Tag: sexual health

Posted on

Divabetic’s Barbie Sex Talk Is A YouTube Hit

Sometimes, being clever pays off. 🙂 We’re thrilled by the response to our Barbie-themed podcast on “Love and Intimacy with Diabetes” with ‘Sweet Romance‘ Co-Authors Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND, PhD and Donna Rice RN, PhD, CCNE, CNE, which has become a summer YouTube hit.

I approached my friends, highly credentialed educators Janis and Donna, with an idea to discuss sex, sexual dysfunction, and diabetes using Barbie and Ken. Since Barbie and Ken aren’t equipped to have sex, talking about the sexual dysfunction issues that stop us from intimacy made sense to me.

The good news is that Donna and Janis willingly agreed to play along, and people from around the globe have been tuning into our conversation, which is packed with good advice and tips.

We’ve gained 100+ views on YouTube over the last month and hundreds on Blog Talk Radio, Spotify, and iTunes!! I’m happy we can offer free advice on a sensitive topic in an entertaining way.

sss

Romantic relationships play an essential role in our everyday lives. But when diabetes enters the picture, it can complicate even the most loving and open relationships. Many people don’t know that diabetes can impact physical and emotional intimacy. Intimacy-related issues can be complicated to discuss with a partner or a healthcare collaborator. But don’t let diabetes hinder the romance.

The Sweet Romance series provides practical information and expert advice on this sensitive subject. These comprehensive, interactive guides cover everything you need to know to enjoy a fulfilling sexual and emotional life despite the challenges of diabetes.


Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love and Intimacy with Diabetes, book one in the series, is your key to a happy, healthy, intimate life with diabetes.

BUY NOW

Posted on

For the past 64 years. Barbie has been a part of our lives, a cultural touchstone, or the quintessential image of what a woman should be but never will be – a sex or beauty object.

Greta Gerwig’s big screen makeover and the related marketing blitz are making us revisit and reevaluate Barbie’s impact on our lives, including our sex lives. After all, if Barbie and Ken are confused about what to do at sleepovers, you might be too, especially if you’re dealing with sexual health issues related to diabetes.

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in nearly all countries. People with diabetes experience sexual dysfunction more often than the general public. Podcast guests: Dr. Janis Roszler PhD, LMFT, RDN, LD/N, CDCES, FAND, and Donna Rice, MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES, the co-authors of Divabetic’s new e-book, Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love and Intimacy with Diabetes, available on Amazon.

Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love and Intimacy with Diabetes, book one in the series, is your key to a happy, healthy, intimate life with diabetes. Inside, you’ll find:

The common physical and emotional sexual complications of diabetes and treatment options for men and women. An overview of diabetes nutrition, physical activity, weight loss, and diabetes medications Information on how aging impacts diabetes management and intimacy. Guidance on how to talk to your healthcare provider about intimacy-related issues. Ideas and techniques for building sexual intimacy and communicating effectively with your partner. Tips to help you avoid dangerous or money-wasting fraudulent sexual treatments.

Authors Dr. Janis Roszler and Donna Rice use humor, helpful examples, and insightful questions to present key topics about sexual health in an engaging, approachable way. This series is perfect for anyone (regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, or health status) looking to rekindle intimacy with their partner or be proactive about their sexual and emotional well-being. In. Bed With Barbie & Ken Podcast Music by Doug Clay.

Posted on

We’re Back! After Our Website Crashed

We’re back! Our website, Divabetic.Org, crashed. It’s been headaches and heartbreaks for over two weeks trying to restore the sparkle to the internet.  Navigating help chat rooms with our hosting agencies, listening to bad music, and decoding our dashboards was less fun than a day at the beach.  Thankfully, Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig provided wonderful distractions and podcast inspiration.

Please enjoy our latest podcast on Love, Sex, and Intimacy with Diabetes with inspiration from Barbie & Ken. Our guests: Dr. Janis Roszler PhD, LMFT, RDN, LD/N, CDCES, FAND, and Donna Rice, MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES, are the co-authors of Divabetic’s new e-book, Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love and Intimacy with Diabetes, soon-to-be available on Amazon. Podcast music by Doug Clay.

