Diagnosis To Diva Stories: Molly from Amsterdam

Diagnosis to Diva

May’s Diabetes Roundtable podcast special guest, Molly from Amsterdam is a mother of three and has been living with diabetes since 1999. But juggling the roles of wife and mother haven’t stopped her from getting involved with 100Campaign to make insulin available to everyone. We hope Molly’s story helps to empower you to manage your diabetes with confidence, knowledge and inspiration (like a diva!) this month.

Diagnosis To Diva: I’m a Midwestern girl, built of sturdy farm stock people who are quiet hard workers and don’t complain.  I was raised learning to look at every obstacle in life and just “get over it, and on with it.” When I was  first diagnosed,  after spending the weekend in the hospital because of blood sugars over 900 and being shoved back into the world a few days later with really not much more than the knowledge of how to inject an orange with insulin, I figured I’d better just get on with it. I was a senior in college (in the middle of mid terms!)  - 2 months away from graduation, about to start my career.  I basically just figured it out all on my own – and didn’t really talk about it to anyone. I lived the next ten years with my diabetes this way – doing well but not really speaking much about my diabetes.

Diagnosis to Diva: Molly

The irony of course of this is that I worked in global health and was a huge proponent of encouraging those most affected by a condition – be it HIV, diabetes, etc to be at the forefront of the advocacy.  In 2010 I began working for a diabetes youth empowerment organization called AYUDA.  Here I was surrounded by other amazing vivacious young people who were living “out loud” with diabetes- unashamed to test blood in front of crowds – wearing their insulin pumps outside their clothes- and I was still in hiding.  Finally I realized I had to get out there and practice what I preached. I tested my blood sugar at a meeting in front of strangers. I spoke at a global meeting and finally talked about my experiences as a person living with diabetes. It was invigorating and liberating to finally become a full fledge member of  this diabetes community. It was a huge step for me and ultimately helped me improve my diabetes health as well!

Biggest Self-Care Issue or Concern:  I think now that I’m a mom of three kids  and a husband who travels quite a bit for work, my main concern for myself is just watching my lows when I’m alone with kids.

Special members of healthcare entourage: My kids! Inspire me every day to stay healthy and live a long long long life!

Diabetes Associations/Organizations/Publications You’re Affiliated With:   Founded in 2012, the 100 Campaign is a global movement committed to tearing down the barriers to access to insulin for all that need it. Disheartened by the lack of global action towards access to insulin, a small team of advocates with experience in diabetes communities in resource poor settings came together to launch the 100 Campaign.

Favorite Diabetes Resource: my Medtronic pump!

Favorite Celebrity Diva:  Tina Turner.  She’s overcome so much on her own to become not only an inspiration and an icon but a unflappable cool customer with the most amazing legs. Ever.

Favorite Movie and/or TV Show: The Graduate/Project Runway

Favorite Song: Always (Atlantic Starr)

Which Diva inspires you the most? Your 3 choices are: Carol King, Carol Burnett and Florence Henderson ‘Carol Brady’.  Carol Burnett. Proof that women have a sense of humor!

Motivating Mindset:  Diabetes is a journey – not a destination. Your in it for the long run so dont stress every single bump in the road. For me the most important thing I learned was that everyone is totally different on how you handle your condition – there is no “right” way to do it. When thinking about your cafe you are your best advocate!

Your Motto:  Pedal to the metal!

COMING SOON: May’s Diabetes Roundtable Inspired by Kate Middleton featuring Mr. Divabetic,Catherine Schuller, Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE,  Kathy Gold RN, CDE, Mama Rose Marie, the Digital divas(Taryn and Jessica), Molly Lepeska from 100Campaign and Liz Wolff, the owner of CURE Thrift Shop in New York, NY http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/05/14/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-kate-middleton

Diagnosis To DIVA Step 1: Declare it!

Diagnosis To Diva

Are you struggling with you’re diabetes? Are you feeling overwhelmed from one day to the next?

Facing an illness is a life changing event. Research has shown that people who are more engaged in their health care enjoy better results. But if you’re struggling with your meds, foods, family and moods –  where do you start?

Divabetic wants to help you take charge of your diabetes like a diva! The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic developed the Divabetic 9 Steps with a team of national diabetes educators to help you transform your life and journey from ‘Diagnosis to DIVA!’ 

