Divabetic

Divabetic was inspired by the late music legend, Luther Vandross and created in 2005 by Max 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. Divabetic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to empower women to manage their diabetes self-care with confidence, inspiration and knowledge.

[mr-divabetic]

I just wrote the lyrics to this new retro- country song called "Men Don't Friends (Like Women Do)" to celebrate the incredible friendships among women. After years of diabetes outreach, I've seen how these bonds can last a lifetime. I wanted to highlight the warmth of female friendships without any judgment. I'd love to hear your thoughts and which female country artist you think should bring it to life! Here’s my short list of singers: - Trisha Yearwood - Martina McBride - Ashley McBride - Reba McEntire - Miranda Lambert - Kelly Clarkson

[mr-divabetic]

A diabetes diagnosis can change your daily life, and it can also affect your mental health in surprising ways. For example, women with type 1 diabetes are two to three times more likely to feel depressed compared to others. Tilda, a woman with type 1 diabetes, shared, "My mind created many scary thoughts that I don’t want to talk about. I became afraid to share my symptoms and feelings." Many people have wrong ideas about what causes diabetes, which can make women feel ashamed and lead them to keep their struggles to themselves. Tilda explained, "Around this time, I first noticed I had anxiety. Back then, I didn’t know that what I was feeling were panic attacks caused by my undiagnosed diabetes. It was my body’s way of reacting." Hormonal changes, the daily challenges of managing diabetes, and the stigma around it can trigger feelings of distress, anxiety, and even binge eating. These mental health struggles can make it harder to control blood sugar levels, creating a tough cycle. Tilda said, "Two months after my doctors diagnosed me with type 1 diabetes, I didn't get any instructions on how to deal with this chronic condition that I would have forever." She continues to find it challenging to manage her diabetes and her mental health together. "My anxiety can be triggered by small things, like bright lights or anything related to diabetes, especially when I have low blood sugar. The symptoms of my anxiety attacks often feel like those of low blood sugar – shaky hands, dizziness, and bright colors." Thanks to therapy, Tilda is learning how to handle these difficult moments and is beginning to look at her life more positively. It's important to get professional help when things start to feel really overwhelming. We often think, “It isn’t that bad,” and tell ourselves, “Others have it worse.” We try hard not to let diabetes control our lives, but all feelings and struggles are valid. Waiting until things get too tough doesn't help anyone; it just makes it harder to recover.

[mr-divabetic]

Step aboard the emotional ride of “Crosstown Bus” — the soulful new single from Mrs. Washington, the “Stepmother of Soul.” Inspired by the golden age of 1960s and 1970s R&B, this heartfelt track blends classic soul storytelling, vintage grooves, and powerhouse female vocals into a timeless listening experience. If you’re a fan of authentic Southern Soul, retro vibes, and raw emotional storytelling, this is the song for your playlist. With echoes of legends like Aretha Franklin, Betty Wright, and Nina Simone, “Crosstown Bus” captures the passion and longing of a woman holding onto love through life’s hard lessons.

[mr-divabetic]

Step back into the golden age of 1940s swing, big band, close harmony, and vintage jazz-pop with Pearl & The Pinecones' delightful new original song, "Cobbler." Featuring rich three-part harmonies, sparkling retro arrangements, and charming vintage-inspired visuals, this uplifting music video captures the warmth and timeless spirit of America's classic vocal groups. "Cobbler" tells the touching story of a loving mother comforting her heartbroken daughter after her first taste of love. Through clever storytelling, unforgettable melodies, and irresistible sing-along lyrics, the song reminds us that true love begins with self-respect, kindness, and a sense of your worth. Inspired by the golden era of The Andrews Sisters, The McGuire Sisters, The Chordettes, The Pied Pipers, and classic swing orchestras, Pearl & The Pinecones blend nostalgic sounds with a fresh original spirit that will delight fans of vintage music, retro fashion, jazz standards, vocal harmony, and old-fashioned storytelling.

[mr-divabetic]

Women living with diabetes are experiencing how changes in health care laws, especially the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicare, are making it harder to pay for their medicines and stay healthy. While seniors can keep the cost of insulin at $35 a month, women who are working are seeing their insurance prices go up, and some of their medications are being taken away. A woman with type 1 diabetes from Texas married to obtain her partner's health insurance coverage. She said, "The cost of diabetes is exorbitant." She stressed that having access to affordable healthcare is essential for living a happy and healthy life." Even though this couple loves each other, they felt they had to rush to get married because her medical costs, specifically the cost of insulin, are so high. She hopes that Congress will consider how these financial changes affect people's access to healthcare, so that everyone can get the medical help they need.