For the past 64 years. Barbie has been a part of our lives, a cultural touchstone, or the quintessential image of what a woman should be but never will be – a sex or beauty object.

Greta Gerwig’s big screen makeover and the related marketing blitz are making us revisit and reevaluate Barbie’s impact on our lives, including our sex lives. After all, if Barbie and Ken are confused about what to do at sleepovers, you might be too, especially if you’re dealing with sexual health issues related to diabetes.

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in nearly all countries—people with diabetes experience sexual dysfunction more often than the general public.

Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love and Intimacy with Diabetes, book one in the series, is your key to a happy, healthy intimate life with diabetes. Inside you’ll find:

  • The common physical and emotional sexual complications of diabetes and treatment options for men and women.
  • An overview of diabetes nutrition, physical activity, weight loss, and diabetes medications
  • Information on how aging impacts diabetes management and intimacy.
  • Guidance on how to talk to your healthcare provider about intimacy-related issues. Ideas and techniques for building sexual intimacy and communicating effectively with your partner.
  • Tips to help you avoid dangerous or money-wasting fraudulent sexual treatments.

Authors Dr. Janis Roszler and Donna Rice use humor, helpful examples, and insightful questions to present key topics about sexual health in an engaging, approachable way.

This series is perfect for anyone (regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, or health status) looking to rekindle intimacy with their partner or be proactive about their sexual and emotional well-being.

Enjoy A Daily Dose of Diva Inspiration

“My greatest beauty secret is being happy with myself. I don’t use special creams or treatments—I’ll use a little bit of everything. It’s a mistake to think you are what you put on yourself. I believe that a lot of how you look is to do with how you feel about yourself and your life. Happiness is the greatest beauty secret.” – Tina Turner 

 

Posted on

Divabetic’s Giant Lube Review For Vagina Dryness

Vaginal dryness is common in women with diabetes. High blood sugar levels can cause damage to the blood vessels in your vagina. This leads to a lack of lubrication. As a result, you can experience discomfort during physical activity, burning, irritation, itching, and sex can be painful.


Divabetic shares our favorite lubricants for women with diabetes coping with vaginal dryness. Vaginal lubricants cannot treat the underlying cause of vaginal dryness, such as lower estrogen levels, but can relieve the discomfort caused by dryness.

Although you might feel embarrassed to shoot for personal lubricants at your pharmacy, most of the top brands can be bought online. Lubricants help reduce friction, ease penetration and stimulate the senses. They come in a wide variety of formulas, fragrances, and flavors.

Water-based lubricants are the most versatile because they’re easy to wash off and don’t degrade the latex in condoms. Some water-based products contain glycerin (derived from sugar), while others are specifically glycerin-free. Water-based lubricants can also contain other ingredients, such as preservatives and antimicrobials.

‘Good Clean Love’ and “Slippery Stuff” are organic, water-based lubricants that won’t alter pH levels, which can lead to UTIs or vaginal infections. They’re paraben-free, glycerin-free, alcohol-free, and no petrochemicals. This aloe-based lubricant is made with 95% organic ingredients and infused with lemon and vanilla for a light flavor.

Best natural lubricant: Sliquid Organics Natural Gel One of the safest bets for people with diabetes is a high-quality silicone lubricant. No studies have shown people having reactions to pure silicone lubricant.

Best silicone-based lubricant: Pink Silicone Lubricant  Oil-based natural lubricants like coconut oil can break down the latex in condoms, too. They can also alter the pH of the vagina, which can lead to more infections.

Grammy Award-winning Singer Patti Austin, who continues successfully manages her type 2 diabetes after having gastric bypass surgery, sings the theme song for any woman who is getting back in the swing of enjoyable sex.

“I had type 2 diabetes,” says the former 285- pound singer. “I had obesity-driven diabetes,” who now weighs 140 pounds. Patti Austin had gastric bypass surgery to reach her new weight, and the result has been remarkable. We applaud her hard work, determination, and tenacity to maintain her weight loss.

Podcast guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Chris Pickering co-founder of ‘The Betes Bros, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Mama Rose Marie.

