Are You Having A Diabetes ‘Bad Hair’ Day?

Divabetic Bad Hair Days

Do you ever wake up feeling like your diabetes is having a bad hair day?

Diabetes — both type 1 and type 2 — can affect your emotions and, in turn, your emotions can wreak havoc on your diabetes self-management.

Extremes in blood-sugar levels can cause significant mood changes, and new research suggests that frequent changes in blood-sugar levels (called glycemic variability) also can affect mood and quality of life for those with diabetes.

Depression has long been linked to diabetes, especially type 2. It’s still not clear, however, whether depression somehow triggers diabetes or if having diabetes leads to being depressed.

More recent research in people with type 1 diabetes has found that long periods of high blood-sugar levels can trigger the production of a hormone linked to the development of depression.

“Diabetes gives you so much to worry about that it’s exhausting. It can make you feel powerless,” said Joe Solowiejczyk, a certified diabetes educator and a manager of diabetes counseling and training at the Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Institute in Milpitas, Calif. “I think it’s important to acknowledge that, from time to time, you’re going to have a meltdown. You’re going to have days when you feel exasperated, frustrated, sad, in denial and physically exhausted.”

Solowiejczyk, who has type 1 diabetes himself, said these feelings become a problem “when you’re not able to get on with your life, and you’re persistently not taking care of your diabetes.”

We’re here to help. Each month, Divabetic produces a free monthly podcast featuring friendly diabetes educators, sassy experts and marvelous men and women living with diabetes. The  goal of the show is to make you feel more beautiful inside and out.

LISTEN NOW: Listen to Diabetes Roundtable Inspired by Kathie Lee And Hoda http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/04/09/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-kathie-lee-and-hoda

Serve, Taste or Trash! Food Game with Mr. Divabetic

Could Marijuana Reduce Diabetes Risk?

Smoking marijuana — even if the ensuing junk-food binge can’t be avoided — may mean you’re less likely to develop type 2 diabetes, according to research published in The American Journal of Medicine.

Fasting insulin and glucose data from 4,657 National Health and Nutrition Survey participants revealed that “current users” of marijuana were part of the least likely demographic to have common risk factors for diabetes.

Marijuana smokers who admitted to being “current users” — not previous users — had the lowest fasting insulin and glucose levels and body mass index. High fasting insulin levels are considered evidence of insulin resistance —  the inability of the body to respond properly to insulin - a risk factor for pre-diabetes.

“Previous epidemiologic studies have found lower prevalence rates of obesity and diabetes mellitus in marijuana users compared to people who have never used marijuana, suggesting a relationship between cannabinoids and peripheral metabolic processes, but ours is the first study to investigate the relationship between marijuana use and fasting insulin, glucose, and insulin resistance,”  stated lead investigator Murray A. Mittleman, MD, DrPH, of the Cardiovascular Epidemiology Research Unit at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, in a press release.

Despite the common stereotype of marijuana users craving high-calorie food and lots of it — “the munchies” — pot use was also linked to having a lower body mass index in the study, another factor not often associated with diabetes.

READ MORE: ttp://www.everydayhealth.com/type-2-diabetes/toke-up-glucose-down-marijuana-linked-to-better-blood-sugar-control-2789.aspx

LISTEN NOW: Listen to Diabetes Roundtable Inspired by Kathie Lee And Hoda http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/04/09/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-kathie-lee-and-hoda

Serve, Taste or Trash! Food Game with Mr. Divabetic

Support 100 Campaign to Make Insulin Available for Everyone

Diagnosis to Diva: Molly

Last night’s Diabetes Roundtable podcast inspired by  Kate Middleton featured Molly Lepeska from 100 Campaign. Molly’s a devoted wife and mother living with diabetes who’s on a mission to make insulin accessible to everyone by the 2022. Here’s more:

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 in 2012 to launch the 100 Campaign via the platform of the International Insulin Foundation (IIF). Our goal is to bring to light the current lack of global action on the issues surrounding access to insulin and promote action so that by 2022, the 100^th anniversary of the first use of insulin, all those in need of insulin will have access.

