Tag: wellness

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What’s In Your Bag?

bag

Next month, the original Birkin handbag is set to be auctioned, and it is likely to fetch a record-breaking amount. This bag symbolizes a value that exceeds its contents, which presents a contradiction for someone living with diabetes.

For years, during our free monthly meetings at Divabetic, we have emphasized the importance of preparedness in self-care. Being ready for unexpected high and low blood sugar levels is essential.

A source of fast-acting carbohydrates (such as glucose tablets), glucagon, a glucose meter, test strips, lancets, insulin, syringes or insulin pens, ketone test strips, healthy snacks, water, and hand sanitizer are far more precious to people with diabetes than the bag that holds them. After all, no matter its value, a handbag cannot save a life.

Interestingly, the Hermès Birkin bag was created for actress Jane Birkin. It was designed in 1984 after she expressed her frustration while on a flight about not being able to find a suitable leather bag for travel, especially one that could serve as a carry-all for young mothers. She shared her thoughts with Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas, saying, “Why don’t you make a bag that’s four times the size of the Kelly bag that you can leave open?” This inspired Dumas to design a black leather bag specifically for her, which later became the iconic Birkin bag. Jane Birkin receives $40,000 annually in royalties for the use of her name.

Being prepared—whether you’re carrying an expensive bag or a well-used knapsack—can significantly improve the management of diabetes, no matter where you are going or what you are doing.


An A1C is a blood test that gives your healthcare provider information about your average blood sugar over the last two to three months. 

Rush Memorial Hospital‘s website states that researchers have found that lowering your A1C by just one percentage point helps lower your risk of the following complications by these amounts: Nerve Damage   60%, Eye Disease  75%, Kidney Disease  50%, and Heart Attack   57%.

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Teaming Up with High Voltage to Change Attitude In Young Girls About Healthy Living Was A Blast!

Energy Up!

Partnering with High Voltage to change the attitudes of young girls about healthy living was nothing short of a fabulous adventure—think glitter, sparkles, and a sprinkle of wellness magic!

Our connection started out humbly through a flurry of emails. Honestly, I have no idea who slid into whose inbox first, but it didn’t take long for us to bond over our shared passion for glamourizing good health. It was like a wellness matchmaking story!

By the time we teamed up, her Energy Up! program was already a star, shining brightly at Ann Tisch’s The Young Women’s Leadership Schools (TYWLS) across the tri-state area and making regular appearances on the TODAY Show with journalist Katie Couric.

Now, while Divabetic was squarely focused on adult women, I was eager to join forces with High Voltage and Energy Up! to reach out to the younger crowd.

I was a little worried that if we started tugging at the hearts of the young girls, our older ladies at Divabetic might feel abandoned.

Thanks to Energy Up!, I had the chance to craft kid-friendly wellness programs.

Together, High Voltage and I birthed the brilliantly named ‘Shocktober’—a month-long extravaganza dedicated to exposing the shocking amounts of added sugars lurking in our favorite foods and drinks.

We even hosted cafeteria takeovers, turning fruits and veggies into the rock stars of the lunchroom. I remember a school administrator telling us our veggie tastings were “too exotic”—we were just serving carrots, celery, and cherry tomatoes! Apparently, the bar was set higher than I thought.

One highlight was High Voltage’s water bottle raffles, which somehow made the idea of drinking water feel like winning the lottery!

And her workouts sprinkled with affirmations were simply unforgettable. High Voltage truly “walked the talk,” and I still find myself channeling her key messages in my own life.

Ironically, my work with High Voltage nudged me back toward the entertainment industry. I still remember one particular day feeling like a bitter, has-been diva, desperately trying to keep up the high standards I learned while working with Luther Vandross.

I went home that night and thought, “Am I truly ready to give up the dream, or is it time for a comeback?!” Spoiler alert: I opted for the latter. A few sequins can inspire you to strut back into the spotlight!