This podcast features songs from The Best Of Patti Austin album courtesy of SONY Music.

Posted on

Denial’s Not My Style: Divabetic Outreach Then & Now

This morning, I found this old Divabetic card in a stack of papers. “Denial’s Not My Style’ was the second phrase I came up with after ‘Sugar’s the Bitch. Not Me’ back in 2003.

We used it as one of the station names in the Makeover Maze at our national outreach program, Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes (2005 – 2008), and on limited edition Divabetic branded t-shirts.

The Makeover Maze consisted of six different diabetes care and education stations. One diabetes self-care topic per station. Complimentary mini massages, makeup application, and image consultation areas surrounded the Makeover Maze.

Divabetic’s ‘Denial’s Not My Style’ station offers one-on-one education on the ABC’s of diabetes. The ABCs of diabetes stand for: A —the A1C test, which measures average blood sugar over 2 to 3 months. B —blood pressure, the force of blood flow inside blood vessels. C —cholesterol, is a group of blood fats that affect the risk of heart attack or stroke.

The ‘Sweet Inspirations‘ station focuses on goal setting help. Setting goals gives you long-term vision and short-term motivation 

The ‘Glam More, Fear Less’ station focuses on our diabetes affects our personal appearance. From our teeth to our skin, to our feet and our hair, what you see in the mirror can reflect your self-care.  Did you know people with diabetes are more likely to have a condition called alopecia areata?  With alopecia, the immune system attacks the hair follicles, leading to patches of hair loss on the head and on other parts of the body. Some people with diabetes may experience thinning hair or hair loss. The primary causes of hair loss are mismanaged blood sugar levels, emotional and physical stress, and hormone imbalances.

The ‘Tunnel of Love’ focuses on sex, and intimacy issues related to diabetes. Women with diabetes have can experience low sexual desire and response, vaginal dryness, and painful sex can be caused by nerve damage, reduced blood flow to the genitals, and hormonal changes. Men with diabetes may face the inability to have an erection. Damage to the vascular system can reduce blood flow.

The ‘Grab Green And Go’ station focuses on nutrition, creating personalized meal plans, and our relationship to food. Sometimes it’s not what you’re eating, it’s what’s eating you that’s important to your diabetes health too.

And finally, ‘The Twist And Shout’ station focuses on fun ways to exercise. Staving off boredom by adding variety to how your workout is a great way to stick to a routine. Exercise variation is an important factor when designing an exercise program, with many benefits when you change exercises every so often, such as increased performance and decreased injury risk.

The back of  Divabetic’s Denial’s Not My Style card asks two questions: Describe how you initially felt about being diagnosed (in one word). And, Describe how you feel about living with diabetes today (using one word).

We posted everyone’s answers on the walls of our diabetes outreach events for everyone to see.

I am so proud of Divabetic’s ongoing efforts over the past 19 years to promote a new attitude about living with diabetes.  Although we are not currently presenting live outreach events, we continue to produce monthly podcasts and virtual programs on Zoom.

Divabetic Podcasts & Virtual Programs

Divabetic’s latest monthly podcast is available on-demand and features music from Teddy Pendergrass‘s album, Life Is A Song Worth Singing, and guests: Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES,  Build Jake’s Place Executive Director Arthur Anston, and Yoga For Diabetes Author and Founder Rachel Zinman.

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 Divabetic’s upcoming free, fun Virtual Valentines-themed Baking Party on Zoom with special guest, Stacey Harris aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef on Wednesday, February 9, 7 – 8:30 PM, EST.

During this virtual Baking Party on Zoom, The Diabetic Pastry Chef will prepare a Valentine’s Day Sugar-Free Dessert recipe and share expert baking tips for substituting sugar substitutes and flours in your favorite recipes.

Over 150 people registered for our last two Divabetic Baking Parties on Zoom so don’t miss out!

REGISTER NOW 

 

Posted on

Sir Phillip With Love: Corsets & Clinical Depression

Divabetic’s Blue Stocking Book Club pick is New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn‘s fifth book in her popular Bridgerton series, To Sir Phillip, With Love.

