Learn To Rest, Not To Quit

Living with diabetes can be tough, but you’re doing an amazing job so far! You’re taking care of yourself by watching what you eat, making time for physical activity, taking your medication, and checking your blood sugar levels regularly. However, sometimes it can be discouraging when you’re not seeing the results you were hoping for or when you develop health problems despite all your efforts.

Just remember that it’s okay to feel frustrated, discouraged, or burned out. It happens to many people with diabetes. You’re not alone!

It’s important to be kind to yourself and celebrate the progress you’re making every day. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted friend or a therapist for support. Your healthcare team is also there to help you refocus on new ideas and strategies.

Instead of focusing on big goals, try taking small steps toward achieving them. For example, lowering your A1c by 1% can be a great start. Remember, every little step counts, and you’re still headed in the right direction.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, it’s important to tap into encouragement, insights, and support from people who’ve been there. Divabetic is partnering with Diabetes Sisters to offer in-person and online group support and webinars. Accessing the right kind of support is essential to avoid burnout and continue taking care of yourself and your health. Keep up the good work!

Sia is helping Mr. Divabetic to shed some light on the emotional side of diabetes, including depression.  If you have diabetes — either type 1 or type 2 — you have an increased risk of developing depression. And if you’re depressed, you may have a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes. The good news is that diabetes and depression can be treated together. Effectively managing one can have a positive effect on the other.

Sia has made evoking viewers’ raw emotions from her videos a habit. Her usage of Maddie Ziegler with wild choreography, coupled with the black background, emphasizes the hurt and longing in Sia’s voice. She’s also the voice behind hit songs like ‘Chandelier’ and ‘Diamonds’, but the Grammy-nominated artist might be best known for not showing her face at public events. 

“If anyone besides famous people knew what it was like to be a famous person, they would never want to be famous,” Sia wrote. ““I don’t want to be famous or recognizable. I’ve been writing pop songs for pop stars now for a couple of years, and I’ve become friends with them and see what their life is like, and that’s not something I want.”

Sia has incredible talent that does not go unnoticed. The podcast will play selected cuts from Sia’s “1000 Forms of Fear” album courtesy of SONY Music. 

Guests include Dr. Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDE, Poet Lorraine Brooks, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Mama Rose Marie, and Zippora Karz, a former NYC Ballet Solo Ballerina with type 1 diabetes and author of the memoir “The Sugarless Plum”.

Kevin James Jokes About Prediabetes

Kevin James talks about the confusion and prevalence of a PreDiabetes diagnosis in this comedy routine.

Approximately 98 million American adults—more than 1 in 3—have prediabetes. Of those with prediabetes, more than 80% don’t know they have it.

While his routine is funny, it’s also misleading. His approach to brushing it off is problematic because prediabetes is a chance to reset and take action. Prediabetes is a serious health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.

Letting it slide, a Prediabetes diagnosis will eventually lead to type 2 diabetes. With equal amounts of regret and self-judgment on top of this new diagnosis, no one is setting themselves up for a ‘win.’

Join a National Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle change program for more guidance and support. This program teaches you how to make gradual lifestyle changes that increase your chances of reversing prediabetes. You’ll have access to professional advice and a community of others on a similar journey to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. You can joke all you want as you work to achieve optimum health!

Gospel Singer Pat Lacy, who has worked with The Sounds of Blackness and Luther Vandross, shares her experience living with type 2 diabetes and how she modified her lifestyle to take charge of her health.

One positive side effect of Kevin’s comedy routine is that Kelly Clarkson revealed her Prediabetes diagnosis sparked her weight loss journey. The TV show host turned her health around by walking, eating a healthy mix of foods, and not depriving herself of an occasional treat.

Not everyone can indulge in a treat. My friend, health guru Kathie Dolgin, known as ‘High Voltage,’ can’t stop eating sugar once she has it. High Voltage chooses not to eat added sugar. She doesn’t believe in deprivation, so she’s found ways to satisfy her sweet tooth with natural sugars and alternatives. High Voltage joins me on this podcast!

Dr. Stephen Bracci & special guest Kath Dolgin discuss the standard American diet.

Who Do You Tell About Your Diagnosis on An Upcoming Podcast

Living with diabetes can be a challenging experience, especially when it comes to your relationships. That’s why it’s important to talk to your loved ones about your diabetes diagnosis and how it affects your life. It can help you surround yourself with a more supportive and encouraging environment. Co-authors of Divabetic’s ebook, “Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide To Love & Intimacy With Diabetes,” Dr. Janis Roszler PhD, LMFT, CDCES, LD/N, FAND, and Donna Rice MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES offer advice on discussing your diabetes diagnosis as well as issues related to intimacy, fertility, and menopause with the people you care about the most.

