The church also has stained glass windows, a pipe organ, and a massive church bell, Painters of the Italian Renaissance greatly influenced the Turin, Italy, native, who employed many of the same devices used by early Renaissance artists: feathery trees, oval female faces, classical costumes, and painted pilasters.

How Does Faith Help Life With Diabetes?

Mr. Divabetic hosts this episode of Divabetic’s popular Diabetes Late Nite podcast with musical inspiration from Country Music Superstar Carrie Underwood.

Carrie Underwood is inspiring us to talk about “keeping the faith and diabetes.” The country superstar and her husband are very outspoken about how important Jesus is in their lives. ‘How do your spiritual values impact your diabetes health? Are your spiritual and religious beliefs and practices harming or helping your daily diabetes routines?  The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic talks to the experts on ways you can keep your faith in your self-care management during your darkest hours and gets a ‘real-life’ perspective on how faith has transformed health outcomes.

In less than 10 years, Carrie Underwood has sold 64 million records worldwide, scored 18 #1 singles, and earned nearly 100 major accolades, including six GRAMMY® Awards.

Carrie Underwood is celebrating the first amazing chapter in her career with the 19 Recordings/Arista Nashville release of Greatest Hits: Decade #1, a 25-song collection that includes such radio staples as “Before He Cheats,” “All-American Girl,” “Cowboy Casanova,” “Blown Away,” “See You Again,” and her six-week #1 breakthrough hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” We will be playing selected songs throughout the podcast courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDCES, Neva White DNP, CDCES, Mama Rose Marie, Poet Lorraine Brooks, and special guest Carrie from New York.

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, fun Virtual Salad Making Party with special guest, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWWC, FAND on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.

FREE PROGRAM – REGISTER NOW

 

Diabetes Whodunnit: Kill Me Madam, Part 1-3

Divabetic’s Hallmark-style Mystery podcast Kill Me Madam, Part 1-3 is available for free on-demand. Enjoy great diabetes information and advice packed into a Whodunnit!:

There’s a good indication that murder might be part of the recipe when Nantucket’s ten-time reigning Baking Champion’s last name is ‘Coffin’. But resentment, greed, and Britannia’s own bad dealings turn everyone into a suspect when she’s found dead in the parking lot just before the Annual Decadents on Deck! Bake Off competition is about to kick off.

Delusional baker and amateur sleuth Mr. Divabetic is even shocked to find himself being treated as a suspect in the case by the local police after meeting her just once! As if his life wasn’t crazy enough before, escaping a murderous mishap in New York and attempting a fresh start in Nantucket has become a complete and utter baking disaster.

Now Max, along with his friends and nosy mother, have to add tracking down a murderer to his To-Do list, as well. Can our team hunt down the real murderer before they strike again? Will he become the next victim? Can Max ever manage to bake an actually edible cake?

FEATURING Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, USA Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst-Nicolay MEd, NDRT, Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Wendy Radford, Coach The Cure’s Trisha Artman, Mama Rose Marie, and Seveda Williams. Produced by Leisa Chester-Weir.

If you’re craving a slice of key lime pie after listening to Divabetic Mystery podcast, then why try to easy-to-make recipe by our friend, Stacey Harris aka (The Diabetic Pastry Chef) After being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Stacey Harris (The Diabetic Pastry Chef) taught herself how to make pound cake, pecan rolls, pies, muffins, cupcakes, and other baked goods with about half the carbs you’d get from a traditional bakery item.

Sugar-Free Key Lime Pie Recipe by The Diabetic Pastry Chef

Ingredients

One 9″ pie crust, baked (traditional or graham cracker crust)
3 large eggs
1 c. granulated Whey Low®, Splenda® or Truvia® sugar substitute
1 c. half & half
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
3/4 c. key lime juice
1 Tbsp. finely grated lime zest
1/8 tsp. salt
whipped cream

FULL RECIPE

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Baking Party with special guest, Stacey Harris aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef on Thursday, September 23, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.

FREE PROGRAM -REGISTER NOW

Quick Tips for The Picnic on Divabetic’s Zoom Program

Join us tonight, Tuesday, June 29, 2021 for Divabetic on Zoom at 7 PM, EST. Our free one-hour virtual 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.

