BetterCell

INSURANCE HELP FOR DIABETES

2011-06-03T17:06:00.001-04:00

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What DIabetes Is All About

2010-09-07T02:54:00.002-04:00

Diabetes is like a crossword puzzle that never ever has an answer.

Diabetes is like a Lover who promises you the Rainbow, but keeps you waiting,

Diabetes is like many Endocrinologist who understand a partial glimmer of the Disease and remain content after looking at their

15 min. watches.

Diabetes has brought Grant Monies for Research that has nothing to do with T1DM, but a new desk instead.

Diabetes has brought more women into the fold so that they too, can be manipulated while given new pens.

All these meetings in Texas speaks volumes to the thirst that is needed to put a dent into this this Disease by start calling it by

its correct nomenclature and cease giving out T-shirts and expecting those that Represent us to give a damn.

Type 1 Diabetes

2010-07-25T14:27:00.002-04:00

Type 1 Diabetes is like being on a Time Line with how this Disease becomes a part of your Life and how you in-turn react to it.

This can involve Complications and everything in-between such

as Relationships, Food, Exercise, Employment.

For those of us who have had this Disease for a Long Time and for

those who have been recently diagnosed with various reading material

and told how we can "Live Normal Lives"..............that is Bull Sh*t.

Of course by being politically correct we can then offer various untruths that the person with Diabetes(Type 1) has yet to experience.

I will give you one politically Correct BIG LIE that is told,

'if you maintain normal blood glucose levels, you will not get Complications from this Disease.'

The truth of the matter is, that if "normal" blood glucose levels were maintained, the person would not have Diabetes. In addition, you can have great "numbers" and still succumb to Complications.

It just takes longer for its havoc on the Body to begin.

Life is unfair.

Sometimes Dreams do not come true.

Sometimes you are not the hero in the story of your Life and sometimes people die before they are supposed to.

Life is not fair.

But fair has nothing to do with who you are inside, what you dream about, who you love and what you stand for.

Life cannot touch that.....

War cannot touch that....

Doctors cannot touch that....

LXD

Other People

2010-04-25T15:18:00.002-04:00

Illness be it Diabetes or any other chronic condition makes
other people feel vulnerable..........a reminder of their own
morbidity and mortality.
Thus creating a self-imposed distance between themselves
and those who are ill.

New Breakthrough In Diabetes Treatment

2010-01-26T22:44:00.003-05:00

By following the procedures and amounts outlined below, each
of you with T1DM should derive much benefit.
The recipe is as follows:

1. 80% Love

2. 10% Insulin

3. 5% Good Nutrition w/Supplements

4. 5% Exercise

Mix all of the above thoroughly and enjoy Life.

I Meet Moses

2009-11-21T14:47:00.010-05:00

Last Thursday, the weather was brisk but warm for this time of year.
It reminded me of Spring that always offered the promise and expectation of "new things" to come my way.
An appointment with my Physician meant taking the subway on time so as not to be late. Little did I know at the time, that I would be more than just late.

As I swiped my Metrocard into the turn-style, I heard the oncoming train. The ten feet to the stairs while on the platform turned into a "Dance with Death."
I immediately fell to the cement floor of the platform and began to seize. Punching and wobbling about while trying to keep any semblance of consciousness and control alive. This gave way, to the punching of the iron beams with my fists before falling to the ground again.
Some Good Samaritans called 911 as I kept punching and wiggling about on the cement floor of the platform.
It was as if, "another part of me was and wanted to be in control."
Another Good Samaritan gave me a pint of orange juice to drink, while his friend ripped a piece of heavy cardboard box in half to use as a fan for me as he waved it back and forth.
I asked the person who brought me the orange juice what his name was? He replied, "it is Moses."
The EMS finally arrived while I was still in a half conscious state of cognition and 'asked me for ID.'
I showed them my Driver's License and Hypoglycemia Card that stated my having Diabetes. All this while slipping in and out of consciousness.
In the ambulance they had me restrained on the stretcher since I was trying to get up and even managed to do so in a semi-verticle position.
The EMS person (Mr. Velez) then gave me an O2 cannula. I tore off the O2 cannula and told them that what I needed was GLUCOSE and not Oxygen.
Thereupon he squirted a glucose gel into my mouth, since I was tied down.
When we arrived to the ER, my blood glucose was 50mg/dl.
The persons that were truly helpful were the Good Samaritans (Moses and his Friend)
They were the ones who despite their Poverty, saved my Life.........and not the EMS WHO SHOULD BE BETTER TRAINED IN RECOGNIZING AND TREATING SEVERE HYPOGLYCEMIA.
Thank you Moses & your Friend.
In retrospect, during the past when because Of Hypoglycemia Unawareness and falling to the ground there have been better trained, more intelligent and caring EMS, EMT Personnel who because they gave me Glucose IV, did save my Life.
Yes Virginia,.............there is a Moses.
Since my Life has been a series of Rhythm & Blues, what better way to celebrate Awakening (again) then this fine piece of music. Play it on the loud side and catch the great movements on stage:

ANGELS IN THE MIST

2009-06-30T21:58:00.004-04:00

Usually after a Summer rain in the evening, the Earth begins to release all the
aromatic smells of bark, grass, leaves, soil and more.
I decided to wait till the end of the rain which was about forty minutes until I trotted off to the Post Office to mail a utility bill, so as to "be on time."

The Post Office is a quick 7 minute walk from my home. As I crossed the second block, I felt the rush of my legs collapsing underneath me and with quick responses learned from past experiences I opened a pack of Glucose Gel, but fell onto the waiting earth and grass whose sweet smells provided sanctuary for me till I would be able to stand.
As I continued to lay on the ground the sound of a car passed and stopped with the Driver asking, "are you alright?" I told him that I have T1DM and my blood sugar is very low.
He said that he worked in a hospital and understood, but also inquired whether I took something for the low blood sugar?
Both he and his young son were very kind to me as they helped me to my feet and offered to drive me home(2 blocks).
They even waited until I was able to reach the building door before they left.
Thank you whoever and wherever you are..........................

GOOD NEWS

2009-03-10T16:24:00.002-04:00

The company Generex has been involved for some time now in a new Insulin delivery system, which is an oral spray into the mucosa of the mouth thereby avoiding any Respiratory Complications or problems that may arise.
I will paste the article here for all to read and to rejoice.
No cure yet!!

Generex Biotechnology Announces Successful
Phase III Study Data for Generex Oral-lyn™

WORCESTER, MA, March 10, 2009 (GlobeNewswire) – Generex Biotechnology Corporation (NasdaqCM: GNBT ) (www.generex.com), the leader in drug delivery for metabolic diseases through the inner lining of the mouth, today announced positive results following the review of the Phase III data for the Company’s flagship product, Generex Oral-lyn, a proprietary oral insulin spray product designed to replace prandial injections of insulin.

Generex, together with the Company’s independent third party statistical and data monitoring consultants, will continue to monitor the ongoing pivotal Phase III Generex Oral-lyn study according to protocol and national/international ICH-GCPs. To date, more than 300 subjects have been enrolled in the study (with 60 subjects having achieving the requisite six month treatment milestone) and the product’s non-inferiority to injectable meal-time (prandial) insulin appears to be maintained. If the current positive trend is maintained, then a large reduction of required enrollment will suffice for formal verification of the non-inferiority hypothesis.

The current data also demonstrates that no significant Generex Oral-lyn drug-related “Adverse Events” or “Serious Adverse Events” have been reported, which also supports the current initiatives of the study.

“The current data and trends represent a critical milestone for the Company,” said Anna Gluskin , Generex’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “These results are consistent with the results of our previous studies. This will allow us greater flexibility in our strategies for filing submissions with regulatory authorities in major global markets and other jurisdictions where applications are already in progress.”

The Company believes that Generex Oral-lyn will offer a safe, simple, fast, effective and pain-free alternative to prandial insulin injections which will improve patient compliance with therapeutic regimes thereby delaying the progress of diabetes and the onset of its myriad complications.

BLUE EYES

2009-02-24T02:09:00.002-05:00

BLUE EYES

The light of a late summer afternoon shines through her blue eyes offering a profound Beauty within the forces of Life to behold.
She is looking for the Light........But I am able to see it within her. It is not to be found outside of Self but many times hiding inside waiting to be tapped and released.
There are many women with Blue Eyes but very few that are able to capture the spirit of the Earth and provide a soft blanket covered in silk that lays upon the Body when Wind approaches.
My eyes portray the Earth which gives growth to the elements of the blue sky in the middle afternoon of a late Summer day.
Our Eyes kiss as we depart in the knowledge of seeing each other once again within the depths of our travels.
Our Japanese farewell are understood by both.
Many paths to the circle exist.

AWE

2009-02-13T15:18:00.000-05:00

AWE

I have lost my sense of Awe
It’s much worse than before.
When Diabetes came with all its glory
It created an intercellular fury.
The inflammation causes the fires to reign
with many Doctors still unable to explain.
For thousands of years the question remains
Can anyone free us from all these pains?

DIABETES IS LIKE.........

2008-12-13T20:25:00.003-05:00

Diabetes is like a scorned vengeful woman,
whose need for attention
is constant.
Fail to fulfill, and you will pay the consequencences
of a hurt woman in need.

RECIPE(Uintentional)PLUM TOMATOS/WITH BLOOD SAUCE

2008-12-05T23:42:00.002-05:00

I decided for my Dinner that a few fresh plum tomatoes with garlic and Lamb would make an excellent sauce over cooked noodles. A good mix of protein and carbs.
I always score the tomato skins so I can peel them more easily after they are blanched.
However what I found myself doing was not only making the cuts into the tomatoes, but my thumb as well......deep ones where the bleeding did not stop.
Since I was experiencing another episode of Hypoglycemia Unawareness and my Hands with the rest of my Body were seizing and spastic, I could not hold anything .
I managed to open a jar of honey and put my hands inside to scoop out anything that rested on my palm or fingers, which I fed to my mouth.
A great deal of blood was dropping into the saucepan and on top of the noodles as well.
My first concern was not with my Dinner, but with the Saving/Healing of my Self.
The effects of the Honey finally kicked in and I was now able to regain my balance without falling on the floor.
So for those of you who are not taken aback by your own blood(think of all the finger-sticks you have done throughout the YEARS). Here is the recipe that provided nourishment while being prepared in a state of spasticity and semi-consciousness:
It tasted great!!

4 cloves fresh garlic (pounded or smashed)-skin off.
4 plum tomatoes that you will score on the back with a sharp knife.
1/4 lb. chopped Lamb.
Choice of your favorite cooked noodle.
Olive Oil
2T of Thumb Blood.(optional)
Salt to taste

Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for 30 sec. then put into an ice bath, where you will peel the skin off.
Cut the tomatoes very fine since these will be in a saucepan where you have place the Olive oil, chopped Lamb, garlic under medium heat. Add chopped Tomatoes and salt. At this point the 2T Thumb blood(optional) can be added as well.
Lower flame and cook about 15 minutes adding any basil or/and oregano at the end.
Pour over a bowl of your favorite noodles with fresh chopped parsley on top.
Red wine would be a good accompaniment.

COTTON COFFIN

2008-11-19T17:34:00.006-05:00

I am four as I look out of my window onto the world
that shows a limping sparrow.
I prepare a cotton filled box that will provide softness
for its pain with a small bowl of water nearby and some bird seeds as well.
In the morning as both the sun and I rise, I look at the soft cotton box
with the sparrow inside. It does not move.
I now have its pain and no comfort follows.

AUTUMN

2008-10-29T18:56:00.003-04:00

I unlock my door to rush out into the cool Wind of Autumn.
It blows against my cheeks as I play a game with the forces of Nature.
The faster I walk up to the Wind, the stronger its voice makes
its presence known to me.
I use the power of my legs and the Breathe of my Lungs/Heart to rush me forward................and the Wind stays with me to remind me of the Beauty of Life.
The rushing of the Wind against my face are but subtle messages within Nature if we care to hear them at all.
I care.