Their podcast interview will air on Tuesday, February 13, 2204.

To help us better understand your unique experiences and struggles with diabetes, the national nonprofits Divabetic and Diabetes Sisters are partnering on the first-ever survey on love and relationships for women with diabetes on the same day. This survey, titled “Love Across All Life Stages of Diabetes,” allows you to share your thoughts and experiences with us so we can create more meaningful programming and resources to serve you.

Please take a few moments out of your day to participate in this survey. You can find the link on our websites, Divabetic.Org and DiabetesSisters.Org, and our social media platforms.

Your input can make a difference in the lives of other women living with diabetes.

Divabetic’s ebook, “Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide To Love & Intimacy With Diabetes,” is available at Amazon.

Luther Vandross Wardrobe Department

These three incredible women changed my life. Jennifer Jacobs, Pam Lewis, and Valerie Rice Prainito met at FIDM in Los Angeles. One by one, starting with Jennifer, they began working in the wardrobe department on tour for Luther Vandross. Lurther hired Pam after Jennifer for a tour, and then Val. All three of these women have gone on to have stellar careers.

Val and I were friends before we worked for Luther. She got the job first, then contacted me to fill a last-minute spot on Luther’s “Never Let Me Go” tour in 1993.

I took a leave from the American Conservatory Theater to go on tour. After that, I returned to San Francisco and waited for a year for another phone call. Shortly after, my life began to change quickly. I moved from San Francisco to New York City to become Luther’s full-time personal assistant.

Like so many others, Luther Vandross changed my life. “He was a benchmark of excellence, and having his name on your resume carried significant weight.”

Director Dawn Porter is a highly respected storyteller, but in her interview with the Hollywood Reporter, she fails to justify Luther’s legacy. His unique talent for showcasing the complexities of love and life’s struggles through his music is still appreciated by his fans even two decades after his passing. It is crucial that this documentary does not sensationalize his life and instead focuses on the various facets of his talent, including his songwriting, voice, and music. As someone who had the honor of working for him, I hope this documentary accurately portrays his legacy.

I have produced several Luther Vandross Tribute podcasts featuring Luther’s friends, family, band members, vocalists, and fans.

Divabetic Mysteries: Murder Plain As Vanilla Part 1

Divabetic’s 10th Annual Original Mystery podcast, “Murder Plain As Vanilla,” is streaming on Spotify, iTunes, and BlogTalkRadio.

Our mystery podcast is not just for mystery lovers. It’s an engaging way to learn about diabetes and self-care. Amidst colorful characters, thrilling adventures, and delightful settings, we offer health and wellness tips to help you take charge of your diabetes self-care. We also promote the idea of thinking like a detective when you experience unexpected blood sugar fluctuations. Look for clues, gather data, talk to witnesses (friends, co-workers, and family members ), and present your ideas to healthcare professionals for solutions. A team approach to managing your diabetes is also a great idea.

Here is a synopsis of Divabetic’s 10th Annual Original Mystery podcast, “Murder Plan As Vanilla.” Mr. Divabetic, a baking enthusiast, is invited by his archnemesis and baker, Renata Whisk, to participate in the world-renowned Visions of Vanilla baking competition. The competition will feature fabulous culinary giants such as Best-Selling Cookbook Author Lily Frost, Green Thumb Gourmet, Hazel Honeywell, and the Cannoli Countess.

Max, who owes his mother a debt, accepts the invitation. However, before Max can start baking, he discovers the dead body of the Vanilla King of Madagascar, Conrad Rivera. As luck would have it, Max was the last person to see the Vanilla King alive. To prove his innocence, he seeks help from his team, USA Today’s best-selling author Tonya Kappes, health educator MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR, former FBI Agent Pauline, and his mother, Mama Rose Marie.

Things take a turn for the worse when another baker is found dead near Max’s station, raising suspicions about his involvement in the murders. Even Max’s mother is at risk. Now, with only Renata Whisk’s Puffed Pastry recipe, a rolling pin, and his team’s expertise in solving murders and providing diabetes health information, Max must solve the mystery or die trying.

Divabetic Mysteries: “Murder Plain As Vanilla” podcast features Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Dave Jones, Seveda Williams, and Amparo Peterkin, with script editing by Wendy Radford and produced by Leisa Chester Weir.

Facebook: Divabetic.Org

Website: Divabetic.Org

Instagram: Official_Divabetic

Murder Plain As Vanilla Part 10

Enjoy this excerpt from Divabetic’s 10th Annual Original Mystery podcast, “Murder Plain As Vanilla,” streaming on Spotify, iTunes, and BlogTalkRadio.