Photo by Kate Hliznitsova on Unsplash

MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR’s quick tips for enjoying outdoor picnics without compromising your health include:

  • 3-4 servings of carb foods will be around 45-60 grams of carbohydrate. (This falls within the American Diabetes Association carb recommendations per meal.)
  • Use your carb servings on foods that you don’t get to eat as often.
  • Treat desserts like a snack by eating it 2-3 hours after the main meal.
  • Think about the face of a clock when eating pie or a round cake.  Instead of having a “15-minute” piece, have a “5-7 minute” piece.  This will give you the treat you desire while keeping you closer to your carb goals of less than 30 grams of carb for a snack
  • Get up and move, don’t just sit and eat.  Go for a walk, play games, have fun!

Tune in to the latest edition of Divabetic’s popular Diabetes Late Nite podcast for a unique mix of music with diabetes information.

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.

REGISTER NOW- FREE REGISTRATION 

Sweet Potato Walnut Balls Recipe by Jill Weisenberger

Earlier today, Jill Weisenberger joined Thomas Jefferson University Hospital’s Diabetes Boot Camp’s World Diabetes Day celebration on Zoom. Jill shared her favorite kitchen gadgets and healthy, delicious holiday snack ideas like Sweet Potato Walnut Balls during virtual event.

“My mother makes a sweet potato recipe similar to this (recipe) for Thanksgiving,” says Jill. “A few years ago, I modified her recipe to make it dairy free for one of our dinner guests. Last year I healthified it more and amped up the flavor by adding a bit of orange juice and orange zest. It’s definitely a keeper.”

Sweet Potato Walnut Balls Recipe by Jill Weisenberger

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds sweet potatoes
  • 1 Tbsp real maple syrup (feel free to use honey if you prefer)
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt or other coarse salt
  • 1/4 tsp coarse ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp orange zest, preferably freshly grated
  • 1 Tbsp orange juice
  • 4 Tbsp honey
  • 1.5 cups chopped walnuts, pecans or a combination of both

Nutrition

Serving: 1 ball | Calories: 109, Carbohydrates: 12g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 0.8g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 38mg, and Fiber: 2g

READ FULL RECIPE

How much do you know about Seeds and Spices? Both are used to flavor food, but research shows they’re chock-full of healthy compounds and have many health benefits. Try your luck at our fun quiz!

PLAY QUIZ NOW

 

We’re celebrating National Diabetes Awareness Month with musical inspiration from Angela Bofill. With her strong, distinctive alto, Angela Bofill carved a niche as an outstanding interpreter of soul ballads and became a mainstay on the Quiet Storm radio format. Angela Bofill suffered two strokes but neither stroke could take away her positive, humorous personality and her fighter spirit.Podcast guests: Angela Bofill, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, San Francisco & Palm Springs drag performer Mutha Chucka, and Evetta Petty from Harlem’s Heaven Hats. Throughout the podcast we will feature music from The Essential Angela Bofill album courtesy of SONY Music.

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, fun Tea Party with special guests, Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine SchullerTessie’s Teas’ owner Rose Hall and Harlem Heaven’s Hats owner Evetta Petty on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.

Tessie’s Teas are all natural caffeine-free, chemical-free instant crystallized teas that meet all of your healthy-living needs.

Harlem’s Heaven Hat shop specializes in providing the right head wear and face mask for the right occasions.

Catherine Schuller is a fashion curator, former plus model, coach, speaker, writer, producer, and image consultant.

How it works: Register prior to this event and we will send you the unique code to sign in to our Zoom Video feed. You will need a camera. We’ll all get acquainted and share niceties before the demonstration begins. At the end of our zoom event we’ll sit back, laugh, make smoothies and enjoy a toast together!

Cost: Free.

REGISTER NOW

 

 

 

31 Days Of Divabetic Podcasts: Day Six

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!

On Day Six of ’31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts’ we’re spotlighting Studio d: R & B Icon: Meli’sa Morgan from September 2011. The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic interviews the Princess of R&B Soul Music, Meli’sa Morgan, an American vocalist and songwriter, who has worked with a number of major recording artists, including Whitney Houston and Chaka Kahn.