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63 Year Old Type 1 Diva Is A Poster Child For Fitness

Judith

Since her initial diabetes diagnosis, Judith, a 63-year-old inspiring figure living with type 1 diabetes, has never stopped moving. She participates in aerobic dance and Tai Chi classes, bicycles, and walks 16 miles every Sunday. Despite never considering herself athletic, Judith’s can-do attitude is a source of inspiration for everyone around her.

“When I turned 40, I was so surprised just to be alive and healthy, it was its own celebration,” Judith laughs. “I think we’re given things in our lives that shape our lives, like diabetes has shaped mine. On a trip to Canada, I realized diabetes was going to go with me wherever I went, so I may as well become friends with it. Life is so short, and I’ve learned to enjoy both living with moderation and gusto!”

Judith was a long-time star at our Divabetic Club, always poised, stylish, and friendly. You might even start to wonder if she ever had a hair out of place. But let’s not forget the time she bravely shared her own experience with a low blood glucose episode. Picture this: she went shopping and, to her surprise, completely blanked out on how she managed to get home. When she arrived, she found a pineapple on her coffee table and thought, “Oh great! I’m home, and apparently, I’m also a tropical fruit enthusiast now!” Her openness about her diabetes misadventures made her relatable and, honestly, the life of the party.

Living with diabetes is like navigating an obstacle course filled with judges who all have differing opinions on how to manage it. Admitting that your self-care journey is anything but straightforward is both brave and liberating. So here’s to Judith, the queen of turning life’s surprises into dance breaks! Cheers!

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Imagine Yourself Riding in A Limousine, Not An Ambulance 

limousine

My journey as a diabetes advocate has been a rollercoaster of challenges and surprises, but I have to say, getting my moment in the spotlight in People magazine definitely gave me a turbo boost! Looking back at what we accomplished to make diabetes education feel less like a doctor’s visit and more like a party is nothing short of mind-blowing. My presentations at the Pittsburgh American Diabetes Expo? Absolutely spectacular!

Our superstar, Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes educator, Jessica Issler, RD, CDCES, was practically inundated with requests to join us at the American Diabetes Association’s Annual Expo in Pittsburgh. Seriously, it felt like I was getting a hundred messages, all screaming, “You absolutely HAVE to come!” Terri Seidman, our incredible Pittsburgh Program Director and a true type 1 diabetes warrior, caught wind of Divabetic and became our number one fan. I half expected her to show up with pom-poms—thankfully, we had plenty from our events!

After what felt like a high-stakes negotiation session (move over, peace treaties!), I finally agreed to host a Divabetic area at the ADA Expo. But I had one must-have: a white limousine prominently displayed in our section. Yes, you heard me right—a limousine!

I know what you’re thinking: “A limo for diabetes?” But here’s the deal: when most people think of diabetes, they picture an ambulance, and I wanted to change the narrative! I envisioned a glamorous ride symbolizing the fabulous life you can live with a little self-care.

I called upon my favorite designer, the fabulous Susan McCaslin, who created a sign that read, “With Proper Self-Care, You’re Not Just Riding in an Ambulance, You’re Cruisin’ in a Limo!” Talk about an attention-grabber!

Then the big day arrived, and I was all set for my diva-betic moment. But Terri hit me with the ultimate plot twist: she couldn’t get the white limousine. My heart sank faster than a lead balloon! I thought I was doomed. But just when I thought my dreams were crashing down, Terri led me to our Divabetic area and—ta-da!—there it was! A vintage white convertible, sparkling like it was ready to star in its own Hollywood film!

I was over the moon—who needs a limo when you’ve got a classic like this?

Now that’s what I call a diabetes makeover! Talk about elevating the game!

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Divabetic Presents At All About Women Expos!

Boa Workouts


Between our fabulous Divabetic Makeover Your Diabetes events, sponsored by Novo Nordisk, my parents and I, along with our core team members, traveled to various cities to deliver diabetes outreach with a flair that could only be described as diva-tastic! At one point, it felt like Divabetic was truly onto something special.

About a year into these Makeover tours, I received an invitation from the legendary Sally Smallwood, who was running the wildly successful All About Women expos in Tennessee. I was over the moon! Finally, I had the opportunity to present diabetes education at a women’s event, rather than at another diabetes convention where people would constantly remind me that men have diabetes too—thanks for that, Captain Obvious!