The story sheds light on society’s view of what is now known as clinical depression compounded with postpartum depression in the 1800’s.

The Bridgerton Series is a collection of eight novels, each featuring one of the eight children of the late Viscount Bridgerton: Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth.

What is so appealing about To Sir Phillip, With Love is that the story sheds light on society’s view of what is now known as clinical depression compounded with postpartum depression in the 1800’s.

When Sir Phillip Crane loses his wife to severe, chronic depression he feels like a failure as a husband because he is unable to make his wife feel happy.

Although Sir Phillip’s feelings of inadequacy as a caregiver are still common today, our views about depression and its treatment have changed. Back in the 18th and 19th centuries people believed that depression, which was referred to as melancholy, was as a weakness in temperament that was inherited and could not be changed. The result of these beliefs was that people with depression should be shunned or locked up.

Thankfully, that’t’s not the case today. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Researchers estimate that more than 1 in 4 U.S. adults are reporting symptoms of depression during the pandemic. There are many supports, services and treatment options available.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

 

We’re talking about issues of love, intimacy and diabetes on this Divabetic podcast. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to sexual health complications including vaginal dryness, sensation and performance. Up to 50% of men and 25% of women may experience some kind of sexual problem or a loss of sex drive.

Don’t equate sexual performance with love or a fulfilling relationship; focus on letting your partner know you care and want to give pleasure as part of your relationship

Podcast Guests include Best-Selling Author Lisa Eugene, Jennifer Martsolf from Trigg Laboratories (the makers of Wet Lubricants) and Janis Roszler MS, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND (2008-2009 Diabetes Educator of the Year (AADE).

If you or your partner is experiencing sexual difficulties, you may find it helpful to meet with a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, marriage counselor or sex therapist. These professionals can help you learn how to reduce stress and change behaviors and attitudes, particularly when impotence is caused by stress or other mental health issues.

Posted on

31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts, Day 19

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 19, we’re spotlighting the Mr. Divabetic Show: Don’t Let Diabetes Kill Romance podcast from February 2015.

Mr. Divabetic explores issues of love, intimacy and diabetes on this special one hour podcast.Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to sexual health complications including vaginal dryness, sensation and performance. Up to 50% of men and 25% of women may experience some kind of sexual problem or a loss of sex drive.

Don’t equate sexual performance with love or a fulfilling relationship; focus on letting your partner know you care and want to give pleasure as part of your relationship

Mr. Divabetic’s Guests include Best-Selling Author Lisa Eugene, Jennifer Martsolf from Trigg Laboratories (the makers of Wet Lubricants) and Janis Roszler MS, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND (2008-2009 Diabetes Educator of the Year (AADE).

If you or your partner is experiencing sexual difficulties, you may find it helpful to meet with a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, marriage counselor or sex therapist. These professionals can help you learn how to reduce stress and change behaviors and attitudes, particularly when impotence is caused by stress or other mental health issues.

iframe width=”100%” height=”180px” src=”//percolate.blogtalkradio.com/offsiteplayer?hostId=135761&episodeId=7202951″ frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen>

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

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

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

Posted on

Lubes with Glycerin Are A Big ‘No No’ for Women with Diabetes

We spoke to Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND on May’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast about ‘sex and intimacy issues’ for men and women with diabetes. LISTEN NOW

During the conversation we discussed that it’s common for women with diabetes to experience vaginal dryness. For this reason, lubricants can be a lifesaver in the bedroom. But if you pick the wrong one, it can be seriously harmful to your diabetes health.

Women with diabetes should avoid lubricants containing glycerin, a sugar alcohol. Too much of this sugar alcohol can lead to bacterial growth and  yeast infections and UTIs.

Something to keep in mind is that many organic lubes or other glycerin free lubes use sweeteners other than sugar, such as aspartame. While this is great for those who cannot have sugar, others should keep this in mind as some people have negative reactions to aspartame. Knowing your own body and its reactions to various chemicals, and even natural sweeteners, can help you to make better decisions about the type or brand of lube you want to use.