For the past 8 years, Divabetic has inspired women to face their diagnosis head on and seek the proper care necessary to resume a healthy, full life.  Mr. Divabetic and his entourage of friendly diabetes educators, beauty/fashion experts and fitness instructors have presented ‘Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes’ diabetes programming to thousands of women living with diabetes across the country. He’s witnessed firsthand how boosting someone’s confidence with beauty and fashion services can impact improve their diabetes health in a positive way. Plus, we experienced how a little  lipstick can go a long way to helping boost spirits after having a difficult day dealing unexpected blood sugar readings.

Follow easy step-by-step approach to help empower you to manage your diabetes self-care with confidence, inspiration and knowledge. Divabetic created a different step to represent each letter in the phrase ‘Divabetic.’  The Divabetic 9 Steps also  relate to the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) 7 Self Care Behaviors: Healthy Eating, Taking Medications, Monitoring, Reducing Risks, Problem Solving, Being Active, and Healthy Coping. 

Use the ‘Divabetic 9′ as your blueprint to living the “glamorous life” aka a life without diabetes health-related complications. Keep in mind,  the most important thing is to feel good about yourself and your health.

Diagnosis To Diva! Step #1

1. D = Declare Out Loud that You’re Living With Diabetes

You have to “claim it” to change it. Diabetes is a complicated disease. It can affect many areas of your body as well as many areas of your life. What you eat, when you eat, treatments and medications, testing your blood glucose, exercising… all these play a role in successful management of diabetes. No one should deal with diabetes alone.

First, you need to admit to yourself that you are in fact living with diabetes. If you don’t like the term ‘diabetic’ then we recommend using the term ‘DIVAbetic’ to remind you that you are still a beautiful, loving woman.  Next, you need to start talking to your girlfriends, co-workers and family about your condition.

Learning to accept your diagnosis may take days, weeks, months and/or years but coming to terms with the fact that you need help managing your diabetes is truly the first step to living a happy, healthy life with diabetes.

It’s normal for people living with diabetes to wonder if they’re somehow to blame for their condition. It’s also normal to think that a diagnosis of diabetes is somehow a mistake.

However, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), if people living with diabetes are checking their blood sugar only once every few weeks or ignoring their doctor’s suggestions regarding diet and exercise, they are probably in denial.

The ADA also suggests that a person is probably in denial if they habitually say any of the following:

• “One bite of this fatty/sugary/unhealthy food won’t hurt.”
• “I’ve had sores before. This one will heal by itself like the others did.”
• “I don’t have time to do all the things they say I need to do.”
• “I feel fine. I don’t need to see the doctor yet.”

The longer a person remains in denial about diabetes, the longer the disease controls them — instead of them controlling it. Take ‘control’ like one of our favorite divas, Janet Jackson. YOU can do it!

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Roundttable Podcast - “LIVE from the RED CARPET SPECIAL” featuring: Ginger.io spokesperson, Peter Smith, diabetes advocate, author and coach, Riva Greenberg, Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller, Go2Bra creator, Connie Elder, Pumpwear Inc. & Girly Girl Studio co- owner, Julie De Fruscio, poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE, Constance Brown-Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, Neva White DNP, CRNP, CDE, makeup and skin guru, Sue Perez, celebrity photographer, Winston Kerr, Mama Rose Marie and Marilyn from Pasadena, CA who is living with type 1 diabetes.

SHOW LINK:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/02/12/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-sally-field

Mother Your Diabetes Advice with Mama Rose Marie:

Let’s Talk About Sex!  Here’s a sneak peak of  Divabetic’s upcoming ‘Love On A Two Way Street’ free outreach program focused on ‘Sexual Health & Diabetes’ and presented at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital on Sat., Feb, 9, 2013

Basics In Diabetes Pattern Management – Divabetic

Experience Mr. Divabetic’s wellness with a wow programming in Tucson, AZ, Santa Clara, CA, Philadelphia, PA, Savannah, GA and Bethesda, MD in 2013. Get more details at www.divabetic.org

‘Diagnosis To DIVA’ with Leola from Grand Rapids

Divabetic’s October Diabetes Roundtable podcast special guest diva, Leola from Grand Rapids, MI says, “ I am living proof that diabetes can be managed. It’s not a death sentence, diabetes can be managed. Control your diabetes; don’t let your diabetes control you.”