DIET TIPS FOR YOUR DIABETES

2008-10-19T22:17:00.002-04:00

It is unfortunate that at times many Physicians, CDE'S and other Health-care Providers do not give their patients who have Diabetes and may be overweight enough information about sensible nutrition.
Here then is a clip that will offer informative suggestions in eating correctly.
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓

WE ALL NEED A BREAK FROM THE PAIN

2008-09-30T18:13:00.003-04:00

Those of us with T1DM(Type 1 Diabetes) know or will eventually know that despite all the correct things that we are doing for ourselves and all the gadgets provided for good Glucose control we will develop Complications associated with this complex Disease.
We can be the best athletes with great Bodies and excellent HgbA1C's who eat and consume fresh vegetables and lean proteins and lower our CHO Intake, but despite all these great and honorable efforts, WE will NOT succeed at preventing the horrors of COMPLICATIONS that are a part of this Disease called Type 1 Diabetes.
So, I think I will drink some red wine today which will give me the beneficial effects of Resveretrol as well as a space within time(intoxication) to put my anxiety and pain that is a part of my Diabetes and its consequences at rest.
I have also given my cats catnip so they as well can have the pleasure and time to rest over their rescue attempts for me as well as their concern.
THERE MUST BE A SOLUTION TO ALL OF THIS!!

DON'T LET DIABETES DEFEAT YOU!!

2008-09-29T15:42:00.005-04:00

I could not say it better than what is said in an amusing way on this clip. Even-though it really is addressing the issue of Insulin Resistant Disease(aka Type 2 Diabetes), it is still interesting to see how Bill's Physician has resigned himself to the feeling that he(Bill) will not modify his Life and thus be subjected to all the Horrors that can ensue.
Click with your mouse to play:
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓

STARBUCKS/FIRST AID STATION

2008-09-20T19:25:00.002-04:00

My subway ride down to Farmer's Market this afternoon recorded a bs reading of 170mg/dl.
I figured that that number would provide safety while in the Market since it was also post lunch.
At the Market I began to feel those familar symptoms of just before unconsciousness begins with the 1-2 second intervals of blackout while still upright.
Immediately I rushed across the street not cognizant of green yellow or red light. My main goal was to reach the Starbucks on the near corner where I knew SUGAR would be available.
The canisters of white granulated sugar were no-where to be found. I saw an employee and told her that I have Diabetes and am on the verge of losing consciousness in their store and was unable to find any sugar to treat my Hypoglycemia. She told me that they were "out of sugar" and asked if I would like sugar syrup instead. I said yes, and the manager asked me how many pumps of the syrup would I like?
I said, "5 pumps."
He quickly brought over a container of hot water which was filled with the 5 pumps of the sweet syrup.
After I quickly drank the sweet mixture, I checked my bs and got a reading of 40mg/dl.
Waiting 20 minutes for the effects to work, I rechecked and got a 77mg/dl.
Another day in the adventures of having T1DM and being on Insulin Analogues that are missing C-peptide(found in Porcine and Bovine Derived Insulin) which always gave me much earlier warnings of impending Hypoglycemia.

LAST NIGHT I DREAMT.........

2008-07-27T13:58:00.007-04:00

My dreams are usually very intense and meaningful, last night was no exception.
I dreamt that I was instrumental in creating a Research Facility ONLY geared to treating, improving the Lives of and even curing those with Type 1 Diabetes.
This *complex* Disease has existed for thousands of years with the continuation of all the "side-effects" associated. We all know them, for those that do not here is a list:
1. Amputation
2. Heart Disease
3. Blindness/Retinopathy
4. Sexual Problems
5. Fertility Problems
6. Kidney/Bladder Damage
7. Premature Cataract Formation(Diabetic Cataract)
8. Stress
9. Depression
10. Micro and Macro Vascular damage.
11. Peripheral Neuropathy
12. Autonomic Neuropathy
13. Increase in Candida and Skin Infections
14. Conception & Delivery problems
15. Dental problems(there is a loss of dental bone in those w/T1DM) and cavity exposure from "correcting" Hypoglycemia in having the sweet residue remain on tooth surfaces for too long of time.
16. Defective counter-regulatory mechanisms to help correct Hypoglycemia.
All these can (and sometimes do) occur in people with T1DM despite having good Glucose/HgA1C Numbers.
No one wants to hear "bad news," but those of us w/T1DM should still be aware of how complex and awful this Disease is. The reason why it still does not gain Media Exposure compared to HIV or Type 2 Diabetes, is that it is not as "sexy" to write about this 10-15% Disease.
Those organizations that are suppose to "represent us," should be more vocal(shouting instead of speaking with political correctness).
My initial exposure to Type 1 Diabetes came after I was diagnosed at six and later would meet with an Endocrinologist while waiting to be called in a large room within a hospital filled with other people with Diabetes. Many of these other people had only one leg and those with two legs were not able to see.

Some of you will say that, 'we now have many tools available to us to make our Lives easier and better.'
The reality is that despite all these "tools," WE still have a serious and complex Disease that not too many Researchers, Physicians and others in Healthcare have a good enough grasp on to prevent all of the potential damage that this Disease is capable of creating.

I do not want to present a fatalistic and totally despairing outlook for those of us with T1DM in spite of the seriousness of this Disease.
So, what are the things that we may do to alter/modify and influence the direction of T1DM upon our bodies?
1. Learn everything about T1DM. That includes reading, and asking many questions.
2. Be Proactive about T1DM. This is your Body!! You are in control 24/7......Respect your Body and listen to its needs.
3. Have a Physician who will both listen to your concerns and be able to communicate with you. Do not sit in the "backseat" while your Physician drives the car. You should be in the front seat along w/your Physician.
4. Exercise everyday instead of very other day or 5 days a week. Exercise anerobic or/and aerobic will reduce your glucose levels and make your Body more Insulin sensitive.
5. Learn how to Meditate to relieve Stress that any Chronic Disease(T1DM) will bring.
6. Eat FRESH foods rather than can/frozen. There is more of the nutrition value obtained from fresh foods that your Body needs and wants.
7. Decrease your carbohydrate intake. Remember you have T1DM so your Body cannot "automatically" supply the additional Insulin needed for the conversion of carbs to glucose that will occur.
8. If you are overweight......lose wight. Most, if not all of people w/T1DM do not have a weight problem. Remember T1DM as a group are 2-5X more vulnerable to any type of Heart Disease.
9. Examine the use of CAM for your Body. Complimentary Alternative Medicine. The NIH even has incorporated a special division which researches the influence of CAM over Disease and Illness.
10. Keep in mind that there is a high degree of Inflammation associated with any Chronic Disease, especially T1DM..........there are certain herbs and Nutraceuticles that will reduce the level of Inflammation within your Body without the side-effects and toxicity of NSAID'S.
11. Keep an *Open Mind*.......Learning is continual.
12. Remember....not all Endocrinologists have the interest/intelligence and passion to be Physicians for those of us with Type 1 Diabetes.
13. Since Medicine has UNFORTUNATELY become a BUSINESS instead of Science with Compassion...........CHANGE DOCTORS IF NECESSARY!!

DIABETES DISTRESS SCALE

2008-05-13T20:40:00.003-04:00

Recently contained in the Annals of Family Medicine a distress screening
instrument was created for Primary Care Physicians and other Healthcare Providers who interface with people with IRD(aka type 2 Diabetes).
The problems listed can readily apply to those of us with T1DM as well, which is why I will list them here.
This is another example of T1DM getting *short shrift* when it comes to Diabetes. In spite of that, we can still use this tool and yes, you may copy and use it(answer it as well), provide it to your PCP, Endocrinologist or/and CDE so that they might know "how you have been feeling w/Diabetes 24/7."
...........and think of how much time you will save during that 15min interlude that your Physician only has with you.lol
You can even share it with your Spouse or Significant Other so that they will know, *how you really feel.*

Directions Living with diabetes can sometimes be tough. There may be many problems and hassles concerning diabetes and they can vary greatly in severity. Problems may range from minor hassles to major life difficulties. Listed below are 17 potential problems that people with diabetes may experience. Consider the degree to which each of the items may have distressed or bothered you DURING THE PAST MONTH and circle the appropriate number.
Please note that we are asking you to indicate the degree to which each item may be bothering you in your life, NOT whether the item is merely true for you. If you feel that a particular item is not a bother or a problem for you, you would circle "1." If it is very bothersome to you, you might circle "6."

1. Feeling that diabetes is taking up too much of my mental and physical energy every day.
1
2
3
4
5
6

2. Feeling that my doctor doesn't know enough about diabetes and diabetes care.
1
2
3
4
5
6

3. Feeling angry, scared and/or depressed when I think about living with diabetes.
1
2
3
4
5
6

4. Feeling that my doctor doesn't give me clear enough directions on how to manage my diabetes.
1
2
3
4
5
6

5. Feeling that I am not testing my blood sugars frequently enough.
1
2
3
4
5
6

6. Feeling that I am often failing with my diabetes regimen.
1
2
3
4
5
6

7. Feeling that friends or family are not supportive enough of my self-care efforts (eg planning activities that conflict with my schedule, encouraging me to eat the "wrong" foods).
1
2
3
4
5
6

8. Feeling that diabetes controls my life.
1
2
3
4
5
6

9. Feeling that my doctor doesn't take my concerns seriously enough.
1
2
3
4
5
6

10. Not feeling confident in my day-to-day ability to manage diabetes.
1
2
3
4
5
6

11. Feeling that I will end up with serious long-term complications, no matter what I do.
1
2
3
4
5
6

12. Feeling that I am not sticking closely enough to a good meal plan.
1
2
3
4
5
6

13. Feeling that friends or family don't appreciate how difficult living with diabetes can be.
1
2
3
4
5
6

14. Feeling overwhelmed by the demands of living with diabetes.
1
2
3
4
5
6

15. Feeling that I don't have a doctor who I can see regularly about my diabetes.
1
2
3
4
5
6

16. Not feeling motivated to keep up my diabetes self-management.
1
2
3
4
5
6
17. Feeling that friends or family don't give me the emotional support that I would like.
1
2
3
4
5
6

ANNALS OF FAMILY MEDICINE ♦ WWW.ANNFAMMED.ORG ♦ VOL. 6, NO. 6, ♦ MAY/JUNE 2008
Copyright © 2008 The Annals of Family Medicine, Inc

DIABETES/THE NITTY GRITTY

2008-05-08T15:42:00.005-04:00

Scott Strumello @sstrumello.blogspot.com has tagged me for *5 Things You Won't Find In A Book*
Thanks Scott.

Some of these items that I will list, you might find in a book. But all come from a personal relationship that I have had with Diabetes(T1DM) for a long time.
1. If you are newly diagnosed w/T1DM or you are the Mother of a child with Diabetes, then learn as much as you can retain about this complex disease.......and keep learning.

2. Always have some sort of ID on your person that says, that you have Diabetes and are on Insulin.

3. Treat signs/symptoms of Hypoglycemia IMMEDIATELY w/o first using your meter to check your blood sugar level. The time wasted, even in seconds can be dangerous where a rapidly declining glucose is occurring. If later upon checking your glucose value, you can always correct "mistakes," with additional Insulin. Remember, you do not "have to pass Go" in order to treat a possible Hypoglycemia crisis.

4. Keep an Opened Mind regarding T1DM and Treatment. The Body is under a constant state of stress because of the presence of this chronic Disease.
Anything that will help your Body/Mind/Spirit is worth developing and using. This might mean food modification where you will avoid certain foods and utilize others, the use of Meditation to lower stress levels, the use of exercise to help balance and reduce Glucose levels, the use of certain herbs that have been used for thousands of years in the treatment of Diabetes,
the performance of Martial Arts where your Body/Mind/Spirit become one and unified. This is helpful against any Disease.
Basically, you have to find what *works* for your own Body so that you are creating a "better playing field" than before.

5. Don't be a "Passenger" in your Doctor's office. You have to be proactive and involved in all treatments and decision making regarding your health.
It is your Body, not your Physicians.........respect it. Thus, both you and your Physician can both be "Partners" and sit together in the front of the car.

There is of course much more that I can offer, but like advice from anyone and anywhere, you take what applies to you and what you can use.

