Tag: type2

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Barbie & Ken Podcast on Love, Sex and Intimacy with Diabetes

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.

TAKE THE SURVEY

Divabetic 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 features music by Doug Clay.

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Love Across Life Stages Of Diabetes Survey For Women Is Out Now!

We’re thrilled to launch the 2nd annual Love Across Life Stages of Diabetes Survey for Women in partnership with DiabetesSisters. By sharing your experiences, you play a vital role in shaping the future of diabetes care and support.

TAKE OUR SURVEY

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.

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 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. 

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Patti Austin’s Remarkable Health Journey


After two weeks of exploring Luther’s health crisis through the documentary Luther: Never Too Much on CNN, I want to take a moment to highlight the inspiring health journey of Luther’s friend, Grammy Award-winning singer Patti Austin.

Patti has faced several challenges, including struggles with weight management and a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. In 2005, she made the empowering decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery.

“I had gastric bypass surgery a year and a half ago, and my life was saved by it, ” Patti Austin said in an interview.

Since then, she has successfully managed her weight, proving that with the right support, change is possible.

Patti’s story serves as a testament to the idea that seeking help can empower individuals to take charge of their health.

While her surgical option may not be suitable for everyone, it’s a reminder to explore the various resources and tools available for improving one’s health an weight management.

If you tune into Patti Austin’s Facebook channel, you’ll see her radiating positivity and joy! Her infectious energy and great sense of humor are truly uplifting.

She looks and sounds fantastic, making it a pleasure to witness her living her best life!

We hope to highlight new tools available to support your diabetes wellness journey at our upcoming Divabetic’s free program in November 2025 in Philadelphia, PA.

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Divabetic: Welcome To The Comfort Zone


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!

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Divabetic Inspiration: Patti LaBelle

Patti LaBelle inspired me to create the term “Divabetic” during a memorable Luther Vandross Tribute Concert in New York City back in 2003.

Watching her shine on stage, radiant and dressed to impress, she shared, “I have diabetes. Diabetes doesn’t have me.” Her courage and sparkle made me reflect, “You’re not just a diabetic; you’re a DIVA.”

That’s when the idea of “Divabetic” popped into my head. Once I got home, I noted the word ‘diabetic’ in black ink and then creatively added a ‘v’ in red. It suddenly clicked that the ‘v’ symbolized Vandross and the divine divas he loved, like Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, and of course, Patti LaBelle.

I realized that encouraging Luther’s fans to embrace a fresh perspective (“NEW ATTITUDE”) on living with diabetes—just like Patti did—could really transform health outcomes.

For the past twenty years, Patti LaBelle has shown the world that you can GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS, and live well with diabetes every day.

While I don’t remember Luther discussing his diabetes openly, I knew he had a huge support system for his music, but when it came to managing his health, he faced it on his own. Tragically, he suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes at just 52. But you don’t have to follow that path or choose to walk it alone.

It’s essential to seek help, connect with a caring community, and share your journey. After all, living with diabetes can be fabulous! For over twenty years, I’ve been on this mission, all thanks to the inspiration from Patti LaBelle.

Through the Divabetic programs, podcasts, and videos, I’ve reached hundreds of thousands of men and women, spreading awareness and positivity. Let’s live life like a diva!

It is a privilege to be featured in the NAACP-nominated documentary Luther: Never Too Much and to share my story of discovering Luther after he suffered a stroke related to mismanaged diabetes, hoping to help others avoid a health crisis.

My hope is that by sharing our experiences, we can encourage others to take preventative steps for their health. If you live alone, please make sure you have a solid support system in place for any emergencies.

Remember, if you notice any signs of a stroke, don’t hesitate to seek help right away – taking quick action can really make a difference in your recovery. Let’s look out for each other!

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Listen To Your Body With The Same Insensity As Luther’s Music

Thank you so much for tuning in to the documentary Luther: Never Too Much on CNN. I want to remind you to take care of your health because it truly matters!

