We’re excited to share some highlights from our 2nd annual Love Across Life Stages of Diabetes Survey for Women, done in collaboration with DiabetesSisters!
With around 15 million women in the U.S. facing the ups and downs of diabetes daily, each of your stories is so important. Our survey seeks to shine a light on the unique experiences of women managing diabetes, hoping to provide insights that will enhance care, support, and encouragement.
It’s crucial to support women living with diabetes for their overall well-being. By connecting with others who understand similar experiences, expectations, and challenges, we can help ease the daily demands of self-care on your mental, emotional, and physical health.
Both DiabetesSisters and Divabetic are dedicated to creating safe spaces for women who are at risk, affected by, or living with diabetes, aiming to improve health outcomes and quality of life.
Daily diabetes management can be tough, especially when unexpected blood sugar fluctuations occur. Turn to friends and family for help. No, asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength and self-awareness, demonstrating the ability to recognize your limitations and seek support when needed.
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.
Romantic relationships play an important 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. And intimacy-related issues can be especially difficult to discuss with a partner or a health care provider. But don’t let diabetes hinder the romance. The Sweet Romance series is here to give you practical information and expert advice to tackle 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.
Happy Galentine’s Day! We’re thrilled to launch the 2nd annual Love Across Life Stages of Diabetes Survey for Women in partnership with DiabetesSisters.
TAKE THE SURVEY
By sharing your experiences, you play a vital role in shaping the future of diabetes care and support.
With approximately 15 million women in the U.S. navigating the challenges of diabetes every day, your stories are invaluable. Our survey aims to highlight the unique experiences of women managing diabetes, providing insights that can enhance care, support, and encouragement.
To celebrate your contributions and the strength of our community, we’re excited to announce that two lucky respondents will win a $50 gift card, perfect for enjoying lunch with a Galentine of your choice! Stay tuned for the results in March, where we’ll share new insights and approaches to managing diabetes with love and resilience. Your voice matters!
The 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, help readers navigate the emotions related to a diabetes diagnosis and issues related to intimacy, fertility, and menopause with the people they care about the most.
I was talking to a friend with type 1 diabetes yesterday, and he shared an experience with me that highlighted the challenges of managing diabetes. His insurance company had miscoded his request for insulin, which caused his pharmacy to be unable to refill his prescription. After hours of phone calls, a trip to the Emergency Room, and a lot of frustration, he finally resolved the issue.
This situation emphasized how difficult and frustrating it can be to advocate for one’s health with diabetes. Many people assume that individuals with diabetes should be able to manage their condition without any problems. Unfortunately, empathy, compassion, and encouragement for those living with diabetes are rarely expressed. Instead, there’s an assumption that it’s “no big deal.”
Statistics show that many people struggle with medication compliance, even with oral medications. It raises the question: why don’t others recognize the courage, determination, dedication, and perseverance it takes to manage diabetes day in and day out, year after year? While I don’t have an answer to that rhetorical question, I do recommend giving yourself a pat on the back, encouraging yourself, and appreciating the hard work you put into managing your health.
Remember, it starts with you. Take a minute to love yourself, and let this post be a reminder to you that we see you, recognize your commitment to your health, and love you too. You are amazing!!!
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
We’re here for you, no matter where you are on your diabetes journey! Whether you’re newly diagnosed, have been managing your condition for over 50 years, juggling multiple health challenges, facing a setback, or simply trying to come to terms with it all, you’re not alone.
Remember, there’s strength in community. There are others out there who understand what you’re going through, and together, we can support each other!
Enjoy Divabetic’s animated 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” features Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Dave Jones, Seveda Williams, Leisa Chester Weir, and Amparo Peterkin. Written by Max Szadek and Wendy Radford. Produced by Leisa Chester Weir. Animated by Max Szadek.
Luther Vandross’s Never Too Much documentary opens in theaters starting November 1st!