“I was so starstuck to interview her,” said Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. “I’ve been a huge fan since I saw her open for Freddie Jackson in his concert in Rochester, New York. I love ‘Fool’s Paradise’.

https://youtu.be/BP3Wrbr2gFg

Meli’sa Morgan had a string of urban contemporary hits starting the mid–1980s through the mid–1990s. Morgan most notable songs includes her cover version of Prince’s “Do Me, Baby”, “Do You Still Love Me” and “Still in Love With You”.

Hear herstory and learn what inspires and empowers this diva to live healthy and well.

 

 

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, fun Virtual Scavenger Hunt on Zoom with special guest, Best-Selling Intimacy & Diabetes co-author, Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND on Thursday, July 16, 2020, 7 – 7:35 PM, EST. 

Sugar-Free Baking Secrets #2

Are you interested in baking with Stevia?

First off, stevia is a natural, non-nutritive sweetener extracted from the leaf of the stevia plant. More than 200 times sweeter than sugar. Stevia is essentially calorie- and carb-free.

Stevia-based sweeteners shouldn’t be used to replace sugar cup for cup in your favorite recipes. Most bakers agree that for the best results you should leave at least 1/4 cup of sugar in the recipe to help with browning and provide texture. You likely will need to use a lower baking temperature and increase the baking time.

Healthine states, ” Stevia may help manage your weight and blood sugar levels, and animal studies show that it may improve heart disease risk factors. However, it’s an intense sweetener that could negatively affect your health.” (READ MORE)

Thanks to Jasmine Waheed for sharing their work on Unsplash.

The Basic Substitution for baking with Stevia: Substitute 1 cup of sugar for 18 to 24 stevia sweetener packets, 1/3 to 1/2 teaspoon of undiluted stevia powder or 1 teaspoon of a liquid stevia extract. Experts recommend that you choose the amount of stevia based on how sweet you wish your baked goods to be.

Instead of a Mounds Bar, try these Chocolate Covered Katie’s No Bake Coconut Fudge Bars made with a liquid sweetener (maple syrup, agave, etc.) or with stevia. If you choose to use stevia for this recipe, Katie recommends that you add 1/4 cup additional coconut oil to make up the liquid difference.

“With smooth dark chocolate between layers of coconut, it’s like an inside-out Mounds bar!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBQ35-3AYWN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Divabetic’s June 2020 podcast is in solidarity with and dedicated to the Black Lives Matter movement for racial justice. We are making time to reflect, share our feelings, listen and identify ways in which to fight for real and meaningful change. Guests include Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Keith Anthony Fluitt, Leisa Chester Weir, and Jeff James.

can anyone breathe by Lorraine Brooks

with a foot on their neck

or a knife in their back

or a gun in their face

or a chain on their feet


can anyone breathe

who cannot be taught to read

who cannot congregate in groups

who receive inferior healthcare

and who die in the streets


can anyone breathe

who earns less than their peers

or must live only where they are allowed

and cannot marry who they please

and thrown crumbs to eat?


can anyone breathe

when the government fails

and the men are in jails

and when chaos prevails

and the president tweets


but new breath is coming

new air in our lungs

a country suffocated by its own hatred

gasping and dying

is now on life support

building walls around itself

when the real poison is in its own veins.


can anyone breathe?

In the words of the greatest president of our lives…yes we can.

This Divabetic podcast is in solidarity with and dedicated to the Black Lives Matter movement for racial justice. We are making time to reflect,  share our feelings, listen and identify ways in which to fight for real and meaningful change. Guests include Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Keith Anthony Fluitt, Leisa Chester Weir, and Jeff James.

Please consider donating to these organizations:

Campaign Zero, which is dedicated to ending police brutality in America through research-based strategies. LEARN MORE

Color of Change, which works to move decision makers in corporations and government to be more responsive to racial disparities. LEARN MORE

Equal Justice Initiative, which provides legal services to people who have been wrongly convicted, denied a fair trial, or abused in state jails and prisons. LEARN MORE

Sugar-Free Pink Champagne Cakelets Recipe by The Diabetic Pastry Chef

After being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Stacey Harris (‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’) taught herself how to make pound cake, pecan rolls, pies, muffins, cupcakes, and other baked goods with about half the carbs you’d get from a traditional bakery item.