[mr-divabetic]

Mitzi admits that low-impact movement, such as her 10-minute walks after lunch and dinner, helped her better manage her blood sugar levels. 

"I've learned that movement is medicine," says Mitzi, 64, living with type 2 diabetes. "I was struggling with my post-meal blood sugar spikes, and intense workouts were too hard on my knees and joints. I started doing a 10-minute walking workout at home every day after lunch."

Many wellness advocates note that a gentle 5- to 10-minute walk or marching in place right after a meal can prevent major glucose spikes. Muscles are activated to pull excess sugar out of the bloodstream without the stress of intense exercise.

 "Not only are my walks easy to stick to," adds Mitzi. "But my continuous glucose monitor shows my blood sugar stabilizes much faster. It’s given me so much more energy, fewer joint aches, and I finally feel in control of my diabetes."

[mr-divabetic]

Many women with diabetes find it hard to give up their favorite comfort foods because they worry about losing their cultural identity. For example, some yoga teachers in neon spandex and self-appointed nutritionists say white rice is unhealthy. However, white rice is an important part of many cultures. It is cheap, can be used in many different dishes, and tastes great when cooked with other flavors. You can make it even healthier by adding beans, vegetables, and protein. Linda from Albuquerque shares her experience, saying, "At first, I thought I had to stop eating all my favorite cultural foods because I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. But when I worked with a registered dietitian, I learned that I could change portion sizes, add more fiber, and use ingredients like grated radishes to help control my blood sugar." We need carbohydrates for energy and to feel satisfied. The key is not to cut out carbs completely but to work with a registered dietitian to find a balance that keeps you healthy.

[mr-divabetic]

Many women with diabetes say they first notice nerve problems as a slight tingling in their feet. This tingling can worsen over time, leading to pain or numbness. Some describe the pain as walking on "sharp eggshells," and it usually feels worse at night. Georgia has had type 2 diabetes for 20 years. At first, she thought the numbness and tingling in her legs and feet were just due to her tiring nursing job and that resting would help. But over time, the problems didn’t go away, even though she tried things like wearing thicker socks and taking breaks. “I knew a lot about neuropathy because I work in healthcare,” Georgia said, “but it feels different when you are the one going through it.” Not taking care of diabetes can lead to nerve damage. Many women who ignored early warnings can later face serious issues. To manage her symptoms, Georgia stays active, keeps warm, listens to her body, and talks openly with her healthcare team. She wants to make sure her worries are heard and her needs are met. She has also tried things like water therapy and heat massage, which helped her feel better.

[mr-divabetic]

Thrilled to see Norma Jean Wright's new song, 'Ode To Disco,' capturing the hearts of DJs and fans alike, making this week's Top 5 Dance Chart 🔥 for July 3–10, 2026, on Sandcastle Radio with DJ Peter Bedard. Can't wait for the official release on July 12th!!

[mr-divabetic]

U.S. Flag Trivia

In 1958, at a time when Alaska and Hawaii seemed likely to join the United States, a class at Lancaster High School in Ohio was tasked with creating a show-and-tell project related to American history. One student, Robert G. Heft, decided to make a new 50-star flag, spending 12 hours cutting out and sewing on stars in a pattern that included five rows of six stars and four rows of five stars. Alas, he received a lowly B-. Despite the negative reception, Heft gave the flag to local congressman Walter Moeller, who lived nearby and promised to take Heft’s design to Washington, D.C. That promise paid off in a big way, as two years later Heft received a phone call from President Eisenhower himself. The president informed Heft that his design had been chosen for the new national flag. Heft’s creation was among an estimated 1,500 considered, and though many others featured a near-identical pattern, he ultimately received credit upon the flag’s adoption on July 4, 1960. In the wake of Eisenhower’s decision, Heft’s teacher retroactively raised his grade to an A.

Written by Bennett Kleinman and edited by Bess Lovejoy.