I’ve seen it thrice and walked away with a different insight each time. One of the things I enjoy most is seeing Luther’s discipline, drive, and determination to succeed. It’s easy to think Luther had no trouble getting signed to a record deal, but the opposite is true. He spent his own money, earned from singing jiggles, to finance his demo and was rejected by several labels.
I never met anyone with his convictions. He taught me to believe in myself and my ideas and to invest in them.
The documentary relives the many stunning moments of Luther’s musical career while exploring his personal life, health struggles related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes, and a lifelong battle to earn the respect his music deserved.
Using a wealth of rarely seen archives, Luther tells his story with assistance from his closest friends, ME (!), and musical collaborators, including Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick, Valerie Simpson, and Roberta Flack.
It’s strange to see yourself on screen and share such a traumatic experience. I am grateful to everyone who has supported, participated, and partnered with me with my diabetes nonprofit organization, Divabetic.
After Luther’s stroke, I could have left his side and found work supporting another musical artist. Instead, I chose a different path. I educated myself about diabetes (I have a family history of type 1 and type 2 diabetes) and helped educate and empower others so that we could all keep our house a home.
I still believe that’s the best way to honor Luther’s legacy.
David Rubenstein‘s talk with historian Douglas Brinkley at the New York Historical Society on US Presidents was fascinating. It was part of their Highest Calling: Conversations on the American Presidency series. David’s talk discussed how the American presidency has changed over time, including its responsibilities, expectations, and symbolism.
I’m not a history expert or particularly interested in US history, but I find David Rubenstein’s humor and insight riveting. He makes history come alive by sharing interesting tidbits and insights into the lives of the Presidents.
On this occasion, David Rubenstein shared personal anecdotes about Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR), Harry S. Truman, and Abraham Lincoln.
Thomas Jefferson hated to speak in public because of his high-pitched, squeaky voice. The only public speech he made was at his first inauguration.
David Rubenstein said Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s polio diagnosis might have helped the President develop the grit and determination to succeed in the Oval Office and win World War II. David shared how FDR wasn’t able to receive treatment to cure his polio because he went undiagnosed for thirty days. FDR was also obsessed with collecting postage stamps.
Harry Truman was the only 20th-century U.S. President who didn’t go to college.
Mary Todd Lincoln‘s unlikeable disposition could be responsible for her husband’s assassination. The First Lady’s rudeness caused General Ulysses Grant and his wife to decline an invitation to the Ford Theater. If the couple had agreed to accompany the Lincolns on that fateful night, there would have been the proper security to prevent John Wilks Booth from shooting the president.
Douglas Brinkley, a New York Historical Society presidential historian, will also moderate the discussion. Brinkley frequently contributes to CNN, MSNBC, and CBS on presidential history. David Rubenstein is the co-founder and co-chairman of the Carlyle Group and the host of History with David Rubenstein on PBS. He has written several books, including The Highest Calling: Conversations on the American Presidency and How to Invest: Masters on the Craft. He served under the Carter administration and purchased several copies of the Declaration of Independence for the public to view. He also owns the Baltimore Orioles.
Speaking of baseball, several Major League Baseball (MLB) players are living with type 1 diabetes. Jordan Hicks, a 25-year-old-starting pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, adjusts his routine to monitor his blood sugar, insulin intake and meal plan. “You Can be diabetic, and you can be a phenom,” Jordan Hicks said. “You can be phenomenal. You can do all those things. Just because you’re diabetic doesn’t mean you should let that take anything away from you.”
Mason Miller, pitcher for the Oakland A’s, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, wants to be a role model for children with diabetes. He has said that diabetes is part of who he is, but it’s not who he is entirely. He doesn’t need to be embarrassed about it or scared to share it.
Jason Johnson was the first MLB player to wear an insulin pump while playing on the field. To accomplish this feat, Jason Johnson needed to experiment with infusion sites and the best place to attach the pump to his Tigers uniform. He knew he had to wear the pump in a spot safe from line drives. He also knew he had to insert the infusion needle under the skin in a spot where it wouldn’t get yanked out by the extreme torque that a major league pitcher generates during his delivery. So, Jason Johnson decided to clip the pump to his belt near the small of his back, a few inches below his uniform number.