One of the safest bets for women with diabetes is a high quality silicone lubricant. No studies have shown people having reactions to pure silicone lubricant, and many higher end versions, just as Pjur Bodyglide and Gun Oil only have four or five ingredients, most of them different types of silicone or silicone blends.

Liquid Silk and Play are two brands of water-based lubricant that do not contain glycerin.

Romantic relationships play an important role in our everyday lives. When diabetes enters the picture, it can complicate and strain even the most loving and open relationships. If you have diabetes, you may be looking for guidance on this sensitive subject – Janis Roszler and Donna Rice MBA, BSN, RN, CDE’s book, Sex and Diabetes is here to give help and advice where you need it. Don’t let diabetes hinder the romance; Sex and Diabetes can help you discover how to rekindle the intimacy with your partner.

We’re talking about ‘hush hush’ topics in diabetes wellness such as intimacy issues, fears and food phobias on Diabetes Late Nite with musical inspiration from H.E.R. courtesy of SONY Music.

H.E.R. chooses to keep her true identity a secret but that’s proving harder to do after winning Best New Artist and Best R&B Song Grammy Awards this past year.

Guests include Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND, Cheryl Farley “Food as Medicine” Nutritionist, Dr. Dugan Maddux and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from H.E.R.’s “I Used To Know Her: The Prelude” 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’.

Posted on

Don’t Let Diabetes Kill Romance Tips

Did you know mixing oil-based lubricants with latex condoms is not a good idea?

Since vaginal dryness is the biggest sexual complaint in women with diabetes then using lubricant is important. Vaginal dryness is, this  twice as likely if you have diabetes. If you are in menopause or postmenopause, less estrogen may be the cause. If you aren’t, damage to the nerves that lubricate your vagina may be. Vaginal dryness can become a painful cycle. If sex hurts because of it, you may tense up during sex, causing more pain, or avoid sex altogether.

Not using appropriate lubrication can actually lead to some pretty serious tears that can land you in the emergency room.

“If you’re using a latex condom, do not use an oil-based lube—including natural lubricants like olive or coconut oil—because they break down the latex and the condom becomes ineffective.” If you’re using a condom, you should be using a water or silicone-based lubricant.

Water-based lubricants come in two general types, with and without glycerin. Glycerin is a slightly sweet tasting substance. Brands containing glycerin include KY Jelly, Sylk, Astroglide, Probe, and Aqualube. However, women who often have vaginal yeast infections may wish to avoid glycerin lubes, as the sugar can encourage yeast growth. Liquid Silk and Play are two brands of water-based lubricant that do not contain glycerin.

Something to keep in mind is that many organic lubes or other glycerin free lubes use sweeteners other than sugar, such as aspartame. While this is great for those who cannot have sugar, others should keep this in mind as some people have negative reactions to aspartame. Knowing your own body and its reactions to various chemicals, and even natural sweetners, can help you to make better decisions about the type or brand of lube you want to use.

One of the safest bets for women with diabetes is a high quality silicone lubricant. No studies have shown people having reactions to pure silicone lubricant, and many higher end versions, just as Pjur Bodyglide and Gun Oil only have four or five ingredients, most of them different types of silicone or silicone blends. With little or no additives, these lubes are most certainly sugar free, and are great for all types of sex, unless you are using silicone toys.

Keep in mind that in addition to finding a good sugar free lube, you should have plenty of water and high impact snacks available during sex to help regular blood sugar as needed. If you are concerned, make sure to keep test strips nearby as well, and journal about what makes your blood sugar rises in fall in correlation with sexual activity.

Romantic relationships play an important role in our everyday lives. When diabetes enters the picture, it can complicate and strain even the most loving and open relationships. If you have diabetes, you may be looking for guidance on this sensitive subject – Janis Roszler and Donna Rice’s book, Sex and Diabetes is here to give help and advice where you need it. Don’t let diabetes hinder the romance; Sex and Diabetes can help you discover how to rekindle the intimacy with your partner.

 

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic explores issues of love, intimacy and diabetes on this special one hour  ‘Don’t Let Diabetes Kill Romance’ podcast.Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to sexual health complications including vaginal dryness, sensation and performance. Up to 50% of men and 25% of women may experience some kind of sexual problem or a loss of sex drive.