I know that prioritizing your well-being can sometimes feel challenging, especially if you’re not completely happy with your body’s shape or size.

I love Luther’s music as much as anyone. But as a man at hight risk for type 2 diabetes, his enduring legacy has been a 20-year wake-up call for me to take better care of my health.

I don’t set unrealistic goals, have an ‘all or nothing’ mindset, or use workouts to compensate for bad behaviors. I have adopted a Divabetic goal to be a better, not a perfect eater. I work beside my healthcare collaborators to create a wellness plan.

A friend who watched the documentary mentioned that my scene highlights how much the people around us care about our well-being.

Perhaps this can inspire you to take those first steps toward protecting your health! I’ve had the opportunity to chat with many of Luther Vandross’s musical family members, both on stage and behind the scenes.

We are thrilled to see your passion and enthusiasm for him. I am grateful for your love and support of Luther’s musical journey and for joining us in this celebration of his legacy!

Over 75 million adults in the United States have prediabetes and are unaware of it. With prediabetes, blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

Prediabetes is a serious health condition that increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Take a quick Prediabetes Risk Test from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention.

People with diabetes have a 1.5–2 times higher risk of stroke than people without diabetes. The risk increases with the length of time a person has diabetes and how well their condition is managed. Luther’s stroke is linked to mismanaged type 2 diabetes.

The symptoms of diabetes health-related stroke are the smae the symptoms of any stroke. Dizziness, problems with balance or trouble walking and severe headaches. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms you take action immediately.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following of the symptoms, call 911 immediately: Face drooping on one side, weakness in one arm, or difficulty raising both arms, difficult speaking, and slurred speech. The sooner you get yourself or a loved one to the hospital, the better chances of recovery. There’s a clot-busting medication called ‘TPA’ that if given within a few hours of symptom onset can greatly reduce the severity of storke.

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Pink Champagne Pay Homage to Luther Vandross

Toni B. featuring Pink Champagne as her Christmas Song of the Week on her fabulous UGONE radio show is a holiday treat! Paulette McWilliams and Ivan Hampden Jr. are absolutely thrilled!

You can catch all of Toni’s amazing shows on Mixcloud.

Here’s a fun little tidbit about Pink Champagne: my lyrics celebrate our dear friend, the legendary Luther Vandross.

Luther had a passion for Art Deco and Art Nouveau furniture and took great joy in decorating his stunning homes in Beverly Hills, Connecticut, and New York with these exquisite pieces.

Plus, did you know his gorgeous stage costumes designed by Tony Chase and Elizabeth Courtney were also inspired by these beautiful styles? I hosted a Luther Vandross: Music & Style event with my friends, Keith Anthony Fluitt, Christopher Faison and James Ervin this past April in New York City.

You can see Luther’s fantastic costumes, artifacts and memorabilia on display at the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles until June 2025. The exhibit offers an intimate glimpse into Luther Vandross’ creative process and showcases his ornate stage wardrobe, exclusive performance footage from his popular tours, and a never-before-heard recording of him in the studio.

I was lucky enough to accompany him on a few trips to auction houses where he searched for these treasures, and that’s where the mention of Christie’s Auction House in the lyrics comes from! Thanks for letting me share my memories of my friendship with Luther!


“Luther: Never Too Much,” the documentary film from award-winning director Dawn Porter, chronicles the story of a vocal virtuoso will be available on streaming apps in January 2025.

Using a wealth of rarely seen archives, Luther tells his own story with assistance from his closest friends and musical collaborators including Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick, Valerie Simpson, Seveda Williams, Fonzi Thornton, Robin Clark, Ava Cherry, Kevin Owens, Lisa Fischer, Carlos Alomar, Max Szadek, and Roberta Flack.

The film relives the many stunning moments of Luther’s musical career, while exploring his personal life, health struggles, and a lifelong battle to earn the respect his music deserved.

