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05/29/202305/29/2023

Sugar-Free Red Velvet Cake Squares Recipe by The Diabetic Pastry Chef

Today, Red Velvet cake, cupcakes, and cookies seem everywhere. But do you ever wonder where the recipe comes from?

My research found that a popular cookbook, The Joy of Cooking, debuted a red velvet cake in 1943. Irma S Rombauer, the cookbook author, shared the recipe but admitted in the text that she doesn’t care for the cake!

However, many researchers argue that red velvet cake predates the cookbook. They believe red velvet cakes were first served during the Victorian Era. Cocoa was used to help break down the coarse flour. As a result, the flour was softer, and the cake was described as velvety. Some argue that the chemical reaction between the cocoa and acid gives the cake its red color. The velvety texture and scarlet coloring led to the creation of Red Velvet Cakes. But the traditional recipe was changed due to WWII food rations. Bakers scrambled for alternative ingredients to use in their recipes. As a result, some bakers chose to use beet juice in their cakes. Beets work as a filler that keeps the cake moist.

I’d also like to add my two cents about the origins of Red Velvet Cake. My research points to Red Velvet Cake having African American origins. The enslaved people believed that the red color represented Christ’s blood and that the cocoa powder would bring them good luck.

Below, our friend, Stacey Harris, known as The Diabetic Pastry Chef, shares her sugar-free version of a Red Velvet Cake. One of Stacey’s surefire secrets to successfully substituting artificial sweeteners in your recipes is using more than one kind. Using two types of artificial sugar substitutes tends to eliminate any bitter aftertaste.

Sugar-Free Red Velvet Cake Squares Recipe by The Diabetic Pastry Chef

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup white whole-wheat flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

3/4 tsp salt

2 Tbsp. cocoa powder

2 cups sugar-substitute of your choice

3/4 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

1 cup buttermilk

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 tsps. red food coloring

1 tsp vinegar

1/2 cup hot coffee

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

Directions

Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl; set aside.

In the bowl with an electric mixer, combine sugar-substitute and vegetable oil. Add in the rest of the wet ingredients and mix well.

Add dry ingredients in thirds to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add batter to greased and floured 9×13″ pan. Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the cake pulls away from the sides of the pan and the center springs back when touched.

After cooling, sprinkle top with sugar-free confectioners sugar such as Swerve Confectioners. Serve cake cut into squares topped with whipped cream or whipped topping.

Although red velvet cake is generally linked with Valentine’s Day, it is also served at Juneteenth parties. For Juneteenth celebrations, the color red represents the struggle and bloodshed of the enslaved as well as the ultimate resilience of the people.

Clarence Waldron talks about his stroke, recovery, working as Senior Editor and Writer of Jet Magazine, and his memories of Luther Vandross and Aretha Franklin.

Twenty years ago, Clarence interviewed Luther’s mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross, for Jet Magazine after Luther suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes. Clarence’s story is an excellent reminder of why it’s essential to ACT F.A.S.T. if you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke. The acronym FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time) has been used by the National Stroke Association, American Heart Association, and others to educate the public on detecting stroke symptoms.

Earlier treatment results in a greater chance of recovery, a reduced likelihood of permanent disability, and a lesser need for extensive rehabilitation. You’ll quickly hear Clarence’s upbeat attitude and ferocious appetite for music and divas have served him well during his recovery.

Throughout this podcast, we feature music from Aretha Franklin’s Get It Right album and Luther Vandross’s Live At Radio City Music Hall 2003 20th Anniversary Edition album courtesy of SONY Music.

05/26/202305/27/2023

Sugar Substitutes, Gut Health and Type 2 Diabetes

The whole conversation around the risks of consuming sugar, added sugars, and artificial sugar substitutes is confusing for anyone, especially those with diabetes.

The health risks associated with consuming too much sugar in your foods and drinks are alarming. But sugar is sneaky. When you think you figured it out, you look closely at nutrition labels, only to discover manufacturers have ways of hiding sugar in foods and drinks marketed as ‘healthy.’