Our mystery podcast is not just for mystery lovers. It’s an engaging way to learn about diabetes and self-care. Amidst colorful characters, thrilling adventures, and delightful settings, we offer health and wellness tips to help you take charge of your diabetes self-care. We also promote the idea of thinking like a detective when you experience unexpected blood sugar fluctuations. Look for clues, gather data, talk to witnesses (friends, co-workers, and family members ), and present your ideas to healthcare professionals for solutions. A team approach to managing your diabetes is also a great idea.

Here is a summary of Divabetic’s 10th Annual Original Mystery podcast, “Murder Plan As Vanilla.”

Mr. Divabetic, a baking enthusiast, is invited by his arch-nemesis, Renata Whisk, to participate in the Visions of Vanilla baking competition. The competition will feature renowned culinary giants such as Best-Selling Cookbook Author Lily Frost, Green Thumb Gourmet, Hazel Honeywell, and the Cannoli Countess. Max, who owes his mother a debt, accepts the invitation. However, before Max can start baking, he discovers the dead body of the Vanilla King of Madagascar. As luck would have it, Max was the last person to see the Vanilla King alive.

To prove his innocence, he seeks help from his team, USA Today’s best-selling author Tonya Kappes, health educator MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR, former FBI Agent Pauline, and his mother, Mama Rose Marie. Things take a turn for the worse when another baker is found dead near Max’s station, raising suspicions about his involvement in the murders. Even Max’s mother is at risk.

Now, with only Renata Whisk’s Puffed Pastry recipe, a rolling pin, and his team’s expertise in solving murders and providing diabetes health information, Max must solve the mystery or die trying.

Divabetic Mysteries: “Murder Plain As Vanilla” podcast features Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Dave Jones, Seveda Williams, and Amparo Peterkin, with script editing by Wendy Radford and produced by Leisa Chester Weir.

Website: Divabetic.Org

Facebook: Divabetic

Instagram: Official_Divabetic

Murder Plain As Vanilla, Part 9

Enjoy this excerpt from Divabetic’s 10th Annual Mystery podcast, “Murder Plain As Vanilla,” streaming on Spotify, iTunes, and BlogTalkRadio.

Our mystery podcast is not just for mystery lovers. It’s an engaging way to learn about diabetes and self-care. Amidst colorful characters, thrilling adventures, and delightful settings, we offer health and wellness tips to help you take charge of your diabetes self-care.

We also promote the idea of thinking like a detective when you experience unexpected blood sugar fluctuations. Look for clues, gather data, talk to witnesses (friends, co-workers, and family members ), and present your ideas to healthcare professionals for solutions. A team approach to managing your diabetes is also a great idea.

Here is a summary of Divabetic’s 10th Annual Mystery podcast, “Murder Plan As Vanilla.” Mr. Divabetic, a baking enthusiast, is invited by his arch-nemesis, Renata Whisk, to participate in the Visions of Vanilla baking competition. The competition will feature renowned culinary giants such as Best-Selling Cookbook Author Lily Frost, Green Thumb Gourmet, Hazel Honeywell, and the Cannoli Countess. Max, who owes his mother a debt, accepts the invitation.

However, before Max can start baking, he discovers the dead body of the Vanilla King of Madagascar. As luck would have it, Max was the last person to see the Vanilla King alive. To prove his innocence, he seeks help from his team, USA Today’s best-selling author Tonya Kappes, health educator MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR, former FBI Agent Pauline, and his mother, Mama Rose Marie.

Things take a turn for the worse when another baker is found dead near Max’s station, raising suspicions about his involvement in the murders. Even Max’s mother is at risk. Now, with only Renata Whisk’s Puffed Pastry recipe, a rolling pin, and his team’s expertise in solving murders and providing diabetes health information, Max must solve the mystery or die trying.

Divabetic Mysteries: Murder Plain As Vanilla podcast features Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Dave Jones, Seveda Williams, and Amparo Peterkin, with script editing by Wendy Radford and produced by Leisa Chester Weir.

Murder Plain As Vanilla Mystery Podcast Excerpt

Enjoy this excerpt from Divabetic’s 10th Annual Mystery podcast, Murder Plain As Vanilla, streaming on Spotify, iTunes, and BlogTalkRadio.

Our mystery podcast isn’t only for mystery lovers. It’s a fun way to learn about diabetes and self-care. In between colorful characters, crazy adventures, and mysterious surroundings, we pack health and wellness tips that can help you take charge of your diabetes. We also encourage you to think like a detective the next time you experience unexpected blood sugar
fluctuations.

Search for clues, collect data, talk to witnesses, and bring your ideas to the authorities (healthcare collaborators) for solutions. A team approach to managing your diabetes isn’t a bad idea either.