“I started experimenting by using almond milk or whole milk mixed with water to cut down on carbs, then tried different flours, incorporating white whole wheat flour, soy flour, oat flour, black bean flour, and other alternatives into my brownies, cakes, and cookies,” she said in an How 2 Type 2 article.

She adds,”To cut back on sugar, I started using all-natural substitutes, like agave nectar, and trying erythritol. I also bake with a store-bought blend of sugars that tastes delicious.”

All of The Diabetic Pastry Chef‘s recipes are adapted to her preferences and dietary needs; we encourage you to adapt them to yours!

Sugar-Free Pink Champagne Cakelets Recipe by The Diabetic Pastry Chef 

Ingredients 

3 cups cake flour

1 Tbsp baking powder

1/2 Tsp salt

3 Tbsp cake enhancer, optional

5 large egg whites, room temperature

1 cup pink Champagne, room temperature

2 Tsps pure vanilla extract

2 Tsps vegetable oil

2 cups erythritol sweetener or other preferred sugar-free sweetener equal to 2 cups

2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature

1-4 drops red food coloring depending on how pink you prefer the cake

Directions 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cake enhancer if using. set aside.

In another medium bowl, whisk together by hand the egg whites, Champagne, vanilla and oil until well blended.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, on medium speed beat together the softened butter and erythritol for 3 to 4 minutes until light and creamy. Add the flour mixture and egg mixture alternately, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Add and stir in the red food coloring.

Divide the mixture into 12 greased and floured cakelet cavities (2- 6 cavity cakelet pans). Bake until the cakes are slightly brown around the edges and cakes just pull away from the pans, about 30 mins. Remove from oven and after 10 minutes invert onto wire racks to cool completely. Once cool, prick the tops of the cakelets with a fork and drizzle a bit of champagne over each cakelet to soak in. I would suggest 1/2 to 1 tsp Champagne per each cakelet. Dust with sugar-free confectioners sugar or decorate as desired.

Diabetes Pastry Chef

Stacey Harris aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef shares her recipes in a fabulous book so that people with type 2 diabetes and others looking for sugar-free treats can make their own lower-carb versions of baked goods at home. She also started her own online bakery that ships homemade treats all across the country. The most common thing she hears from customers is, “I don’t even miss the extra sugar!”

Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite Podcast Inspired by Gladys Knight

Stacey Harris, The Diabetic Pastry Chef, guests on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from Gladys Knight & The Pips. Our musical inspiration, 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 use her voice to encourage early detection and treatment of diabetes.

Are You Suffering from Dry Feet & Cracked Heels?

Divabetic Diabetes Late Nite podcast guest, Connie Elder is passionate about helping women put their best foot forward. With a well-earned reputation as one of the most trusted developers of lifestyle products for women, entrepreneur Connie Elder launched her PEAK 10 SKIN skin care line featuring SAVE MY SOLE rescue cream to elevate skin health and hydration to new heights with pure, clean, active ingredients. 

PEAK 10 SKIN founder Connie Elder

Q: What inspired you to create SAVE MY SOLE rescue cream

Connie Elder (CE): Skin care is not just about the face!  Our skin is the largest organ of the body and we need to take care of ‘all of it’, including our feet.  Especially this time of year we are wearing more open toed shoes, sandals, flip flops and our feet our more visible.  This makes most people more aware of how their feet look.  While this is important, it is also important to take care of the health of the skin on your feet.  Our feet are really good to us and take us everywhere we go.  Therefore, I believe they deserve pampering and a little TLC.

SAVE MY SOLE a spa-inspired foot cream, not only provides nourishment that can help prevent and rescue dry feet, is has a menthol and eucalyptus aroma that provides a cooling and refreshing sensation.  I personally find it extends the life of my safe pedicures!

Q: Many people with diabetes are likely to experience cracked heels because damage to nerves in the feet from rollercoaster blood sugars can cause dry skin. How does SAVE MY SOLE rescue cream work to help heal cracked heels? 

CE: In my past, I worked with a wound care center where we saw lots of diabetic wounds that would not heal.  Many of these were on the feet and caused those who suffered with the wounds ambulatory problems.   If we keep the skin on our feet hydrated and moisturized, it is less likely to become dry and crack, causes a wound that is slow to heal. 

