Get Clued Inn About Your Shape

Divabetic hosts a sneak peek of Clued Inn: The First-Ever Diabetes & Heart Health Escape Room Experience at Hale Organic Salon in New York City scheduled for National Diabetes Alert Day, Tuesday, March 26, 2019 sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Guest presenters: Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Susan Weiner MS RDN CDE CDN FAADE, Catherine Schuller and Joe Murray will be discussing how your body shape relates to your risk for heart disease.

Does your Body Shape signal Heart Problems?

Having an apple shaped body – one where too much fat is stored around the middle (waist) – may be a warning sign that you are at risk for heart disease and other health problems, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer states Dr. Tony Hampton, an obesity expert at Advocate Trinity Hospital in Chicago and a member of the Obesity Medicine Association.

A clue to your risk is where your body stores excess fat. So, paying attention to the size of your waistline may be a more effective strategy for good health than focusing strictly on your Body Mass Index (BMI), or your overall weight.

Body types shaped like a carrot, a pear or an hour glass tend to carry lower risk for heart disease, even when carrying extra fat.Divabetic’s Sneak Peek for Clued Inn: Diabetes & Heart Health Escape Room features Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller, Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE (author of MY SWEET LIFE: Successful Men with Diabetes and MY SWEET LIFE: Successful Women with Diabetes), Susan Weiner MS RDN CDE CDN FAADE (author of The Complete Diabetes Organizer, Diabetes: 365 Tips for Living Well) Hale Organic Salon owner and Master Stylist Joe Murray. The program is hosted by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek.

Don’t miss Clued Inn, the first-time Diabetes & Heart Health Escape Room Experience scheduled for Diabetes Alert Day, Tuesday, March 26, 2019 in New York City sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Free Admission. Space Limited. BOOK NOW

12/31/201812/31/2018

Divabetic’s Top 3 Most Popular Podcasts of 2018

How great was 2018? Well it was fabulously great for our Diabetes Late Nite podcast with ground-breaking topics, expert guests, exciting games and trending musical inspiration. Let’s look back at the top 3 most popular podcasts from the past year.

#3: Swan Wake, 5th Annual Diabetes Mystery Podcast from September 2018

Show Synopsis: When the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic heads to the Gotham City Ballet Company’s box office to fix a mix up with his ‘Swan Lake’ tickets he’s faced with a even bigger problem – a MURDER! To make matters worse, one of his latest culinary creations, a gluten free cheesecake, seems to be covering the victim’s face. Could our happy healthcare host’s wacky culinary skills make him an accessory to the crime? Mr. Divabetic and his team must whip a crime-solving recipe before a deadly dash of danger ends his diabetes advocacy and healthy catering career once and for all. Guests included Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, We Are Diabetes organization founder Asha Brown, Seveda Williams, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Mary Ann Nicolay MEd, DTR, Mama Rose Marie, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ and Poet Lorraine Brooks. Throughout the podcast we featured music from Leonard Bernstein’s recording of Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake, Op. 20 in celebration of the centennial of America’s greatest classical composer and conductor courtesy of SONY Music. LISTEN NOW

Behind the scenes of the Broadcast: I am thrilled that this podcast is one of our highest rated of the year! I spent more hours researching, writing and editing this mystery podcast than the previous four mystery podcasts combined. Since a physical injury prevented me from having much of a social life, I had no excuses but to write. My daily mantra: “if you can’t have an active body then, at least have an active mind” helped me when I was dealing with another physical setback.

It’s interesting to note that some dialogue at the very end includes actual quotes from women who are involved in the MeToo movement. I am excited to be working on the next diabetes mystery podcasts scheduled for September 2019 – details soon!

#2: Annual Luther Vandross Tribute Podcast from April 2018

Show synopsis: We’re honored to celebrate Luther Vandross and his musical legacy as well as raise awareness for diabetes health-related complications (such as stroke) on our annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast. This podcast presented details of the inaugural Fandross Festival in New York City. In the years since Luther’s passing, one constant has remained to define his life and musical success: the voice. Like any great singer of the past 100 years, Luther Vandross’ voice and distinct singing style led to not only monumental success, but an instant recognition when you hear him singing–through your stereo, car radio, on TV or in a movie. Coupled with that voice was Luther’s unique ability to write and sing about love and the shared emotions we all feel in that search for and enjoyment of love. Through his songs, for the last two generations Luther Vandross became a staple in the most joyous moments of people’s lives. Guests included Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat with Diabetes Author Dr. Michelle May, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, R & B Singer Alyson Williams, “Here & Now” Songwriter and Entertainer Terry Steele, Seveda Williams, Luther Vandross Historian Leon Petrossian and Luther Superfan John Price. Throughout the podcast we featured songs from Luther’s third album, Busy Body courtesy of SONY Music. It featured such hits as “Superstar,” “For the Sweetness Of Your Love” and the duet with Dionne Warwick entitled “How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye.” LISTEN NOW

