Divabetic program has been canceled

Editor's note: The Divabetic program scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 10, has been canceled.

The late singer-songwriter Luther Vandross could measure his success in numbers — the number of chart-topping hits, the number of albums sold, the number of Grammys won.

But there were numbers the silky-voiced performer ignored, such as blood glucose, cholesterol and grams of carbohydrates.

Vandross was a diabetic who didn't manage his disease, ultimately suffering a stroke that left him incapacitated.

While keeping vigil in the hospital, his personal assistant, Max Szadek, was told by doctors that Vandross' stroke could have been prevented.

The rhythm & blues artist traveled with an entourage, Szadek said, but he had dealt with his diabetes alone.

Szadek began to learn more about the disease and the overwhelming low rate of successful diabetes management in this country.

He also learned that more than 9 million women are diabetics.

And the wheels began turning.

What if you could deliver a wellness message with wow?

Because Vandross loved divas — including his good friend singer Patti LaBelle, who also is a diabetic — Szadek came up with the term Divabetic.

It soon became more than a word. It became an educational traveling show, with all the sass and glamour of a theatrical event.

Founded several years ago by Szadek, Divabetic is a diabetes outreach program that not only honors Vandross, who died in 2005, but has a goal of promoting a positive attitude and better self-esteem among people living with the disease.

There is an opportunity to talk one-on-one with certified diabetes educators, as well as dietitians and pharmacists who can answer questions.

But it's also a high-energy girls night out, with fashion shows, fitness advice and makeovers all rolled into a glitzy celebration.

Divabetic will strut into the Robinwood Professional Center on Thursday, Nov. 10, as part of its Golden Girls Tour.

Inspired by the women of the popular television sitcom "The Golden Girls," the event will feature:

Blanche's Boalicious Workout, a more sparkly, less sweaty way to exercise

Sophia's Smartly Packed Purse, offering the dos and don'ts of what every woman with diabetes should carry in their pocketbook

Dorothy's Daily Glucose Monitoring Tips, strategies for pain-free blood sugar testing

Rose's Carbohydrate Counting for Dummies, providing advice on easier ways to understand carbohydrates.

This is the second time that Meritus has invited Divabetic to come to this area, said Cynthia Earle, the hospital's community health education coordinator.

"Diane Sandy, a nurse practitioner at The Meritus Endocrinology, Nutrition and Diabetes Center, was aware of the program and suggested that we look into bringing it here," she said.

Since its inception, Divabetic has offered several theme programs, but "The Golden Girls" theme was selected, Earle said, "because we feel Blanche, Rose, Dorothy and Sophia can raise awareness for diabetes and diabetes self-care management in a fun and uplifting way."

"We wanted to promote the idea of working with a team of friends, family and health care professionals to manage your diabetes," she added. "Thank you for being a friend."

Earle said diabetes is a very serious local health concern.

"Washington County has one of the highest death rates from diabetes in our state," she noted. "According to Maryland vital statistics, almost one in 10 Washington County residents, 9.6 percent, has been told by a doctor that they have diabetes. Statewide, that number is 7.9 percent."

"Diabetes is on the rise," Earle added, "especially with our children. About 23.6 million people in the U.S. are affected by diabetes, and direct medical costs equate to over $116 billion annually."

Because diabetes is a disease that should to be taken seriously, Earle said, "We need to address it through education and increasing the public's awareness of this epidemic."

Hopefully, through programs like Divabetic, "we can inspire and motivate women to better care for themselves, just like divas do," she said.

Earle said women and their loved ones attending the upcoming event hosted by Szadek, will have an opportunity to learn how to makeover their diabetes with the help of educators, fitness instructors, stylists and beauty experts.

From 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., there will be a marketplace filled with vendors and educational resources for diabetes. Activities and a light dinner will follow.

Joining Meritus health professionals will be special guests Catherine Schuller, celebrity style and image expert; and author/entrepreneur Connie Elder, founder of Lipo in a Box Women's Shape wear and Underology Anti-Aging Skin Care.

"We want to encourage women to adopt the bold, sassy persona of a diva to manage their diabetes, and what better diva mentors than 'The Golden Girls?'" Earle said.

Dealing with diabetes on a daily basis can be overwhelming and isolating for many people, Earle noted.

"In virtually every episode of 'The Golden Girls,' the girls seemed to rally together when one or two were in trouble or needed. Hopefully, they can inspire you to open up about your diabetes and ask for help from your friends and family," she said.



If you go:

WHAT: Divabetic

WHEN: 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10

WHERE: Robinwood Professional Center, suite 142, off Robinwood Drive, east of Hagerstown

COST: Tickets are $25, which includes admission and light dinner fare.

CONTACT: To register, call 301-790-8907.