N.N.
On March 2, 2010, you were hospitalized due to Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) from type 1 diabetes, forcing a last-minute switch in scheduling to give you extra time to recuperate. This must have been a difficult time for you, share the health challenges you faced and the recovery process. How long did it take for you to return to performance?
C.B.
When I was hospitalized back in 2010 for DKA, I was grateful to the producer of American Idol for deciding for me to stay in the competition. I had been hospitalized many times in my life prior to that moment. I knew that I would recover and be simply fine to continue.
It was a wakeup call for me personally. I wasn’t paying enough attention to my diabetes management as I should have been and let other things become more important than my health. Without our health, we have nothing. It must be the most important thing or else nothing else in life will work.
N.N.
Being a singer, songwriter and actress how do you go about taking care of your health. Share input on your diet routine? Foods you focus on and ones you avoid. How do you track your insulin levels, & medication dosage?
C.B.
I think of food as fuel, and fuel only. It may sound bleak, but I don’t really eat for pleasure as some people do. I eat an extremely low carbohydrate diet, high in lean proteins and vegetables, with good fats and oils.
Breakfast is usually 2 boiled eggs and coffee. I’ll have a salad for lunch, and for dinner I have a larger meal. One of my favorites is a protein stuffed cabbage with tomato sauce, or a hearty vegetable soup. Eating this way helps to maintain even glucose levels. Occasionally I will treat myself with something sweet, but only a taste of it. I want to live a long time for my son!
I focus on strength training three times a week which also helps to keep my blood sugar levels in good control.
I use an insulin pump and a CGM (continuous glucose Monitor). It may seem like a lot of work, but to me, it’s just a part of life and always has been.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