Behind the scenes of the Broadcast: After we finished the live broadcast of our Annual Luther Tribute podcast in 2017, I thought it would be great to bring a tribute podcast to life! I wanted to connect the fans with Luther’s vocalists, musicians, friends and family members to celebrate his legacy. That’s how our 4 day celebration entitled Fandross was born. Fandross 2018 featured four wonderful events in New York City including a Live Tribute Concert at Ashford & Simpson’s Sugar Bar, Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton in concert at the Blue Note, a Luther Film & Video Presentation and Panel Discussion at SVA Theater and a Luther-themed Brunch, Fashion Show & Dress Auction with Runway the Realway. It was a magical experience to hear Luther’s music performed live by his musicians and vocalists. Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps.

And now a drumroll for …

#1: Diabetes Late Nite inspired by P!nk from January 2018

Show synopsis: We’re taking about MINDFULNESS with musical inspiration from P!nk. Mindfulness is a technique to be aware of moment-by-moment thoughts, emotions and physical sensations in a non-judgmental way and is increasingly used for eating habits and diabetes management. Research has shown that mindfulness enhances clinical effect of glycemic control. Mindfulness also allows you to accept the way you are feeling rather than constantly battling to try and change it. Guests include Chilbrook Kennels Breeder Author, Diabetes Alert Dog and Scent Detection Expert, Debby Kay, Walking with Peety Author Eric O’Grey, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Yoga for Diabetes Author, Rachel Zinman, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE. Throughout the podcast we featured songs from Pink’s Beautiful Trauma album courtesy of SONY Music. LISTEN NOW

Behind the scenes of the Broadcast: I can’t always personally pick the CDs we play on our podcasts. Sometimes the artists and/or albums I want are not available in the SONY catalogue or as in this case, I featured music that SONY recommended. As a P!nk fan, I was welcomed their suggestion. Over the years I’ve come to realized just how big a role the music plays in our monthly podcast. It creates a theme, reinforces a key message, adds excitement to our games and leaves the listener with a beautiful final thought. Several of P!nk’s songs “Beautiful Trauma,” “What About Us” and “Better Life” inspired me to tackle the topics discussed on this podcast. I usually listen to an album about 20 times prior to producing the podcast. I listen to it while I’m developing the show, choosing and booking guests, researching topics and coming up with game ideas. Then, I listen to it one more time about an hour before we broadcast to get in the right frame of mind.

Thanks for being a part of our 8^th year of Diabetes Late Nite and Cheers to you for an inspiring and productive 2019.

Coming in January 2019: Diabetes Late Nite Inspired by Mariah Carey

We’re talking about ways to proceed with ‘CAUTION’ in 2019 with musical inspiration from the iconic Mariah Carey on Tuesday, January 8, 2019, 6 PM, EST. TUNE IN

Join us as we talk to experts about the link between Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD).

Do you know living with type 2 diabetes puts you at greater risk for heart disease and stroke? Unfortunately most people don’t. We want to help you get CLUED INN and make a healthy comeback worthy of Mariah Carey. Music critics agree that Mariah’s latest collection of songs not only maintains her status as one the best singer/songwriters in the game, but also eloquently displays her truth. She opens up about love, loneliness, and self-worth in a cautionary album that reminds us that she is still a force to be reckoned with after nearly three decades in the industry. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, 2015 AADE Diabetes Educator of the Year Susan Weiner, MS RDN CDE FAADE, Mama Rose Marie, WeAreEatNeat.com’s Lloyd Owens, Nick Zevgolis, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Mariah Carey’s “CAUTION” 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.”

Join Mr. Divabetic and cast of Diabetes Late NIte for the first-ever Diabetes & Cardiovascular Disease Escape Room Experience, Clued Inn,on National Diabetes Alert Day (March 26, 2019) in New York City sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim.

04/20/201804/20/2018

Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Angie Stone

We’re talking about ‘PRE-DIABETES, PCOS & REGAINING YOUR POWER’ with musical inspiration from Angie Stone on Diabetes Late Nite scheduled for Tuesday, May 8, 2018, 6 PM, EST.

Pre-diabetes means you have blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes. If you have pre-diabetes, you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is a condition that causes an imbalance of female sex hormones. As a result, women with PCOS often don’t have menstrual periods or only have periods on occasion. Because the eggs are not released, most have trouble getting pregnant. It is the number-one cause of female infertility. PCOS causes insulin resistance, the hallmark of type 2 diabetes.