I pass this chain now to Kathy at PurpleHaze.com

HOW HOMER DEVELOPS DIABETES

2008-04-07T21:15:00.005-04:00

Most of you who are fans of the Simpsons know how overweight Homer is and how awful of a diet he has, with a fondness for doughnuts and other tasty treats. This history along with a lack of exercise
makes Homer a *ripe candidate* for the development of Diabetes(Type 2).
There is a message to be learned as well, and that is, what is perceived by
Marge as an addiction is really not but an attempt to inject Insulin.
Unfortunately, it looks as if Homer is doing it via IV rather than Subcutaneous.
Still funny.

Here is a visual development as to how it really took place:
↓ ↓

That's Marge in the opening scene feeding Homer nutritious hot Oatmeal so he will feel better.

DEATH RIDES THE OVERPASS

2008-04-01T21:33:00.004-04:00

I just came across a story published in the Edmonton Journal(Canadian newspaper) by Jim Farell.
I and many others in the T1DM Community can relate to these events since it covers the horrible consequence of Hypoglycemia Unawareness that has again occurred to "One of Us."

Shaughn Butts/Canwest News Service: A semi truck and trailer lie in wreckage after crashing. The driver was killed after smashing into a guard rail on the overpass and crashing onto the railway tracks below.

EDMONTON -- Friends and relatives of the truck driver who died Monday in a fiery crash after a 20-kilometer, wrong-way drive down Yellowhead Trail believe his bizarre behavior was caused by diabetes, not anger or suicidal impulses.

"He has had Type 1 diabetes since he was young, and he has medically crashed many times after going into hypoglycemia," said Bill, a family friend of the 25-year-old driver. Bill is the uncle of the driver's girlfriend, whom he intended to marry.

Dr. James Shapiro, a prominent diabetes researcher from the University of Alberta, refused to comment about the specific aspects of the driver's death since he had never treated him, but he said that when a diabetic's blood sugar plunges below a certain point, bizarre behavior can result.
When blood sugar drops below a certain point, the brains of some people with diabetes can no longer function properly, Dr. Shapiro said. Results can range from sleepiness to unawareness and a mental disconnect with a person's surroundings. "It's certainly possible that a diabetes patient can be in a prolonged hypoglycemic state for minutes and hours," Dr. Shapiro said.

People tend to forget how complex of a Disease T1DM is. In spite of having "good numbers," there are hosts of other factors within the Body that can go awry because of the Diabetes.

Six Word Meme

2008-03-28T17:49:00.005-04:00

Thank you for the Tag Minnesota Nice.............and that you are.
Here then w/o further delay is my Six Word Meme:

Still looking around Corners
for Cure..........

I, in-turn pass the Six Word Meme to:
Seonaid @http://snd1590.wordpress.com

Scott @Scott's Web Log

EAT SOMETHING GOOD(FOR YOU)

2008-03-01T21:13:00.008-05:00

As reported in the Boston Globe 2/25/08/www.boston.com/news/health/articles
Eating Oats(Whole Oats) is good for you!!
The reason being, is that they contain an ample supply of beta-glucan, a natural anti-inflammatory agent that suppresses the body's production of certain cytokines.
Cytokines are Inflammatory Agents that produce elevated levels of Inflammation within the Body. This Inflammation can be found in Diabetes, Heart Disease, MS, Arthritis, Allergies, Asthma and many other Auto-Immune Illnesses. Often with this Inflammation comes further harmful effects within the cells, tissues, organs and vasculature leading to other Diseases or a further breakdown that has already begun.
So, here is something that is Natural and without side-effects that would be useful to all those with Diabetes and other Illnesses.
Oats have been available for a long time, are in abundance, are easy to prepare and digest; and have many healthful benefits to offer. They also lower LDL(bad cholesterol) levels. For those of us w/T1DM that is important because the risk of Coronary Disease is elevated in those with Diabetes.
Part of the treatment for T1DM is to be actively involved with taking care of your Body in a positive way.

You have to be willing to accept responsibility and modification for your own Body.
Remember, what you want are whole oats, not the 30 second kind.
In this case, a little cooking effort goes a long way. Have it with slices of fresh fruit or berries on top, sitting across the table from the person you love. If there isn't a person you love sitting across from you, have it anyway.

Diabetes Poetry

2008-02-07T15:51:00.002-05:00

I turn the key to my apartment where I then drop spasmodically to the Floor.
Two dozen eggs are mixed as for an omelet that I never wanted as they fall out of the bag with me to the floor exposing yellow yolks on a brown wood surface creating the loss of a front tooth as I convulsively mash my jaw up/down and side to side not knowing what is real and what is temporary.
Unable to stand.
The refrigerator is near as my cats approach who have all too often seen their "Loved One" in similar past experiences.
They perform rescue by taking their claws to the open arm of my body that lays convulsing about in trying to revive me from the "Depths of Horror."
I squiggle to the refrigerator door and try to access any contents that will bring the Blood Glucose back up.
Pineapple juice bottle lay visible on the shelf as I reach for it but find my appendages are unable to grasp the potion as they continue to spasm.
I fight on...........Eternal Sleep is not welcomed.
Another attempt at the juice bottle yields it but quickly falls to the floor where juice and eggs now become a marsh reflection of Hypoglycemia.
Some juice remains in the bottle as I force myself to drink whatever liquid remains.
I lay in the marsh as my cats meow away the Evil from pressing on.
I search for honey and find a jar unable to avail itself because of immovable "stuck" lid.
Slowly the effects of the juice earlier consumed enables me to a steady gaze of another source which I now open and drink.
All is restored again, until.............................................................................

THE DEPTH OF DARKNESS

2008-01-24T02:14:00.000-05:00

I seem to be sitting and wasn’t sure except my sense of touch appeared to be returning. All I knew was that I was in some type of dark enclosure within a space I never knew. I tried to get up, but each time I attempted this, my legs would buckle from under me and so I would fall back to the same original spot of fear and the unknown. There was no orientation to Time, Place or Space.
My next attempt was to find something around me that might support my decision to try and stand. The outstretched hand of my arm began to scan the void around me for an object that might help. I still was unable to see within the darkness and still without any identity as to what my relationship to everything around me was. A total loss of the power of navigation, knowledge and control within time - space - object.
My hand felt an object that by touch resembled a broom. and began to feel hopeful that my sense of touch recognition was returning but still within a dark void.

I decided that I would attempt to use this broom-like object to help me stand upright, which it did. In reaching a different perspective, I saw what appeared to be small flickering slivers of light within the space I was in. The broom stick pole aided my walking to this light but I nevertheless banged my body into an immovable object which prevented my going further.

I felt my senses slowly returning minus of being cognizant of where I was other than it was a room. I slowly began walking in different directions at the same time using my sense of touch to try to find a source of light that would visually tell me where I was. The pain in my ribs and other places of my body no longer mattered, my attention was only to access light as well as understanding from all of this. Slowly and slowly I felt my presence returning even in the “dark pit” of who and what I was in relation to everything around me.
My hand then felt a smooth object that turned out to be my refrigerator door. I knew that upon opening this door a light would come on which it did.
Without going through the time wasted protocol of testing my blood sugar to determine if I was Hypoglycemic(like asking someone who has one leg, if they have difficulty in walking) and besides I could not even find it at that moment in time anyhow. What I did find when I opened the refrigerator door was a thankful recognition of where I was as well as much needed sweet juice on the inside which I quickly consumed.
It turned out that the slivers of light that I first saw, were the pilot lights on top of my stove which I was unable to recognize at the time in greater context.

This rescue made possible by the grace and power of a force that very few of us know, is a miracle. It puts into actual meaning what the Body and its relationship with Outside things are as well as the integration of Body-Mind-Spirit are all about. I was returning back into being aware of the moments(hours) before this occurred. Being in bed and drifting off within the realm of sleep in my bedroom until transported to a different room and space no longer recognized by me within the depths of unconsciousness.
The contusions and open cuts from my falling which later turn to scars(Physical/Emotional) are but added mementos to previous ones on this adventure in having T1DM.
Insulin is just a Bandage for this Disease since it is only being treated as a Symptom. It is much more than that. It (Diabetes) is an open wound that continues to bleed through the Bandage and in spite of it.

"I alone am drifting, not knowing where I am. Like a
newborn baby before it learns to smile, I am alone
without a place to go."

Tao Te Ching/Lao Tzu

WHAT DIABETES IS NOT

2008-01-10T14:48:00.000-05:00

Sitting on the subway this A.M., I noticed a billboard sign directly in front of me which was sponsored by the Epilepsy Society of Southern New York, It read:
"Epilepsy is about what we have..........Not who we are."

This same Wisdom should apply to those of us with T1DM as well.

THE PERKS OF BAKING

2007-12-17T11:44:00.000-05:00

One of the real advantages to baking is not only in tasting the creation you have made, but sharing it with those you love or/and care about.

Such is the case as I decided to bake Cinnamon Doughnuts last evening so that I could have it with a great cup of coffee from selected aromatic arabic beans which I grind every morning.
After letting the dough rise and proofing it, I then baked the doughnuts to a beautiful golden tan color after upon which I applied melted sweet butter to the tops and sprinkled cinnamon sugar on each.
The smells from the cinnamon on a cold winter night was inviting and warm as the doughnuts "rested" only until the following morning to be consumed with delicious coffee and of-course enough Novolog to make this possible.
The remainder of the doughnuts I share with all of you for the Holidays and to one of my neighbors who has recently given birth to a new Life.

FIRST AID AT WHOLE FOODS

2007-11-24T20:05:00.004-05:00

I don't like asking for help.
Having Diabetes(T1DM) at the age of 6 begins to make a person very responsible and independent in managing their own Illness.

While in the Meat/Poultry Department at Whole Foods, I began to feel disorientated and had short spurts of "blacking-out."
Nevertheless, I was determined to make it back up the escalator and then to the cashier section, where-upon I would quickly leave and consume something very sweet to bring me back to normglycemia.
I couldn't find the escalator or elevator and the "black-out spurts" were continuing.
Since I was still rationale and knew from many occasions of what happens if Hypoglycemia is not treated in time, I decided to ask for help at the Meat Department.
I told them that, "I have Diabetes and that my blood sugar is very low and need the Manager or someone to help me, since I feel like passing out."
The kindness and concern shown to me was gracious and immediate.. One of the Butchers asked me if I wanted some pie, while another Butcher asked me what type of Diabetes I had because as he said, "almost everyone in my Family also has Diabetes."
I told the Butcher who asked if I wanted some pie, that orange or apple juice would be better.
Percy who was the Manager, brought me a container of Tropicana OJ to drink and while he was gone to get the container, requested that someone stay and watch over me.
He retuned quickly with an opened container which I immediately drank, where-upon he brought back another (small) container for me. I felt myself getting better and "returning to reality." Percy then went on to tell me that his ex-girlfriend had T1DM and so he knew what to do. His ex-girlfriend would find herself in frequent episodes of Hypoglycemia where she would would be unable to help herself.
Talking with Percy and being reassured that I would get better, which I did after consuming 3 containers of Tropicana all helped in my resurrection of consciousness. I thanked all the people who helped me and was then able to find the escalator taking me to the first floor where I then departed for the Subway.
As I walked out of Whole Foods I kept thinking, Angels do exist in places that one would never expect.
Sometimes we are not able to see and feel their presence and at other times ......................we can.

POETRY

2007-11-13T12:35:00.000-05:00

I did have a friend named Chrissie,
Who one day became somewhat Prissy.
She flew in a Rage
at the sight of a Page.
and remained in a deep drawn Tizzy.
Reminded of Pravda and Izvestia,
I began to seek what was best for her.
So, like a good Sage,
I had it Encaged
and gone was the current Outrage.