The 100 Campaign believes that these barriers to 100% insulin access are not insurmountable.  Combining, advocacy and mobilization with a decade of research, we hope to grow a movement of empowered citizens committed to overcoming these barriers, thus improving the lives of those living with diabetes around the world.  Please follow us or email to find out more! Facebook/Twitter: 100Campaign email:100Campaign@access2insulin.org

LISTEN NOW: May’s Diabetes Roundtable podcast featuring Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE,  Kathy Gold RN, CDE, Neva White CRNP, CDE, Mama Rose Marie, Digital Divas,  Lorraine Brooks, Molly Lepeska from 100 Campaign and Liz Wolff, the owner of CURE Thrift Shop who is living with type 1 diabetes.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/05/14/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-kate-middleton

Diabetes And Motherhood

Diabetes Roundtable podcast in May 2013

Mother-to-be, Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge,  is inspiring May’s Diabetes Roundtable podcast. Kate Middleton has impressed the world with her modest fashions, charitable efforts and down to earth persona.  She was recently named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World and Vanity Fair’s Best Dressed Pregnant Lady. Her fairy tale romance is a good, old-fashioned love story.  But how would she fair if she was living with diabetes?

Mr. Divabetic adds a ‘divabetic’ twist to Kate Middleton’s palace life, pregnancy and interests to  infuse our Hot Topic discussion, Digital Diva Reviews (CVS Pharmacy App) and Diabetes Numerology Game (based on the film, ‘The Guilt Trip’)  segments.

Joining Mr. Divabetic for this one hour whirlwind of wellness are: Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller, Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE,  Kathy Gold RN, CDE, Neva White CRNP, CDE, Mama Rose Marie, Digital Divas, Molly Lepeska from 100 Campaign and Liz Wolff, the owner of CURE Thrift Shop who is living with type 1 diabetes.

Plus, Divabetic’s GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS Squad dish celebrity moms-to-be style choices from Kim Kardashian to Halle Berry.

LISTEN NOW: May’s Diabetes Roundtable podcast  focused on Motherhood and Diabetes http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/05/14/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-kate-middleton

 

Diagnosis To Diva: Liz Wolff from Cure Thrift Shop

Divabetic Liz Wolff

May’s Diabetes Roundtable podcast special guest, Liz Wolff, the owner of Cure Thrift Shop in New York, NY. This busy wife and mother is  We hope Liz’s story helps to empower you to manage your diabetes with confidence, knowledge and inspiration (like a diva!) this month.

Diagnosis To Diva Story:  I was diagnosed 18 years ago when I was 11 years old. I was a pretty mature 11 year old and was completely comfortable with my diagnosis. With the help of my parents, I immediately jumped into learning how to manage the disease and live a normal and healthy life. But, after a few years, adolescence took control and I was no longer the “model diabetic.” From around the time that I was 14 years old until I was 21, I was completely non-compliant. I rarely tested my blood sugar and took insulin according to how I felt. At one point my a1c was as high as 13! Finally, after getting married at 21, I realized that I could no longer be selfish about my life and my health. I took baby steps – testing a couple of times a day, then 3-4 times a day, until I got used to the new lifestyle. By the time that I was 22 years old, I completely turned my diabetes life around.

Biggest Self-Care Issue or Concern: My biggest self-care concern was always about having a baby. I feared that all of the years of being non-compliant would prevent me from having a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivering a healthy baby. Fortunately, after a tone of testing and tight control, I was given the OK by my doctor to try and conceive. 14 months ago, on my 17 year anniversary of being diagnosed, I delivered a wonderful and healthy baby boy.

Special members of healthcare entourage: My endocrinologist, Dr. Jason Baker is my diabetes hero. He has opened my eyes to a new way of managing myself and my diabetes. He completely guided me and held my hand throughout my pregnancy.

Diabetes Associations/Organizations/Publications You’re Affiliated With: In 2008, I opened Cure Thrift Shop. We are a philanthropic thrift shop benefiting the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation. Outside of Cure Thrift Shop, I participate in various fundraising events to raise money for the DRIF.