Singer Angie Stone is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, producer, actress and mother. As a member of the cast of R&B Divas, she’s also topped the U.S. Billboard R&B and Dance charts.

Stone was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 1999. “I was always on the go, and thought I was too busy to develop something like this,” Stone told BET.com “I thought at the time that diabetes went along with bad habits, but I was the last one in my family to eat junk food.”

What the Grammy Award-winning singer didn’t realize was that she was a perfect candidate for diabetes: She had a family history of diabetes and was fighting weight problems.

“I came to accept my diabetes when I realized just how many people around me, even in my own family, were living with diabetes,” she says. “It gave me back a lot of courage to see all these people just like me, going places, involved in normal things, and I became determined to learn what I needed to better manage my diabetes.”

Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, the founder of PCOS Diva Amy Medling, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, Dr. Sara (Mandy) Reece PharmD, CDE, BC-ADM- PCOM, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Jeff James and Mama Rose Marie.

Throughout this podcast we will be featuring songs from Angie Stone’s ‘Stone Hits: The Very Best of Angie Stone’ courtesy of SONY Music.

12/21/2017

Gluten Free – Are You Kidding Me?

Scan the grocery aisles, neighborhood bakery or office cupboard and it’s impossible to miss the multitude of products proclaiming that they are “gluten-free.” Or go on Instagram and be barraged by yet another celebrity who has banished gluten from their diet. And as you can see by the photo below, it looks like even savvy NYC Christmas tree vendors are jumping on the bandwagon.

All kidding aside, I can’t help but wonder if there’s any truth to the gluten free food trend? Is it real or hype? And should you really be concerned about all or any of the gluten lurking around in your diet?

I reached out to Virginia-based Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, author of ‘The Overworked Person’s Guide to Better Nutrition’ to help make sense of the chaos surrounding the gluten free food trend. Here’s our interview:

Q: Is Gluten Free real or hype?

Jill Weisenberger, (JW): It’s both. It’s for real and it’s hype.

Completely avoiding gluten, a protein in wheat, rye and barley, is critical for anyone with celiac disease and anyone with a diagnosed gluten sensitivity. It’s a problem when people self-diagnose and stop consuming gluten. You really need to nail down the diagnosis before starting a gluten-free diet, which is the only treatment for celiac disease. The only way to diagnose celiac disease is to have an intestinal biopsy after regularly consuming gluten. So if people have the biopsy after avoiding gluten, they might be told that they don’t have celiac disease when they really do.

Celiac disease, by the way, is an autoimmune disease, and gluten damages the small intestine.

It’s hype when it comes to weight loss and general health for anyone who is not intolerant to gluten. Only those people with celiac disease or another gluten intolerance should be on a gluten-free diet. If others feel more energetic or sleep better or have other benefits, it’s probably from an improved diet and not from the avoidance of gluten. Since gluten is in wheat, a gluten-free diet usually means fewer baked goods and less highly processed snacks and other foods. I think people feel better because they replaced packaged snacks with wholesome, health-boosting foods like fruit and nuts and yogurt – not because they gave up gluten.

Q: What does ‘gluten free’ really mean?

JW: Someone with celiac or other gluten intolerance must avoid gluten from all sources. This is not easy! Gluten is found in wheat, barley, rye, contaminated oats and all products made with them. You’ll find gluten in baked goods, candy, bread, soups, soy sauce, beer, even lots of lunch meats and cottage cheese. And even lipsticks and medications can contain gluten.

Q: What can I eat on a gluten free diet?

JW: Certainly someone with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity has lots of restrictions, but there are lots of good options too. It’s important to consume the least restricted diet possible. This is true for everyone. By eating a large variety of foods, you will get the most possible nutrients. Focus on fruits, vegetables, milk, lean protein sources like fish and poultry, legumes like lentils and black beans. There are lots of grains that are gluten free. A few to try out are buckwheat, millet, quinoa, rice and sorghum.

Q: How difficult is it to be gluten free?

JW: Fortunately, there are lots of gluten-free products identified in supermarkets, but people have shared with me that avoiding all gluten is difficult. This is especially true in restaurants, other people’s homes and at parties. Even well-meaning waitstaff and friends get confused and foods that may contain hidden gluten. Condiments can be a problem. Another big problem is cross contamination. Say you have celiac disease, but live with people who don’t. If someone spreads mustard on bread and puts the knife back into the mustard, it may now be contaminated with gluten.

Q: Who should be gluten free?

