Diabetes

A few days ago, I read a post from Lee Ann about “good diabetics” and “bad diabetics.” It was frustrating to read that there are people who think there is some kind of civil war going on in the diabetes community. It made me reflect on an earlier post I wrote about noncompliant diabetics. It’s something I still believe, that there are people who are noncompliant, but reading Lee Ann’s story and the stories from other people who are struggling with diabetes made me realize that we often focus on the surface of our life with diabetes and not on the deeper,…

I spent a lovely, lazy afternoon in the New York City this past Saturday. Although the temperature read 82 degrees, I swear our wonderful, balmy weather could not have been any higher than 78. There was a soothing breeze and not a drop of humidity in the air, which is the closest thing I’ve felt to an Oregon summer day in quite some time (which is kind of ironic since Oregon has been seeing blistering temperatures of over 100 degrees for the past few days - Oregon typically sees one or two heat waves during the summer, so this isn’t unusual). I took the 6 train up to 77th Street…

Today marks two weeks since I moved into my new apartment. This past week was the first time that it actually started to feel like “the place where I live” rather than the “place where all my stuff happens to be.” I wasn’t even here the first three days of living in my apartment, and then it was back to work, so it took slightly longer than usual to get adjusted. I’m still getting used to my new schedule and my commute, which varies between walking to the train station and taking public transportation to driving to work and fighting not only traffic but…

First, I must preface this by saying I have never watched the Olympics swimming. I rarely watch the Olympics as it is and of the sports I do watch, in the summer it’s gymnastics and in the winter it’s ice skating. That’s it. Because I’m a girl who knows other girls, I often hear people talking about this swimmer guy. Some of you may have heard of him too. His name is Michael Phelps. Now, as amazing and earth-shatteringly unbelievable as this may sound, I honest to God had NO IDEA what Michael Phelps looked like. Okay, maybe I had seen, like, one picture of him, but…

Last summer, I spent quite a while working with some of our fellow bloggers on the prospect of a conference for adults with type 1 diabetes. A year later and as you can see, it didn’t really go anywhere. Why? Because it’s hard. Conference ain’t cheap and they don’t pay for themselves. It’s also incredibly challenging when the people planning it live in four different timezones and all have jobs and families and, you know, commitments. Earlier this year, Scott Strumello was approached by Lori Weintraub, head of public relations for the Diabetes Research Institute,…

This Weekamp;rsquo;s Question #430 - Diabetes In Control.com Newsletter A 32-year-old woman in whom gestational diabetes had been diagnosed during her 26th week of pregnancy is evaluated postpartum. Insulin controlled her blood glucose for the remainder of her pregnancy with good success. She had an uncomplicated delivery at 39 weeks of a healthy baby boy weighing 3.3 kg (7.2 lb). Her blood glucose level has normalized since delivery. She has no symptoms now but wants to know if she shoul...

A1C Levels may one day be used for diagnosis David Sacks, MD, Assistant Professor of Pathology at Harvard Medical School Diabetes may be diagnosed using HbA1C in the near future, according to a presentation last week, from David Sacks, MD, Assistant Professor of Pathology at Harvard Medical School.  In fact, Dr. Sacks said that anecdotal evidence suggests many physicians are already using A1C to diagnose diabetes, even though there has been no cut-off level established for diagnosis. ...

Diabetes Solution Revised and Updated 2007 Complete Guide to Achieving Normal Blood Sugars Richard K. Bernstein, M.D., F.A.C.E., F.A.C.N., FCCWS. Chapter 22 Part 8 Other tools in controlling Gastroparesis – Part 8 Semiliquid or Liquid Meals A last resort for gastroparesis is the use of semiliquid or liquid meals. I say “last resort”because such a restriction takes much of the pleasure out of eating, but it may be the only way to assure near-normal blood sugars. With this degre...

Researchers came to this conclusion after an analysis of pooled data from nine large observational studies. Senior investigator Dr. Vivian A. Fonseca stated that,  amp;quot;The paper highlights a real dilemma we have today in diabetes treatment.amp;quot; amp;quot;We have drugs that lower glucose but we seem to run into problems over time with improving outcomes -- particularly cardiovascular outcomes.amp;quot; amp;quot;A big question,amp;quot; he added, amp;quot;is whether it is due to...

Gregory A. Nichols, co-author of new research published online Aug. 12 in the journal Diabetes Care., stated that, amp;quot;If you lose weight after diagnosis, you can achieve some long-term benefits in terms of blood pressure and glycemic control that extend even beyond the point at which you regain weight.amp;quot; Added Dr. Spyros Mezitis, an endocrinologist with Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City: amp;quot;We haven't had results like this before. This is telling us that with a ...

Birdie is one of my favorite fellow D-bloggers. Her colorful images and sincere words are always worth a double-take. She recently compiled a coffee table book that will evoke the same reaction from your party guests — or anyone you know living with illness. A Guest Post by Birdie B, creator of Aiming for Grace I’m feeling [...]

As you may know, I’m a huge fan of Theresa Garnero: diabetes educator extraordinaire and talented artist with a funny bone for diabetes. Read all about her in my recent interview. A Guest Post by Theresa Garnero, accomplished diabetes nurse educator, author and cartoonist What does your diabetes educator really think about your diabetes? Is it all about [...]

I met Brandy and Laura in person for the first time this June.  They both have adorable southern accents and a fire in their eyes when they talk about their new initiative for supporting women with diabetes. A Guest Post by patient advocates Brandy Barnes and Laura Ely This is a critical time in the world of [...]

Alan Rubin is author of “Diabetes for Dummies,” the very first book I ever read on the topic.  That kind of makes him my hero and mentor, at least in my mind.  He’s not only well-informed; he also sports a healthy dose of cynicism, just like me A Guest Post by Alan L. Rubin, [...]

