Taking on diabetes doesn’t always have to be a downer

Sure Mr. Divabetic (Max Szadek)  knows show business and pizzazz.  That is why his support group has sparkles. He also knows the power of communication and connection. He is a superb communicator.

That is why his flashy and authentic way of providing diabetes education has connected with so many women around the country.  All that glamour and glitz can allow women to feel more empowered and then inspire them to care for themselves in a more loving way. Empowerment reduces fear, provides safety and improves self-confidence.

Don’t be afraid to talk about sex or any other issues which can be affected by diabetes.

Join us this Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. PST for a high energy conversation with no holds barred.

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How to reverse Type 2 Diabetes

“Bagels are bad and fat is good”…. of course it has to be “good” fat such as olive oil and other vegetable fats. Other components of the  traditional Mediterranean diet with fish, vegetables and the moderate use of wine can definitely be a healthy way to go.

Dr. Hassel reminds us of the need to avoid refined carbohydrates in our diet and not to shy away from healthy fats (in moderation).

Research has shown that the Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes and in some cases if followed consistently can reverse Type 2 diabetes.  Recent analysis has also shown in over 1.5 million people that the Mediterranean diet reduces the incidence and mortality from heart disease, reduced incidence of cancer and cancer mortality and a reduced incidence of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimers dementia.  This is ample reason to move to the Mediterranean diet.

Check out Dr. Miles Hassell’s website for more info.

www.goodfoodgreatmedicine.com

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5 tips on how parents can handle diabetes on a daily basis

Heather and Josh Winicki of Portland, Oregon spoke with us about parenting children with diabetes. Here are some of Heather’s takeaways from the show:

1) Support is key. Friends and family who know how to step in with calm confidence and a non-plussed attitude are essential. Work with the children’s schools to educate and empower key support staff.
2) Spouses really need to support each other, too. It is humbling to know that either parent could make an error in care; best not to blame, but to use any mistakes to come together as a team. Spell each other when needed.
3)  Let your children incur some natural consequences as they get older and more responsible with their own diabetes. The Winicki’s might catch a little flack for this, but I think their attitude of “let kids be kids” is a good one. The kids have each chosen their own diabetes tools and technology: one pumps, the other doesn’t. One liked diabetes camp, the other was miserable. One wears the red-rider shirt for the ADA, the other rolls it up and stuffs it with her carb snacks. But they’re in it together.
4) Make diabetes “simply” a part of the deal in the family. Everyone has their challenges; diabetes is just one (or in their case, two) of theirs.
5) Just as we each have our similarities and our differences, so do kids with diabetes. Don’t expect each child to have the same needs or the same diabetes.

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Where emotions and diabetes intersect

Dr. Guzman, the clinical director of the Behavioral Diabetes Institute in San Diego, joined us to talk about the intersection of emotions and diabetes. She learned early on in her career as a health psychologist that seldom do patients get to address their emotions in the typical medical care visit. This is a giant gap in treatment! Thus, the connection with diabetes psychologist Dr. William Polonsky (author of Diabetes Burnout) and the birth of the Behavioral Diabetes Institute.

Susan discusses issues particularly challenging to families: negotiating with teens who have diabetes. Who gets control of what, when? She offers great suggestions to relieve inevitable tensions.

She also brings to light the importance of support, and the right (and wrong) kinds of advice and support for living well with diabetes. She referenced the BDI’s “Diabetes Etiquette Card” (available at www.behavioraldiabetes.org) as a great tool for teaching others how to communicate positively without judgment or criticism or fear.

Optimistically, she reminds us that well-controlled diabetes is the leading cause of……Nothing! That’s Transforming news in the world of diabetes, for sure.

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Holiday Unhappy Meals

Who doesn’t love the holidays? The family, the fun and of course the food! This can be a dangerous combination for those with diabetes.

Nutritionist Karen McGeehan MA, CN, LE joined us to talk about how we can actually survive and thrive during the holiday party scene even if you have diabetes.

Karen explores the effects that food has on our neurotransmitters – those tiny communicators in our brains that can leave us feeling happy, sad, anxious, fearful, etc. Learn about how and when digestion starts (it’s way before it hits your gut).

And thankfully, Karen’s philosophy and practice does allow for indulging in the holiday foods we enjoy – even when we live with diabetes. Her tips are sensible: eat mindfully, eat what you love, enjoy it while you are eating it, and choose small portions.

She also reminds us that feeling guilty about what we eat is counterproductive, and may even contribute to unwanted pounds.

Check out our resources page for suggested readings.

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