All people with celiac disease and those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity must follow a gluten-free diet. Both type 1 diabetes and celiac disease are autoimmune diseases. Research shows that they have a similar genetic basis. Often people with type 1 diabetes will also have celiac disease. Everyone with type 1 diabetes should discuss getting tested for celiac with their doctor. People with diabetes but without celiac disease or documented gluten sensitivity do not need to eat a gluten-free diet.

Q: How about people with type 2 diabetes? Should they be on a gluten free diet?

JW: Celiac disease is not more common among people with type 2 diabetes than it is among the general public. I don’t recommend a gluten-free diet for people who don’t need it because the more restricted a diet is, the fewer health-boosting nutrients it’s likely to provide.

Q: Why would I choose to eat gluten free foods if I’m not gluten intolerant?

JW: There’s no need to eat foods made specifically for a gluten-free population unless you have celiac disease or a diagnosed gluten sensitivity.

Q: Does ‘gluten free’ mean healthier? or What’s the biggest misconception about gluten free?

JW: Definitely not. In fact, gluten-free breads and other products often lack the iron and vitamins found in traditional products. This is why it’s so important to work with a registered dietitian nutritionist skilled in gluten-free diets. Some people think that foods marked gluten-free or free of another nutrient must be more healthful. This is false.

Q: Is a gluten free donut better for me than a regular donut?

JW: Sorry no. A donut is a donut is a donut. It’s a now and then food – gluten or no gluten.

Q: Can I be gluten free without eating gluten free packaged foods?

JW: Yes. Just like someone can eat a wholesome gluten-containing diet without relying on packaged foods, it’s possible to eat a variety of foods without gluten without buying a single special product. But it’s okay to buy them. Just be intentional about it. Gluten-free doesn’t mean wholesome. Again, this is why working with a skilled registered dietitian nutritionist is so important.

Q: Jill, any final thoughts on gluten free diets?

JW: This is potentially a difficult diet to follow, and it leaves you vulnerable to nutrient deficiencies. You can find a RDN to help you at eatright.org.

Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, author of The Overworked Person’s Guide to Better Nutrition, is your resource for all things nutrition, food and diabetes.

The Overworked Person’s Guide to Better Nutrition offers bite-sized nutrition tips for busy people looking for solutions to their everyday food and nutrition problems. This book is filled with diet strategies for weight loss and overall better health that can help anyone, on any schedule, eat and feel better. Meant to be picked up and read piecemeal, every page is packed with interesting tips designed to improve nutrition and relieve stress and guilt. Healthier habits can fit with any schedule!

Whether she’s speaking, writing, chatting on social media, appearing on TV or working with individuals, Jill’s candid and energetic approach appeals to busy people, and her sound nutrition and fitness advice gets results. In fact, her appreciation for science and ability to translate science into actionable information earned her a place in US News & World Report’s 10 Dietitian’s You Need to Follow on Social Media.

Jill Weisenberger‘s specialties include weight control, heart health, diabetes, pre-diabetes, wellness and nutrition for people with hectic lives. She’ll make nutrition science understandable, realistic and oh so delicious.

On December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast we’re celebrating a Blue Christmas. I chose this theme in December because ‘Blue’ is the color that I feel is most closely associated with diabetes and more importantly, it gives us an opportunity to raise awareness for the mental health issues related to diabetes. Guests include Chilbrook Kennels Breeder Author, Diabetes Alert Dog and Scent Detection Expert, Debby Kay, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Rachel Zinman, Dr. Mandy Reece PharmD, CDE, BC-ADM, and America’s #1 Energy Conductor, High Voltage.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring songs from the new “Christmas with Elvis and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

https://youtu.be/Uwfz5mMLSDM

12/13/2017

Our Twelfth Day of Blue Christmas Gift Ideas from Doris Hobbs

On the twelfth day of Blue Christmas, my true friend, Doris Hobbs sent to me a T1D Exposed calendar to celebrate people living well with diabetes.

Divabetic is celebrating a Blue Christmas to bring attention to the mental health issues related to living with diabetes.

You probably know better than we do how diabetes affects your holiday experience. You might feel the weight of diabetes more at this time, because you can’t let go and celebrate like everyone else. Or maybe you do let go and then beat yourself up over it.

That’s why we asked our panel of experts, friends and past Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests to spread some holiday cheer by sharing their favorite products to help keep you ‘happy and healthy’ all year long.

Doris’ pick: The T1D Exposed Calendar features twelve powerful men and women living with type 1 diabetes who are showcasing a passion in their portrait. Type 1 diabetes is part of their lives, but is not the single story of their fascinating existence. Living with T1D changes a person’s body, and the T1D Exposed calendar features tasteful nude portraits of individuals embracing those changes and their lives with type one.