As a little girl, I always wanted to be Lois Lane. Now that I’m grown up, Susannah Fox is my heroine of sorts.  She’s the former editor of the U.S. News & World Report website, who’s now become a national authority on Americans’ use of the Internet, in particular when it comes to “participatory medicine.” [...]

When I needed information as a kid, I used to have to walk to the library downtown after school, talk to the librarian, and then paw through the card catalog until I found the right section to explore.  Dewey Decimal and his Evil System were the bane of my existence, because I'm terrible with numbers and I can't find my way out of a paper bag.  No sense of direction plus no math skills equals ... a reverence for Google.Thankfully, the Internet has given me a quick and relatively pain-free way to explore the vast expanses of information out there.  But on Sunday night, after all…

Control is tough to come by these days - and it seems like the more I fret about it, the more tangled my numbers become.  I'm trying a more relaxed approach (yes, I am as high-strung as I seem, why do you ask?!) to diabetes management.  Like this past weekend:  instead of shlepping myself home to RI and spending more time in the car than with friends and family, I decided to stay home in CT and relax.  I watched movies.  I worked on some writing I was trying to finish.  I made iced tea and cleaned my house.  (And I also tried on my wedding dress for no…

The diabetes police are usually well-meaning, usually nice, but most often think they are the resident experts on all things diabetes. Frustrating for sure. Dealing with the diabetes police usually means supressing a sigh, carefully explaining the situation, and hoping it sinks in.  But when the person policing you is someone you love, it can be tricky.My video post this week is a short cartoon about being hunted by the diabetes police and how Siah, a little iced coffee, and the support of some friends can make a difference.  Stick people have it easy. They don't even have faces.

Dear Liana Masone, Grievance Associate at Oxford Health,What can I do to help you understand why my request for a continuous glucose monitor should be approved?   I've received your third and final letter, and according to your team: "We have thoroughly considered all of the available information submitted in support of your appeal.  Based upon review of that information and the terms of your plan, a medical director with a specialty in General Surgery, continues to uphold the denial of coverage for the Dexcom sensors.  This type of continuous glucose monitoring has not…

 This is one of the most remarkable stories I have heard in a while – three siblings, all with type 1 diabetes?  When Lori first emailed me several months ago, I was intrigued by her site, 3CoffeysNoSugar.com.  After hearing her family’s story, I had to share it with you guys.  Lori, take it away!Kerri:   What's the story behind your involvement with diabetes?Lori:  Our middle child, Emily, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes almost 7 years ago. She was 2 1/2 years old at the time, and still in diapers. She had been peeing excessively and her…

Results from a Harris survey commissioned by the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) show that people with diabetes who must take insulin often struggle with dread and negative impacts on their lives because of it. But more than half of them—52 percent—are reluctant to share their concerns with their healthcare providers.

Do you want to lose weight and improve your blood glucose levels? Do you want to do it without having to weigh your portions and count your calories? Try a low-fat vegan diet. A vegan diet is one with no animal products: no fish, no eggs, no dairy, and, of course, no meat.

About a year ago, Cheryl Tooke found herself in the last place she ever wanted to be. She weighed 268 pounds, and her doctor had just diagnosed her with type 2 diabetes.

Bayer Diabetes Care previewed a new partnership at the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) annual meeting this month in Washington, DC.

A recent story put out by the British Broadcasting Corporation proclaimed that eating broccoli could reverse the damage to heart blood vessels caused by diabetes.

August 18, 2008 (FDA) - Since issuing Information for Healthcare Professionals in October 2007, FDA has received reports of 6 cases of hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis in patients taking Byetta. Byetta is a medicine given by subcutaneous injection to help treat adults with type 2 diabetes. Of the 6 cases of hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis, all patients required hospitalization, two patients died and four patients were recovering at time of reporting. Byetta was discontinued in all 6 cases. Byetta and other potentially suspect drugs should be promptly discontinued if…

August 13, 2008 (Science Daily) - Eric Brunner from the Royal Free and University College London Medical School, London, and colleagues, examine the association between levels of C-reactive protein, a marker for inflammation in the blood, and the risk of type 2 diabetes. Previous research has suggested that raised levels of this marker are linked with an increased risk of diabetes but to date it has not been clear whether C-reactive protein actually causes the condition. Brunner and colleagues use a technique called Mendelian randomization to control for the effect of other variables (such as…

August 13, 2008 (Newswise) - People who use monosodium glutamate, or MSG, as a flavor enhancer in their food are more likely than people who don’t use it to be overweight or obese even though they have the same amount of physical activity and total calorie intake, according to a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health study published this month in the journal Obesity. Researchers at UNC and in China studied more than 750 Chinese men and women, aged between 40 and 59, in three rural villages in north and south China. The majority of study participants prepared…

August 12, 2008 (Science Daily) - A study by researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) found that overweight Hispanic children are at significant risk for pre-diabetes, a condition marked by higher than normal blood glucose levels that are not yet high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. The persistence of pre-diabetes during growth is associated with progression in risk towards future diabetes, according to the study, which will be published in an upcoming issue of the journal Diabetes, and is now available online. With a population of more than 35 million, Hispanics are the…

August 7, 2008 (Newswise) - Researchers at Johns Hopkins are reporting what is believed to be the most conclusive evidence to date that inadequate levels of vitamin D, obtained from milk, fortified cereals and exposure to sunlight, lead to substantially increased risk of death. In a study set to appear in the Archives of Internal Medicine online Aug. 11, the Johns Hopkins team analyzed a diverse sample of 13,000 initially healthy men and women participating in an ongoing national health survey and compared the risk of death between those with the lowest blood levels of vitamin D to those with…

More than 30,000 Australians taking the controversial diabetes drugs Avandia and Avandamet are being told to have their treatment reviewed after the medications were linked with heart failure and death.