Favorite Diabetes Resource: Omnipod – it has changed my life Favorite Celebrity Diva (and why): Bethenny Frankel – she is completely self-made,confident, hilarious, and successful.

Favorite Movie and/or TV Show: All Bravo Reality shows – it’s my guilty pleasure, Girls, Game of Thrones, Mad Men

Favorite Song: “Our House” – Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young

Motivating Mindset:  My experience with diabetes has not been exactly smooth. There are absolutely days when I just let myself go and don’t take care of myself the way that I should be. My inspirations are my husband and my son – I NEED to be alive and well for them. I want to live a long and healthy life.

Your Motto: Hold onto yourself.

TONIGHT: 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

Mr. Divabetic Shakes It Up with Sherri Shepherd

Divabetic

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic is ready to roll out the Red Tomato Carpet at Sherri Shepherd’s Plan D Booking Signing event on Tuesday, May 7  at the Wayne YMCA located at  1 Pike Drive, Wayne, NJ 07470. The event will be moderated by one of our favorite ‘Divabetics’ Fran Carpentier. She’s FABULOUS!

For years, TV show host, actress and comedian Sherri Shepherd was told that she was pre-diabetic. And for years, she ignored her doctor’s advice to lose weight and get healthy before she developed full blown diabetes. When she finally got the big-D diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, the same disease that took her mother’s life, Sherri vowed that she’d change her ways so that her son wouldn’t be left alone, without a mother, as she had been.

With the help of her doctor, she created this Plan D program, lost more than 40 pounds, and she looks great and has more energy than she did in her twenties. Sherri’s diabetes is under control, and she was happy to show her stuff, wowing the world on Dancing with the Stars.

With tools to help you live a long and healthy life, Plan D is a smart and supportive plan designed to help you lose weight safely, make exercise a real, and fun, part of your life, and control your sugar sensitivity. And through it all, Sherri Shepherd is there, like a trusted friend, offering advice, encouragement, and of course a healthy dose of humor.

READ MORE: http://sherrishepherd.com/plan-d.html

 

Serve, Taste or Trash! game at Apollo Theater

Laugh A Little, Learn A Lot with Divabetic

Divabetic’s free monthly upbeat Diabetes Roundtable podcasts marked a new milestone by reaching over 62,000 listeners.  This fast-paced whirlwind of wellness features diabetes education mixed with candid conversations, beauty/fashion advice and lots and lots of laughter! Divabetic’s podcasts have struck a chord with its audience promoting a GLAM MORE FEAR LESS attitude.  The broadcasts feature a rotating cast of certified diabetes educators, nutritionists, beauty and fashion experts and men and women living with diabetes.

“We bring you as much information, inspiration and fun in each podcast as possible, says Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. “We switch gears from diabetes self-care to beauty and fashion to inspiration and back again. ”

Since it’s inception in 2010, Divabetic’s Diva Talk Radio network has broadcast a free monthly podcast to members featuring great advice on diabetes and health in a friendly, upbeat manner.

“Everybody talks on this show,” says Szadek.  The exciting line up of 400 guests that have appeared have included Tony Award winning entertainers like Ben Vereen and Melba Moore to Chefs Sam Talbot and Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ and makeup artists and skin experts including Sue Perez as well as show regulars like Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE and Szadek’s own mother, Mama Rose Marie.

“I never dreamed we’d reach this many people with our monthly broadcasts,” says Mr. Divabetic.”Our first program was just supposed to a be a ‘test’ but the producers liked it so much they decided to broadcast it.”

The program’s engaging content has made it a ratings hit across the country and beyond.” We’ve receive e-mails from women in Canada, UK, Singapore and even South Africa who tune in regularly to our program,” says Szadek. “Now everyone wants to know when I’m coming to their city and can I bring my fruit suit!”

Carb Kitty make carbohydrate counting fun! Carbohydrate counting or “carb counting” can help you manage your blood glucose levels.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Roundtable podcast Inspired by Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb featuring news on divas, drinking and diabetes http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/04/09/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-kathie-lee-and-hoda

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo with Diabetes

Divabetic

Who wants a margarita?