SUBWAY SIGHTINGS

2007-10-31T21:12:00.000-04:00

THE NIT PICKER

Taking the subway back home after a Doctor's visit, I approach the only empty seat on the platform
bench as I await my train.
Next to me is seated a man in his early twenties with pomade greased shiny hair wearing a dark suit and polished shoes with a faux leather case on his lap.(probably coming back from a job interview)
Since looking at people can be an enjoyable past-time for lack of reading material, I notice that this "well-dressed man" begins
to pick the nits off his face............Disgusting!! I think and quickly remove myself to a standing position away from the bench as my train finally arrives.
These lessons bring to mind how "Appearances" really do not reflect the True Character of the person.
They are merely pretenses and costumes of the Self.
It is like, and I am sure many of us can relate to this.........seeing a Physician for the very first time in a starchy extra white lab coat who later turns out to be so incompetent and ignorant in treating the Body that one wonders how they ever "got this far as to be able to enter the world of Medicine."
The same Costumes can exist in Relationships, Marriages, Employment and more.
All you have to do, is "scratch" the surface just enough to expose the Self behind the Facade.

A DEDICATION

2007-10-16T22:25:00.000-04:00

This is dedicated to those of us who had T1DM visited upon us as children and who still were able to feel the Magic within our world.......
Listen to the words with your Heart and watch the video with your Soul

BOB DYLAN'S WORDS OF WISDOM

2007-09-21T21:43:00.000-04:00

It seems that the message has been widely spread throughout the Diabetes Community.
YOU are not your Disease!! Yes, you may have Diabetes but you are not Diabetes or Diabetic for that matter!!

DR. BERNSTEIN ANSWERS MY QUESTION

2007-09-20T12:52:00.000-04:00

The question I posed to Dr. Bernstein for his Live Broadcast on 09/19/2007

http://ds1.downloadtech.net/cn1086/audio/2070306569679-001.mp3

was answered regarding C-peptide.
The question I posed was, "From your knowledge, Do you know if there have been any studies that have shown that C-peptide is of beneficial value besides that of a bio-marker for insulin availability?
Dr. Bernstein responded by saying that, "C-peptide is a by-product in the manufacture of insulin and indeed there have been studies on animals.
But since C-peptide is not available for human use, and no one is interested in making it, it is just an academic point.
But there are some benefits to it."

What we in the Diabetes Community need, is not only to make the Healthcare Profession MORE aware of C-peptide and how, yes how it can be beneficial to the prevention AND treatment of Complications resulting from T1DM. There are animal studies that have proven this and the Bibliography goes back at least 30 years regarding the beneficial effects of the use of C-peptide in T1DM.
It (C-peptide) can be made available just as Symlin is now available for Diabetes Management.
And, oh by the way, YOU can still develop Complications (micro/macro vasculature) resulting from T1DM in spite of having "good" blood sugar numbers. It is the Nature of The Beast or to say it another way, it is a part of the Disease.

REMEMBERANCE

2007-09-11T00:36:00.000-04:00

God Bless All the First Responders/ Rescue Workers/Firemen/NYPD/Medical Personnel and Volunteers from NYC and elsewhere who helped to heal the Many on that day of 9/11/01 and the ones following.
......and God Bless the Friends that I have lost.
What we need Now are less tears and more closed fists to destroy Radical Islam as well as a change in the policy of the INS who were responsible (partially) in allowing these Terriorists to enter our country.

LUCIANO PAVAROTTI

2007-09-06T12:27:00.000-04:00

G-D Bless You Luciano Pavarotti.
Your Voice allowed the Angels to come out and fill the Hearts to all of those who heard you sing.
They (Angels) then carried us to a place where no pain, no illness, no hurt, and no sadness was to be found.

INSULIN QUESTION ?

2007-08-18T19:38:00.000-04:00

If anyone in the Diabetes Community can contribute your Knowledge, it will be very much appreciated by me.

Having been using Lantus as my Basal Insulin(bid) for a long long time, I recently decided to try Levemir.
I find that my bid doses with Levemir have increased substantially by about 13 additional units to create the same blood sugar numbers I had when using Lantus.
All the Variables such as Exercise, Stress, Food Intake/Amount, Sleep have remained constant throughout.
Has anyone else experienced this change where additional Basal Insulin amounts was required when using Levemir.
Thanks in advance.

HOME INVASION

2007-07-26T23:06:00.000-04:00

We should all mourn and grieve for the Family Members of William Petit, MD an Endocrinologist(Speciality in Diabetes) in Cheshire, CT.

On Wednesday, July 25, 2007 2 Parolees(Joshua Komisarjevsky and Steven Hayes broke into the home of Dr. Petit and beat him with a baseball bat, then went upstairs where they tied and raped his two daughters and strangled Dr. Petit's wife, Jennifer Hawke-Petit. The Bastards/Vermin then set fire to the home causing the deaths of Dr. Petit's Daughters from the smoke inhalation.

These Bastards/Vermin were then caught by the police as they tried to flee in Dr. Petit's automobile.
I know that these horrible deaths and agony could have been prevented if the women of the home were taught the use of firearms for self-protection/self-defense.
Secondly, the judge who granted parole to these Bastards/Vermin should be held as an Accessory to the crime.
The Death penalty for these Bastards/Vermin should be immediately Delivered(like today)!!

ADDENDUM TO: EAT PUMPKIN NOW!!

2007-07-11T23:45:00.000-04:00

Web MD has reported that the Pumpkin used in question was not our orange American pumpkin, but was an Asian pumpkin, which looks a little different Here is what was said:

"First, the scientists bought whole, mature Asian pumpkins — popularly called shark fin melon or Siam pumpkin — at a Shanghai market. Those pumpkins don't look like the orange pumpkins common in the United States. Instead, they've got a green and white rind."

You probably can find this in your local Chinatown produce market.

EAT PUMPKIN NOW!!

2007-07-08T23:52:00.000-04:00

It has been reported in "Society of Chemical Industry," that Compounds found in pumpkin could potentially replace or at least reduce the amount of daily insulin injections in T1DM.
It goes on to say that the extracts found in Pumpkin which is a part of the squash Family of vegetables, "promote regeneration of damaged pancreatic cells in diabetic rats, boosting levels of insulin-producing beta cells and insulin in the blood, reports Lisa Richards in Chemistry & Industry, the magazine of the SCI."
The protective effect of pumpkin is thought to be due to both antioxidants and D-chiro-inositol, a molecule that mediates insulin activity.
The study was led by Dr. Tao Xia of the East China Normal University.

I would think that these healthy anti-oxidants would also be found in other squash plants as well. Zucchini is in season now and is very delicious.
Stop by your Farmer's Market for a large bag of fresh vegetables, one of the best Medicines for T1DM in addition to Insulin and Exercise.

HYPOGLYCEMIA IN T1DM AND ITS AFTERMATH

2007-07-04T21:44:00.000-04:00

HAIRCUTTER/BARBER NEEDED

2007-06-19T19:52:00.000-04:00

I seek a Haircutter/Barber that knows how to give "great" haircuts (short) for Diabetes Hair.
Since I have T1DM, my Hair is a part of this Illness as well.
Just as it is difficult to find an intelligent, non-arrogant Endocrinologist, the same would apply to Haircutters who are skilled and creative at their craft.

In exchange, I would bake some delicious pastry/dessert(I have baked professionally) or teach you Self-Defense/Martial Arts.

This would be in the New York City area.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT

2007-06-08T13:55:00.000-04:00

I went over to my hospital today to pick up a copy of lab results of blood that were drawn a couple of days ago.
Because I am pro-active medically and do not relinquish my Autonomy to the people in White(Medical Profession), I always will get my "labs" (which you have a Legal right to acquire) so I can know what is going on within my own Body.
There were two events that appeared somewhat strange to me.
The first was a woman in the "Waiting Area" reading a magazine with the main article of interest called, "How To Avoid Serious Hospital Errors."
Somewhat ironic I thought, since this was in a Hospital that was known for "sweeping their mistakes under the rug" in-order to avoid bad publicity and law suites.
The second was a Resident approaching the "Waiting Area" and calling out to a patient that he was to see, "Mrs. S. come on back."
The Resident looked impatient waiting for his patient to "come on back" and neglected to see, that Mrs. S. had difficulty walking and was relying on 2 canes.
I felt that this Doctor was more appropriately doing an impersonation of Bob Barker on the "Price Is Right" with his famous, "come on down" remarks to the contestants and maybe should have chosen a TV Game Show rather than Medicine as a career.

MORE POISON FROM CHINA

2007-06-04T13:34:00.000-04:00

To add insult to injury......... After the contamination caused by melamine toxicity that was added to not only pet food, but to Animal Feed(poultry, hogs, beef) as well, China has created a "new poison" for consumption, TOOTHPASTE!!
The mouth having a huge capillary blood supply system is able to absorb toxins even from toothpaste. It is not just "rinsed away." The toothpaste from China has DEG(Diethylene glycol) added to the glycerine. DEG has a long history of being a Toxin, but is still used with other chemical agents to produce a desired result, whether in the production of dyes, coolants, glue, brake fluids and much more. In this case, TOOTHPASTE.
The ingestion (accidental or purposely) will have an affinity to the Liver and Kidneys, which for those of us with Diabetes pose a great risk.
Here is an "up-to-date report by the FDA and the recommendation to destroy/throw out/discard any TOOTHPASTE from China.
Another example of no "Safety Concerns" from the Chinese Government regarding their products.

FDA Advises Consumers to Avoid Toothpaste From China Containing Harmful Chemical
FDA Detains One Contaminated Shipment, Issues Import Alert

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today warned consumers to avoid using tubes of toothpaste labeled as made in China, and issued an import alert to prevent toothpaste containing the poisonous chemical diethylene glycol (DEG) from entering the United States.

DEG is used in antifreeze and as a solvent.

Consumers should examine toothpaste products for labeling that says the product is made in China. Out of an abundance of caution, FDA suggests that consumers throw away toothpaste with that labeling. FDA is concerned that these products may contain "diethylene glycol," also known as "diglycol" or "diglycol stearate."

FDA is not aware of any U.S. reports of poisonings from toothpaste containing DEG. However, the agency is concerned about potential risks from chronic exposure to DEG and exposure to DEG in certain populations, such as children and individuals with kidney or liver disease. DEG in toothpaste has a low but meaningful risk of toxicity and injury to these populations. Toothpaste is not intended to be swallowed, but FDA is concerned about unintentional swallowing or ingestion of toothpaste containing DEG.

FDA has identified the following brands of toothpaste from China that contain DEG and are included in the import alert: Cooldent Fluoride; Cooldent Spearmint; Cooldent ICE; Dr. Cool, Everfresh Toothpaste; Superdent Toothpaste; Clean Rite Toothpaste; Oralmax Extreme; Oral Bright Fresh Spearmint Flavor; Bright Max Peppermint Flavor; ShiR Fresh Mint Fluoride Paste; DentaPro; DentaKleen; and DentaKleen Junior. Manufacturers of these products are: Goldcredit International Enterprises Limited; Goldcredit International Trading Company Limited; and Suzhou City Jinmao Daily Chemicals Company Limited. The products typically are sold at low-cost, “bargain” retail outlets.

Based on reports of contaminated toothpaste from China found in several countries, including Panama, FDA increased its scrutiny and began sampling toothpaste and other dental products manufactured in China that were imported into the United States.

FDA inspectors identified and detained one shipment of toothpaste at the U.S. border, containing about 3 percent DEG by weight. In addition, FDA inspectors found and tested toothpaste products from China located at a distribution center and a retail store. The highest level found was between 3-4 percent by weight. The product at the retail store was not labeled as containing DEG but was found to contain the substance.

DEG poisoning is an important public safety issue. The agency is aware of reports of patient deaths and injuries in other countries over the past several years from ingesting DEG-contaminated pharmaceutical preparations, such as cough syrups and acetaminophen syrup. FDA recently issued a guidance document to urge U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturers to be vigilant in assuring that glycerin, a sweetener commonly used worldwide in liquid over-the-counter and prescription drug products, is not contaminated with DEG.

FDA continues to investigate this problem. If FDA identifies other brands of toothpaste products containing DEG, FDA will take appropriate actions, including adding products and their manufacturers to the import alert to prevent them from entering the United States.

Consumers can report adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of these products to FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program:
www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
(800) 332-1088

BUYER BEWARE!!