When you know, a 16 oz bottle of Coke contains almost ten teaspoons of sugar; you think you’re making a better choice by reaching for a Diet Coke or Coke Zero. But recent studies suggest that fake sugars can also have unexpected effects on your gut and metabolic health and even promote food cravings and insulin resistance, leading to Type 2 diabetes. Not to mention, quitting Diet Coke can lead to headaches and withdrawal symptoms. I know because I’ve experienced the vicious cycle of quitting Diet Coke several times without much success.

And what about these murmurs that diet drinks make you fat? Morning TV shows love to share results from studies that have found using artificial sweeteners and drinking high amounts of diet soda is associated with an increased risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome. One study also reported a link between the high consumption of diet drinks and the increase in belly fat in older adults.

Drinking water is a great alternative. But if you’re like me, you enjoy a carbonated drink from time to time. So what do you do? A glance at the cold drinks shelves at my local bodega reveals a plethora of diet drinks. Every company offering a popular sugar-sweetened beverage now offers a sugar-free alternative. Each contains a list of ingredients a mile long with names only a scientist could understand.

If you’re wondering why sugar substitutes seem more prevalent in our food and drink choices, one reason could be the Food and Drug Administration’s proposal to stop companies from labeling a food “healthy” unless it adheres to strict new limits on added sugars. Savvy companies can conform to the proposed rules by replacing added sugars in foods with artificial sweeteners.

“When companies reformulate their foods to contain less sugar, it leads them to use more non-nutritive sweeteners,” said Jotham Suez, an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, told the Washington Post.

Studies show that when countries such as Chile and Australia instituted similar policies to reduce sugar consumption, there was an increase in artificially sweetened foods and beverages.

“These low-calorie sweeteners are ubiquitous in the food supply, and so people often aren’t even aware that they’re consuming them,” said Allison Sylvetsky, an associate professor in the Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at George Washington University.

Many sugar substitutes are often hundreds of times sweeter than table sugar. Some are synthetic, while others, like stevia and monk fruit extract, are referred to as “natural” because they’re derived from plants.

The confusion surrounding what to do makes me feel like I’m talking from two sides of my mouth. Divabetic has hosted several Sugar-Free Baking Programs on Zoom, and we have shared dozens of Sugar-Free Dessert Recipes. Both of these offerings have proven to be very popular with our community. We’ve even rewarded our followers with free gift baskets of popular artificial sweeteners. But after seeing the new findings, I’m unsure how to proceed.

The World Health Organization cautioned people to limit their intake of sugar substitutes because of their potential for “undesirable” long-term effects, including detrimental effects on gut and metabolic health.

What the heck is Gut Health?

Gut health refers to the health of the entire digestive system — the parts of our body responsible for breaking down our food into individual nutrients we use to run our bodies.

If you suffer from frequent discomfort, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn, your gut has difficulty processing food and eliminating waste. People with chronic fatigue may have imbalances in the gut.

Health Studies Seem To Only Make It More Confusing!

According to a Cedars-Sinaistudy, one type of bacteria in the gut may contribute to the development of Type 2 diabetes, while another may protect from the disease. The researchers admitted it is too early to know how people can change their microbiome to reduce their diabetes risk.

In the meantime, experts recommend using artificial sweeteners sparingly because science changing all the time. Many of these old and new sugar substitutes seem destined to spur ongoing concerns and confusion. All we can hope for is to use them in moderation as we strive to live our best diabetes lives.

05/25/2023

Divabetic Podcast on Stroke

On Divabetic’s podcast, Clarence Waldron shares his stroke, recovery, working as Senior Writer and Editor from Jet Magazine, and his memories of legends Luther Vandross and Aretha Franklin.

Twenty years ago, Clarence interviewed Luther’s mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross, for Jet Magazine after Luther suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes.

When I was growing up Jet Magazine was everywhere — barbershops, salons, and waiting rooms. The digest-size magazine featured pop culture stories, What’s On TV, Wedding Announcements and Anniversaries, the (in)famous Jet Beauty of the Week, and Jet’s Top 20 Singles.

Clarence’s story is an excellent reminder of why it’s essential to ACT F.A.S.T. if you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke. The acronym FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time) has been used by the American Stroke Association, American Heart Association, and others to educate the public on detecting stroke symptoms.