"The much ballyhooed connection of overweight and even obesity issues to illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes have been brought into question by two studies in this week's Archives of Internal Medicine ...

Dear Dr. Gott: A family member is a type-2 diabetic with high blood pressure. What do you know about oral chelation? Does it work? Dear Reader: Oral chelation therapy, simply put, means one substance is ...

A new analysis of government data is the first to link low-level arsenic exposure, possibly from drinking water, with Type 2 diabetes, researchers say.

In the wake of deaths and severe illness among US patients, Australian health authorities can upgrade warnings on Byetta - a new diabetes drug that mimics a hormone found in the saliva of a North American ...

Scientists are carrying out a unique study using the eyes to detect early signs of health problems which could lead to diabetes, and they’re looking for volunteers to help.

Inorganic arsenic, commonly found in ground water in certain areas, may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a new study.

A spin off company from basic structural biology has led to new technology that provides a way of creating therapeutic proteins to tackle major diseases such as cancer, diabetes and infertility.

Overweight Hispanic children are at significant risk for pre-diabetes, a condition marked by higher than normal blood glucose levels that are not yet high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. The persistence of pre-diabetes during growth is associated with progression in risk towards future diabetes, according to the study.

A four-year study looked at 2,574 adults and found that people who lost weight in the 18 months after a type 2 diabetes diagnosis were up to twice as likely to have better control of their blood pressure and blood sugar, and were more likely to maintain that control even if they later regained their weight.

A new analysis of government data is the first to link low-level arsenic exposure, possibly from drinking water, with Type 2 diabetes, researchers say.

U.S. federal regulators are working on a stronger label for a widely used diabetes drug after deaths continue to be reported despite earlier government warnings.

An abundance of vitamin C in the diet may help lower a person's risk of developing type 2 diabetes, new research suggests.

Diabetic women who get pregnant are three to four times more likely to have a child with birth defects than other women, according to new government research.

Researchers working on an artificial pancreas believe they are just a few years away from a nearly carefree way for people with diabetes to monitor blood and inject insulin as needed.

To be honest, I am rather sick of the side effects of metformin, which...make me sick to my stomach.  It's affecting me not just at home, but also at work.  I'm not sure I can control diabetes with just diet...

This Tuesday (tomorrow!) at 9pm (EST) Diabetes Talkfest is hosting a chat with Nicole Johnson about pregnancy.  As a pregnant woman, I couldn't think of a better time for this chat to be taking place!  I know there are a...

Here's the deal. I've had diabetes for a long time, long enough that I've gotten used to the daily annoyances. Sometimes my control is better than others. My focus on the disease varies from week to week. It's like an...

I went back to Fitness Together (my gym) a few days ago and met with a personal trainer after a long absence. I admitted how I've been resistant and, frankly, lazy when it comes to consistent exercise and healthy...

I've been feeling very emotional about my diabetes recently.  It feels very vague and hard to identify.There is nothing really specific I can pin it to, no real point of frustration or trouble.  More like a low level, under the...

OverTheLimit.infoAmylin Pharmaceuticals Diabetes Drug Byetta(R) the Focus of MarketWatch - 3 hours ago is believed to be the first personal injury lawsuit stemming from injuries associated with the use of Byetta(R), an injectable medication for diabetes. Byetta woes threaten wider diabetes drug class guardian.co.uk6 people on diabetes drug fall ill; 2 die San Diego Union TribuneBumbling Over Byetta ForbesXinhua - Bloombergall 542 news articles

Obesity, diabetes ups heart diseaseNDTV.com, India - 4 hours agoObesity and diabetes go hand-in-hand. Previous studies have shown that these two conditions increase the risk of developing many chronic health problems.

Trace arsenic in water may be linked with diabetesThe Associated Press - 5 hours agoCHICAGO (AP) — A new analysis of government data is the first to link low-level arsenic exposure, possibly from drinking water, with Type 2 diabetes,

BBC NewsGaps in NHS diabetes care remainBBC News, UK - 5 hours agoDiabetes care is improving, but there is still a long way to go before the NHS is providing top quality services, a government report will say today.

Diabetes and oral healthJamaica Gleaner, Jamaica - 6 hours agoDiabetes mellitus is a syndrome of abnormal carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism due to the absolute or relative lack of insulin.

WASHINGTON - Federal regulators are working on a stronger label for a widely used diabetes drug marketed by Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc.

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Researchers from Denmark say they have "strong evidence" that diabetes is associated with a 25 percent to 75 percent increase in the relative risk of hospitalization due to pneumonia.

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - People who have been exposed to high levels of toxic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may face an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes, a new study shows.

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - People who are both obese and have diabetes are highly likely to develop heart disease during their lifetime, a new study shows.

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Combination treatment for type 2 diabetes using two classes of drugs -- metformin and sulfonylureas -- may increase the risk of hospitalization for cardiovascular disease and mortality, according to a report in th...

According to a study published in the August 20 issue of JAMA, an analysis using a representative sample of U.S. adults has found a relationship between higher levels of arsenic in the urine and an increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes. It has been widely documented that arsenic from inorganic sources is highly toxic and causes cancer in humans. Drinking water that is contaminated with inorganic arsenic exposes millions of individuals worldwide to the toxin.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has been associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) with earlier onset, longer duration, and greater severity, according to an article released on August 11, 2008 in the Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. As the transitional stage between the effects of aging and dementia itself, much interest has been placed in this stage as a potential warning indicator for Alzheimer's and cognitive disorders.

Futher to an alert it issued in October 2007, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is planning to strengthen the warnings on diabetes drug Byetta (exenatide) after receiving reports of another 6 patients having to be admitted to hospital, two of whom died, because they got hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis after taking the drug. The four surviving patients are now recovering, said the FDA.

Oramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTCBB: ORMP.