The mission of The Nude Diabetes Advocacy Project is to promote awareness, connect people living with type one diabetes (T1D), and fundraise for both local and global diabetes organizations.

“Shedding my clothes for diabetes awareness has brought me a sense of empowerment that I literally can’t express in words, says, Doris Hobbs aka ‘Miss June’.

A San Francisco based Luxury Liaison, Doris bridges the world of MEDIA with unmistakable elegance through both written Storytelling & Visual Imagery with her website, Rich In Love. This accomplished Media Expert and Fashion Doyenne breathes new life into her sought-after glamour persona & profitable branding campaigns while maintaining a voice as a Diabetes Awareness Advocate.

“What the T1D Exposed calendar creators, Tara Layman and Kat Reed are doing is truly an artistic expression in regards to the auto-immune disease that is much needed in today’s society”

What was it like to pose nude since especially since shedding the clothes and he shame that is associated with our bodies can be difficult?

“Having never posed nude within my career as a luxury model I surprisingly wasn’t terrified; I actually had the opposite reaction. I instantly became rather invested and driven to move forward and participate,” says Doris Hobbs. “I literally didn’t want to leave the shoot as I feel so comfortable in my own skin for the first time. The emotion that overcame me when I set my eyes on the final image as “Miss June” was a glamorous moment I will forever remember.”

I love this fabulous T1D Exposed calendar! I admire the bravery and self acceptance of all 12 participants about their experience living with type 1 diabetes. There’s no shame in their game, and there shouldn’t be any in yours! Be inspired to show the world that you’re living well with diabetes.

On December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast we’re celebrating a Blue Christmas. I chose this theme in December because ‘Blue’ is the color that I feel is most closely associate with diabetes and more importantly, it gives us an opportunity to raise awareness for the mental health issues related to diabetes which are often overlooked and ignored. Some listeners may feel that talking about depression is depressing which is understandable. However, I feel it’s far more important to reach out to those coping with diabetes distress and burnout and let them know they are not alone. Please join us!

TUNE IN! December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music by Elvis Presley on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, 6 PM, EST. We’re discussing ways to not let diabetes make you feel ‘blue’ during the holiday season with our panel of experts. Guests include Chilbrook Kennels Breeder Author, Diabetes Alert Dog and Scent Detection Expert, Debby Kay, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Rachel Zinman, Dr. Mandy Reece PharmD, CDE, BC-ADM, and America’s #1 Energy Conductor, High Voltage.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring songs from the new “Christmas with Elvis and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” album courtesy of SONY Music. The album brings together Elvis Presley’s best-loved yuletide performances from “Elvis’ Christmas Album” (1957) and “Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas” (1971) re-imagined with sublime and exquisite new arrangements performed by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Are you feeling ‘blue’ this holiday season?

If so, you’re not alone. While it’s true that sadness and/or depression at holiday time can be a reaction to the stresses and demands of the season, people with diabetes are more likely to be depressed than others states David Spero BSN, RN for Diabetes Self-Management.

Diabetes can cause complications and health problems that may worsen symptoms of depression. Depression can lead to poor lifestyle decisions, such as unhealthy eating, less exercise, smoking and weight gain — all of which are risk factors for diabetes.

The good news is that diabetes and depression can be treated together. And effectively managing one can have a positive effect on the other.

If you think you might be depressed, seek help right away. Your doctor or diabetes educator can refer you to a mental health professional.

https://youtu.be/Uwfz5mMLSDM

12/12/2017

Our Eleventh Day of Blue Christmas Gift Ideas from Eric O’Grey

On the eleventh day of Blue Christmas my true friend, Author Eric O’Grey sent to me a copy of his book, ‘Walking with Peety’.

Divabetic is celebrating a Blue Christmas to bring attention to the mental health issues related to living with diabetes.

Eric O’Grey was 150 pounds overweight, depressed, and sick. After a lifetime of failed diet attempts, and the onset of type 2 diabetes due to his weight, Eric went to a new doctor, who surprisingly prescribed a shelter dog. And that’s when Eric met Peety: an overweight, middle-aged, and forgotten dog who, like Eric, had seen better days. The two adopted each other and began an incredible journey together, forming a bond of unconditional love that forever changed their lives. Over the next year, just by going on walks, playing together, and eating plant-based foods, Eric lost 150 pounds, and Peety lost 25. As a result, Eric reversed his diabetes, got off all medication, and became happy and healthy for the first time in his life-eventually reconnecting with and marrying his high school sweetheart. ‘Walking with Peety’ is for anyone who is ready to make a change in his or her life, and for everyone who knows the joy, love, and hope that dogs can bring. This is more than a tale of mutual rescue. This is an epic story of friendship and strength.