[mr-divabetic]

I had the incredible opportunity to work with Luther Vandross from 1993 to 2005, and reflecting on that time brings a mix of fond memories and a hint of regret. One of my biggest "why didn't I appreciate that more?" moments was when I spent too much time goofing off backstage during his hauntingly beautiful performance of "A House Is Not A Home." In my defense, "House Is Not A Home" was one of a few breaks I had backstage during a live performance. But if I could turn back time, I would absolutely make it a priority to stand in the wings and soak up every single one of those moments. Looking back, I feel so lucky to have witnessed him perform "A House Is Not A Home" several times! His entire performance would stretch around 11 minutes, which is quite a feat, especially in today's fast-paced world where attention spans often seem to last only seconds. But Luther, in all his glory, captivated the audience with his talent, filling every second with emotion and artistry. As we remember him on the anniversary of his passing, I find comfort in the lasting impact he had, as evidenced by the success of the "Luther Vandross: Never Too Much" documentary and his upcoming induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Luther was more than just an incredible artist; he was a mentor to so many of us, teaching us about ambition, dedication, and the power of believing in our dreams. I was a huge fan before joining him, and that admiration has only deepened over the years. Here's to you, Luther! Your legacy shines on brightly!

[mr-divabetic]

Doris is a 69-year-old woman who has type 2 diabetes. She decided to have breast reduction surgery because her large breasts were causing her back and neck pain. It was also hard for her to check her blood sugar and give herself nightly insulin injections because of the size of her breasts. After her surgery, she felt a lot better! Her posture improved, her pain went away, and she was able to take care of her diabetes more easily. A year later, Doris is very happy with how she looks and feels. If you're having similar problems, such as pain or trouble with everyday activities, there's help available. Breast reduction surgeries can help both women and men by reducing physical issues. Large breasts can cause back and neck pain and make it hard to exercise. By having the surgery, people can feel better and more active, which is important for managing blood sugar levels.

[mr-divabetic]

Step back into the golden age of romance, glamour, and irresistible harmonies with Pearl & The Pinecones' brand-new music video, "Your Biscuit Is Still Warm On My Plate." This playful, tongue-in-cheek love song serves up a delicious blend of vintage charm, flirtatious humor, and classic girl-group magic. Inspired by the innocence, wit, and timeless appeal of Hollywood legends like Marilyn Monroe and Betty Grable, "Your Biscuit Is Still Warm On My Plate" is an upbeat, toe-tapping, finger-snapping celebration of romance that's equal parts sweet and sassy. Featuring sparkling big-band arrangements, tight three-part harmonies, swinging rhythms, and memorable solo moments from every member of the group, this song captures the spirit of America's golden era of popular music while bringing fresh, modern energy to retro-music lovers everywhere. If you love the classic sounds of Doris Day, Kay Starr, Peggy Lee, The Andrews Sisters, The McGuire Sisters, Rosemary Clooney, Patti Page, and Connie Francis, you'll fall head over heels for Pearl & The Pinecones. Whether you're a fan of vintage music, retro pop, swing revival, jazz vocals, big band orchestras, classic Hollywood, 1940s music, 1950s music, girl groups, vocal harmony trios, old-fashioned romance, pin-up culture, or nostalgic throwback songs, this delightful music video belongs on your playlist. Don't forget to Like, Comment, Share, and Subscribe for more original retro-inspired music from Pearl & The Pinecones!

[mr-divabetic]

Step into the rich, emotional world of Southern Soul with Mrs. Washington’s fiery new single, “Another Peach From the Same Branch.” Packed with attitude, heartbreak, humor, and old-school soul flavor, this retro-inspired R&B anthem tells the story of a woman discovering her man has been flirting with her own sister — and she’s not staying quiet about it. With powerhouse vocals, sizzling horns, deep grooves, and a vintage sound inspired by the golden era of Stax, Motown, and classic blues-infused soul, Mrs. Washington delivers a performance filled with grit, sass, and raw emotion. Fans of timeless female soul legends like Etta James, Betty Wright, Shirley Jones, Dorothy Moore, Candi Staton, Mavis Staples, Carla Thomas, Gladys Knight, Martha Reeves, and Denise LaSalle will love the authentic storytelling and down-home Southern Soul energy in this track.

[mr-divabetic]

Pearl &. The Pinecones' new single, "Your Biscuit Is Still Warm On Your Plate"

[mr-divabetic]

Mrs. Washington's "Another Peach On The Same Branch"

[mr-divabetic]

Check out how much added sugar is in Cobani Greek Yogurt Drink!!

The American Heart Association recommends that women limit added sugars to no more than 6 teaspoons a day. For men, it’s no more than 9 teaspoons.

Look for “Added Sugars” under “Total Sugars" on the nutrition label