People who lose weight soon after being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes have better control of their blood pressure and blood glucose levels and are more likely to maintain that control even if they regain their weight, say researchers in America. The study, published online in the journal 'Diabetes Care', followed 2,500 adults with Type 2 diabetes for four years.

OverTheLimit.infoAmylin Pharmaceuticals Diabetes Drug Byetta(R) the Focus of MarketWatch - 3 hours ago is believed to be the first personal injury lawsuit stemming from injuries associated with the use of Byetta(R), an injectable medication for diabetes. Byetta woes threaten wider diabetes drug class guardian.co.uk6 people on diabetes drug fall ill; 2 die San Diego Union TribuneBumbling Over Byetta ForbesXinhua - Bloombergall 542 news articles

Obesity, diabetes ups heart diseaseNDTV.com, India - 4 hours agoObesity and diabetes go hand-in-hand. Previous studies have shown that these two conditions increase the risk of developing many chronic health problems.

Trace arsenic in water may be linked with diabetesThe Associated Press - 5 hours agoCHICAGO (AP) — A new analysis of government data is the first to link low-level arsenic exposure, possibly from drinking water, with Type 2 diabetes,

BBC NewsGaps in NHS diabetes care remainBBC News, UK - 5 hours agoDiabetes care is improving, but there is still a long way to go before the NHS is providing top quality services, a government report will say today.

Diabetes and oral healthJamaica Gleaner, Jamaica - 6 hours agoDiabetes mellitus is a syndrome of abnormal carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism due to the absolute or relative lack of insulin.

About.com's Guide to Vision, Troy Bedinghaus, O.D., asks the question, "Are Annual Eye Exams Necessary?" The answer is, annual eye exams are recommended for people with well-controlled diabetes. If your glucose...

Within the past year, there have been reports of 6 cases of hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis in people using Byetta, according to an announcement by the FDA. Byetta is...

Researchers at Warwick University, located in th UK, have found that a compound in broccoli, called sulforaphane, reverses the damage to blood vessels that hyperglycemia can cause. Sulforaphane reduces the molecules...

Who is Nick Jonas? Well if you're under 21 you probably already know the answer to that question. For those of us who are slightly out of touch with the...

In an article in the New York Times, it was reported that Byetta, an injectable drug to treat type 2 diabetes, may also prolong the lives of people who use...

OBJECTIVE—Synthetic ligands for peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor- (PPAR-) improve insulin sensitivity in obesity, but it is still unclear whether inflammatory signals modulate their metabolic actions. In this study, we tested whether targeted disruption of inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS), a key inflammatory mediator in obesity, modulates the metabolic effects of rosiglitazone in obese mice. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—iNOS–/– and iNOS were subjected to a high-fat diet or standard diet for 18 weeks and were then treated with rosiglitazone for…

OBJECTIVE—Pathogenic mechanisms underlying diabetes-induced retinal dysfunction are not fully understood. The aim of the present study was to show the relationship of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) with the synaptic vesicle protein synaptophysin and neuronal activity in the diabetic retina. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—C57BL/6 mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes were treated with the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) blocker telimsartan or valsartan, and retinal function was analyzed by electroretinography. Retinal production of the RAS components and phosphorylation…

OBJECTIVE—Fluxes through mitochondrial pathways are defective in insulin-resistant skeletal muscle, but it is unclear whether similar mitochondrial defects play a role in the liver during insulin resistance and/or diabetes. The purpose of this study is to determine whether abnormal mitochondrial metabolism plays a role in the dysregulation of both hepatic fat and glucose metabolism during diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Mitochondrial fluxes were measured using 2H/13C tracers and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in ZDF rats during early and advanced diabetes. To…

OBJECTIVE—This study examines the extent to which the contractile deficit of diabetic cardiomyopathy is due to altered Ca2+ homeostasis. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Measurements of isometric force and intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i, using fura-2/AM) were made in left ventricular (LV) trabeculae from rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes and age-matched siblings. RESULTS—At 1.5 mmol/l [Ca2+]o, 37°C, and 5-Hz stimulation frequency, peak stress was depressed in diabetic rats (10 ± 1 vs. 17 ± 2 mN/mm2 in controls; P < 0.05) with a slower time to peak…

OBJECTIVE—Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are associated with an atherogenic lipoprotein profile. We examined the role of visceral and subcutaneous fat depots, independent of BMI, on the dyslipidemia associated with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— A total of 382 subjects with type 2 diabetes underwent abdominal computed tomography to evaluate subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) distribution and had anthropometric measurements to determine BMI and waist and hip circumference. Fasting blood was obtained for lipoprotein particle number and size…

Even low levels, like those found in U.S., could boost the odds, study finds

Exposure to low-to-moderate levels of inorganic arsenic in drinking water and food may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a study released Tuesday, which found that individuals with diabetes had higher levels of arsenic in their urine compared to individuals without diabetes.

The risk of having a foot or leg amputated remains high among patients with type 1 or "insulin-dependent" diabetes, according to findings from a Swedish study.

Berberine, an herbal medicine commonly used to treat diarrhea, can also significantly reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes, Chinese researchers report based on a study they conducted.

U.S. health regulators are seeking stronger warnings about the risk of pancreatitis after the deaths of two patients taking Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc's injectable diabetes drug Byetta, sending the company's shares down as much 16 percent.

This week’s clip is from a Japanese game show. Give it look.This show is out of control but kind of cool.Enjoy

Today is the first day of Band Camp for my son.He will be playing music and working on field shows from 9-5 today and all week long. I am not sure who is more excited, him or me. I have the fondest memories of band camp. I always looked forward to it each summer.Standing out in the sun for hours and playing the same song over and over sounds like an awful time for most. And honestly, I think most of the band was miserable. But I love to do the best I can especially when it comes to performing so perfecting, polishing, and reworking several times over is fine with me. You cannot over-rehearse…

I may have to stop doing this. This is beyond silly I think.You should know that I really put almost zero thought in my post because I want it to be real Ninjabeticy goodness. I do not know if that is a good thing.Maybe a script for next week? I would love to hear what you think.

