Diagnosis To Diva: Lorraine

Diagnosis to DIVA

Divabetic’s upcoming free Diabetes Rountable podcast inspired by Anne Hathaway  features special guest,  Lorraine’s ‘Diagnosis To DIVA’ story to inspire you to stay healthy and upbeat about your self-care.

Here’s Lorraine’s story:

I live on Long Island, NY and I have had diabetes for over 30 years.   I was actually diagnosed on a routine health exam for a new job in a hospital.  In the beginning, I believe I was a Type 2, even though I was started on insulin immediately.

I wasn’t totally surprised, since it ran in my family.  My paternal grandmother had diabetes, and I can remember, as a child, that my father had to give her injections, because she had suffered a major debilitating stroke.  I can remember the glass syringes being in the refrigerator, and how we had to boil them to sterilize them.  I really didn’t totally understand what it all meant, but I knew it was serious, and I knew it required work.

I was lucky that my new job was in the pharmacy department of the hospital, and the staff was wonderful to me when they found out about my diagnosis.  They taught me how to inject myself, and supplied me with needles and insulin.  Unfortunately, what they didn’t tell me was, how to deal with low blood sugars, and how to fight the battle of weight.

I had been overweight literally all my life, and now, with this news, I knew it was going to be even harder to control my weight.  During the first 5 years after my diagnosis I did manage to lose over 60 pounds, and I was able to get off insulin for a few years.  But as I got older, that “honeymoon” ended, and now I am insulin dependent.

It has been a challenge for me to adjust to the changes that are happening as I am getting older.  But the positive thing is, with all the advances in diabetes care, we live in an age where there is much we can do.  I now use an insulin pump, and that helps me keep in much better control.  My last visit to my endocrinologist was very successful.  I was told I have none of the complications of diabetes.  I attribute that to a strong commitment to self-care, and belng willing, even when it is difficult, to make good decisions.  I watch what I eat, try to control portions, get a bit of exercise most days, and most importantly, I’m not afraid to talk about it, and tell people when I need help, or when I am struggling.  That helps me stay focused and positive.

I keep regular visits with my primary care doctor, endocrinologist, podiatrist, optometrist, dentist, and therapist.  They all listen and help me to move forward when get stuck, or need some extra motivation.  It is extremely important to me that I have health care professionals that I can talk to, and who will listen to my concerns.  I am determined to remain complication-free for as long as I can, and I will be 61 in a few weeks!  I am very proud of this accomplishment!

I was proud to contribute to Dr. Bev’s book, My Sweet Life, and it was inspiring to read the stories of the other women who share the journey.  (My Sweet Life: Successful Women with Diabetes is available at Amazon.com)

My biggest struggle, as always, is still with my weight.   I am told that it is more important to control the A1c, blood pressure, and cholesterol than the weight, so that is where I keep my focus.  And those numbers are great.  I often joke that I should carry my blood test results in my wallet, to prove that I am healthy, in spite of my weight, because the world does tend to judge you harshly if you are overweight, especially if you have diabetes.  Many people will choose to believe that I am not trying hard enough, but I know I am!  And my test results prove it!  So if I had any advice to others it would be exactly that.  Concentrate on what is important, and that is, staying in control, making good decisions, being open and willing to put in the work, and you will be healthy and lead a good life with diabetes!

If I have a favorite Diva, I think it would be Vanessa Williams, because she has overcome many difficult situations in her life.  She was the first woman of color to be crowned Miss America, only to have scandal force her to give up her crown.  But she reinvented herself and launched a successful singing career, as well as becoming a respected actress.  And she recently admitted that she was the victim of domestic abuse, which is a cause I am very involved with.  I now do a great deal of work with women who are survivors of domestic abuse and violence. #12divasofchristmas

 TUNE IN: December’s Diabetes Roundtable inspired by Anne Hathaway scheduled for Tuesday, December 11, 2012, 6 -6:30 PM, EST. This 30 minute whirlwind of wellness is hosted by Mr. Divabetic and features the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Mama Rose Marie and more!

GLAM MORE FEAR LESS: The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic rolls out the red tomato carpet at the 68th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York.