Leola, living with type 1 diabetes, learned firsthand the dangerous of poorly managed diabetes when she was first diagnosed.   “Thanksgiving Day 2008 changed my life forever.  I thought that I was suffering from an extended sinus infection that would not go away.  I had lost roughly thirty pounds in less than 2 weeks. I decided to go to the hospital emergency room that night hoping for an IV or some medicine that would help me gain some energy.”  Leola continues, “to my dismay, after testing, the doctor told me that I had diabetes with an extremely high blood sugar readings.  I was shocked.  I spent 6 days in the hospital (including 3 in intensive care).  It was a very depressing time for me, but it gave me a lot of time to think about how I would handle the diagnosis. I knew that I wanted to continue to live life as I was (working, living independently, etc), so that meant that I had to be responsible for my well being. “

Leola’s feeling a lot more ‘divalicious’ today then she was at the time of her diagnosis. ”I have embraced having the disease and was determined to beat it.  When I was properly diagnosed as a person living with type 1 diabetes (initially thought to be type 2 because I was overweight and 39 years old), that removed my hope of living without insulin.  However, I am still determined to continue with the quality of life I had prior to my diagnosis. I have learned to successfully manage my diabetes.  I have however gained the lost weight back and continue to struggle with weight loss.”

She credits her healthcare team and her support group: More Than Numbers in Grand Rapids (the brainchild of Leola’s good friend Rachel O’Callaghan) for her healthy mind, body and soul. “We are group of adults with type 1 and type 2, sometimes it’s just amazing what support can do to lift your spirits. We are like a family.  We meet once a month, sometimes for educational presentations and other times just to vent with those that understand us. She adds, “if any divas are interested in peeping in on the group -join us on facebook – More Than Numbers Diabetes Support Grand Rapids.”

So what famous famous diva does Leola admire the most?

“Star Jones — As a plus size African American woman, I always thought that she was very intelligent and had a flair for fashion.  She was someone that I admired and saw as a role model during my younger years.  In more recent years, I have watched her career and love how she deals with adversity and still manages to rise above,” says Leola. (We’re guessing Leola’s not a fan of either Rosie O’Donnell or Anderson Cooper!)

What keeps her motivated? 

“I’m in love with my independence; that alone motivates me to stay healthy.  Prayer goes a long way with getting over the bumps associated with diabetes.  Find the healthcare team that caters to your needs.  Educate yourself; I spend loads of time reading and attending diabetes seminars.My diabetes life has been a blessing in disguise. It has caused me to pay better attention to my health.  I have meet interesting people along my journey.  I have been afforded an opportunity to do a few things that I enjoy as a result.  I am a patient advocate for a program that allows me to travel and share my experiences.”

TUNE IN: Diabetes Roundtable Goes PINK! Mr. Divabetic salutes Breast Cancer Survivors living with diabetes with the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, makeup artist Kiauna Hunt and Mama Rose Marie. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2012/10/09/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-nicki-minaj

REGISTER NOW:  Don’t miss our largest free diabetes outreach event of the year, Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes,  promoting a diva attitude for living well with diabetes. Our goal is to make every woman feel more beautiful inside and out through the help of a team of certified diabetes educators, registered dietitians, and beauty and fashion experts.

Saturday, October 13, 2012, 11 AM – 4 PM

Jefferson Alumni Hall , First Floor Eakins Lounge 10th and Locust Streets

Philadelphia, PA 19107

FREE ADMISSION

Register: 1-800-JEFF-NOW

Look who’s on the red tomato carpet with Mr. Divabetic at Plus Night Out -NYC

Meet Mr. Divabetic on his quest to glamorize good health at Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes outreach event in Philadelphia, PA, the American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Expo in Pittsburgh, PA  and the Taking Control Of  Your Diabetes Conferences & Health Fairs in San Diego, CA and Austin, TX.

For sponsorship opportunities and upcoming outreach event details visit:  www.divabetic.org and Divabetic’s Facebook’s Group and Fan pages.

Diagnosis To DIVA: Andrea

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic hosts June’s Diabetes Roundtable featuring divine inspiration from Reverend Run, a practicing minister, motivational speaker, family patriarch and revered founding father of hip-hop as a member of Run-D.M.C.

Rev. Run’s words of wisdom guide this 30 minute whirlwind of wellness in observance of Men’s Health Month and Father’s Day 2012.  Mr. Divabetic kicks off the show with a hot topics discussion on prostate cancer and diabetes, a Food Aisle Face-off  between almond milk and soy milk, a review of healthy dining choices at Dave and Buster’s and a Father Your Diabetes commentary.

Diva TalkRadio Guests include Judi Wilcox, RD, CDE of Hollywood, FL, MaryAnn Nicolay, BA, DTR of Cleveland, OH, Neva White, MSN, CRNP, CDE of Philadelphia, PA, Kiauna Hunt, celebrity makeup artist and owner of Diva Status (Washington, DC),  Catherine Schuller, image and style expert (New York, NY), and Stan the Announcer Man. The program’s special guest, Andrea W., checks in from Brooklyn, NY to share her From Pre-diabetes Diagnosis to Diva story,          ”what keeps me going (and gets me back on the right path when I fall is the fact that my father died of diabetes years ago – and I don’t want to end up dead – I AM A DIVA!”

