Diabetes Late Nite Inspired by Teddy Pendergrass

Divabetic's podcast features Rachel Zinman, Arthur Aston, and Patricia Addie Gentle, RN, CDCES.  Rachel presents a guided meditation you won't want to miss!

Our musical inspiration, R&B singer Teddy Pendergrass, who was not living with diabetes, overcame many obstacles and continued to sing after a car crash in 1982 that left him in a wheelchair.

Before the crash, Mr. Pendergrass's explosive, raw voice earned turned him into an international star and sex symbol. His masculinity, passion, and the joys and sorrow of romance were featured in songs such as Close the Door, Love T.K.O, and other hits that have since become classics.

Teddy's longtime collaborator Kenny Gamble said, "He had a tremendous career ahead of him, and the accident sort of got in the way of many of those plans."

Mr. Pendergrass suffered a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the waist down - still able to sing but without his signature power. The image of the masculine, virile lover was replaced with one that drew sympathy.

But instead of becoming bitter or depressed, Teddy Pendergrass created a new identity as a role model, Mr. Gamble said.

"He never showed me that he was angry about his accident," Mr. Gamble said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. "In fact, he was very courageous."

After extensive physical therapy, he resumed his recording career. He had Top 10 R & B hits and gold albums into the '90s. 

We hope Teddy Pendergrass helps inspire you to focus on the positive in facing challenges related to managing your diabetes. 

This podcast features Teddy Pendergrass music courtesy of SONY Music.