SAVE MY SOLE foot rescue cream is 25% pure refined Shea Butter.  This provides much needed nourishment to the skin on the feet.  Shea Butter combined with Vitamin E and coconut oil will lock in moisture for the feet and encourage the repair process for dry, cracked skin.

Skin is like leather, the more nourished it is the stronger it is.   With proper conditioning it is less likely to experience cracking and tearing.  You can’t break a conditioned piece of leather, but a dried out piece of leather can tear. 

Q: Do you have any advice for preventing dry feet? 

CE: The best way to keep the skin on your feet from getting dry is to be kind and treat them with foot cream daily.  Once a week, use a pumice stone or a fine sand paper block to gently dust off the excessive dry skin.  Once you remove the dry skin apply SAVE MY SOLE foot rescue cream to your feet daily.  Within a few days you will notice your feet are less dry and they will feel nice to the touch.  Visit your podiatrist to keep your feet well-manicured and your nails trimmed.  You’ll enjoy sleeping with your feet again!

*If you have an open wound on your feet consult your doctor first.

Q: There’s been a lot of chaos surrounding different Sunscreen SPF levels and their benefits in the news lately. With the Summer months quickly approaching what advice can you give for shopping for sunscreen?

CE: There’s a lot of discussion around sunscreen, for sure.  Sunscreen is very important to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun.  I personally believe using an SPF above 30 provides a false sense of security.  We tend to think it last longer and it doesn’t.  Reapplication of sunscreen is most important to maintain protection through the day.  

There are some chemicals used in many sunscreen that should be avoided, especially for everyday use. 

I personally use sunscreen with a combination of Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide (natural mineral) and a small percentage of Octinoxate.   Safe levels of the organic compound Octinoxate mixed with the natural minerals are known for absorbing UV-A and UV-B rays of the sun, protecting the skin from damage.

Q: What words of wisdom can you offer to help women love the skin they are in? 

CE: First, remember aging is the gift of life.  If you are 60, don’t expect to look 30…no one does!  Be the best you can be for the age you are.  Healthy, hydrated skin looks radiant, at any age. 

This can be achieved by using products daily that are pure, clean and effective.  Be diligent in caring for your skin.  Wash your face in the evening and nourish it with products containing quality ingredients.  Products with a shorter ingredients list are usually best!  If you are over 40, add a serum to your skincare routine.   Make sure you are also hydrating from the inside.  Drink lots of water!  Limit your skin’s exposure to direct sunlight.  Wear sunscreen!

Peak 10 Skin offers a complete spa line of products to exfoliate, hydrate and protect skin, and has a well-deserved reputation for its pure, clean, active ingredients.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic discusses Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) on this podcast. Guests include Dr. Andrea Chisholm OBGYN, Peak 10 Skin founder Connie Elder, We Are Diabetes organization founder, Asha Brown, and Laura L. who are both living with type 1 diabetes. Throughout the podcast we will be playing selected songs from P.M. Dawn’s live album courtesy of SONY Music.  PODCAST LISTENER SURVEY

E-Book Available On Amazon

427,000+ Views on YouTube

Divabetic Lip Balm

Luther Vandross Music & Style Celebration

Mystery Podcast, Part 1

Mystery Podcast, Part 2

Mystery Podcast, Part 3

Mystery Podcast, Part 4

Mystery Podcast, Part 5

Mystery Podcast, Part 6

Mystery Podcast, Part 7

Mystery Podcast, Part 8

Mystery Podcast, Part 9

Mystery Podcast, Part 10

Mystery Podcast, Part 11

Love, Sex & Intimacy with Diabetes

Harlem’s Iconic Apollo Theater

R & B Midtempo by Max Szadek

Standards – Crystal Penny

Christmas Ballad by Max Szadek

UK Soul Chart Hit By Max Szadek

90’s Dance Anthem by Max Szadek

Divabetic Support Meetings

Divabetic Makeover Your Diabetes

Faith-Based Outreach: First Ladies Tea

Exclusive Angela Bofill Interview

Exclusive Angela Bofill Interview Pt. 2