Earlier treatment results in a greater chance of recovery, a reduced likelihood of permanent disability, and a lesser need for extensive rehabilitation.

You’ll quickly hear Clarence’s upbeat attitude and ferocious appetite for music and divas have served him well during his recovery.

Throughout this podcast, we feature music from Aretha Franklin’s Get It Right album and Luther Vandross’s Live At Radio City Music Hall 2003 20th Anniversary Edition album courtesy of SONY Music.

Get It Right is Aretha Franklin’s twenty-ninth studio album, released in 1983 by Arista Records. It was produced by Luther Vandross, following his successful teaming with the singer for the Gold-certified album, Jump to It. Album highlights include I Wish It Would Rain, I Got Your Love, and Every Girl Wants My Guy.

05/24/202305/24/2023

Divabetic Podcast Inspired by Etta James

Etta James inspires this episode of Divabetic’s podcast.

After the six-time Grammy award winner conquered her drug addiction in 1988, she struggled with her weight. At the peak of her obesity, she reportedly weighed as much as 400 pounds. At just five foot three, this weight gain often left her bedbound, and when she did appear publicly, she was seen in a wheelchair. She was unable to perform during this period.

However, after successful gastric bypass surgery, she lost over 200 pounds and began to perform again.

She told Ebony Magazine in 2006 she could sing “lower, louder and longer” than before.

However, she still had enormous difficulty adjusting to her smaller stomach. “I had trouble keeping food down,” she said. Her mental health also suffered. “I went through a depression. You’re doing well, and then all of a sudden you’re not. I thought I was going to fail.”

Etta James’s openness about her frustrations in managing her weight after the surgery has helped other people cope with the same issues. It’s important to remember you’re not alone if you struggle with weight loss issues, depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem. You owe it to yourself to get comprehensive treatment for all your symptoms—including your mental health symptoms. Seek a referral to a mental health professional to get the treatment you need for any mental health issues you are dealing with.

As she entered her 70s, Etta James began struggling with health issues. She was hospitalized in 2010 for a blood infection and other ailments. It was later revealed that the legendary singer suffered from dementia and was receiving treatment for leukemia.

Podcast guests include Lorraine Brooks, Dr. Monique Renee Rolle, Catherine Schuller, Susan Greenberg Weiner, and Mama Rose Marie.

Throughout the podcast, we will spotlight Etta James’ iconic recordings from the All The Way and The Essential Etta James albums courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

Diabetes Late Nite podcast inspired by Etta James, is free on iTunes, BlogTalkRadio, and Spotify.

05/22/202305/22/2023

Opera, Puccini & Diabetes

Yesterday, my mother and I went to the Palmetto Opera‘s performance of Great Voices from Broadway to Opera for a belated Mother’s Day celebration. The program featured some of opera’s greatest arias, duets, and memorable songs from the Golden Age of Broadway. My mom loves Phantom of the Opera, and I love Turandot‘s Nessun Dorma and La Traviata‘s Sempre Libera, so it was a win-win for both of us.

The concert also featured two songs from Italian composer Giacomo Puccini‘s masterpiece, La Boheme (O Mimi, tu piu non torni, O soave fancuilla).

Giacomo Puccini was born in 1858 and later diagnosed with diabetes in 1908. Numerous reports mention that he struggled to manage his diagnosis for much of his life. Understandably, managing diabetes was difficult before the discovery of insulin wasn’t until 1921.

Before insulin was discovered in 1921, people with diabetes were put on very strict diets with minimal carbohydrate intake. Some doctors prescribed as little as 450 calories a day! Sadly, some people with diabetes died of starvation.

On this Divabetic podcast, we intersperse highlights of the history of diabetes, self-care treatments, and innovations for the past hundred years as we discuss Puccini’s artistry and life.

Divabetic podcast guests include Toby Smithson, MS, RDN, LD, CDCES, FAND, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.

Throughout this podcast, we will feature music from Puccini: Great Opera Arias courtesy of SONY Music.

Giacomo Puccini’s artistic triumphs include La Bohème, Tosca, and Madama Butterfly. Unfortunately, his last opera, based on the fable of Turandot, would remain unfinished due to his death from throat cancer in Brussels in 1924.