Diagnosis To Diva: Amy

Since 2005, Divabetic has traveled to 18 major US cities presenting original programming.  Our approach to diabetes education and acceptance with a ‘Glam More, Fear Less’ attitude is highly regarded by healthcare providers and patients.  We love to ‘pass the boa’ and spotlight different women living with diabetes around the country on Diva TalkRadio’s ‘Diagnosis To Diva’ segment. Meet Amy:

Amy M.
Status: Type 2 Diva
Diagnosis Date: 3/13/2007
Hometown:  New York City (NY)
Special Member of Amy’s Healthcare Entourage: Dr. Ryvkin (General Practitioner)
Favorite Famous Diva: Patti LaBelle
In Amy’s words: “Since being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, I’ve worked hard at being able to control my health. One of my biggest challenges has been turning away from the cakes, cookies and ice cream that I love.  My wish is to help others learn that diabetes is not a death sentence.”

Amazing guests and giveaways. Plus, we review the menu at Red Lobster to be a better eater (not a perfect eater) and find out how well our NYC diva, Amy M, does with a sinking blood glucose level in shark-infested waters!

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Roundtable
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2010/11/09/diabetes-roundtable

Call 1-347-215-8551 during the show to speak with Mr. Divabetic, Amy or any of our guests. See you on the radio!

Divas Speaking Out on Deen

Divabetic: Paula Says "No More Sweet Tea!"

 

From shame on you to more power to you, divas are weighing in on Paula Deen. What’s your opinion. Cast a vote in our Divas on Deen poll.

 

 

 

September’s Diva TalkRadio: Tattoo You With Diabetes

Diva TalkRadio: Diagnosis To Diva

Meet our September’s Diva TalkRadio – Diabetes Roundtable’s ‘Diagnosis to Diva’ guest and ‘Diabetes Numerolgy Game’ contestant, Jessica C. from Ohio. She’s not afraid to show-off a diva-size attitude about her diabetes.

Jessica is living with type 1 diabetes and she has several tattoos. Our two favorite ‘divabetic friendly‘ tattoos are located on her wrists: “Sugar” and “Free.”

Tune in to hear Jessica’s self-care solution to a Legally Blonde – inspired Diabetes Numerology Game puzzle. Will she be ‘Elle Woods’ or  ’in the wooods’ when it comes to managing her diabetes in a fitness – related situation?

Jessica C. will be appearing on our upcoming  Diva TalkRadio – Diabetes Roundtable scheduled for Tuesday, September , 2011, 6 – 6:30 PM, EST. Call the Diva Hotline: (347) 215-8551  with your questions and comments. We’d like to hear from you!

LISTEN NOW: Diva TalkRadio – Diabetes Roundtable on divaebetic.org It’s informed, innovative and in-step with YOU! We’re podcasting with attitude. 

From Diagnosis to DIVA: Morelia!

Divabetic’s From Diagnosis to DIVA stories detail the change in mindset from denial to acceptance of living with diabetes and moving on up. Meet this month’s DIVA, Morelia. Find inspiration in “herstory.” 

Divabetic DIVA, Morelia!

Name: Morelia
Status: Living with Type 2
Diagnosis Year:  2005
Hometown: Burbank, CA
(now residing in Nashville, TN)

 

In Morelia’s Words!
Special member(s) of Morelia’s healthcare entourage:  

More like “special” members for me. I was misdiagnosed and not sure what was going on at the time but knew something wasn’t right with me. A dear friend/ emergency nurse named Carmen Rich was sitting in a restaurant one day and stirred up a conversation with someone sitting next to her, a nurse practitioner Janie Lipps. As their conversation developed, we thought that I might have diabetes. We continued to talk about my family – including who my dad was (Manual, the couture designer to country stars) – and my work with charities. As a result, I got to be a part of a study and was introduced to my doctor, Dr. Michael Fowler, he’s a saint, just plain awesome and has a disposition of pure love & kindness!

Morelia’s Favorite People and Things!

Bret Michaels may not be a diva (depending how you look at that, lol) but he lives life to a celebration and has been an inspiration to me, proving that you can ROCK and take steps to continue living your life to the fullest and be true to yourself! Also, living life as a Diva, Mae West says it all: “You live once, but if you do it right, once is enough!” She also said, “Cultivate your curves, they may be dangerous but they won’t be avoided!”  lol! 