On December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast we’re celebrating a Blue Christmas. I chose this theme in December because ‘Blue’ is the color that I most closely associate with diabetes and I feel that the mental health issues related to diabetes are often overlooked and ignored. Some listeners may feel that talking about depression is depressing which is understandable. However, I feel it is far more important to reach out to those coping with diabetes distress and burnout and let them know they are not alone. Please join us!

TUNE IN! Don’t miss December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music by Elvis Presley on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, 6 PM, EST. We will be discussing ways to not let diabetes make you feel ‘blue’ during the holiday season with our panel of experts. Guests include ‘Walking With Peety’ Author Eric O’Grey, Chilbrook Kennels Breeder Author, Diabetes Alert Dog and Scent Detection Expert, Debby Kay, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE and America’s #1 Energy Conductor, High Voltage. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring songs from the new “Christmas with Elvis and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” album courtesy of SONY Music. The album brings together Elvis Presley’s best-loved yuletide performances from “Elvis’ Christmas Album” (1957) and “Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas” (1971) re-imagined with sublime and exquisite new arrangements performed by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

NEED MORE INSPIRATION? Our panel of experts, Divabetic community members and past Diabetes Late Nite guests will be sharing more Blue Christmas Gift suggestions on this blog for the next twelve days to help you enjoy the festive spirit of the season without compromising your diabetes health!

Are you feeling ‘blue’ this holiday season?

The good news is that diabetes and depression can be treated together. And effectively managing one can have a positive effect on the other.

If you think you might be depressed, seek help right away. Your doctor or diabetes educator can refer you to a mental health professional.

https://youtu.be/Uwfz5mMLSDM

12/05/201712/09/2017

Our Fourth Day of Blue Christmas Gift Ideas from Asha Brown

On the fourth day of Blue Christmas my true friend, Asha Brown sent to me a copy of ‘Yoga For Diabetes: How to Manage your Health with Yoga and Ayurveda by Rachel Zinman’ to keep me happy and healthy!

“This book will help ANY person living with diabetes discover healthy ways to manage the stress and anxiety that is often present when living with a demanding chronic illness,” says Asha Brown, the founder and executive director of the We Are Diabetes (WAD) organization.

Rachel Zinman, an internationally renowned yoga teacher and writer, was floored when she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 42, despite her lifelong dedication to a healthy lifestyle which included a decades-long practice of yoga. In ‘Yoga for Diabetes’, Rachel shares her personal journey and her hard-won wisdom gained from her own experience of yoga and diabetes.

Studies suggest that yoga can increase insulin sensitivity as reported by Susan Weiner’s column in Endocrine Today. “The practice engages the musculoskeletal system, hugging muscles to bones, and moving isometrically improves insulin resistance, which in turn, enables those of us with either type of diabetes to take up insulin more efficiently,” states Rachel Zinman.

Rachel goes on to say, “Yoga reduces stress by reducing the cortisol levels associated with the stress from the day-to-day management of the disease. Through guided breath and movement coordination, the mind is brought to the breath and away from the need to identify with stressful thoughts about the disease.”

Read the full article on ‘Yoga Offers Benefits for People with Diabetes’ CLICK HERE

I think Asha Brown is simply, FABULOUS!!! She’s the Founder and Executive Director of the amazing We Are Diabetes (WAD) organization. WAD is primarily devoted to promoting support, education and awareness for type 1 diabetics who suffer from eating disorders. WAD is dedicated to providing guidance, hope and resources to those who may be struggling, as well as to their families and loved ones.

Asha Brown was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 5 years old. As a dancer, actress and a fitness instructor by the time she was 17, the obsession with maintaining a healthy size and weight while coping with multiple autoimmune disorders (hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome, as well as type 1 diabetes) became a full-time job. Asha’s experience with symptoms of diabulimia led her to start the We Are Diabetes organization.

Today, Asha works with families, patients, and health professionals across the USA. She uses her personal experiences with ED-DMT1 to offer hope and support to those still struggling. She also establishes relationships with eating disorder facilities and diabetes organizations across the county to help connect people to appropriate care. Asha has presented at NEDA, AADE, and JDRF, among others. She writes for numerous websites including Diabetes Health, Diabetes Daily, and Beyond Type 1. She is a member of Diabetes Advocates and BEDA.