Drinking alcohol like our two favorite daytime divas, Hoda and Kathie Lee,  can cause blood sugars to rise for people living with diabetes because alcohol is processed in the body very similarly to the way fat is processed, and alcohol provides almost as many calories.

Of course its hard to imagine a Cinco de Mayo celebration without a margarita. But did you know a frozen Strawberry margarita from Red Lobster contains over 350 calories! Yikes! Why not opt for your refreshing margaritas to be made on the rocks instead of frozen? The frozen margaritas are a veritable sugar bomb, providing upwards of 500-700 calories for the jumbo versions. Stick with a 3.3 ounce cocktail glass of margarita over ice, which clocks in at a much more reasonable 150 calories. Most people sipping on margaritas can’t snack on a few chips and then stop–we’re more likely to keep reaching for those warm, crunchy, salty tortilla chips until the basket is completely empty. And then the server brings another basket, and the mindless munching continues until your main meal arrives. To avoid this dilemma altogether, ask your server not to refill your chips and salsa. .

If you choose to drink alcohol, try to follow a calorie-controlled meal plan, one drink of alcohol should be counted as two fat exchanges.

It is a good idea to check with your doctor if you are overweight or have high blood pressure or high triglyceride levels before drinking alcohol. If you are in doubt about whether drinking alcohol is safe for you, check with your doctor.

Here are some other ways that alcohol can affect diabetes:

• While moderate amounts of alcohol can cause blood sugar to rise, excess alcohol can actually decrease your blood sugar level — sometimes causing it to drop into dangerous levels.
• Beer and sweet wine contain carbohydrates and may raise blood sugar.
• Alcohol stimulates your appetite, which can cause you to overeat and may affect your blood sugar control.
• Alcohol can interfere with the positive effects of oral diabetes medicines or insulin.
• Alcohol may increase triglyceride levels.
• Alcohol may increase blood pressure.

Get more advice on drinking and diabetes tune in to Diabetes Roundtable Inspired by Kathie Lee And Hoda http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/04/09/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-kathie-lee-and-hoda

Daytime TV Divas, Drinking And Diabetes

Divabetic’s Diabetes Roundtable podcast

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic takes on the hot topic of  ‘Drinking Divas & Diabetes’ with inspiration from Kathie Lee and Hoda.

Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb always seem to have a drink in hand for the fourth hour of the Today Show.  If you’re around a TV at 10 AM with nothing to do, you should be watching the fourth hour of Today filled with Hoda and Kathie Lee’s theater reviews, occasional dancing, wine reviews and women issues. It’s eclipsed The View as my new favorite hour of mid-morning television.

Find out how alcohol can effect your diabetes.  While moderate amounts of alcohol can cause blood sugar to rise, excess alcohol can actually decrease your blood sugar level — sometimes causing it to drop into dangerous levels. If you are in doubt about whether drinking alcohol is safe for you, check with your doctor.

Mr. Divabetic leads an all-star line-up of real life divas living with diabetes and fabulous guests, including Divabetic’s “Charlie’s Angels of Diabetes Outreach,” Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie in a lively discussion of hot topics, self-care, upcoming Divabetic stage show appearances and all things diva. Tune in to get inspired, to give a shout-out or to play Divabetic’s Diabetes Numerology game based on ‘Thelma & Louise.’

Listen to Diabetes Roundtable podcast Inspired by Kathie Lee And Hoda about drinking, diabetes and divas!   http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/04/09/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-kathie-lee-and-hoda

Divabetic was inspired by the late music legend, Luther Vandross and created in 2005 by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, who, as Vandross’ assistant of 14 years, witnessed his boss, mentor, and friend struggle in silence and solitude with the diabetes and its related complications. Since its inception, Divabetic has presented outreach programs in 15 major U.S. cities, reaching hundreds of thousands of women, their families and health care professionals.

Experience more of our GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS philosophy at www.divabetic.org

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