2007-05-10T10:53:00.000-04:00

As many of you already know, there has been a huge problem with the contamination of Pet Food traced back to China with the using of melamine( a chemical used in plastics) causing additional weight and nitrogen yield to the foods to create the impression that there is a high protein content, when there is not. This corruption in China by a number of companies and individuals was used to "make more money" from Pet Food Distributors because those in China did not have to supply the "real" protein, which of course would cost those in China more to produce. So, once again, Greed is the problem.
This problem has been responsible for the deaths of many many pets here in the USA that owners depend on for use as Guide and Rescue Dogs as well as members of their family including cats.
Now the problem has gotten into the Food Chain both here in the USA and in China, that has long had a problem with unsafe food and death associated with these products. Anyone who tells you that there is either no harm to humans or very little harm(some government agencies have said this) should be forced to eat these "suspected" foods from China. There have been many deaths of babies in China because of the sale of "fake baby formulas." The Food-Safety record in China is non-existent. Here in the USA we have Food Safety, but not enough inspectors to insure that what we eat is really safe to consume.
Here is a recent article by Christopher Bodeen, Associated Press Writer who has reported the current state of this problem:

"The Chinese government agency responsible for food safety has ordered stepped up checks on plant proteins such as wheat gluten or rice protein, the ingredients found contaminated. It has also banned the export or domestic sale of melamine, which is sometimes added to animal feeds to fool testers by making them appear to have higher nitrogen levels and therefore more nutritious.

China earlier this week announced the detention of managers at the two firms involved, apparently on suspicion of mislabeling the exports to avoid inspections.
Such contaminated products have frequently led to illness because of overuse of pesticides and chemical fertilizer, or by the injection of liquids into meat to boost weight and sale prices.
Mississippi and Alabama recently banned catfish from China after tests found ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin, antibiotics forbidden from use in the United States. Louisiana officials said Monday they would begin testing Chinese seafood for the antibiotics.

Excessive antibiotic or pesticide residues have caused bans in Europe and Japan on Chinese shrimp, honey and other products. Hong Kong blocked imports of turbot last year after inspectors found traces of malachite green, a possibly cancer-causing chemical used to treat fungal infections, in some fish.

Within China, babies have died after being fed fake baby formula, eggs have been impregnated with dangerous dyes to make their yolks redder and raise their sale price, and children have been injected with worthless rabies vaccine that is nothing but saltwater."

GREEN TEA,TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING?

2007-05-05T12:15:00.000-04:00

For those of you who believe in good nutrition and nutraceuticles(me) for optimal health, I recently came across an article from (Chemical Research in Toxicology, vol 20, p 583) which I would like to share with you knowing that it might apply to many. This information also appeared in Science Daily.

Green tea is good for you, but only if drunk in moderation. While the polyphenols in green tea are credited with preventing heart disease and cancer, it seems they can cause liver and kidney damage if consumed in very large quantities, a review of studies into the toxicity of polyphenols has shown.
"People shouldn't be too alarmed by this, but those taking supplements may experience problems," says lead author Chung Yang of Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey.
He stresses that up to 10 small cups of green tea a day is fine. Problems are likely in people who take supplements, which can contain up to 50 times as much polyphenol as a single cup of tea.
Yang's review cites experiments in which rodents and dogs died from liver poisoning when given very large doses of polyphenols. He also reports cases of people with liver toxicity after overdosing on green-tea-based supplements. Their symptoms disappeared when they stopped taking the pills, only to return when they started taking them again.

GENIE OUT OF THE BOTTLE

2007-05-02T00:32:00.000-04:00

This is a comment that I had posted to a Site discussing the problems that ensue when people interfere with Nature, specifically Insulin:

The missing C-peptide that is now a part of genetically altered insulin does indeed, blunt the feelings such as tachycardia associated with on-coming Hypoglycemia.
This causes problems in two ways:
1. The longevity of Diabetes will by itself cause Hypoglycemia Unawareness.
2. The taking out of C-peptide in genetically altered insulin will also be responsible for the "blunting effect" so that the person is unable to remedy the situation in time.
When you have these things occurring together as well as the possible addition of a Beta-Blocker than the potential for a very dangerous situation exists. It leaves the person only being able to tell if their blood sugars are low by means of a meter reading. The reality is, that not everyone can afford the Continuous Glucose Monitor or be forced to wear one.
Logically, it would be much simpler and wiser to make C-peptide available as a separate vial that could be injected along w/insulin.
Realistically, there is too much time and money already invested in the manufacturing process of insulin and that it was the only way to have it available in third world countries that are lacking enough animals and money to supply insulin or/and do not have the resources available to extract porcine/bovine insulin.
The Genie(C-peptide) cannot be put back in the bottle, but it can be put into a separate vial and made available since it offers much more to a person with Diabetes than a heightened awareness of impending Hypoglycemia. These are neuro, nephro, micro/macro vascular and cardio protective features so as to minimize or protect against the ravages of Complications associated with Long-term Diabetes despite good "numbers".
As WE all know, Diabetes does not go away and as such, WE have to do everything possible to make living with it, in our best interest. We have to be able to control it rather than the other way around.

CURRENT LIST OF PET FOOD RECALLS

2007-04-27T08:57:00.000-04:00

Here is a current list of pet food recalls( as of 4/26/07) resulting from tainted and contaminated products that were supplied via China and that has been responsible for many Deaths in both Cats and Dogs. The contamination has now spread to Hogs who had been given the tainted/recalled food and was mixed in their Feed. So, it is now in the HUMAN Food Supply as well.

FDA Home Page | Search FDA Site | FDA A-Z Index

Search for Pet Food Recalls
Updated April 26, 2007
Pet Food Recall: Main Page

Note:This compiled list represents several related pet food recalls. If and when new information is received, this list will be updated. While we have taken care to make sure the information is accurate, if we learn that any information is not accurate we will revise the list as soon as possible.

Cat Food Recalls
Americas Choice, Preferred Pet
Authority
Best Choice
Blue Buffalo Co (RICE GLUTEN)
Companion
Compliments
Demoulas/Market Basket
Eukanuba Cat Cuts and Flaked
Eukanuba Morsels in Gravy
Fine Feline Cat
Food Lion
Foodtown
Giant Companion
Hannaford
Hill Country Fare
Hill's Prescription Diet
Hy-Vee
Iams Cat Slices and Flakes
Iams Select Bites
J.E. Mondou
Laura Lynn
Li'l Red
Loving Meals
Medi-Cal
Meijer's Main Choice
Natural Balance (RICE GLUTEN)
Nutriplan
Nutro Max Gourmet Classics
Nutro Natural Choice
Nutro Products
Paws
Pet Pride
Pounce
Presidents Choice
Price Chopper
Priority US
Publix
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet (RICE GLUTEN)
Save-A-Lot Special Blend
Schnucks
Science Diet Feline Cuts Adult
Science Diet Feline Cuts Kitten
Science Diet Feline Cuts Mature Adult 7+
Science Diet Feline Savory Cuts Can
Sophistacat
Special Kitty Canada
Special Kitty US
Springfield Prize
Sprout
Stop & Shop Companion
Stop & Shop/Giant Companion
Wegmans
Weis Total Pet
Western Family US
White Rose
Winn Dixie
Your Pet

Dog Food Recalls
ALPO
Americas Choice, Preferred Pet
Authority
Award
Best Choice
Big Bet
Big Red
Bloom
Bruiser
Cadillac
Champion Breed Lg Biscuit
Champion Breed Peanut Butter Biscuits
Companion
Companion's Best Multi-Flavor Biscuit
Companion/Giant Companion
Companion/Giant Companion/Tops Companion
Companion/Tops Companion
Demoulas Market Basket
Dollar General
Eukanuba Can Dog Chunks in Gravy
Eukanuba Pouch Dog Bites in Gravy
Food Lion
Giant Companion
Giant Companion/Tops Companion
Gravy Train
Grreat Choice
Hannaford
Happy Tails
Hill Country Fare
Hy-Vee
Iams Can Chunky Formula
Iams Can Small Bites Formula
Iams Dog Select Bites
Jerky Treats Beef Flavored Dog Snacks
Laura Lynn
Loving Meals
Meijer's Main Choice
Mighty Dog
Mixables
Natural Balance (RICE GLUTEN)
Natural Life
Natural Way
Nutriplan
Nutro
Nutro - Ultra
Nutro Max
Nutro Natural Choice
Nuture
Ol' Roy
Ol' Roy 4-Flavor Lg Biscuits
Ol' Roy Canada
Ol' Roy Peanut Butter Biscuits
Ol' Roy Puppy
Ol'Roy US
Paws
Perfect Pals Large Biscuits
Pet Essentials
Pet Life
Pet Pride / Good n Meaty
Presidents Choice
Price Chopper
Priority Canada
Priority US
Publix
Roche Brothers
Royal Canin (RICE GLUTEN)
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet (RICE GLUTEN)
Save-A-Lot Choice Morsels
Schnuck's
Shep Dog
SmartPac (RICE GLUTEN)
Springfield Prize
Sprout
Stater Brothers
Stater Brothers Large Biscuits
Stop & Shop Companion
Stop & Shop Companion/Giant Companion
Tops Companion
Weis Total Pet
Western Family US
White Rose
Winn Dixie
Your Pet

View All Recalled Pet Food Products
Download Pet Food Recalls List (Updated: 2007-04-26, MS Excel, 842KB)
(Excel documents can be read with a free copy of the Microsoft Excel viewer) and in PDF format (3.7MB)

TAINTED/CONTAMINATED PET FOOD SOURCES FROM CHINA

2007-04-23T16:38:00.000-04:00

Many of you should have heard or know by now that there has been a major recall by the FDA on many pet foods because of a highly contaminated substance found in them (Melamine) which is a plastic, that when tested before packaging will give a high protein count so that amount can be used on the label. This melamine is responsible for Kidney Failure and the deaths of many cats and dogs. The FDA has found that this has been purposely done and is not an "Accident".
Here is an important Site to get more information from:
www.menufoods.com
Menu Foods is a major Pet Food Supplier who has gotten the Wheat Products that go into pet foood from China, They in turn, have used this "Poison" to contaminate our Pet Foods. It is a vicous cycle.
Recall Information
1-866-895-2708

As a result of adulterated wheat gluten there have been several additional pet food and pet treat product recalls that are not part of the Menu Foods recall. For information on these additional pet food recalls please go to www.fda.gov.
As of right now 04/23/07@ 5:00PM Monday:

Tainted Pet Food has finally hit the human food supply by way of hogs who ate pet food laced with melamine, a rodenticide banned in the US but in use in China.
California officials quarantined 1,500 animals at the American Hog Farm and are tracking who purchased nearly 100 hogs from the farm this month, when the animals' feed included pet food that had been tainted with melamine.
In addition, 26 hogs were sold and slaughtered at an unnamed processing plant in northern California . Federal authorities quarantined those unprocessed carcasses at that plant, but state officials expect to identify more California processing plants that purchased the hogs.

"The pet food recall is turning into a real crisis," DeLauro said . "FDA initially assured us that the concerns about the pet food supply was a separate issue and that the human food supply would not be threatened. However, recent reports noting that the melamine has been found in hog urine which, if verified, has the potential of contaminating human food."
More information is to be found and credited to:
www.consumerist.com/consumer/pet-food

The pet food entered the food supply through a deal between Natural Balance's manufacturer and a nearby hog farm.
"The arrangement was for the farm to pick up 25,000 pounds of salvage food from the pet food manufacturer every 10 days or so. The farm mixed that with other salvage resources" to make the pig feed, said Steve Lyle , a California Department of Food and Agriculture spokesman.

Just in passing, don't forget that Animals gave up their Lives so that YOU are able to use Insulin.

WHAT IS C-PEPTIDE?