Diabetes has a way of moving into all parts of our lives and even those lives close to us. I would love for you to read a post I did on dLife about diabetes and When It Seeps in.FYI - The Vlog is coming...

“Crap!”It’s never good when you wake up shouting anything in the vicinity of “Crap!” I must have slept through my alarm. Maybe I set my alarm for PM? Someone is trying to get me fired? It must be a gremlin or something.What probably happened is that I hit the snooze button about a 100 times and never woke up. And I should be honest and say that I was not entirely late just later then normal. I could easily make up time if I rushed.The problem is, as many of you know, every minute later then usual means about another 1000 cars on the freeway so my commute will be even more trying.I…

Here's the deal. I've had diabetes for a long time, long enough that I've gotten used to the daily annoyances. Sometimes my control is better than others. My focus on the disease varies from week to week. It's like an old companion who's always with me and that I've got used to, so it's OK if we don't talk for a long time.That strange equilibrium changed today for me. And I really would welcome help with how to handle things. This morning I heard that a good family friend was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. At the age of 28. She had her first insulin shot this Sunday morning.After giving some…

If you've never heard of it, diaTribe is an informative newsletter with lots of useful news about diabetes research and new products for diabetes management. I've been a subscriber since the first issue and always learn new things from each one.Kelly Close is the editor and this month she's organized a competition for a year's worth of OneTouch test strips, that's 1,800 test strips. There are 18 runner-up prizes of 100 test strips. It sounds like a great opportunity to subscribe to diaTribe and maybe get some nice freebies.If you're already a subscriber, don't worry. This competition is open…

The Diabetes Research Institute will be holding a 1-day research update on October 25th, in New York city.The day will be focused on using new technologies in research and treatment. At $50 for one person, or $75 for a family or four, it's also great value.I'll be there for the day and I'm looking forward to meeting some of you. Perhaps some of us will also continue the conversation into the late afternoon.If you were in charge for a day which technologies would you like to see? What would help you in day to day diabetes management?

This is a brief post, because it's been a long and enjoyable day. The 1st Annual New England Diabetes picnic is over and (I think) it was a great success. We ended up with around 20 people (including children) and eleven of us with the big D. We had people including Lea, Colleen, Allison (who came all the way from New Jersey and celebrated her blogaversary today), Mick, Linda, Laurie, Deirdre, Deb and Carol of InsulinPumper and various family members.Colleen is really organized, she's already posted pictures.And I've booked next July 11th for the 2nd Annual picnic. This time I hope we'll have…

Today Good Morning America had one of those typical pieces about 'diabetes'. This one was about ways to cut your risk of getting 'diabetes'.Here's the problem. They were talking about type 2 diabetes. And they didn't even really get their facts right about this disease. It's not as simple as more weight = type 2. Or more exercise means you won't get type 2. If it were that simple then there wouldn't be more than 18,000,000 (yes that's millions) people in the US alone with type 2 diabetes. While type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes it's definitely not the only one. What about…

For today's posting, I've included a video which is really a full-length television segment featured on ABC's 20/20 news program which showed back on October 11, 1999. The irony, however, is that in spite of the fact that this program aired nearly a decade ago (9 years ago), not much has fundamentally changed since the program first aired. Have a look at the video here (which is approximately 15 minutes in length): ABC copyright site license for this video is on file with The FAIR Foundation. Please include this copyright license notice with any postings. You may wish to have the latest Flash…

Remember Insmed? Well, back in February, I posted a story I called "Meet Mike Coleman", which was coined from the Pharmalot news story featuring a YouTube video entitled "Meet Mike, Your Generic Biologics Lobbyist". Well, this morning's Washington Post has another story on the company's marketing efforts to advocate legislation passes to permit biogenerics, which quite frankly, seems unlikely to pass in 2008, but I'd never say never when politics are concerned.One has to wonder, since the law currently considers insulin a "drug" not a biotech medicine, and under section 505(b)(2) of the…

A while back, I wrote about how my company had decided to change healthcare providers. While I wasn't exactly jumping for joy over that decision, I didn't have any choice in the matter, and tried to make the best of it, viewing it as an opportunity to make some changes I had long put on the back burner.One immediate benefit I could see (a silver lining of sorts) was the fact that Oxford/United Healthcare had recently switched lab providers from Quest to LabCorp, and LabCorp had almost no locations in the NYC area. LabCorp quickly signed a deal with New York City's largest pharmacy chain,…

This isn't exactly new news, but back in June, the Indianapolis Star reported that corporate raider Carl Icahn had acquired a $200 million stake in Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the San Diego-based biotechnology company perhaps best known for its stake in the blockbuster type 2 diabetes drug Byetta. Amylin is also responsible for the company's namesake drug sold under the brand-name Symlin, which is less a drug and more a biosynthtic analogue of the hormone amylin, a hormone which is completely absent in patients with type 1 diabetes.The long story short is patients have no need to be…

Over the years, I've been a vocal supporter of stem cell research, including embryonic stem cell research. From my own perspective, there is simply no ethical argument which justifies not doing potentially life-saving research using embryonic stem cells, especially on cells destined for the trash can anyway. Nothing anyone can do, say or write will convince me otherwise. In my view, blastocysts do not constitute life until they're in the womb. Those cells cannot sustain life on their own, therefore they do not constitute an "unborn" child. Of course, there's a very vocal minority of people…

What is UP with banana hammocks? The first beautiful day we had in a loooong time was spent at the beach, today. The beach was really crowded because everyone was taking advantage of the beautiful weather while they could. We found a primo spot right next to the jetty so that it would be easy for our kids to find us and it’s a built in playground if they get sick of the sand. We settle in nicely when who shows up but Banana Hammock Man. He was about 60 years old, tanned, leathery, and short. But not fat…just saggy. He plants his reclining lawn chair right. next. to. my. chair. No buffer…