TUNE IN: Free Diabetes Podcast Inspired by Chaka Khan celebrating National Diabetes Awareness Month with guests: Constance Brown-Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, Pam Butler MS, CDE, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, cookbook author Holly Clegg, Mama Rose Marie and Ginger Vieira, from Burlington, VT living with type 1 diabetes

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2012/11/13/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-chaka-kahn

Mr Divabetic shares a Behind-the-Scene look at presenting diabetes education with DAZZLE at the ADA Expo in Pittsburgh, PA for the past five years

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 

Diabetes Hero: Sébastien Sasseville on Diva TalkRadio

Diva TalkRadio: Sebastien Sasseville

Need a dose of inspiration?  Don’t miss when Mr. Divabetic shines the spotlight on Sébastien Sasseville, the first Canadian living with Type 1 diabetes to summit Mount Everest, on Diva TalkRadio, on Tuesday, December 6, 2011, 6 – 6:30 PM.

Sébastien is also one of only three people in the world ) living with a chronic disease to have climbed the highest peak on the planet. In the spirit of sharing the dream, he also led groups of teens to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro and to Mount Everest Base camp.

Sébastien Sasseville’s thrilling stories will motivate you to reach new heights, overcome the obstacles and inspire you to be the best at what you do. Learn his tips on how to  manage your diabetes in any type of situation. Plus, Sébastien will show his funny side when he plays a slew of Mr. Divabetic’s on-air radio games to help entertain and educate you.

Tune into Diva TalkRadio hosted by by the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic and featuring celebrities, doctors and beauty and fashion experts.  Learn how to makeover your diabetes! Enjoy over 30 Diva TalkRadio show are available for free on i-tunes (search ‘Divabetic’) and at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1

 

Books We Love: Tina Fey’s Bossypants

Diva TalkRadio: Books We Love!

Looking for a book to read on the beach? Tina Fey’s first book Bossypants is hilarious! Once you start  you won’t want to stop even in a sandstorm.  It touches on several controversial subjects: Photoshop and women’s magazines, gender bias in the workplace, “having it all,” weight issues, struggles with childhood trauma, being the boss, hating the boss and body odor.

Fey’s talent as a writer (the same talents that landed her the head gig at SNL and later, her own NBC show) is her charming, no-holds-barred attitude  and its on full display here. She’s got a way of setting up a zinger, so that it is physically difficult not to laugh when the punchline hits.

The book itself is not a true memoir, so don’t go looking for the secrets to her success. She does hit upon a few self-help moments when explaining how to be a good boss but mostly she shows by example: if you want to be a funny woman, you need to start out by being funny.

Need a laugh? Tune in, log on to Diva TalkRadio – Diabetes Roundtable. We’re podcasting with a fun-filled approach to diabetes education.

LISTEN NOW:  http://t.co/7y0JAYw

Cool off with Hot Top Chef Sam Talbot

Chef Sam Talbot

This month, which may very well be recorded as one of the hottest on record throughout the country, Divabetic is proud to feature Chef Sam Talbot on Diva TalkRadio Studio d, hosted by Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek. Chef Sam, living with type 1 diabetes for more than 10 years, is executive chef of Imperial #9 and Surf Lodge, both of New York State. Many remember Chef Sam as a semi-finalist on the second season of Bravo TV’s Top Chef. 

On Studio d, Chef Sam shares his recipe for a Blueberry Mojito using the sugar substitute Truvia, tips for healthy cooking, comfortable shoes and competing on reality TV.  We invite you to click here to listen to this episode and to download Chef Sam’s Blueberry Mojito from the Diva Reading Room.

Chef Sam's Blueberry Mojito

Snowboarding Brides & More On Diva TalkRadio

Diva TalkRadio: Bride's Guide To Diabetes

If you think managing your diabetes your Wedding Day might be tricky, image what it’s like if you’re planning to also snowboard down the aisle too!

That’s exactly how one of our 4 real-life brides living with diabetes planned to exchange vows with her groom. Hear all the ways you can say “I do” while living with diabetes on Divabetic’s Bride’s Guide to Diabetes podcast.

Get friendly diabetes self-care advice, wedding day fashion tips, healthy catering ideas and more! Find out on the only free podcast that makes it fun to learn about diabetes health and wellness: Diva TalkRadio.

LISTEN NOW: Diva TalkRadio’s Brides Guide to Diabetes on #BlogTalkRadiohttp://t.co/6z0WfFt

Tune in, log on to Diva TalkRadio podcasts on divabetic.org, i-tunes and your smart phone. Were podcasting with attitude!

Mother Your Diabetes: Wedding Day Routines

Listen to your diabetes mother. 

