It's March, Sisters, and I already see the signs of Spring approaching, beginning with a blooming tulip plant in my living room. Each morning, I walk down the stairs, look at it, and am reminded of the growth process of such a delicate flower. And such is diabetes, isn't it? A delicate flower needing nourishment and attention.
This month, we (re)explore hypo- and hyperglycemia, healthy living, and kidney disease: all areas that we can learn more about to help us live better with diabetes. We share our latest brochure on Diabetes and Eating Disorders; check it out and read our collection of educational materials. And finally, we bring you our latest Life Class Webinar installment: Diabetes and Kidney Disease; please register and join us on March 21st.
This month, we are asking YOU - our membership - to please help us with a gift to DiabetesSisters through our Sister Strength giving program. Your gift, regardless of amount, can make a HUGE impact in the lives of women with diabetes. And this year, we've received a special gift from a generous donor: they will match every dollar raised up to $30,000. This means that your gift will have DOUBLE the impact to help us continue to grow our programs, both online and in-person.
To longer Spring days... until next month,
Anna Norton
CEO
22 Triumphant (NOT Perfect!) Years THRIVING with Diabetes
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LIFE CLASS WEBINAR SERIES:DIABETES AND KIDNEY DISEASE
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease, accounting for almost half of new cases. About 30 percent of patients with type 1 diabetes and 10 to 40 percent of those with type 2 diabetes suffer from kidney failure. Learn now the steps you need to take to protect your kidneys and decrease your chances of developing Diabetic Kidney Disease, also known as Diabetic Nephropathy. During this 30-minute FREE webinar, you will become familiar with the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment for Diabetic Kidney Disease as well as steps to prevent Diabetic Kidney Disease.
Diabetes and Kidney Disease, led by:
Nancy Lepain, RN, MSN, APN-BC of the
National Kidney Foundation of Illinois
Monday, March 21, 2016 at 4 pm EST
CLICK HERE to learn about our Life Class Webinar Series, view our 2016 schedule, and listen to archived webinars.
All registrants will be entered to win Susan Weiner's latest book, Diabetes 365: Tips for Living Well
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
Your kidneys depend on your bladder to move waste out of your body. This is why it is so important that your bladder health be monitored. For women with diabetes, this is even more vital.
Even though 30 million Americans live with bladder problems, bladder health is still considered a taboo topic. But, if we don't talk about it, how will we know when to bring it up to our doctors?
Here are three common bladder problems:
- Getting up to urinate more than once a night
- Unwanted leaking of urine between bathroom visits
- Increased urgency paired with a fear of not reaching a bathroom in time
If you experience any of these bladder problem indicators, you may want to reach out to your health care provider.
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BEING PREPARED FOR HYPER- AND HYPOGLYCEMIA
We often hear about and experience blood sugar fluctuations. Refer to this chart for more information.
High blood sugar (Hyperglycemia):
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Know the symptoms:
- breath that smells fruity
- Drink LOTS of water
- Take the rest your body needs to recover
Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia):
- Carry a juice-box or glucose tabs at all times
- Check your blood sugar level before driving a car
- Eat a small pre-exercise snack before you work out
Source: American Diabetes Association, TODAY Health
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LIVING A HEALTHY LIFE WITH DIABETES:IS THERE A FORMULA?
Contributed by Dr. Jody Stanislaw, Naturopathic Doctor
Is it possible to have a healthy and happy life with diabetes? Here are some of Dr. Jody's tips:
- MINDSET: How you choose to think from day to day has a HUGE impact on your health. Any time spent worrying about complications is not only taking away from your enjoyment of life, but it contributes absolutely zero benefit. Worrying versus taking-action-when-needed are two entirely different things. Taking action is powerful and shifts you back into health.
- FREQUENT CHECKING: The more you check, the more you know what's going on with your blood sugar levels. We all know how often and how easy it can go up and down. The sooner you know your level is elevated, the sooner you can take action to get it down.
- REACHING OUT: Stay connected to people who understand. Studies show that when people living with a chronic disease are connected to others dealing with the same condition, they receive immense benefits to their overall health, physically as well as mentally.
Continue reading Dr. Jody's article HERE. |
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YOUR SHOPPING GIVES BACK TO DIABETESSISTERS ALL YEAR LONG
SHOP FROM THIS LINK
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DiabetesSisters helps to connect women living with diabetes through peer support, education, and advocacy that improves their health and quality of life. We invite you to be part of expanding that network of sisterhood and strength by joining our new Sister Strength Monthly Giving program.
BECOME A SISTER STRENGTH MONTHLY DONOR
Since 2008, your dollars have allowed us to continue to grow our signature programs such as the PODS Meetup program, which reaches over 1,200 women annually, as well as maintain our online programs such as this e-newsletter and our website, which hosts over 340,000 visitors each year. Programming in 2016 will continue with existing and new programs, but we desperately need your support.
Set up your monthly gift today: Together we will build a stronger future for women with diabetes!
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YOUR SUPPORT IS NEEDED:
MAKE TWICE THE IMPACT
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| CLICK TO HELP DIABETESSISTERS |
DiabetesSisters has received a monetary gift from a generous donor but we need YOUR help to acquire the funds. For every dollar raised between now and Spetember 30, 2016, your gift will be matched up to $30,000.
Please help us reach our goal and continue to offer our online and in-person programs for women living with diabetes.
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VISIT OUR NEW EDUCATIONAL LIBRARY
(CLICK IMAGE TO EXPAND)
DiabetesSisters is pleased to bring you our newest collection of educational brochures!
Click HERE to visit our growing library where you can download, print, and share this information.
The creation of these educational pieces were a result of the generous support of our partners including AstraZeneca, BI, Center for Hope of the Sierras, Dexcom, The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, Lilly and Regeneron.
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sisterTALK Blogs
Explore tips from our experts and stories from women like you who live with diabetes. Get connected, then join the discussion.
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Kern Country, CA
Mar. 9, 6:00pm
Princeton, NJ
Mar. 9, 7:00pm
Durham, NC
Mar. 10, 6:30pm
MetroWest, MA
Mar. 10, 6:45pm
Greater Philadelphia, PA
Mar. 10, 7:00pm
Rochester, NY (Westside)
Mar. 14, 6:00pm
Rochester, NY (Eastside)
Mar. 15, 6:00pm
Williamsburg, VA
Mar. 15, 6:00pm
Greensboro, NC
Mar. 15, 6:00pm
Reno, NV
Mar. 15, 6:30pm
Fredericksburg, VA
Mar. 15, 7:00pm
Denver, CO
Mar. 16, 6:30pm
VIRTUAL PODS
Mar. 17, 8:00pm
NY Capitol Region
Mar. 22, 6:30pm
Woodbridge, NJ
Mar. 23, 7:00pm
Rochester, NY (CollegeTown)
Mar. 23, 6:00pm
Want to learn more about the PODS Meetup Program? Want to visit one of our locations or start a group in your town? Would you like to learn more about the Virtual PODS Meetup?
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Welcome spring into your life with this delicious Tomato-Basil Quiche!
CLICK HERE for full recipe - Provided by Further Foods
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FreeToGo PRODUCTS
Designed by a woman living with diabetes, FreeToGo offers clothing, jewelry and accessories for people living with diabetes.
FreeToGo has committed a portion of their sales to DiabetesSisters. Visit them atwww.freetogostyle.com
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