Vanderbilt being the ones taking me in! ADA, and of course, Rhinestone Cure, my very own nonprofit, created to raise the awareness of diabetes and the celebration of life! Contact Rhinestone Cure, Inc.: P.O. Box 121886 Nashville, TN 37212 and click here to visit and Like their Facebook Fan page.

 

Motivating Mindset

Shine, Sparkle & Survive!
Love & Laughter, Morelia

Click here to meet Morelia on Divabetic’s Diva TalkRadio and to hear her compete in Diabetes Numerology.

From Diagnosis to Diva: Ms. Angie

Divabetic’s From Diagnosis to DIVA stories detail the change in mindset from denial to acceptance of living with diabetes and moving on up. Meet this month’s DIVA, Ms. Angie. Find inspiration in “herstory.” 

Ms. Angie, DIVA!

 

Name: Ms. Angie
Status: “Thriving” with Type 2
Diagnosis: May 1992
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

 

 

 

In Ms. Angie’s Words:

Special members of Ms. Angie’s healthcare entourage:  

Terry Pennington, who allows me to bounce my ideas about natural health and what is healthy off of him. He is very supportive of my health goals. Pastor G.E. Jackson, who is knowledgeable about healthy liver and kidney functions. He has a massage therapy practice and has exceptional knowledge of modalities to aid the body in healing. Echo, who is a natural foods professional, nurse and colonic practitioner.

Motivating Mindset:

I have always believed since my first diagnosis that the body can heal itself, given the right fuel. I encourage others to find doctors who are in alignment with their health goals, and to get rid of the distractions which become obstacles to achieving health goals (soda, candy, fried foods, etc.). Finally, invest in yourself and know that anything is possible if you remove the impossibilities and put your mind to it.  Be conscious of the words that you feed yourself about “YOU” and remember positive attracts like and light.

Click here to meet Ms. Angie on Divabetic’s Diva TalkRadio and to hear her compete in Diabetes Numerology.

From Diagnosis to DIVA: Judith J.A.

Divabetic’s From Diagnosis to DIVA stories detail the change in mindset from denial to acceptance of living with diabetes and moving on up. Meet this month’s DIVA, Judith J.A. Find inspiration in “herstory.” 

 

Judith J.A., Schenectady, NY

 

Name: Judith J.A.
Status: Type 1
Diagnosis: November 1962
Hometown: Schenectady, NY

 

 

Special members of Judith’s healthcare entourage:  In Judith’s words:

Danny Ambrosini, the ‘numero uno’ type 3 in the world! He can better guess my blood sugars than I can. He never wearies of finding and disposing of my test strips from every nook and corner of every room in the house. The other type 3 is a great friend, Cathy Branch, who is always sure my pump is turned down fifty percent when we venture off on our 12-15 mile walks. I call her the ‘NAG-ulator.’

Dr. Noel Maclaren is low-keyed and high tech at the same time. A good mix for treating a person with diabetes. I am privileged to have been under care of two remarkable healers: The great Charles Campbell, MD (now deceased) who saved my eyesight and “the Wizard” ShelDon Bleicher, MD who was my diabeteologist for 23 years until he retired. He remains irreplaceable. But in the end we are the ones who are responsible to understand our bodies and the effect diabetes has on us. The more we understand the better we can care for our needs.

 Motivating Mindset in Judith’s words:

I have been living with type 1 diabetes for nearly fifty years, struggling through the rough times and rallying in the good times. I have always felt that diabetes is a disease that one can negotiate with since it sets out its list of requisitions to those of us it touches. The key rule is balance. This goes for food (we are what we eat), medication, exercise (got to move everyday) and attitude (a positive goes a long, long way in helping to manage diabetes.) Having diabetes means you can do anything everybody else can do, it just takes a little extra preparation and planning.

Whatever your dreams are you can make them happen as long as you keep diabetes with you in your back pocket and treat it with respect.

My most rewarding devotion is the ‘Children With Diabetes’ Conferences where I get to meet and mentor the upcoming generation of kids who, in today’s diabetes world, are smart and savvy about their diabetes care. But I always find myself teetering on the verge of laughter and tears when I am with them knowing some of the things that may be in store for them and routing for them to be happy and healthy always.

I’d like to remind people about the importance of exercise and diabetes. I encourage everyone living with diabetes that they are in control of their diabetes. Don’t let diabetes control you! Take charge and live a healthy and fulfilling life. Laugh, everyday!

Click here to meet Judith on Divabetic’s Diva TalkRadio and hear her compete in Diabetes Numerology.