Mama Rose Marie

We’ve all heard of the expression, “something borrowed, something blue.” I’d like to add to that and say stick with something that’s tried and true on your wedding day.  Just like your wedding day is not the day to try new makeup, a new hairstyle or a new self-tanner – it is not the day to start experimenting with your diabetes self-care. To read this entire commentary, click here and remember to tune into Diva TalkRadio for more of Mama Rose Marie’s self-care commentaries. 

Point and click on the tag below to visit the Diva Reading Room for a library of diva inspiration.

Diva TalkRadio Rewind: Bacon vs. Sausage in a Food Aisle Face-off

Diva TalkRadio: Food Aisle Face-Off

Here’s the decision, courtesy of Judi Wilcox, one of Divabetic’s Charlie’s Angels of Diabetes Outreach.

Judi Wilcox, RD, CDE

Comparing bacon is like comparing colas. Remember that calories are coming from fat, and that is saturated fat. Sodium does not make pork or turkey bacon a bargain, but if you are bargaining for taste I choose the turkey bacon. Turkey bacon is generally lower in fat and calories. You can buy nitrate-free lower-fat organic turkey bacon at Whole Foods or grocers that offer organic selections.

Can you enjoy bacon on occasion?  Of course. Think of it more as a condiment then as an entrée. Whether or not your choice is turkey or pork, there are costs and benefits. While turkey bacon is lower in fat it may have more sodium and nitrites to enhance the flavors. Center cut pork bacon is cut closer to the bone so it may be leaner. On the other hand, turkey bacon is usually made from dark meat turkey which is higher in fat. Be mindful of the portion size indicated on the label because size matters in this face-off. In most cases, the turkey bacon usually is one strip and pork bacon is 2 strips. Now we cannot forget about taste.  Turkey bacon can taste as good as pork bacon depending on the brand.

All in all, this is a close call but I am going to go for the turkey bacon. Turkey bacon can taste as good as pork bacon depending upon the brand. If you really want to mix it up, try chicken sausage without nitrites. There’s less risk of cancer from products that are lower in fat, sodium or cholesterol and higher in protein.

Hands down the choice is moderation when you are talking bacon because what we’re really talking about is portion control. Pork or turkey bacon even a small portion packs a powerful punch of sodium, calories, fat and cholesterol. A small amount of this divalicious food can satisfy your craving.

Listen to Judi’s ringside decision on Diva TalkRadio Diabetes Roundtable here: http://ow.ly/5gOMQ

Next week, tune in for another rumble in the grocery store jungle between watermelon and corn-on-the-cob!  http://ow.ly/5xMCy

Now Playing on Studio d: Prescription Help

Mr. Divabetic interviews John W. Griffin, Jr., Chair of the American Diabetes Association and Roba Whitely, Executive Director of Together RX Access about the partnership that offers prescription medication discounts to people living with diabetes. For more information, listeners can call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383). Click on the player below to hear this 10 minute interview.

 

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.

Mr. Divabetic’s Worry-Free Diabetes Wedding Advice

Diva TalkRadio: Diabetes Weddings

Here’s some diva-licious to help you to make sure my diabetes doesn’t get in the way of the biggest day of your life.

Worry-Free Diabetes Wedding Tip #2: Appoint a diabetes helpmate for the day of your wedding. This person could be a family member (sister, aunt, cousin) or good friend.  Try to avoid picking someone who will be as equally involved in the wedding as you like your maid of honor or mother. Their task is to remind you to check your blood sugars at various times throughout the day (before you take photos). If you let someone else focus on YOU then you’ll be able to relax and enjoy on your big day.

What happens to Julia Roberts on her wedding day in the film, “Steel Magnolias”  is sooooo ‘80‘s! Today, your wedding can be ‘diabetes’ drama free.

Get more glamorous glucose advice from real-life brides and our panel of experts in food, fashion and fitness! Listen to “The Divabetic Brides Guide to Diabetes” special diabetes radio podcast hosted by the marvelous Mr. Divabetic on DivaTalkRadio: Diabetes Radio this Tuesday, June 21/2011 6:00 PM, EDT.

Be On The Show: Share your blood sugar wedding stories: (347) 215-8551 #BlogTalkRadio  http://t.co/6z0WfFt

We’re podcasting with attitude! Tune in to a full year of Diva TalkRadio programs at www.divabetic.org