Here’s a short synopsis: When Mr. Divabetic’s arch-nemesis baking sensation Renata Whisk calls, offering a chance to participate in the Visions of Vanilla baking competition, he can’t refuse. It’s an invitation to compete against culinary giants Best-Selling Cookbook Author Lily Frost, Green Thumb Gourment, Hazel Honeywell, and the Cannoli Countess and, most importantly, a chance to pay back his debt owed to his mother.

But before Max’s hands touch flour, he discovers the dead body of the Vanilla King of Madagascar. As luck has it, Max is the last person to see the Vanilla King alive. To prove his innocence, he enlists his team, USA Today’s best-selling author Tonya Kappes, health educator MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR, and his mother, Mama Rose Marie. But when another baker’s dead body is found near Max’s station, even his mother tastes a recipe for disaster.

Now, armed with only Renata Whisk’s Puffed Pastry recipe, a rolling pin, and his team’s expertise in solving murders and dispersing diabetes health information, Max has no choice but to solve the mystery or at least die trying.

Co-Starring Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Dave Jones, Seveda Williams, and Amparo Peterkin. Script Editor Wendy Radford. Producer, Leisa Chester Weir. Music from the Broadway Cast albums of Anything Goes courtesy of SONY Music.

Mystery Podcast: A Christmas Peril

The Holidays are full of surprises— especially after Mr. Divabetic gets a new job as the pastry chef at the St. Nicholas Nursing Home nestled in a cozy Christmas Village. But adjusting to life in a Christmas Village is not all sugarplums and candy canes. Especially when a cantankerous resident, a real-life Ebenezer Scrooge,  named Mr. Pincher almost dies——shortly after eating one of Max’s peanut butter swirl brownies. Despite all of the ingredients for danger, Mr. Divabetic along with our team of amateur sleuths and his overly protective mother — set out to find the real culprit in the hopes that his name isn’t on a lethal naughty list.

Our story was inspired by Kevin Houdeshell’s tragic true-life story. Thanks to the Houdeshell family for their advocacy efforts on behalf of the Emergency Insulin Act of 2019 and the emergency prescription refill legislation. Known as Kevin’s or Howdy’s Law, it allows pharmacists to dispense an emergency supply of a chronic maintenance medication if the doctor cannot be reached – a common-sense act that could save a life.

Starring Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, USA Best Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Mama Rose Marie, Patricia Addie Gentle, Terri Seidman, MaryAnn Nicolay, Trisha Artman, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis, Seveda Williams, and Wendy Radford. Special thanks to the Houdeshell family, and Pharmacist Mandy Reece. Original music by Ivan Hampden Jr., Celine Dion’s vocals courtesy of SONY Music. Produced by Leisa Chester Weir.

In the spirit of Scrooge’s awakening at the end of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, we encourage you to honor Christmas in your heart by living in the Past, The Present, and the Future. Try to embrace the Spirits of all Three and the lessons that they teach.

Murder Plain As Vanilla: Mystery Podcast

This year’s Mystery podcast, Murder As Plain As Vanilla, is set in a real place – The Hedges Inn in East Hampton, NY. Our excellent narrator, the lovely Lorraine Brooks, explained how the Hedges Inn was named after one of the Hamptons’ founding families who settled there in 1644.

Two hundred years later, the restored family home became a boarding house. Word quickly spread nationwide about Mrs. Hedges’s delicious New England cooking. Her outstanding reputation turned her home into a place where the elite liked to meet and eat.

When Mr. Divabetic’s arch-nemesis baking sensation Renata Whisk calls, offering a chance to participate in the Visions of Vanilla baking competition, he can’t refuse. After all, it’s an invitation to compete against culinary giants Best-Selling Cookbook Author Lily Frost, Green Thumb Gourment, Hazel Honeywell, and the Cannoli Countess and, most importantly, a chance to pay back his debt owed to his mother. 

But before Max’s hands touch flour, he discovers the dead body of the Vanilla King of Madagascar lying in a bed of roses. As luck has it, Max is the last person to see the Vanilla King alive. Rumors start swirling about Max’s past involvement in legendary TV Chef Sweet Sally Buttercup’s untimely demise. To prove his innocence, he enlists his team, USA Today’s best-selling author Tonya Kappes, health educator MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR, and his mother, Mama Rose Marie.

But when another baker’s dead body is found near Max’s station, even his mother tastes a recipe for disaster. Could he be ladling out something lethal? 

Now, armed with only Renata Whisk’s Puffed Pastry recipe, a rolling pin, and his team’s expertise in solving murders and dispersing diabetes health information, Max has no choice but to solve the mystery or at least die trying. To win the Visions Of Vanilla grand prize, it will be a fight to the death.

Co-Starring Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Dave Jones, Seveda Williams, and Amparo Peterkin. Script Editor Wendy Radford. Producer, Leisa Chester Weir. Music from the Broadway Cast albums of Anything Goes courtesy of SONY Music.