If you or someone you know is a type 1 diabetic who is struggling with an eating disorder and are seeking support, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to WAD

For the past three years, Asha Brown has made our Diabetes Mystery podcasts truly sparkle! She’s played the organic farmer, ‘Christine’ in ‘Phantom of the Okra’, the uptight, overworked personal assistant, ’Primrose Crump’ in ‘Suspect Boulevard’ and most recently the glitzy burlesque dancer, Coco Mimosa in this year’s Diabetes Mystery: ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’. She truly brings out the best of each performance. I’m so grateful to Asha for sharing her wonderful acting talents with our listeners and helping us raise awareness for diabetes and educate people about diabetes self-care in a fun, new way.

TUNE IN: Don’t miss December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music by Elvis Presley on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, 6 PM, EST. We will be discussing ways to not let diabetes make you feel ‘blue’ during the holiday season with our panel of experts. Guests include ‘Walking With Peety’ Author Eric O’Grey, Chilbrook Kennels Breeder Author, Diabetes Alert Dog and Scent Detection Expert, Debby Kay, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE and America’s #1 Energy Conductor, High Voltage. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring songs from the new “Christmas with Elvis and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” album courtesy of SONY Music. The album brings together Elvis Presley’s best-loved yuletide performances from “Elvis’ Christmas Album” (1957) and “Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas” (1971) re-imagined with sublime and exquisite new arrangements performed by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

NEED MORE INSPIRATION? Our panel of experts, Divabetic community members and past Diabetes Late Nite guests will be sharing more Blue Christmas Gift suggestions on this blog for the next twelve days to help you enjoy the festive spirit of the season without compromising your diabetes health!

Are you feeling ‘blue’ this holiday season?

You’re not alone. Diabetes can cause complications and health problems that may worsen symptoms of depression. Depression can lead to poor lifestyle decisions, such as unhealthy eating, less exercise, smoking and weight gain — all of which are risk factors for diabetes.

The good news is that diabetes and depression can be treated together. And effectively managing one can have a positive effect on the other.

If you think you might be depressed, seek help right away. Your doctor or diabetes educator can refer you to a mental health professional.

https://youtu.be/LWWPRGS1N60

11/29/201711/30/2017

Celebrating A Diabetes ‘Blue’ Christmas on Diabetes Late Nite

We’re celebrating a Diabetes ‘BLUE’ Christmas with musical inspiration from Elvis Presley on December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast scheduled for Tuesday, December 12,2017, 6 PM,EST.

Feeling blue?

Know someone with diabetes who gets irritated without any rhyme or reason? And it’s hard to guess what triggered the mood swing.

Moods swings affect people living with both type I and type II diabetes alike. It is difficult to say whether diabetes triggers mood swings or living with diabetes makes you moody. ‘Fluctuations in blood glucose level leads to change in levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and 5HT. When this happens it makes one prone mood swings and then to anxiety and depression, in the long run,’ explains Dr. Pradeep Gadge, Diabetologist, Shreya Diabetic Care, Mumbai.

Mood swings are more evident when one fails to express pent up emotions. So whether it is feeling low or inability to concentrate, it is better to talk and express it. If that doesn’t help, writing notes to yourself even on your phone’s notepad can also do the trick. Social interactions can also help in managing moods and emotions.

The holiday season triggers mood swings for many of us. We may stress about finances, fight with family members, feel overwhelmed, slip into bad eating habits, ignore blood sugars and/or gain weight.

We will be discussing ways to not let diabetes dim your dazzle during the holidays with our panel of experts.

Guests include ‘Walking With Peety’ Author Eric O’Grey, Chilbrook Kennels Breeder Author, Diabetes Alert Dog and Scent Detection Expert, Debby Kay, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE and America’s #1 Energy Conductor, High Voltage.

TUNE IN: Click on this Diabetes Late Nite link for inspiration to live healthfully during the holiday season.

https://youtu.be/Uwfz5mMLSDM

09/30/201710/12/2017

What’s Trending This Week At Divabetic

Check out the latest headlines in diabetes, diabetes self-management, healthy lifestyles and diva entertainment that we think you should know about this weekend.

FDA Approves First Blood Sugar Monitor without Finger Prick

Abbott’s new FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System, approved Wednesday by the Food and Drug Administration, uses a small sensor attached to the upper arm. Patients wave a reader device over it to see the current blood sugar level and changes over the past eight hours. READ MORE

Seattle-Caught Salmon Contains Cocaine, Antidepressants & Pain Relievers

Salmon is purported to be one of the healthiest foods due to its high omega-3 content, protein, and essential fatty acids, but if the fish is obtained from the Puget Sound, it is anything but healthy.