Stepping into a women’s event was a new experience for me. I had never attended such an event before, so I was unaware that everyone and their mother (literally!) would be sporting pink feather boas as if they were going out of style. Our flashy pink props, which I used at every Divabetic outreach program, once seemed fresh and fabulous; now they appeared about as exciting as a nobby beige sweater.

Not one to throw in the towel, I decided to switch things up and add some pizzazz to our Mamma Mia-themed workouts during the main stage presentation. Jessica Issler and I were getting into our groove to ABBA‘s Take A Chance On Me during a Boa Workout routine when Sally casually dropped a bombshell: Could I host a diabetes presentation on the main stage for a crowd of hundreds of Girl Scouts in just 30 minutes? Cue the cold sweat!

Without thinking, I said ‘sure’ before seeking out Jessica to figure out what we would do. In a moment of sheer inspiration, I recalled meeting a young woman living with type 2 diabetes and invited her to join us on stage to share her story. I felt that having a real-life person living with diabetes would resonate with the Girl Scouts. My hunch proved correct when the Girl Scouts asked our volunteer a million questions, shared how diabetes affected their families, and expressed their fears and concerns for loved ones living with diabetes. When we left the stage, 

Sally quickly approached Jessica and I and asked us to present our program again to another group of Girl Scouts!

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How Patient Are You?

Patient

I feel like my patience has eroded. I don’t know about you, but I struggle with waiting for a traffic light to change from red to green. To make it easier, I’ve tried turning it into a game: can I wait for the light to change before crossing the street, even if there’s no oncoming traffic? Most of the time, I can’t manage it. It feels like my patience is eroding. Many people believe that the decline of patience in modern society is due to the fast-paced nature of technology and the prevalence of instant gratification.

How patient are you?

I remember a woman named Roberta who attended our Divabetic Club meetings. We hosted free monthly diabetes support meetings at the McBurney YMCA, and Roberta epitomized patience. She had been living with type 1 diabetes for over three decades and often referred to herself as a “brittle diabetic.” This term describes a specific form of diabetes characterized by frequent and severe fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

Roberta explained that she practiced the Rule of 15 for treating low blood sugars. The Rule of 15—or the 15-15 rule—is a guideline for managing hypoglycemia in people with diabetes. It involves consuming 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, waiting 15 minutes, and then checking your blood sugar again. If it’s still low, you repeat the process until your blood sugar returns to a safe level.

Roberta mentioned that she would light a candle and watch it melt while waiting for the 15 minutes to pass. If she needed to retreat, she would continue lighting the candle. I wonder how many people would be willing to do that today. I’m certain most would be scrolling through Instagram or consuming fast-acting glucose to resolve their issue as quickly as possible.

There’s a lot to be said for exercising patience in managing good health.

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Beautiful Bathrooms & Managing Diabetes In the Bathroom

Bathroom

Everyone loves a beautiful bathroom, right? Look at poet, artist, designer Apryl Miller‘s magical Eastside home in New York City!

It is truly an artist’s paradise with colorful patterned tiles, whimsical cabinetry, and breathtaking views. But even the most beautiful bathroom can’t magically fix the challenges of managing diabetes.

Managing diabetes is super important, especially when it comes to bathroom-related issues. Things like constipation, diarrhea, frequent urination, and urinary incontinence can affect daily life and personal dignity.

Sometimes, people don’t recognize the early signs of diabetes or pre-diabetes and go on living without making necessary lifestyle changes. This can lead to serious complications down the road. It’s essential to keep a close eye on blood sugar levels and follow medical advice to help prevent issues like bowel control problems.

I remember speaking with a woman who had unmanaged type 2 diabetes. She shared her struggle with not recognizing when to use the bathroom until it was too late. While determined to get her life back on track during college, she faced this personal challenge. High blood sugar can cause nerve damage in the digestive system, making it harder for her body to function correctly.