2007-04-12T21:02:00.000-04:00

Clinical studies show that C-peptide administration in type 1 diabetes patients, who lack the peptide, results in amelioration of diabetes-induced renal and nerve dysfunction.
Patients with type 1 diabetes, who continue to maintain a small endogenous beta cell activity, are less prone to develop long-term complications and have fewer episodes of hypoglycemia than those who become totally C-peptide deficient.
This particular Peptide is a part of Insulin make-up as is Amylin. Having only two parts of this composition made available in exogenous form (Insulin by way of Humalog and Novolog and Amylin by way of Symlin), we are most in need of the third which is C-Peptide.
In an article reported in Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 278: E759-E768, 2000;0193-1849/00, Vol. 278, Issue 5, E759-E768, May 2000
Role of C-peptide in human physiology

John Wahren1, Karin Ekberg1, Jan Johansson2, Mikael Henriksson2, Aladdin Pramanik2, Bo-Lennart Johansson1, Rudolf Rigler2, and Hans Jörnvall2
1 Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm; and 2 Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden

It states that The C-peptide of proinsulin is important for the biosynthesis of insulin......"Data also indicate that C-peptide administration is accompanied by augmented blood flow in skeletal muscle and skin, diminished glomerular hyperfiltration, reduced urinary albumin excretion, and improved nerve function, all in patients with type 1 diabetes who lack C-peptide, but not in healthy subjects. The possibility exists that C-peptide replacement, together with insulin administration, may prevent the development or retard the progression of long-term complications in type 1 diabetes. Recently, new data have been presented demonstrating specific binding of C-peptide to cell surfaces in a manner that suggests the presence of G protein-coupled membrane receptors. C-peptide may thereby stimulate specific intracellular processes, influencing renal and nerve function in C-peptide-deficient type 1 diabetes patients".
"There is now evidence to indicate that replacement of C-peptide in type 1 diabetes is accompanied by improved renal function, as evidenced by correction of glomerular hyperfiltration (27, 31, 50) and diminished urinary albumin excretion (25, 27), and amelioration of nerve dysfunction (25, 26). C-peptide replacement together with insulin administration, a therapy possibly closer to nature's own way, may thus be beneficial in type 1 diabetes patients".
As all of us know(or will know) T1DM related complications are horrible and severe affecting major body organs as well as the Retina. Since C-peptide has been already shown that there is a binding to cellular receptor sites required of ATP activity(Energy) and since with the destruction of those cells that produce Insulin, there comes a destruction in the availability of Amylin and C-Peptide. The logical course would then be to provide:
1. Insulin
2. Amylin
3. C-Peptide
The first two(Insulin and Symlin are already available)
My question is why has C-peptide not been made available considering the damage that takes place to our bodies 24/7 as a result of having Diabetes. Yes, high blood sugars can cause many of these problems, but the Longevity of the Disease and its Nature is a contributing factor as well.
The research on C-Peptide is vast going back to the 1980's at least.

One of the best papers to talk about the Vital Need for the Restoration of C-Peptide in T1DM has been written and presented by Zachary T. Bloomgarden, MD, a well-known Diabetologist/Researcher here in NYC.
The article can be found in Diabetes Care 27:1506-1514, 2004 called Diabetes Complications. "C-peptide is stored with insulin in ß-cell granules, and the two are secreted in equimolecular amounts. Pancreatic or islet cell transplantation with restoration of
endogenous C-peptide leads to amelioration and, in some experimental settings, to reversal of neuropathy and nephropathy".
In addition, C-Peptide has been found to prevent/delay Retinopathy which along with Renal, Coronary, Vascular, Autonomic/Peripheral Neuropathies are very common in T1DM, more as a result of the Nature of the Disease, but of-course can be exacerbated by Hyperglycemia.

Make your feelings known to those organizations that supposedly advocate on our behalf and not theirs(although that is questionable) such as :
JDRF
American Diabetes Association
Discuss this information with your Physician and other Health-care providers. Because they wear white lab coats, does not necessarily mean that they are "up-to-date" and aware of all beneficial things related to Diabetes.
It is YOUR body.........do everything possible to give it Life.

POLYURIA AT MIDNIGHT

2007-04-04T23:14:00.000-04:00

I could not understand it or relate my T1DM to it in any way.
For the past three nights, I had been getting up from sleep to void about 3-4X during the night.
Having Diabetes is one of those Diseases where there are so many variables and factors that tweak and influence the body 24/7.
Beginning my Sherlock Holmes investigation led me to conclude that since I had moved my exercises to the later part of the evening, that that might be the variable causing these nightly interruptions from sleep.
Even-though my bs before sleep were within normal values, I decided on the third night to do a 3:00AM reading. It was 54mg/dl. The culprit was discovered that was causing my polyuria. The late evening basal and the exercise were enough to cause the Hypoglycemia with the only symptoms being Polyuria.
We are so use to having that symptom associated with Hyperglycemia, that it is too often overlooked as being in the same category as Diaphoresis(excessive sweating) which is associated with Hypoglycemia. After-all, the loss of fluids can be accomplished through many channels besides typical sweating. These include Lung Perspiration and Polyuria.
Thank you Dr. Watson

SUBWAY MUSINGS Ⅰ

2007-03-29T12:12:00.000-04:00

What better way when you are on a subway to get from point A to point B, then by thoughts. There are of-course other options such as, reading, sitting and starring in vacuous space, breathing in the laden germs left over from someone's cough or sneeze thrown into the closed air for all to share, listening to an iPod. The listening to an iPod which seems to be the preferable way to look these days on the subway, will eventually fall and disappear from sight as did what they replaced which carried the same passion, popularity and hipness......Sonny's Walkman.
My thoughts brought me to the feeling that there should be the availability of Insulin made FREE to all who cannot manufacture it within their bodies. That of-course would be applied to T1DM. Insulin is similar to water, without it, there would be no Life available. Too much of it, and the same Life would cease to exist. Yes, the same applies to Water. There have been a number of Deaths due to the over-consumption of Water, which caused Sodium levels to be displaced.
The Free Availability of Insulin would be made available to ALL who needed it in-order to Survive/Live regardless of Economic Standings. There would be the elimination of Red Tape and Bureaucracy which stands in the way for making things "Happen" in a timely way, so that anyone whose Life depended on Insulin(T1DM), would have it. BTW, this Red Tape and Bureaucracy is/was responsible for the horrendous problems that were uncovered at V.A. Hospitals throughout the U.S.A. in general and Walter Reade specifically.

GIVE ME A SIDE ORDER OF GLUCAGON TO GO w/THE PEANUT BUTTER SANDWICH

2007-03-19T18:33:00.000-04:00

The morning sun enters the bedroom and plants a kiss upon my awakening body and the budding foliage within the room that awaits Spring Birth.

My exercise is done with precise movements along the bare-wood floor.

Breakfast is consumed with hot fragrant coffee that moistens my tongue and mingles with the hastily chewed potatoes and eggs.

I dress quickly to arrive for my expected appointment that never takes place. Partial snips of Matter within Time and Space greet me as if I am watching a Movie Trailer. I force myself to turn away from the strange visions before me and do a quick diagnostic which yields 37mg/dl.
Rushing to what I perceive as my Kitchen, there sits as if perched upon a twig and awaiting instructions is a can of Honey.
My palette only allows 1T as I search for other Rescuers.

An orange case flashes before me that encloses a powdery mixture with a solvent filled syringe waiting to create the Suspension that will give Life. The Glucagon is injected and the peanut butter sandwich is eaten.

LIFE ON YOUR TERMS

2007-02-23T13:31:00.000-05:00

All of us who have a Chronic Illness or/and have experienced Near Death Phenomenon, experience a profound change in our Relationship with Life.
I have...............
Here then is a Reaffirmation for our Existence:

A CASE OF MAGAZINES

2007-02-17T16:13:00.000-05:00

My doorbell rings with the man in Brown(UPS) holding a heavy case of "DiabetesHealth" magazine for me to sign off on. I always receive one issue/month, so this was strange that the Publisher decided to send me a case. He probably wants an increase in exposure to the magazine, so more people will subscribe to it.
So I think to myself, "What am I going to do with a whole case of this stuff". Since NYC is big and filled with many people who have the classical soma-type of Metabolic Disease, aka Insulin Resistant Disease, aka Type 2 Diabetes, that then would be the way for me to get rid of the stuff.
I am on the subways a lot and it is fairly easy to "spot" those that either have Insulin Resistant Disease or the potential/eventuality for it.
Starting off with a case of 50 magazines, I am now down to 8 copies.
My presentation, "do you or anyone in your family or friends have Diabetes"?

VALENTINE'S DAY

2007-02-06T19:03:00.000-05:00

All of us(Men) know what this feeling is like. It is as if an Antigen has seized our bodies the way it has once before "infected us with its wrath", causing T1DM to come into existence. This time however the fever is created within the stirrings of our heart and is relentless. There is no let up, but a persistent pursuit of only that which can satisfy our longing. This is for all of us who know and who have experienced this "Thing" called Love.

DO YOU HAVE THIS ILLNESS?

2007-01-23T23:16:00.000-05:00

CHECK-OUT AT TRADER JOE'S

2007-01-19T00:03:00.000-05:00

Opening and ingesting small available packets of sugar found in my jacket pocket
as the Trader Joe's store clerk rings up my organic loaf bread with jars of organic creamy peanut butter......
My eyes remain open, but I continue to lose moments of consciousness while I
stand at the counter.
Groceries are bagged and given as I then tumble out the store and looked upon as "having too much to drink".
Nearest store approaches as an Angel in Rescue.
Dunkin Donuts appears as I enter the source that will be my Rescuer from the doom of impending unconsciousness.
A pornographic display of sugar coated sweetness greets me that will be the Redeemer to my20mg/dl.
I quickly order two Boston Cream Doughnuts w/Chocolate Glaze that appear in front of me like a woman's sensual breasts.
As I quickly devour them and drink down the bad tasting coffee to hasten the "fix", I slowly begin to feel my presence return back into the Time/Space Reality of Existence.

A NEW WAY TO TAKE INSULIN

2007-01-16T16:08:00.000-05:00

One Step Closer.....Scientists/Researchers from Taiwan's National Tsing Hua University have developed a better way to administer Insulin other than injection and inhalation(not good for people w/Respiratory Problems). This would be an "Oral" administration of Insulin, similar to the taking of any pill/capsule. The problem w/oral administration of Insulin until now, is that the stomach breaks down proteins and since Insulin is a Protein, it would have been broken down before it reached the blood stream. Thus making it in-effective for oral use.
However Dr. Hsing-Wen Sung and his colleagues tricked the stomach into accepting the Insulin molecule by coating it w/Chitosan(nano particles created from the shells of shrimp, lobster, and crabs.
In testing on male rats w/Diabetes the results showed a release of the insulin into the blood stream and a lowering of blood glucose.
The next step of course would be animal and then human testing if results are favorable.
Thank you Dr. Hsing-Wen Sung and colleagues.

DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP?

2007-01-02T21:33:00.000-05:00

In frustration with the people that work in Health Care dealing with Diabetes, I told the fairly young Certified Diabetes Educator,"you really don't know how difficult and how much time is devoted to keeping myself in a balance where everything is optimized. I have been doing this since I was 6". I then proceeded to show her as she walked with me in the street and I spread my arms horizontally to shoulder length traversing along a narrow curve in order to emphasize the difficulty in keeping a balance without falling off. My outstretched arms would go side to side as I struggled to keep the balance. She then remarked, "I have been doing that since I was 13".
It was at that point that I heard the sound of persistent meowing in the background to find myself laying on my bed as the morning sunlight entered the room and my cats tugging at me to wake up.
My blood-sugars were 50mg/dl.

(SOME) ENDOCRINOLOGISTS WHO TREAT TYPE 1 DIABETES

2006-12-30T19:57:00.000-05:00

NEW TOOLS FOR DIABETES

2006-12-25T18:02:00.000-05:00

It is expected in 2007 that this Diagnostic Tool(NMB- 200) for Diabetes will be able to measure Glucose in "Real Time" as well as O2 levels in the blood, red blood cells and iron in addition to the Heart Rate.... What I like best about this product, is that it is "non-invasive" and is worn like a wrist watch. No idea as to its price. Wow, who needs a doctor and lousy insurance forms with gossipy/up-tight/unprofessional office staff? Unfortunately, this probably will not be available for about one year. A reward for those who have patience. Read more:

Non-invasive Glucometry from Orsense Wins Award
Filed under: Diagnostics , Geriatrics , Medicine , Pediatrics

OrSense Ltd., of Nes Ziona, Israel, is another recipient of the technology innovation award from Frost & Sullivan for its non-invasive glucose monitoring system NBM-200. The system, based on proprietary "occlusion spectroscopy" technology, allows continuous measurement of blood glucose, hemoglobin, hematocrit, oximetry, and heart rates. Results from a clinical trial, reported in September, have shown that the system "accurately measures levels of glucose in a home-like setting."

