#divabetic

[mr-divabetic]

[mr-divabetic]

The love and joy of having grandchildren can be a powerful source of motivation, making it easier to stick with the sometimes challenging aspects of daily diabetes management. 

As a grandparent who prioritizes their self-care, you're setting a positive example for your grandchildren. They can see firsthand how healthy choices and consistent efforts can lead to a fulfilling and active life.

[mr-divabetic]

Please check out the wonderful celebration of Black Women in Fashion at Macy's. It features an incredible hat by my friend Evetta Petty, the owner of Harlem's Heaven. This magical, meaningful, glamorous, and empowering showcase of women of color's significant contributions to fashion during Black History Month is a must-see.

The window displays feature illustrations by Brooklyn-based artist Ashley Buttercup and fashion Madamette X, House of Aama, BruceGlen, Kaphill, Oak & Acorn -Only The Rebelles and High Fashion Thrift, and honor groundbreaking figures who paved the way in fashion despite facing significant challenges. 

I was particularly moved by the stories of influential women like Eunice Johnson, who broke racial barriers in media and fashion and worked tirelessly to uplift her community.

Evetta's hat is dedicated to Mildred Blount, a remarkable milliner famous for her stunning designs, including those for "Gone With The Wind."

If you have a chance, definitely go see these window displays; they’re a true inspiration.

[mr-divabetic]

Taking care of yourself and your health is super important for living a happy life. When you prioritize your diabetes well-being, you’re not just helping yourself; you’re also able to be more present and supportive in your relationships, responsibilities, and life. If you skip out on self-care, it can lead to feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and even unwell, which makes it tough to really shine in your own life and for those around you. So, remember to give yourself that love and attention—you totally deserve it!

[mr-divabetic]

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 transform health outcomes. 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 the past twenty years, Patti LaBelle has shown the world that you can GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS, and live well with diabetes. I’ve stayed on my mission to boost confidence in people's ability to manage their self-care, 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!

[mr-divabetic]

World Diabetes Day is observed on November 14th each year to raise awareness about diabetes, its prevention, and management. It was created by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The theme for World Diabetes Day 2023 is 'Access to Diabetes Care.'

Over 100 years ago, Frederick Banting and John Macleod won a Nobel Prize for discovering the treatment that has gone on to save millions of lives worldwide - insulin.  

It's also a reminder that you are not alone.

Paint your nails blue to help us raise awareness this World Diabetes Day on 14 November!

Take on the #NailingDiabetes challenge and help turn the world blue this World Diabetes Day, so that others living with diabetes know they’re not alone.  

For everyone living with diabetes. And for you. For the days you feel like you’re nailing your diabetes, and the days you don’t - and for everyone who’s been there to support you on those tough days.

[mr-divabetic]

Today is Wonder Woman Day! It has been 83 years since American writer William Moulton Marston and artist Harry G. Peter introduced her in 1941. My Princess Frog's version of this iconic character will soon debut on one of New York City's iconic Halloween streets, W 69th Street.

[mr-divabetic]

Pattern Management is a skill that can help you manage your diabetes like a diva!

[mr-divabetic]

This Halloween, I got a bit carried away with my displays. My office is on one of New York City's Halloween streets, where thousands walk by to see the decorations or trick or treat. 

For me, Halloween is about creativity, not candy. I love that people dress up, and I love that people decorate. It's a fun time to express yourself and let your imagination take over. 

Most residents decorate their brownstones with horror, blood, and gruesome monsters. My muse, Lauren, encouraged me to make kid-friendly displays. I created a series of RiDUCKulous displays featuring ducks dressed as my favorite Halloween iconic characters from back in the day.  I'm not a crafter, so creating these displays was a reach. 

Here's my Count Duckula display. He's made of recycled bottles, newspaper, and old-fashioned paper mache (flower and water). He's covered in Tic Tacs, cake sprinkles, Red Hots, black licorice, Dollar Store eyes, chocolate baking dots, recycled cloth grocery bags, and a child-sized wig. For inspiration, I googled Dracula, and this picture of Leslie Nielsen appeared.  I love this actor and his movies so much that his costume inspired me. 

You can decide who wore it best.

[mr-divabetic]

The iconic line "Luke, I am your father" from the 1980 film Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back is a legendary piece of cinematic history. I recently paid tribute to James Earl Jones with last year's Halloween display, Duck Vader. Following the sad news of James Earl Jones' passing, tributes poured in worldwide. Mark Hamill, who portrayed Darth Vader's son Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars movies, posted "#RIP dad," accompanied by a broken heart emoji on social media. James Earl Jones, the Tony-winning actor and voice of Darth Vader, passed away at 93.

[mr-divabetic]

Just wanted to share this amazing experience from last night's Soul Train Tribute to Luther Vandross. We kicked off the free outdoor screening of the Luther: Never Too Much documentary with a Soul Train Dance Line, and it was genuinely heartwarming to see so many people, including those using mobility devices, participating with such an upbeat attitude and joyful spirit.

It's reported that as high as 80% of non-traumatic lower limb amputations happen due to mismanaged diabetes. Regardless of how or why someone experiences a lower limb amputation, it can stop them from wanting to take care of themselves and their diabetes self-care in the future. Allowing these people to still participate in social events and gatherings could boost their morale. .. Moments like these remind me of the incredible resilience and determination of people facing challenges. Witnessing someone joining the Soul Train Dance Line on her scooter made me smile and brought back many beautiful memories of our past events.

I can't wait to return to more outreach events soon to spread positivity and help everyone glamorize good health!