Plus, certain medications like Metformin, Ozempic, and Monjaro can have side effects that include diarrhea. It’s really important to take charge of diabetes management, not just for physical health, but also to maintain that sense of dignity and well-being. Let’s remember to be proactive and take steps toward better health! The first steps to overcoming the burden of diabetes management involve education, setting realistic goals, and building a support system. 


Don’t try to change everything at once. Focus on one or two manageable goals at a time, like adding more servings of vegetables or exercising for 15 minutes a day. It takes time to make lasting changes and see results. Celebrate your successes and don’t get discouraged by setbacks.

Focusing on understanding diabetes, making small, achievable lifestyle changes, and connecting with others can help ease the feeling of being overwhelmed. 

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Emmy Award-Winning Alyson Williams Is Living With LADA

Emmy Award-winning singer Alyson Williams shares her experience of living with LADA (Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults) which develops in adults and shares characteristics with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

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Alyson Williams, well-known for her hit singles in the late 1980s and early 1990s, such as Just Call My Name, Sleep Talk, My Love Is So Raw, and I Need Your Lovin, inspires many with her music and her journey.

Living with LADA presents its own unique challenges, especially while touring and performing in different cities.

Alyson emphasizes the importance of self-care, encouraging everyone to prioritize their health regardless of their career demands. Seeking support from healthcare professionals can make a significant difference in managing fluctuating blood sugar levels.

Remember to treat yourself kindly today! Focus on positive self-talk, engage in self-care activities, and don’t hesitate to reach out to loved ones or diabetes support groups. It’s a journey we can navigate together, and every step counts!

You are doing great by taking care of yourself and staying informed.

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GLP-1s Are Helping People

willpower

In last Sunday’s New York Times’ Opinion section, Dr. David A. Kessler, a former Food and Drug Administration commissioner and author of ‘Diet, Drugs, and Dopamine: The New Science of Achieving a Healthy Weight,’ writes about his personal weight maintenance issues. 

In the article, he admits that he has gained and lost weight repeatedly, putting on 20 pounds, taking it off, putting on 30 pounds, and then taking it off again. 

His schooling and various degrees have not helped his metabolism fight the food industry’s highly processed, ultra-formulated, addictive food products. 

Side note: My friend, High Voltage, has repeatedly shared the same thoughts with me over the last decade. 

In Dr. Kessler and High Voltage’s opinion, our food has been engineered to manipulate the brain’s reward system. Food cravings and weight gain are not due to a lack of willpower; they result from issues related to one’s brain chemistry.  These foods, engineered to make certain people eat more, have resulted in a health catastrophe. 

Dr. Kessler writes, “GLP-1s appear to modify addictive brain pathways that are activated by ultraformulated foods, helping people to change their body weight in a decisive way.” 

Using GLP-1s has helped Dr. Kessler control the addictive circuits in his brain and helping him to reset his appetite. 

I’m sharing this post because I disagree with our society attaching shame and blame to GLP-1s. I hope people using these drugs are experiencing Dr. Kessler’s results. 

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Happy Mother’s Day

Lambs

Happy Mother’s Day!

Today, let’s celebrate the incredible strength and pioneering spirit of mothers everywhere! One remarkable story is that of Elizabeth Hughes Gossett, who became the first American woman to receive insulin treatment for type 1 diabetes. Her journey began in 1919 when she was diagnosed at just 12 years old.

Before she received insulin in 1922, Elizabeth faced tremendous challenges, as her health deteriorated and her weight dropped to a mere 45 pounds. However, with the groundbreaking treatment pioneered by Sir Frederick Banting, everything changed. Elizabeth started receiving insulin injections, and soon after, she began regaining her strength and vitality, illustrating the power of resilience and hope.

Insulin is not just a major medical breakthrough; it transformed lives, and Elizabeth’s story has inspired many as a true pioneer in insulin therapy. In 1930, she married William T. Gossett and welcomed three beautiful children into the world, showing that love and determination can overcome any obstacle.

Today, let’s honor all mothers and their amazing journeys, just like Elizabeth’s. They inspire us with their courage and remind us of the power of love and perseverance. Wishing a joyful and uplifting day to all mothers!

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