On a hot Summer day, I picked up a can of Swoon Pink Lemonade at my neighborhood Bodega. I had never heard of Swoon before, but the bright colors and the big Zero Sugar caught my eye. I googled the product and found out that Swoon co-founder Jen was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at a young age. She was on the hunt for delicious, zero-sugar drinks with little success. Cristina and her co-founder created a sweet, fruity, tart, and deliciously flavored drink.
The only thing to note is that it does have a slight stevia aftertaste that tingles on your tongue. Apart from Pink Lemonade, Swoon offers exciting flavors like Lemonade, Ginger Lemonade, Half and Half, Peach Tea, Lemon Tea, Raspberry Tea, and Peach Tea.
What’s even cooler is that when you buy a case of Swoon online, they donate one can to a needy family through the nonprofit Wellfare and their first-of-its-kind Better Box program that’s improving access to convenient nutrition in low-income communities.
After a quick scan of the Swoon®. website, I stumbled upon this fun cocktail recipe! It’s easy-breezy, hot-pink, frosty, and delicious. You can add vodka or have it as a mocktail.
INGREDIENTS
2 pounds cubed watermelon (about 4 cups) 1 12-ounce can pink lemonade, such as Swoon® Pink Lemonade
Many people consume more sugar than they realize. Our bodies don’t need sugar to function properly. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to no more than 6% of calories each day. For most American women, that’s no more than 100 calories per day, or about 6 teaspoons of sugar. For men, it’s no more than 150 calories per day, or about 9 teaspoons.
We’re talking about ‘THE SWEETEST TABOO’ aka ‘ADDED SUGAR’ with musical inspiration from Sade on this episode of Divabetic’s podcast. Podcast guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Tameka Milline, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP. Kathy Dolgin aka ‘High Voltage’, and Stephanie MacKendree. Throughout the podcast, we play music from ‘The Essential Sade’ album courtesy of SONY Music.
Millie Jackson is a bold, brash, and bawdy entertainer called “The Original Bad Girl” by Vibe Magazine. She is known for her unfiltered and explicit lyrical content. Her live performances are known for her storytelling and jokes woven into her songs.
‘I guess the reason I sing about certain thing is because I’m outspoken,” she said. “There are some things that have to be said, and it seems like I’m the only woman saying them right now. In fact, a lot of times, people don’t compare me with other female singers but with my male counterparts! I guess I ought to regard that as a compliment!”
This trailblazer for female recording artists has earned her fans from all backgrounds. It is also rumored that Bette Midler and Roseanne drew inspiration from Millie’s high-voltage approach to sex in their respective careers.
Although her music has been kept off radio playlists due to its gritty R&B style, Millie Jackson added a new dimension to her career by creating, financing, directing, and starring in a hit musical stage play based on her r “Young Man, Older Woman” song. During the play’s touring years, audiences discovered Millie Jackson was equally talented as an actress.
We love her song, “Love Is A Dangerous Game,” from her album, “An Imitation Of Love,” released in 1986.
We love her song, “Love Is A Dangerous Game,” from her album, “An Imitation Of Love,” released in 1986.
At the height of the AIDS crisis, Millie Jackson would stop the music and urge her female fans to practice safe sex at her live shows. She would encourage them to buy and carry condoms rather than rely on their men to take the necessary precautions.
Throughout her career, Millie Jackson released 28 albums that sold 40 million copies, making her one of the most successful female artists of the 20th century. She is most well-known for her hit albums “Get It Out Cha System,” “Hard Times,” “A Moment’s Pleasure,” “Live and Uncensored,” “For Men Only,” “I Had To Say It,” “A Little Bit Country,” and “Live and Outrageous.”
Recently, she has been running her record label, Weird Wreckuds, and has released a single called “Butt-A-Cize” and an album entitled “Not For Church Folk!”
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. 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, offer advice.
The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic explores issues of love, intimacy and diabetes on this 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 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).