OrSense's patented technology, known as Occlusion Spectroscopy, uses a non-invasive optical measurement platform combined with a ring-shaped cuff. The pressure applied by the cuff temporarily occludes the blood flow in the finger, creating new blood dynamics which generate a strong optical signal, yielding a high signal-to-noise ratio that is wholly blood specific. Analysis of the signal provides the sensitivity necessary to measure blood glucose, hemoglobin, and other analyte concentrations.

TAG LIST

2006-12-20T20:50:00.001-05:00

The Music that I listen to this time of year is pretty much the same what I will listen to any other day of the year.Here is a list of the "5", which I have listened to for the past week.
1. Silent Night/The Temptations
2. The Way You Look Tonight/The Jaguars
3. Visions Of Johanna/Bob Dylan
4. The Bells Of St. Mary's/Bing Crosby
5. Pop Star/The Pretenders
Thanks for your Tag Andrea@ My Blog?? :D/www.acthoughts.blogspot.com
I in turn, will Tag the following as to their Music Preferences for this Christmas/Holiday Season:
1. Kathy@ PurpleHaze/kathy4762.blogspot.com
2. Scott@ Scott's Web Log/sstrumello.blogspot.com
3. Megan@ This is My Life/www.thisismylife3.blogspot.com
4. Anne@ annetics/annetics.blogspot.com
5. Lyrehca@ Managing The Sweetness Within/thesweetnesswithin.blogspot.com

THE BURDEN OF DIABETES

2006-12-11T22:42:00.001-05:00

Sometimes on a Long Cold Night, the Burden of Diabetes Becomes Heavy.

TODAY'S MENU

2006-12-10T21:47:00.000-05:00

This evening for dinner, I prepared and had a poached chicken in a pool of noodles simmering in a turkey broth with fresh mixed vegetables.
Dessert is a yellow cake with a rich chocolate sauce that is now cooling in the refrigerator.
Ahhh................Life with Diabetes. What more can you ask for?

ANIMALS WITH DIABETES

2006-11-18T14:26:00.000-05:00

Since all of us go through the emotional and physical upheavals daily in dealing/living with Diabetes,
do any of you have pets that have this illness as well?
If so, are you treating your dog or cat with a basal injection of insulin (Lantus or Detemir) 1X Daily?
How do you go about testing your pet's glucose level and is it done more than 1-2X Daily?
Are you then covering any Hyperglycemia with short acting insulin and if so, what are the acceptable Glucose range in
Animals?
These are some questions that I have been thinking about since dogs and cats do develop Diabetes.

THE WHOLE DIABETES PACKAGE

2006-10-31T11:15:00.000-05:00

As those of us with Diabetes(T1DM) already know, this Chronic Illness is more than a problem of metabolism. It is a "Package Deal". For no matter how well your blood sugars are controlled and your diet is optimized, the risk of complications related to T1DM are always there. Of course, this is only my opinion but having Diabetes(T1DM) since childhood and always educating myself about this Illness, I have come to the conclusion that the potential for complications of CHD(Coronary Heart Disease), Autonomic and Peripheral Neuropathy, Kidney Disease are always present and await for the "right opportunity" to make their presence known.
Fortunately there are those within the Medical and Science Communities who have created a number of impacts to starve off a number of these horrible "Side Effects" associated with long term Diabetes. They range from the ACE Inhibitors to protect our Kidneys to the Statins offering protection related to certain aspects of CHD. There has until now, been no way of protecting the body against the damage of Peripheral Neuropathy in Diabetes until now.
Thomas Brannagan, MD and his Staff are now in Phase ll Studies to evaluate the efficiency and Safety of a Research Medication in Patients with Mild to Moderate Diabetic Polyneuropathy.
Details of this study can be found in: The Journal Of Diabetes/3/2006 called "Orally Active Neurotrophin Enhancing Agent Protects Against Dysfunction Of Peripheral Nerve in Hyperglycemic Animals".
I have met with Dr. Brannagan and found him to have the qualities that we all wish/want every Physician that we encounter to have. They are intelligence, caring, ability to communicate and optimism for what they do. These are the qualities that describe Dr. Brannagan. Corinna on Staff w/Dr. Brannigan is both intelligent and efficient. She is responsible for the Research Medications, Study Protocol, Laboratory Tests, Appointments and "just making sure that everything operates smoothly". To reach Dr. Brannagan or Corinna here in NYC and enroll or ask questions about the study you can call @212-888-8516.

TOOTH EXTRACTION

2006-10-12T23:29:00.000-04:00

BLOOD OOZIES FROM SIDE OF MOUTH
ONTO FRESHLY LAUNDERED PILLOW CASE
AS A BROOK IN SPRING AWAKES AFTER LONG DEEP WINTER SLEEP.

PURPLE HAZE

2006-10-09T22:54:00.000-04:00

Diabetes has its own set/time and way that it deals in destruction. It is like a truckload of Illegal Lilliputians that are not visible to you and who have a destiny to rake your Fields(Organs) for Harvest that brings forth its fruit to those in white uniforms/Lab coats as they draw your blood, inject medicines and listen to your heart.
Dedicated to: Minnesota Nice

THE PICKPOCKET

2006-09-25T23:24:00.000-04:00

Diabetes is like a Pickpocket.
He is able to steal your Soul w/o looking.
He is able to work Days or Night.
He is unsuspecting until too late.
He can make his presence felt or not.
He is a constant Traveling Companion.

REMEMBERANCE

2006-09-11T16:11:00.000-04:00

God Bless All the Rescue Workers/Firemen/NYPD/Medical Personnel and Volunteers from NYC and elsewhere who helped to heal the Many on that day of 9/11/01 and the ones following.
......and God Bless the Friends that I have lost.
What we need Now are less tears and more closed fists to destroy Radical Islam as well as a change in the policy of the INS who were responsible (partially) in allowing these Terriorists to enter our country.

COFFEE, CAKE & STARBUCKS

2006-08-22T13:39:00.000-04:00

The Lunch Rush Hour has ended in Midtown.
I arrive and take my seat at the Starbucks along the Great Window that faces the passing of people.
The Air-Conditioner provides a comfort level mixed with the Chocolate Cake Doughnut and Sumatra Coffee that will "fix" my Hypoglycemia.
My earphones play Dylan's, "Desolation Row" as I look at all the Hominid passings from the Large Starbuck's Window.
Virtual Reality at its Finest Hour

HAIKU

2006-08-02T10:21:00.000-04:00

Hot days and nights
No Wind
Sticky sweat with Glucose lays on skin.

FINALLY!! DIABETES SOFTWARE FOR MAC OSX USERS

2006-07-18T08:34:00.000-04:00

As most of us know by now, there is almost ∅ amount of Diabetes related software for Mac Users, which is why I was elated upon coming across
Diabetes Logbook X 1.0b5 - Track and report diabetes related events. Since Mac does have the "best" Graphics available, why not take advantage of this feature that Developer Paul Nesfield from UK has provided. The Application is a Log Book for all T1DM persons where you can input Glucose levels, Insulin amounts, Carb. numbers, Medications (in addition to Insulin) taken, Ketone data and "Notes" regarding any Problems. It is however formatted in 24hr rather than 12 hr time (which is no big deal). It has a color code that lets you visual "see" your results in the Log Reports that are generated from 7 days to 12 months. One can also "Import" and "Export" Data. Everything is very well done. What I personally would like to have as a possible "Update" is the availability of a scatter and simple line graph as well. Currently the only representation besides the numbers Data is horizontal Bar Graphs in the Report Section. BTW this is a "Freeware"/"Donationware" which is of additional benefit to many. However, since this is a Freeware and Paul Nesfield did take the time to put all this together and make available, why not "Donate" what you are able to offer. He and the Wife must now put the energy, time and anxiety (as we all know) in the caring of their wonderful 6½ yr. old son who was diagnosed w/T1DM 3 years ago. Donations will be going to The Diabetes Association of UK.

MOMENT OF JOY

2006-06-25T19:45:00.000-04:00

Sitting on the bed on a hot Summer afternoon with my cats who have saved my Life many times.........as we eat yogurt with blueberries together......

OPPRESSIVE HEAT OR SUMMER IN THE CITY

2006-06-19T23:35:00.000-04:00

Do any of you with T1DM also feel extremely uncomfortable during the hot/humid Summer Days? I do know, that those with Autonomic Neuropathy because of T1DM do have difficulty in their bodies "cooling down" and adapting well to hot weather.

TYPE 1 & TYPE 2 DIABETES TOGETHER

2006-05-29T17:48:00.000-04:00

According to Professsor Francine Kaufman, Director of the Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism at The Childrens Hospital, Los Angeles, California there now exists an increase in the onset of both T1DM and Type 2 Diabetes in children. What is unusal, is that both diseases exists together in the same child. Type 2 is for the most part obesity related and can be "prevented" with good and healthy Lifestyle habits. Here is a copy of the article which I hope you will find interesting.'Double diabetes' appearing in kids

[Posted: Mon 29/05/2006]

When a child or teenager develops diabetes, it is relatively easy for doctors to distinguish whether they have type 1 or type 2. However new research has found that some young people have elements of both kinds of the condition - a phenomenon known as 'double' or 'hybrid' diabetes.

Current figures show that both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are on the increase in children and teenagers. The overall prevalence of type 1 diabetes among children under 15 is increasing by over 3% every year, while in children under the age of four, it is increasing by more than 6% a year.

Meanwhile, over the last 10 - 15 years, there has been a increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes in young people worldwide. This has largely been obesity-driven.

Writing in the International Diabetes Federation's magazine, Diabetes Voice, diabetes expert, Professor Francine Kaufman, said that while it is usually easy to determine what type of diabetes a young person has, 'in some instances, it is not quite so clear'.

While there are a number of differences between the two types of diabetes, Professor Kaufman pointed out that with type 1, the 'hallmark' is the presence of antibodies which attack the insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells.

The hallmark of type 2 meanwhile is the combination of insensitivity to insulin and the body's continuing ability to make the hormone, although not enough to overcome the body's insensitivity to the action of insulin.

"Double diabetes suggests that elements of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes co-exist in the same person...Blurring the issue further is the fact that people with type 1 have family members with type 2 and vice versa. This means that a considerable number of people may be at genetic risk for both kinds of diabetes", Professor Kaufman said.

She pointed out that at the time of diagnosis, the doctor should of course attempt to determine which type of diabetes is present. However if the type cannot be determined initially, 'the young person should be started on insulin therapy while waiting for test results that hopefully will clarify the situation'.

For people with double diabetes, it is likely that they will need both insulin and oral diabetes medication, she said.

"We need to learn more about this relatively newly recognised condition. Since the emergence of double diabetes seems to be linked to the epidemic of obesity in young people, our focus should be on how to prevent childhood obesity as a primary means of reducing the emergence of this potentially devastating condition", she added.

Professor Kaurfman is the head of the Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism at the Childrens Hospital, Los Angeles, California.

THE HIDDEN SECRET THAT ISN'T ALWAYS REVEALED

2006-05-24T23:50:00.000-04:00

All of us know that it is of prime importance to keep our HgbA1C's in great numbers as well as the day to day readings of our glucose levels. What is not (unfortunately) discussed is how to avoid the MANY complications that affect people with T1DM no matter how great the glucose numbers are. The problem is in the LONGEVITY of the Disease. That is the issue at hand. There was a time when mortality age levels were low in comparison to today. Hence the diseases and health problems that most people now encounter were never around before. One of the many many problems with T1DM is that (obviously) it is not just about SUGAR as the villain. T1DM also raises inflammatory levels in ALL of us(T1DM), which in turn makes for susceptibility towards things such as Coronary Artery Disease and various Neuropathies. These things most Physicians usually do not discuss with their Patients other than give them referrals and limit their time to Insulin/Glucose Maintenance. How unfortunate and another example of overspecialization, time constraint and the business of Medicine. The nature of the Beast is that it is not as simple as it appears. TRAGIC!!!!