The time has come when I must clean up my language. I know......I know.When you hear "Jesus Christ" and "idiot", it's not so bad. But when they come out of an eight year old's mouth, it sounds pretty damn bad. Particularly when he's saying it to his friend in front of his friend's mother and grandfather....with me right there.Those words come from this scenario everytime I'm out driving with them:"What are you doing, you idiot?!", I ask through my windshield to an idiot driver."Jesus Christ. When is the light going to turn green?"Fuck has the highest ranking of swear words. When it comes out…

I've tried to think of clever ways to write this post. I wrote versions in my head on the way back from meeting them. I wrote yet more versions in my gray matter on my 6 hour drive back home.But let me get to the point:Carey and Susanne, their kids, as well as Carey's mom are just the nicest goddamned people you ever want to meet.Cases in point:Originally, we were going to meet at a restaurant....6 kids and 4 adults. Need I say more?But, Carey's mom suggested we all meet and have lunch at her place. Which I must say put my mind at ease that they didn't think I was a blogging weirdo...

But when you have a kid who tells you his blood sugar is 30 and he has 3 units of insulin on board (meaning in his system), the irony sucks.The other day, Brendon informed me of what his blood sugar was. Of course we had just run out of juice the day before and I keep junk food out to the house, so there were no foods with simple sugar. I had already given him honey that morning for a low and he could barely swallow it...he hates the stuff. So getting enough of it in him wasn't going to cut it.I gave him what I thought was enough carb loaded foods...along with jelly to keep him from dropping…

Jessica lost a tooth on Thursday.She received $3.....one dollar for every night the tooth fairy "forgot" to come. She almost received $4.I think she knows the truth because cousin Elizabeth told her the tooth fairy isn't real.I tried to convince her that she IS real.Jessica seemed skeptical when, in the middle of the day after Jeff asked if I put money under her pillow and I raced up to do it, I asked if she checked under her pillow to see if the tooth fairy came."No, I looked when I woke up and my tooth was still there.""Go check now."She went upstairs and came down with $3.She didn't seem…

I went back to Fitness Together (my gym) a few days ago and met with a personal trainer after a long absence. I admitted how I've been resistant and, frankly, lazy when it comes to consistent exercise and healthy eating (feeling overweight and under-nourished). I committed to meeting with a trainer three mornings a week from now until January (gulp) and keep an "accountability journal." As I put on my gym clothes and shoes for the first time in ages, I realized that in my sleepy haze, I left the house having packed two different tennis shoes to work out in--one grey and yellow, the other blue…

I was eleven when I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. I was hospitalized over Easter break, so I didn't have to miss any school (just my luck). It was my final year of elementary school, back in the days when sixth graders still ruled the roost at grade school instead of being the low man on the totem pole at the junior high/middle school, like they are now. I loved sixth grade. I loved my teacher, Mrs. Murphy. I loved acing the spelling tests and writing for the sixth grade newspaper, which I started. My teacher would give me sugarless gum instead of the Hubba-Bubba or other candies the…

I took my mom to the Dave Matthews Band concert at Alpine Valley last night. As a fan with t1 diabetes, it started off rough since we couldn't bring my OJ in (for hypos) or any food, since we didn't have a soft-sided cooler, and when my mom went to buy me a diet soda, after two sips I realized it was regular and not diet, so my mom had to traipse through the crowd again and wait in line once more for diet. Then, my bloodsugar got a tad low from all the dancing and clapping. I didn't realize I was "exercising," but after 3 hours, it starts to take a toll. But honestly, aside from testing three…

There must be a whole gang of angels here on earth and above who are rooting for my Grandpa Ray because he came home from the hospital today. Thank you, each and every, for your thoughts and prayers. He's on 24/7 oxygen and is weaker physically than before, but he has a strong spirit, and we're so happy to have him back home. He gave me many kisses and has such a sweetness to his voice and words. We all couldn't stop smiling like idiots at each other. It's a nice moment in time.Keep him in your hearts, and know that I have immense gratitude for all of you who said, or will say, a prayer for…

I was in a deep sleep Tuesday morning when the home health care nurse for my grandparents, screamed my name so loudly my ears were ringing. "COME DOWN HERE RIGHT NOW!" I heard echo through the hall separating my apartment from my grandparent's duplex below. And in a few short moments passing it became clear that my grandpa was in grave danger, barely breathing, but alive. We quickly called 911 and the paramedics were on their way, quickly arriving. Soon our kitchen was flooded with half a dozen EMTs trying to ascertain the situation. A cacophony of noise came streaming through the house, the…

I've been feeling very emotional about my diabetes recently.  It feels very vague and hard to identify.There is nothing really specific I can pin it to, no real point of frustration or trouble.  More like a low level, under the surface disturbance that has gotten my emotional undies all in a bunch.  I was reading one of Birdie's posts and it hit me.  How can I possibly feel so utterly lost sometimes when I've been dealing with diabetes for my whole life?  That feeling of "lostness", not in terms of loss (a different issue altogether), but rather not knowing where to…

I want to open up my head to everyone a little bit, hoping for some thoughts on why I did what I did.  I was doing some basal rate testing on Sunday, and was fasting until about 2:30 PM.   I got some decent data from the test, but was downright hungry since the moment I woke up until the moment I finally ate something.  I very carefully orchestrated the activities of me and the family to land us at the door of Old Country Buffet precisely at 2:30 PM.  Can you see where this is going?I was so hungry that I was intent on putting a dent on their buffet line, blood sugar…