Plus, we had the added treat of hearing the Theme from The Godfather and The Impossible Dream from Man Of La Mancha.

People with diabetes and their loved ones probably considered the discovery of insulin the impossible dream.

A young surgeon named Frederick Banting and his assistant Charles Best figured out how to remove insulin from a dog’s pancreas in 1921. They continued to experiment with dogs until January 1922. Leonard Thompson, a 14-year-old boy dying from diabetes in a Toronto hospital, was the first to receive an insulin injection. Within 24 hours, Leonard’s dangerously high blood glucose dropped to near-normal levels.

The news about insulin spread around the world like wildfire. In 1923, Banting and Macleod received the Nobel Prize in Medicine, which they shared with Best and Collip. Thank you, diabetes researchers!

My boss, Luther Vandross, who had type 2 diabetes, recorded The Impossible Dream for his Songs album. He performed it many times in concert to the thrill of audiences. Recently PBS aired his performance at Royal Albert Hall in London.

Interesting Fact: The University of South Carolina boasts a top-rated music school with an Opera department.

We’re discussing minimizing the drama in our diabetes lives with music from the ultimate diva, Maria Callas.

Maria Callas changed how we listen to opera—and charged the ambition of the singers who followed her. Her ability to interpret a wide variety of different roles truly set her apart, establishing her as a phenomenon, an operatic diva. She could fully exploit the dramatic strength of her low vocal range as much as the high and bright notes of her high range.

Opera takes any dramatic story and tries to make it more exciting and more believable with the help of music. Symptoms and situations related to diabetes are often dramatic and come on very suddenly. But how do you react to them? Are you a ‘drama queen’?

Whenever we are immersed in something overwhelming, we can learn how to deal with challenges better.

Divabetic podcast guests include Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport LCSW, PsyD, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND, Lorraine Brooks, American Heart and American Diabetes Association’s Know Diabetes By Heart Ambassador Rob Taub, Yoga for Diabetes Author and Director Rachel Zinman and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES.

Throughout the podcast, we will feature music from the Grandiose Stimmen: Maria Callas album courtesy of SONY Music.

04/25/2023

Happy Birthday Ella Fitzgerald!

Happy Birthday Ella Fitzgerald, on her 106th birthday!

Ella Fitzgerald was living with type 2 diabetes. Sadly, she had both of her legs amputated. But losing her limbs didn’t stop her from performing on stage. I think that’s a great testament to her strong will and determination.

There are still so many obstacles blocking people with disabilities from living their best life. I’m sure Ella Fitzgerald encountered many of them, from the smallest stair to the pity and scorn in people’s eyes. Week after week, traveling on the road from city to city to perform at night makes it difficult to maintain and sustain a health regimen, especially diabetes self-care. As someone who has traveled on the road supporting musician, I can easily understand how the rigors of touring can take a toll on your physical and mental health.

It’s easy for someone to write her off for not taking care of herself because it’s harder to admit how easy it is to ignore your diabetes. The number of people who don’t manage their diabetes dramatically outnumbers those who do.

Sadly, ignoring your diabetes leads to disastrous consequences. Mismanaged diabetes can lead to amputations, usually of the toes, feet, or legs. Causes include reduced blood flow or peripheral neuropathy. Managing your blood sugar is one way to help prevent it.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)Trusted Source, about 130,000 people in the United States who have diabetes have amputations yearly.

Better diabetes management and foot care have caused lower limb amputations over the past 20 years. However, 2018 research suggests that young and middle-aged adults in the United States are experiencing an uptick in diabetes-related amputations.

With ongoing diabetes management, foot care, and wound care, many people with diabetes can limit their risk of amputation or prevent it entirely. Education is crucial.

We proudly celebrate the First Lady of Song and raise awareness for the greater need for diabetes education on this episode of Divabetic’s podcast with Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDCES, CDN, Lorraine Brooks, Ansley Dalbo, Anna J. Stewart, and Leola and Cornelia.

04/18/202304/18/2023

Love Won’t Let Me Wait If You’re Having Stroke

Luther Vandross’s song, Love Won’t Let Me Wait, is my call to action to encourage you not to wait if you or a loved one is experiencing the signs and symptoms of a stroke.