Don’t equate sexual performance with love or a fulfilling relationship; focus on letting your partner know you care and want to give pleasure as part of your relationship

Mr. Divabetic’s Guests include Best-Selling Author Lisa Eugene, Jennifer Martsolf from Trigg Laboratories (the makers of Wet Lubricants) and Janis Roszler MS, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND (2008-2009 Diabetes Educator of the Year (AADE).

If you or your partner is experiencing sexual difficulties, you may find it helpful to meet with a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, marriage counselor or sex therapist. These professionals can help you learn how to reduce stress and change behaviors and attitudes, particularly when impotence is caused by stress or other mental health issues. LISTEN NOW

Posted on

Author Mary Kay Andrews Joins the D Minus Club

Missed opportunities in movies and books for raising awareness for diabetes really annoy me. The only thing worse in my opinion is perpetuating a diabetes misconception which happens to be the case in The New York Times bestselling author Mary Kay Andrew’s novel, ‘Spring Fever’. 

The author describes the book as “… delicious new escapist novel about small towns, old flames, and deep secrets” on her website.

Sadly, I feel she drops the ball on educating people about diabetes in ‘Spring Fever’ like she did previously in her novel, ‘The Weekenders’.

Although diabetes doesn’t play a prominent role in ‘Spring Fever’, she still manages to play down the significance of diabetes. The line in question: “… And I lose my health care, Annajane. I have sugar diabetes….” Really? ‘Sugar Diabetes’!!!! It’s 2017 not 1957. Okay, some  people may still use phrases like ‘a touch of sugar’ to describe diabetes but is it really necessary to use these types of references in books and fan the flames of ignorance?  I don’t think so. After twelve years of working as a diabetes advocate I have come to realize that one of the biggest mistakes someone with diabetes and their loved ones can make is to think that this disease is not serious.

I know personally that diabetes really can destroy your life, wreck havoc on your relationships and steal your dignity.  I experienced it first hand when my former boss, Luther Vandross suffered a stroke related to type 2 diabetes in 2003. At the time I had no idea that diabetes could be so devestating. The fact that Luther could not perform some of the most basic life functions after his stroke without assistance was heartbreaking. The fact that diabetes silenced his voice is unforgettable. But the fact that a growing number of Luther fans are experiencing diabetes health-related complications such as stroke, amputation, blindness and kidney failure is unforgivable.

Diabetes is a serious matter. When a Best-Selling Author with more than eleven New York Times, USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestsellers published in German, Italian, Polish, Slovenian, Hungarian, Dutch, Czech and Japanese chooses to perpetuate ignorance about diabetes and diabetes self-care in her books I get upset. It seems to me that she managed to do enough medical research during the writing process to learn that certain medications can affect the effectiveness of birth control, didn’t she? So why can’t she do the same for diabetes?

On the flip side I appreciate how “Spring Fever’ helps readers gain a deeper understanding one of the ‘taboo’ topics related to health. Specifically, erectile dysfunction and the toll it can take on your relationship(s).

It’s interesting to note that researchers analyzed 6.2 million health insurance claims for men who received an ED diagnosis, and discovered that only 25 percent filled a prescription for treatment during the 12-month study period. Whatever the reason for avoiding treatment, the consequence is undisputed: “Sexual health is an important aspect of the quality of a man’s life—and men live longer when they are sexually active,” says Dr. McVary. “This is a medical disease that warrants treatment.”

On July’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast I discussed this topic with Janis Rozsler MSFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND who is a Marriage and Family Therapist as well as a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Janis Rozler is also the author of  two wonderful books, ’Sex And Diabetes’ (ADA, 2007), and ‘The Secrets and Loving with Diabetes’  (Surrey Books, 2004). You can hear my interview by clicking on  THE LINK. 

I would gladly welcome the author, Mary Kay Andrews as a guest on an upcoming Diabetes Late Nite podcast to explain why she chooses to misinform her readers about diabetes. (Divabetic.org)

Proudly powered by WordPress