According to a recent study, up to 81 drugs and personal-care products were detected in the flesh of salmon caught in the Puget Sound. Some of the drugs include Prozac, Advil, Benadryl, Lipitor, and even cocaine. READ MORE

Non-nutritive Sweeteners Can Aid Weight Management in Diabetes

A scientific statement from the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association concluded that non-nutritive sweeteners, when used carefully, may aid in reducing total energy intake and assist with weight loss or weight control while providing beneficial effects on related metabolic parameters. READ MORE

FDA Approves New Fast-Acting Mealtime Insulin

Officials with the FDA have approved fast-acting insulin aspart (Fiasp, Novo Nordisk) for the treatment of adults with diabetes. Fiasp is a fast-acting mealtime insulin designed for individuals in need of improved overall glucose control. READ MORE

8 Powerful Women (including Jillian Michaels and Victoria Beckham) Who Have Opened Up About Their Struggles With PCOS

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects about 10 million women in the world. If you’re personally coping with PCOS, always remember that you are not alone. In fact, even some major celebrities with PCOS have used their platform to speak out about their struggles (and triumphs!) with the disorder, and cultivate awareness in our society. READ MORE

Music Spotlight: Kelsea Ballerini’s song, “Legends” is a mid-tempo ballad reflecting on a past love, though Ballerini also views the song as a message to her fans.

“I wrote it from the perspective of a breakup,” Ballerini told RSC. “Now I’m in such a different place in my life that, to me at least, it’s a love song about a love that you look back on that doesn’t even necessarily have to end. I hope my fans hear it as a letter to them but also they hear their own love story in it too.” READ MORE

Movie Spotlight: “Our Souls At Night” starring Robert Redford and Jane Fonda As Neighbors With Benefits

“Our Souls at Night” chronicles the blossoming of a December-December romance between two neighbors in the fictional prairie town of Holt, Colo. It begins not with a spark of passion but with a sensible, if unusual, proposal. Addie Moore shows up at Louis Waters’s house and asks if he will sleep with her. Addie doesn’t mean she wants to have sex with Louis. She wants to slide under the covers next to him, turn off the bedside lamp and chat quietly until slumber arrives, simulating the easy marital intimacy that the two of them, both long widowed, have learned to live without. Louis, startled by the idea, agrees to think about it. READ MORE

06/28/2017

Are You Afraid to Eat Carbs? on July’s Diabetes Late Nite

Have you completely sworn off carbs since being diagnosed with diabetes?

This angst is easy to understand when every day we are bombarded with health messages to limit, restrict, avoid, and feel guilty for eating carbohydrates. However, these negative food and eating messages are harmful and do not align with my nonjudgment view of food.

Megrette Fletcher M.Ed., R.D., CDE is a registered dietitian, diabetes educator, and Mindful Eating expert joins us on our 7th Anniversary Diabetes Late Nite podcast on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 to discuss this ‘hot topic’ suggested by one of our loyal listeners.

Over the past few decades carbohydrates have become demonized. But the truth of the matter is that ‘Carbs are friends, not foes’!

“Motivating (my) clients with fear is not only ineffective, but can lead to misinformation, misunderstanding, and toxic emotions such as blame, shame, and depression,” says Megrette.

Carbohydrates (carbs) are a macronutrient found in foods like grains, starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes, potatoes, squashes, corn, fruit, vegetables, dairy, legumes/beans, and foods like bread, pasta, sweets, and more. While vegetables DO have carbohydrates, some nutritionists don’t consider them a carb source because they feel the energy you use to digest them counters any carbs you would get from them.

Carbs often come packaged with fiber and sometimes protein, like in legumes, dairy, or starchy vegetables. In the body, carbohydrates break down to sugars like glucose, fructose, or galactose (the simplest sugars). Don’t be scared of the “S” word (sugar) – this is simply the way the body digests and processes carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates give us the energy we need to live our diabetes lives. If chosen carefully, carbohydrates can deliver a number of health benefits and also help people maintain their weight.

One of the reasons for why carbs get such a bad rap is because the extra sugar available from the glucose formation gets stored in muscles, the liver, or other parts of your body, later getting converted into fat if the body doesn’t need it for energy. However, that’s on you, not the carbs. If you keep moving and require your body to use up that energy, the sugar from carbohydrates won’t get stored as fat.

TUNE IN: Join us for our Seventh Anniversary Diabetes Late Nite podcast with musical inspiration from Cyndi Lauper on Tuesday, July 11, 2017, 6 PM, EST. Special guests included Susan Weiner RD, MS, CDE, CDN , Megrette Fletcher MEd, RD, CDE, Poet Lorraine Brooks, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout this podcast we will be playing selected songs from the Essential Collection of Cyndi Lauper courtesy of SONY Music.

https://youtu.be/ww2kTYaZIMk