Sadly Luther suffered a stroke related to mismanged type 2 diabetes in 2003. The phrase “Every minute counts” is a warning to heed if you suspect someone close to you is having a stroke.

F-A-S-T is an acronym created to teach people how to recognize and remember the most common indicators that someone might be having a stroke. Here is what each of the letters stands for:

T for TIME:  Don’t wait or lay down to see if symptoms disappear. Call 911.

F for FACE: One side of a person’s mouth appears to be drooping or their smile looks lopsided. .

A for ARMS: People who are having a stroke usually have difficulty moving arms and legs.

S for SPEECH: Difficulty talking, slurring words, repeating the same words or phrases, or their conversation doesn’t make sense, it may be a stroke.

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Holiday Podcast With Music From Leona Lewis


We’re talking about coping with diabetes, depression and shame during the holidays on Divabetic’s podcast with musical inspiration from Leona Lewis.

‘Tis the season for family, festivity, and temptations that may disrupt daily diabetes health routines. That means it’s also the season when eating healthy, staying active, and taking medication on schedule is more challenging.  The added stress and anxiety of staying on track with your diabetes self-care may cause even those who are usually content to experience loneliness, anxiety, and a lack of fulfillment.

Several studies show that people with diabetes have a greater risk of depression than people without diabetes.

Just like denial, depression hinders good intentions in self-care. It can even make it harder to do things you enjoy. 

“I have a best friend who has severe depression, who takes medication and still struggles, so I know how bad it can be,” says Leona Lewis.

Leona’s friend describes herself as having “highs and lows” brought on by circumstance, not a clinical illness. 

If you’re feeling down, remember you’re not alone. It’s important to share your feelings with your healthcare team. Seeking help takes courage and can be the first step toward feeling better.

Leona Lewis’ holiday song, One More Sleep, sparks our discussion about how the holidays affect your sleep. Insomnia during the holidays is quite common. The holidays bring parties, overeating, later bedtimes, shopping, overspending, and traveling, which may bring on jet lag. The financial pressures associated with gift-giving can also cause sleep disruption during the holidays.

Changing your behaviors and attitudes and adding more physical activities can go a long way toward eliminating insomnia so you can enjoy a deserved and joyous holiday season.

Traveling or spending time with family can shake up our usual meal routines, too. Megrette Fletcher, a diabetes educator, mentioned in an interview that everything changes and can be quite stimulating when we’re away from home, which might lead us to let our guard down a bit. Common sense says eating too much doesn’t improve the food experience, but when faced with an array of delicious treats, it can be hard to resist. As Megrette says, “Food is part of the enjoyment.” Just because you can’t take the food home with you doesn’t mean you have to eat everything in sight if you’re already full. It’s okay to savor the moment and stop when you’ve had enough!

We also have some fantastic guests on the Divabetic podcast, including experts like Debby Kay and Megrette Fletcher, and inspiring people like singer Leona Lewis, who will be sharing her music from the Christmas, with Love album. Plus, don’t miss our chance to win 6 months of mySugr Pro access in our INSTANT WINNER challenge!

Throughout the podcast, we will feature music from Leona Lewis’s Christmas, with Love album courtesy of SONY Music.

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Diabetic Pastry Chef’s Sugar-Free Apricot Brandy Pound Cake Recipe

Living with Type 2 diabetes doesn’t compromise the Diabetic Pastry Chef, Stacey Harris’s creativity in the kitchen. After attending culinary school, Stacey taught herself how to make pound cake, pecan rolls, pies, muffins, cupcakes, and other baked goods with about half the carbohydrates in traditional bakery items. 

If you’re feeling deprived of your favorite holiday treats because you’re living with diabetes, then check out this new recipe from our friend, Stacey. 

From her tasty treats to her outlook on life, this pastry chef keeps things as sweet as can be as well as … sugar-free!