I don't know about you all, but I have many different symptoms of low blood sugars.  There doesn't seem to be any real pattern or set of circumstances that triggers one set of symptoms versus others.I'm alright with that, and am thankful that I have symptoms left.Right now though, I'm coming back up from a mouth numbing low.  I think I mis-judged my late-breakfast carbs and also didn't eat lunch when I maybe should have (20/20 hindsight right?).The mouth numbing thing is something I don't much like. It feels like when your foot falls asleep, except it's your tongue...  all…

I recently had an "aha!" moment.  I was recovering from an overnight high (472 mg/dl for the record) because I over treated a low the night before.  The "aha!" moment?  I realized (again) that all of my highs (and I mean my really high highs, like 300+) were from over treating lows.  This is something that I've talked about before, but apparently keep losing focus of.I do go high for other reasons, but they are usually "moderate" highs.  Low to mid 200's, or even high 200's if I goof up my carb count enough.  But my really high highs, those are almost always…

They have been playing basketball over lunch at this YMCA for longer than I have been alive.  So as much as I dislike using the "shirts vs. skins" method for telling teams apart, who am I to rock the boat?I have to keep this in mind when placing my infusion sets.  Depending on my site change schedule, I place my sites (one for insulin, one for symlin) out of the way.  I often use the sides of my abdomen, my lower back, and high on my rear end, just below my belt line.  I don't use the front of my abdomen because I think there is a better chance for them getting snagged (by…

Allies Voice: Calling 1 million people with $25 to HELP CURE Type 1 Diabetes Why has the JDRF denied funding to Dr. Faustman's research to cure Type 1 diabetes? Phase 1 has become the burden of proof that the "Faustman Hypothesis" is the frontiers we must explore to cure type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune diseases. JDRF - if you're not part of the solution you are part of the problem! Here's my call to action: Phase 2 of Dr. Faustman's human trials are estimated to cost $25 million. If 1 million people watching this video have the wherewithal to donate $25 to Dr. Faustman's human trials at…

I've heard the tern "diabusiness" used in many ways for many things. The term "diabusiness" was described to me as the business of diabetes. Considering the head count for people with diabetes in the US is well over 20 million - I anticipate a bountiful response to this question: what does "diabusiness" mean to you? To understand "diabusiness" you must look at the business behind diabetes. Worth well over $10 billion, "diabusiness" is an industry for drugs, medical devices and other products and services involved in the care of more than 20 million Americans with diabetes. Both people with…

A little over a year ago I blogged about a company called Generex. Their flagship product is called Oral-lyn®, a spray form of insulin that enters the body through the inner lining of the cheek. Imagine the future of coverage and correction without needles! Standby 'cause the future of needle-free insulin is closer than you think. Generex announced in April that supplies for a six-month U.S. trial are ready to be shipped to clinical sites. Oral-lyn is administered through a hand-held device that looks a lot like an inhaler. The insulin begins working within 15 minutes and the onset profile…

Allies Voice: The CGMS Conundrum - Why the heck NOT? I'm fuming!! I know…. What's new, right? Seriously this time I'm heated about nonsensical insurance company denials of continuous glucose monitoring systems. There's no question (or is there?) that glucose monitoring and diabetes go hand-in-hand. This may sound terribly naïve, but why is it insurance companies are denying requests for people with diabetes to get continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMS)? Yes, glucose monitoring is vitally important when it comes to diabetes control . I use the term "control" loosely because it's…

It's amazing how little respect we give our bowels. An interesting report surfaced from the American Colon Therapy Association that inadvertently may explain a qualifying event to develop autoimmune diabetes. The article explains the ever-popular (but secret operation) of Hollywood's love affair with colonics or Colon Therapy. Do you need more science behind the inclination for a flush? (No pun intended, of course). A healthy colon is essential for the absorption of vital nutrients and the natural elimination of bodily waste and toxins. Colon therapy promotes healthy colon function and can…

Hi Everyone i been to the doctor and he put me on some new meds for diabetes and told me to stop my metformin and just take the new one so i seem to be doing ok i have just been so busy with work that i have not had time to blog but i did any some things to my myspace page so i am happy to have that done lol well i hope everyone is fine take care shelly

So I have a bad infusion site tonight. I went to a movie and wasn't feeling great so I checked before hand, and lo and behold 400! Geez haven't had a high blood sugar like this in a long while and I feel like crud. So I corrected hoping it was something I ate, but after the movie still not feeling well so I re-check. AND 485 no decrease at all! I'm bout to take a shot and change my site, but I'm so frustrated right now. Every now and then these sites just go bad, and there seems to be nothing to do about it but change them. Hopefully it'll improve soon.

I want to retire to a desert island, far from doctors and hospitals and the pain of it all(when it comes time to go) I am tired, spent another 12 hours in the ER to get up my magnesium(from 0.9 to 2.2) Read my blog, if you want to know why. I am bound for Johns Hopkins, my electrolytes keep tanking and they don't know why. Well, they do but local docs don't really "get it" and I need a freakin' super specialist(nephrologist) because I have got a leak + it very likely is Gittleman's Syndrome or Bartter's Syndrome or some such associated crud. The actual kidney works fine, it is not a diabetes…

so apparently i have had diabetes for 5 years. not 4. I know i have never been great at math, but damn...lol, bit of a mistake. 2003. it seems like forever ago..... i was drinking Shirley temples at sweet sixteens and downing pizza like it was going out of style that year. man, i miss those days of unsupervised, un-restrained, over-indulgent eating. in other news... i made some jello tonight to satisfy my craving for something sweet. sugar free=0 carbs. i usually hate jello. but tonight, it wasn't so bad. i suppose i was craving something sweet so badly that anything would have done the…

I just read a disturbing article about arsenic in drinking water possibly contributing to diabetes. The link is that people with a higher concentration of arsenic in their bodies have a much higher incidence of diabetes: http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/diabetes/2008/08/19/is-your-drinking-water-giving-you-diabetes.html

When you are under a lot of stress AND you have to manage your diabetes, I think there's always a risk of a major meltdown.It can be caused by even the stupidest, littlest things like not enough blood on the test strip, a low blood sugar that keeps you from going home on time, or in my case, some rogue adhesives that refuse to do their job. It was around 12:30am last night that I unintentionally put my emotions and those of my husband's through the wringer.Everything started off normally and innocuously enough.I was getting ready for bed, changing my entire infusion set.I use the Cleo 90 sets…

My new favorite site to laugh at is the Fail Blog. You may ask me why, so here's the best reason I can provide for you:see more pwn and owned picturesOn the other hand, I love Frostys, though ultimately they result in something really obnoxious...THE CARB COUNT FAIL!Hmm. I think I need to make a picture, even though you guys are the only ones who would really appreciate the joke.