Luther’s lovely rendition of Love Won’t Let Me Wait appears on his Any Love album featuring a classic blend of Vandross romance and melancholy.

Sadly, twenty years ago this April, I found Luther after he suffered a stroke due to mismanagement of type 2 diabetes.

How does diabetes cause stroke?

Mismanaged diabetes causes glucose (sugar) to build up in your blood. Over time, high glucose levels can damage the body’s blood vessels, increasing the chance of stroke. High blood sugar levels can: Make blood vessels become stiff.

High blood pressure can also cause the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the brain to burst or be blocked, causing a stroke.

A person loses 2 million nerve cells every minute they don’t receive medical treatment during a stroke, so getting to the hospital early can be a lifesaver.

Unfortunately, there were several hours between when he had the stroke, and I arrived to rush him to the hospital. I think the time lapse is why Luther’s stroke was so debilitating.

At the time, I didn’t know the link between mismanaged diabetes and stroke. Nor did I understand the importance of acting quickly. Today, I do, so I’d like to remind you that some critical stroke treatments are available only if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within 3 hours of the first symptoms.

My friend, Catherine, who suffered a stroke on the morning of Divabetic’s last ‘Divabetic- Makeover Your Diabetes’ program, acted quickly and received tPA, the “Clot Buster” drug. Her recovery is a testament to why you don’t want to wait. I’m happy that Catherine is living her best life because of it.

If you think you or someone you love is having a stroke, remember this F.A.S.T. test:

F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A – Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S – Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?

T – Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately!

If you love listening to Luther’s voice, let his life inspire you to act quickly to help yourself or others experiencing a stroke. His sax-fueled cover of Love Won’t Let Me Wait is all the inspiration I need to help someone regain their health after a stroke.

04/14/2023

Jet Magazine Returns with Slutty Vegan CEO As Their Cover Star!

After 63 years and thousands of issues, JET printed its last magazine in 2014, but it was announced that the iconic publication is coming back!

Growing up, Jet magazine was a staple in the Black community. Copies of Jet magazine could be found in Black hair salons, barbershops, and on almost every Black family’s coffee table, including Luther Vandross‘s house. He once told me how his older sister, Pat, would give him money to send him to the store to buy a copy!

The first Jet issue’s cover star is CEO & Founder of Slutty Vegan, Pinky Cole.

“I am so thrilled to be featured on the cover of Jet!” said Cole in a press release. “Ever since I was a little girl, I grew up reading every inch of every issue that I could get my hands on. Now here I am on the cover and as their iconic ‘Beauty of the Week.’ This moment is so personal and special to me because, in many ways, Jet helped shape who I wanted to become and who I am now.”

Pinky Cole is known for popularizing vegan meals in the Black community through her vegan comfort food and recipes. Since opening her business in 2018, her vegan burger chain has opened restaurants in Georgia, New York, and Alabama.

Her menus include such burgers as the Fussy Hussy (vegan cheese, caramelized onions), the Super Slut (guacamole, jalapeños), and the Ménage à Trois (vegan bacon, vegan shrimp). All were made with plant-based patties from Impossible Foods and doused with a spicy orange “slut sauce.”

Pinky Cole told New Yorker Magazine she estimates that three-quarters of Slutty Vegan’s customers are meat-eaters. “We like it that way,” she told the magazine. “It’s not a vegan concept where we’re this glorified group that’s better than everybody else.”

Some of Slutty Vegan burger options aren’t very healthy either. “I won’t sit here and tell you to eat Slutty Vegan every single day, all day,” she told the magazine before declining to share nutritional information. “But I do want you to understand that veganism can be healthier, even if it starts with burgers and fries.”

A vegan diet doesn’t include animal products. That means no meat, fish, eggs, poultry, milk, cheese, or other dairy products. Strict vegans avoid honey.

Generally speaking, vegan diets tend to be lower in saturated fat and higher in fiber – as a result, they fit well with meal plans for people with diabetes. If you’re considering a plant-based diet, please consult with your friendly certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCDE) to determine the best meal plan for you.

International yoga teacher, and author Rachel Zinman, living with LADA diabetes, shares a guided meditation, “Compassion Meditation,” focusing on self-love and compassion to help jumpstart your day with a new attitude.