Diabetic Pastry Chef’s Holiday Recipe

Diabetic Pastry Chef‘s Sugar-Free Apricot Brandy Pound Cake Recipe

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups butter, softened

3 cups sugar-substitute of your choice

6 eggs

1 tsp orange extract

1 tsp lemon extract

1 tsp almond extract

1/4 cup apricot brandy

3 cups cake flour, sifted

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Grease and flour a 10-inch tube cake or bundt pan. Cream butter and gradually add sugar substitute. Continue creaming until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Blend in extracts and brandy. Gradually add the flour and beat until smooth.

Pour the cake batter into the tube pan. Bake for 1 1/2 hours or until a wooden toothpick comes out clean and the edges of the cake have come away from the sides of the pan. Cool for 20 minutes in the pan before unmolding. Cool completely. Add glaze and arrange apricots and mint on top.

Glaze Ingredients:

1/2 cup sugar-free apricot preserves

1Tbsp. apricot brandy or leftover apricot nectar from the can

1 8-ounce can of apricot halves, drained

fresh mint for garnishing

Directions

Heat the apricot preserves until melted. Remove from heat and stir in brandy or nectar. Spread the warm glaze over the cake and sides. Garnish with the apricot halves, which can also be glazed, and garnish with the mint. Enjoy

Stacey Notes for the Best Results:

This recipe is revised from an old Ebony magazine recipe. It is a showstopper! It works well for holidays. I have made it as is. I have also made it using canola butter in place of whole butter. I have successfully made the cake by cutting the butter to 1 cup and adding 1/2 cup sour cream. I suppose yogurt would also work in place of the sour cream. You can read more about Stacey’s experience making her Sugar-Free Apricot Brandy Pound Cake recipe on her blog.

I generally mix my sugar substitutes to get the best flavor, baking properties, and health results. For this cake, I used 1 cup of Splenda, 1 cup of Stevia in the Raw, and 1 cup of Whey Low. Do not try to use Splenda alone unless you’re using Splenda for Baking.

If you’re interested in making over one of your holiday specialties with sugar substitutes, Stacey recommends using a blend of sugar substitutes in your recipe rather than just one for the best results. 

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Max Szadek Guests on Toni B’s Radio Show on UG-ONE

I’m excited to be Toni B’s Special Guest on her upcoming show this Wednesday, December 11, on UG-ONE! I can’t wait to share stories from my incredible experience working with Luther Vandross.

I started working with Luther in 1993 on the Never Let Me Go project in the wardrobe department and eventually became his assistant until he sadly passed away in 2005.

In the Luther: Never Too Much documentary, I discuss my traumatic moment of finding Luther after he had a devastating stroke due to complications from mismanaged type 2 diabetes. It was a wake-up call for me that inspired the creation of Divabetic, a national nonprofit aimed at diabetes outreach.

I truly believe in empowering Luther’s fans and their families to keep their homes healthy and happy by learning to prevent complications like strokes, kidney disease, blindness, and more.

At Diabetic (Divabetic.org), we take a unique approach to traditional diabetes education, offering fun, upbeat, engaging makeovers, music, and games. I’m thrilled that our resources—like podcasts, videos, and online support—are free!

Plus, check out our Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love and Intimacy With Diabetes ebook by Janis Roszler and Donna Rice, available on Amazon!

I’ve also enjoyed collaborating with my talented musical family from Luther’s world. With Ivan Hampden Jr. and Paulette McWilliams, I’ve written songs like Mama’s Kitchen Table and Pink Champagne.

I’ve worked with incredible artists like Cindy Mizelle and Brenda White-King on That Man Of Mine and Pat Lacy with Lisa Fischer on I Wish At Christmas I Could Bring You Home.

A couple of my singles, Mama’s Kitchen Table and Standards by Crystal Penny, even charted on the UK Soul and BCFM Soul Charts! That Man of Mine was a big hit on the Billboard Dance Charts in the 90s and was especially popular in Provincetown.

I can’t wait to share more on the show! I hope you all tune in!

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