He's not doing so well. Now has a blood clot in one of his legs. Because of the pancreatic cancer, they are not going to operate.I guess they are trying some blood thinners, but if they don't work and then the clot moves to the heart or lungs...My aunt is trying to get him into a nice hospice. I don't know that Dad realizes yet that's where he's probably headed. His girlfriend apparently has remarked that she can't take care of him, and basically doesn't want him to come back home. Can't say that I'm surprised--I've never been terribly impressed with her.Sometimes I feel like I don't know…

About.com is searching for an expert on Type 1 Diabetes! I don't think I'm the expert they're searching for, but maybe you know someone way more scientific or medical who could be qualified! Or maybe you have more time on your hands than I do right now to research all your Diabetes P's and Q's.Click this little ol' link right here, and then scroll to the "Type 1 Diabetes" description. It could be a really cool opportunity for the right person!

I have never quite understood the people who refuse to take medications because they don't want to have "all those chemicals" or what have you in their bodies. Recently, an acquaintance of mine mentioned that she might have to have her wisdom teeth out soon, but she wasn't really into taking medication, so she was wondering if she could bear it without the painkillers. She worries about taking medications because of her family's history of drug & alcohol addiction and abuse, which I suppose is a great reason to not drink, do drugs, or maybe avoid heavy use of prescription…

I report tomorrow.  We have two days of staff development, a convocation at American Airlines Center (getting there will be a PITA), and two teacher workdays. This will be my 18th year of teaching computer science, and the 18th year...

Got behind blogging on the trip.  In fact, didn't touch computer for last two days -- but did use smart phone.  So here's the trip recap:   We went everywhere between here and Las Vegas. We went to a...

Wow!  No wonder my doctor thought I was non-compliant until he started getting reports from the machine.  I honestly NEVER go to sleep at night without my CPAP, never take a nap without it, and don't like falling asleep without...

More pictures tonight.  http://www.flickr.com/photos/17677386@N03/sets/72157606343341219/ We've made it to Vegas.  Got in 12,564 steps today. Workshop starts tomorrow....

New photos are up: http://www.flickr.com/photos/17677386@N03/sets/72157606343341219/ Lesson learned: Navajo fried flat bread with cinnamon and sugar is not a good idea for a diabetic. It was worth it though. Another lesson learned:  Inventory bags when testing blood sugar etc. Misplaced @#$$)*...

Recently, actually it's been a little while ago, I wrote about how I procrastinate and don't check my blood sugar & get something to eat quickly when I have a low starting. Today's topic is about another procrastination topic. Changing my site.I don't know what is wrong with me lately. I don't want to change my infusion site. I've been leaving it in until the tape is peeling & I have no choice except to change it.There's really no reason why I shouldn't just change it every 3 or 4 days as I should. Changing it is quick & painless. But for some reason, I dread changing it. It's…

When I pulled in the driveway this afternoon, I could feel it. That low coming on. I hate those. But at least it didn't hit WHILE I was driving. That's even worse. So I should be grateful, huh?But what should I have done as soon as I got in the door? Check my blood sugar. But did I? NO. I took care of all the dogs instead. I fed and watered them all. Then I suddenly remembered that low. By this time, it was coming down fast now. So I finally checked it and it was low - 45 to be exact.Usually, when I'm this low, I graze through the kitchen and eat everything in sight. But I still had enough…

Recently, I wrote about how it was worth the long wait to see my GP. He was teaching a young doctor how to listen to patients. And that was good. But there was another situation during that visit that didn't go quite as well as the teaching part.While I was there, they decided that a few blood tests were in order to verify that everything was truly fine with my kidneys. Okay with me. Then my doctor asked if they ever had trouble taking my blood. Well, I have only one good vein in my right arm. But it is a good one. So he asked if I minded if we let Doogie (he didn't really call him Doogie)…

Today I had my quarterly endo appointment and it was awesome! My A1c was...drum roll please!6.6!I think that's a record for me. I was so excited, I almost did a happy dance right there in the exam room. Plus, I had lost some pounds since I was there the last time. Yay!!! Made my day!No changes in my basals or anything, too. Things are clicking right along.Thanks to all of you who offered suggestions on a new lancet device for me. I decided to go with the MultiClix. It sounds wonderful. So I have a prescription to get one now. A new toy!What an awesome day!I can do all things through Christ…

I need your help. I've been using the One-Touch lancet device they sent me when I got my One Touch UltraLink meter a few months ago. I live the device itself. But now I need to get a refill on the lancets and I don't know what to get. I've been using some lancets I had stored away for a rainy day and they are chewing up my fingers big time! I've always re-used my lancets, but I've never had this much damage to my fingers.These lancets are just some old generic ones. I don't even know the brand name. I know there have to be better lancets out there. But I don't know which ones are good. So who…

If there's anything those of us with diabetes know, it's that we have to be flexible. Blood sugar levels and blood sugar maintenance equipment and medications take a lot of brain power and we are often at their mercy.   Which is why I'm up at 11 p.m. -- one solid hour aft