04/13/2023

Ruben Studdard Looks Fantastic!

Ruben Studdard looks fantastic!

In a 2020 episode of the TV Show, Biggest Loser, former American Idol winner Ruben Studdard, 35, received some startling news about his health. Dr. Robert Huizenga diagnosed the singer with type 2 diabetes.

According to the show’s medical expert, Studdard’s insulin level, average blood sugar and instantaneous blood sugar levels were high across the board.

“I AM AFRAID,” the Velvet Teddy Bear replied. “I have seen a lot of lives cut short because of health issues.

It’s easy to assume he could be referring to Luther Vandross, who suffered a stroke at age 52 and died at age 54 due to the mismanagement of type 2 diabetes.

Luther had over fifty people supporting him with his music, but he chose to go it alone when managing his diabetes. One thing I have learned over the past twenty years is that for people with diabetes, a team approach to managing their health is ideal. From supportive healthcare collaborators to nonjudgmental co-workers, a team approach offers you the support you need when the daily grind of self-care burns you out.

Many people ignore or don’t treat their with type 2 diabetes, choosing to believe their diagnosis isn’t that serious. Too many doctors suggest losing weight is the easiest way to solve their problems. But what if it isn’t?

I watched my boss, Luther Vandross, struggle with his weight for over a decade. He lost and gained a hundred pounds multiple times while I worked for him. Whenever we thought he had found a way to maintain his weight loss, something would trigger weight gain.

Unfortunately, mismanaged type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating health consequences such as stroke, kidney failure, amputation, and blindness.

Research has shown that people who lack proper diabetes self-care education are more likely to be affected by complications of mismanaged diabetes. Diabetes is a complex and challenging disease that requires daily self-management decisions made by the person with diabetes. The emotional toll of living with diabetes can also take its toll on someone’s ability to manage their care.

Anxiety—feelings of worry, fear, or being on edge—is how your mind and body react to stress. People with diabetes are 20% more likely than those without diabetes to have anxiety at some point. Managing a long-term condition like diabetes is a source of anxiety for some. If you suffer from anxiety, please seek professional help. Talking to others about how you feel helps relieve some of the stress and overcome feeling overwhelmed.

Most of us take our health for granted. We leave our houses without eating. We sit for hours in a chair without getting up. We think we’re hungry when we’re thirsty. We don’t listen to our bodies. Sadly, most people don’t adopt health habits until diagnosed with a chronic condition.

Awareness of your blood sugar levels, what you eat, and when you eat can be exhausting. Many people push back on being aware of everything in their bodies.

“I’ve worked since I was 11-years-old to be a professional singer,” says Ruben Studdard. “That’s all I ever wanted to do.” He confessed to being on the show because he knows it’s time to focus on his health.

“I most definitely want to be around for a long time,” said Ruben Studdard. “This has really, like, given me a second chance.”

Divabetic remembers Luther Vandross (April 20, 1951 – July 1, 2005) with this special podcast, Tribute to Luther Vandross, celebrating his career during the 1990’s. Luther Vandross was a musical master whose style influenced a generation of today’s vocalists. His distinctive brand of satin-smooth vocal magic moved international audiences and continues to touch people today.

The happy healthcare host, Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek, who worked with Vandross for more than 14 years, hosts this tribute podcast featuring Luther’s former vocalists Paulette McWilliams, Pat Lacy, Tawatha Agee, Cindy Mizelle, and Kevin Owens, band member Bryon Miller, Vandross family member, Seveda Williams, friends Darren Margo and David Jones, the Luther Vandross historian, Leon Petrossian and Luther super fan, Jane Goodman from Great Britain.

Throughout the podcast, we will play selected Luther Vandross songs that he recorded during the 1990’s courtesy of SONY Music.

Divabetic, the organization inspired by Luther’s diabetes journey, revisits the singer’s career in the decade of hair scrunchies, boy bands, grunge, and rave parties. This Luther tribute remembers the moments, the music and the man, and the motivation to ensure that no one struggles with diabetes alone or in silence. Keep ‘your house a home’ and learn how to prevent diabetes health-related complications from occurring. Visit: www.divabetic.org

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.