[mr-divabetic]

Join me tonight for the free screening of the Luther: Never Too Much documentary in Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem. Knowing and working for such an incredible artist and caring man was an honor. It’s a privilege to appear in the documentary to raise awareness of the tragic consequences of mismanaged type 2 diabetes. Seeing the trauma I experienced in my face on screen as I recalled the initial moments after Luther's stroke made me realize how grateful I am to everyone who has supported, encouraged, and partnered with me on my various diabetes outreach efforts through my nonprofit organization, Diabetic.

Sadly, I wasn't able to help Luther initially after he suffered a stroke. Heed my advice: if you are someone you love who has experienced a stroke, don't wait to seek help or try to sleep. Every minute counts. The longer a stroke goes untreated, the greater the potential for brain damage and disability.

Act F.A.S.T. to help identify the early signs and symptoms of a stroke:

F: Is there drooping on one side of the face? Is the person unable to smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped? 

A: Can the person raise both arms and keep them there? Is there weakness or numbness in an arm or leg? 

S: Is the person's speech slurred or garbled? Are they unable to speak at all? Do they need help understanding what you're saying to them? 

T: If you notice any of these signs, call emergency services immediately

If you're a Luther fan, please, “Keeping Your House A Home” by learning how to prevent diabetes health-related complications such as stroke, kidney failure, lower limb amputation, and blindness has been my mission for the past 20 years, and it will continue to be.

If you see this documentary or love Luther’s music, you owe it to his legacy to educate and empower yourself about your health.

[mr-divabetic]

Patrice Rushen is a classically trained pianist who found success in the 70's and 80's with her signature fusion of jazz, pop and R&B. During this era, she composed and recorded the hit song, “Forget Me Nots,” which has been frequently covered and sampled by other artists.

Patrice Rushen can play the piano, the flute, the clarinet, and various percussion instruments.

In 2005, Rushen received an honorary doctorate of Music degree from Berklee College of Music. She is the chair of popular music at USC and the ambassador of artistry in Education at the Berklee College of Music. The four-time Grammy nominee has composed films for numerous movies, television shows, and documentaries.

She has been the first female musical director for many of the entertainment industry’s top award shows, including the Grammy Awards, the Emmy Awards, the People’s Choice Awards, the NAACP Image Awards, and HBO’s “Comic Relief V.”

[mr-divabetic]

Enjoy highlights from Divabetic’s World Menopause Day Panel discussion on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. Our panel was moderated by Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller and featured Donna Rice, Amparo, and Dr. Julianne Arena. Dr Julianne Arena is a double board-certified physician, a board-certified OBGYN who applies traditional, integrative methods and a multi-layered approach to helping women with sexual health and intimacy issues. She’s also a practitioner of Cliovana, the only treatment available that improves long-term clitoral stimulation with proven sound wave technology. Her goal is to help women create optimal and vibrant lives. Catherine Schuller is the go-to person in the image industry for all things style and fashion for the plus-size woman. She began as a former Ford Model and became a spokesperson for the industry, a retail editor for Mode magazine, and wrote the highly acclaimed how-to guide The Ultimate Plus Size Modeling Guide, which has helped thousands of young women who want to enter the plus size modeling field. She is a frequently quoted media expert on the puls-size market and has appeared five times on The View, The Today Show, The Early Show, eight times on Neal Cavuto's Your World, and many television and radio shows across the United States Donna Rice is a registered nurse and a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. She is a national and international thought leader and author of four books, including Divabetic's ebook Sweet Romance: A Woman's Guide To Love And Intimacy With Diabetes. She is a Past President of the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists and the Past President of the Diabetes Health and Wellness Institute for Baylor Health Care Systems in Dallas, Texas. Donna is the Chief Operating Officer for DiabetesSisters and The Chief Evangelist for Call-ai, working on voice-driven AI for diabetes care and education. According to research, hormone levels (most notably estrogen and progesterone) fall dramatically during menopause. Changes to our hormones can affect our blood sugar levels and make managing diabetes more difficult.

[mr-divabetic]

Join us for TUESDAY/MUSEDAY when we pay tribute to our favorite MUSES (a person who is the source of inspiration) living with diabetes.

"Both children and adults like me who live with type 1 diabetes need to be mathematicians, physicians, personal trainers, and dietitians all rolled into one," said Mary Tyler Moore. She used her star power to bring about positive change for others. In 1995, she led a group petitioning the U.S. Congress for increased funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), particularly for special funding for type 1 diabetes research.

[mr-divabetic]

With her strong, distinctive alto, Angela Bofill carved a niche as an outstanding interpreter of soul ballads and became a mainstay on the Quiet Storm radio format. Angela Bofill suffered two strokes but neither stroke could take away her positive, humorous personality and her fighter spirit. After she lost the ability to sing, she returned to the stage for “The Angela Bofill Experience” in which she skillfully narrated her life story, while her band and other singers. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the US. As many as 5 to 14 percent of stroke survivors have a second stroke within one year. Divabetic® (divabetic.org) is a national nonprofit diabetes outreach organization committed to changing attitudes in people at risk, affected by and living with diabetes. We strive to encourage prevention, early action, and above all, education. Check out our free monthly podcasts (available on iTunes and BlogTalkRadio) and our free Zoom outreach programs. Divabetic® was inspired by the late R & B legend, Luther Vandross, and created and founded by his long-time assistant, Max Szadek. Divabetic®, a combination of the word 'diabetic' with the letter 'V' inserted for Vandross, evokes feelings of power and the positive attitude associated with the great DIVAS Luther loved like Patti LaBelle.