ADDENDUM TO FAT PEOPLE=FAT PETS

2006-05-21T14:28:00.000-04:00

This is pretty much an addendum to a previous posting about obesity in animals causing Diabetes. I have recently come across more information regarding this problem. The conclusions are self-evident. Another example whereby people do not take responsibility for the good health of themselves, their children and their pets. There always exits cause and effect relationships. Enjoy the read:PET DOCTOR
Middle-age thirsty cat tests positive for diabetes
Dr. Michael Fox

Dr. Michael Fox/PET DOCTOR

Q: My cat started drinking and urinating a lot more than usual. She seemed weak and walked differently, as if on her heels. I thought it was her kidneys giving out and was in shock when the veterinarian tested her positive for diabetes. She said this is common in middle-age cats and dogs. Please spread the word.

A: Your veterinarian is correct. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is common in middle-age and older dogs and cats. It is often associated with obesity. Complications include cataracts in dogs and fatty liver disease in cats. Acetone may cause the breath to smell sickly sweet. Cats develop a down-in-the-heels (plantigrade) stance.

Early signs include increased thirst, urination, hunger and muscular weakness. Secondary infections due to immune-system impairment are common, in the skin, ear, urinary tract, prostate and respiratory system.

Regular blood tests, insulin injections and a special diet high in fiber and complex carbohydrates (and low in fat) are called for. High-sugar, semi-moist cat foods and dog foods must be avoided, even in healthy cats and dogs.

The high prevalence of diabetes and all of its serious complications in dogs, cats and people is reason for concern. In many instances, proper nutrition early in life -- no junk food (and sugar-laced cereals, candy and sodas for kids!) would save many lives and prevent much suffering.

GLUCAGON REALLY WORKS!!

2006-05-18T23:14:00.000-04:00

Last evening as I was seated at my computer, the font size appeared very small on my monitor. That was strange, since I had not changed them at all. I enlarged my page, but still was unable to read the print. Since it was my usual time to check my glucose readings, I inserted the strip and got a ☞34mg/dl☜ reading!! I began to think to myself, how was it that I was still conscious? There was no dizziness only an inability to focus clearly. I immediately went to my refrigerator and quickly took out my Glucagen HypoKit. Inserted the sterile water into the glucose powder and injected into my muscle after the solution was shook. The great thing about the Glucagen Kit was that it began to work within 5-10 minutes and when I checked my glucose at that time it nicely climbed to 160mg/dl. Much better than when I would treat my low blood sugars with soda or sweet carbs and end up with my glucose rising to the other extreme (rebound) of 200-300mg/dl. This Kit is great because it raises the blood glucose quickly without rebound. Normally I would have eaten something sweet, but my numbers were too low and I had a feeling that they were falling too rapidly.
BTW, I do not work for the company.

HYPOGLYCEMIA AT MY PHYSICAL THERAPY

2006-05-11T23:44:00.000-04:00

This morning while I was at my Physical Therapy appointment with my Therapist, B.....I started to perspire. Experienced in the nuances of hypoglycemia, I tested my glucose and got a 42mg/dl. I showed B the results on my meter and began to ingest six sugar packets. I told her that I would be alright, but wanted to inform her ahead of time in case I was not. The irony with all this was that here I was being treated for a post fractured wrist because of hypoglycemia about two months ago and now I am again experiencing another bout with severe low blood sugar, but this time within the confines of Hand Physical Therapy. I proceeded with the proscribed exercises and when I left after about one hour, I again checked my glucose and got a repeat 42mg/dl......How strange!! It is as if the sugar ingested had no effect, or that the physical therapy for my wrist, reduced my blood sugar even further, or (and this is the one I think is correct) my glucose was dropping so rapidly and quickly,,,,,that the six packets of sugar was just enough to hold it at the same original level. I should have taken the cookies she originally offered, but even better, drank a sweet beverage which I should carry.

TYPE 1 DIABETES GETS SHORT- SCHRIFT

2006-05-03T16:41:00.000-04:00

At my Primary Care Physician's office there are a number of R.N.'s who give classes to those with Insulin Resistance Disease(Type 2 Diabetes) to help provide better management. I met one of these nurses in the elevator today and asked her whether her patients were compliant or non-compliant? She did not know who I was, so I told her that I had Type 1 Diabetes and find that people with T1DM are usually better motivated, knowledgeable and compliant compared with Insulin Resistant Disease. In addition, I said that we for the most part do not have a "weight problem". I went on to tell her that when I was being treated by Fellows in the Endocrinology Department at that hospital that advertises, "don't you deserve this level of care", they (the Fellows) had a mind-set and disposition into just treating Insulin Resistant Disease(Type 2 Diabetes). In so doing, people with T1DM were at a disadvantage and getting "short-schrift". All she said was that most of Diabetes (90%) is of Type 2 and so Physicians will orientate themselves in that direction. This is what I propose:
1. People with T1DM should be treated by Clinical Immunilogists rather than Endocrinologists, since T1DM is "Auto-Immune" in etiology and a mind-set/bias appears in those Physicians who are trained in Endocrinology to just "handle" Insulin Resistant Disease.
2. A new medical nomenclature should be established where those with Insulin Resistant Disease should no longer be called Diabetic or having Diabetes, since it takes away from the true meaning of the word in those with T1DM as well as the fact that these are distinctly TWO DIFFERENT DISEASE ENTITIES.

IN THE ARMS OF AN ANGEL

2006-04-23T13:02:00.000-04:00

The other day, as I was on the 51st Street Subway Station preparing to go to Farmer's Market, I felt the common signals of Hypoglycemia. I sat down on the wooden bench and prepared to open my "trusty" sugar packs. As I was doing this a woman who was dressed up as an Angel (Wings included) began singing in a beautiful and deep operatic voice, "In the Arms Of An Angel". It was beautiful but profound as well, given the juxtaposition of the situation I was in. The train arrived at the station, the song was over and my Hypoglycemia was attended to with the help of the Arms Of An Angel.

HAPPY EASTER/HAPPY PASSOVER

2006-04-14T21:37:00.000-04:00

At the start of these Holidays, it is important for all of us to remember that in spite of having a Chronic Illness, we still are part of an Energy that is greater than that illness. I have selected this Prayer and Meditation for All:MEDITATIONS AND PRAYERS LED BY THE HOLY FATHER POPE BENEDICT XVI ON GOOD FRIDAY 2006

COMPOSED BY Archbishop ANGELO COMASTRI Vicar General of His Holiness for Vatican City President of the Fabric of Saint Peter's

•We have lost our sense of sin!
Today a slick campaign of propaganda
Is spreading an inane apologia of evil,
A senseless cult of Satan,
A mindless desire for transgression,
A dishonest and frivolous freedom,
Exalting impulsiveness, immorality and selfishness
As if they were new heights of sophistication.a

Lord Jesus,
Open our eyes:
Let us see the filth around us
And recognize it for what it is,
So that a single tear of sorrow
Can restore us to purity of heart
And the breadth of true freedom.
Open our eyes, Lord, Jesus!

•Surely God is deeply pained
By the attack on the family.
Today we seem to be witnessing
A kind of anti-Genesis,
A counter-plan, a diabolical pride
Aimed at eliminating the family.

There is a move to reinvent mankind,
To modify the very grammar of life
As planned and willed by God.

But, to take God’s place, without being God,
Is insane arrogance,
A risky and dangerous venture.

May Christ’s fall open our eyes
To see once more the beautiful face,
The true face, the holy face of the family.
The face of the family
which all of us need.

•Lord Jesus,
Purity has everywhere fallen victim
To a calculated conspiracy of silence: an impure silence!
People have even come to believe
A complete lie:
That purity is somehow the enemy of love.

But the opposite is true, O Lord!
Purity is necessary
As a condition for love:
A love that is true, a love that is faithful.

In any event, Lord,
If we cannot be the master of ourselves?
How can we give ourselves to others?

•Everything seems over,
The wicked seem to triumph,
And evil appears more powerful than good.

But faith enables us to see afar,
it makes us glimpse the break of a new day
On the other side of this day.
Faith promises us that the final word
belongs to God: to God alone!

CHOCOLATE BROWNIE RECIPE

2006-04-11T21:28:00.000-04:00

Ok, this recipe is for Megan, the Chocolate Goddess, and others who eat, enjoy, and relish in great food and desserts. It does not matter that you have Diabetes, Life is still to be participated in and enjoyed.
RECIPE:Chocolate Brownies
INGREDIENTS:
1. 6 large Eggs at room temperature
2. 1 ½ lbs. Good Quality Chocolate(should be semi-sweet or bittersweet or a combination). Chocolate is like coffee.Everyone has their own particular likes as to preferring strong/earthy coffee or more of a medium blend. The same holds true of Chocolate. Both Chocolate and Coffee are related cousins regarding their bean.
3. 2 C Sugar
4. 1 t. Baking Powder
5. 2 T Vanilla Extract
6. 8oz. (½ Lb) Sweet Butter Softened at Room Temperature.
7. 3 C Walnut Pieces(broken Up) (Optional)
8. 3T Expresso Powder
9. 2 T Bourbon (Optional)
10. 1 ½C Sifted Flour
11. ½ t Salt

Preheat Oven to 350F at least ½ hr. before baking. Sift the Flour and baking Soda together in a bowl. Add ½ t Salt and mix together. Melt the chocolate(first cut into small pieces) with the butter in a Double Boiler or use a metal bowl over a saucepan of simmering water.You can add the Expresso Powder if you want a Mocha Flavor added to the Brownies. I did and it tasted great. Do not get any water or steam into the Chocolate. Chocolate is very sensitive to heat and MUST BE melted slowly as you stir the bowl with a Spatula(I use a Rubber/Plastic Spatula that can withstand the heat). Keep stirring until the Chocolate& Butter have mixed together and melted. Remove from heat. In your mixing bowl, beat eggs with your Paddle Whisk and slowly add Sugar. Beat at Medium Speed till the Egg Batter has lightened and thickened. Add the Melted Chocolate/Butter Mixture which should be cooled down to the Egg&Sugar Mixture in your mixing bowl. Take your
Spatula put it into the mixture (Machine is turned off) and give it a couple of quick turns from the bottom and sides.Next, add the flour on low speed till incorporated(do not overmix). Remove bowl and stir again with your Spatula......Add Bourbon if desired. Also add Walnuts, but they also can be left out. The Walnuts should be preheated a little in a cookie sheet to bring out their flavor(DO NOT BURN OR OVERCOOK THEM).
I used a Pyrex Rectangular pan that measured 9 ½ X 13 ½. Make sure that you completely butter the pan all around as well as the bottom before adding the Brownie Mix. Smooth the top after all the mix has been poured into the pan. BAKE FOR ABOUT 50min. But you must test to see if the Brownies are done by inserting a toothpick or any other long object into the pan.If some chocolate adheres to the toothpick, they still have to bake more. At this point check for doneness every 10 minutes. DO NOT OVERBAKE. Take out of oven and cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate. Brownies always taste best the NEXT DAY after they are cooked. When you take them out of the refrigerator they will be hard. That is OK....Just leave them for a while at room temperature. Cut into slices for yourself and/family or/and friends. You can serve them with berries, whipped cream or powdered sugar in top. Don't forget the Insulin Shot. Enjoy!!!!!

CHOCOLATE BROWNIES: YUMMMMMM

2006-04-10T22:21:00.000-04:00

I just finished making chocolate brownies using all natural ingredients, of course. The new cure for Diabetes........just kidding. But definitely will make you happy by letting it swirl around your mouth as you bite into the soft chocolate while it travels down slowly within the bottom recesses of your being. Eating a good chocolate brownie is a lot like having a good love experience. Both are to be enjoyed slowly and intensely without guilt.
The brownies are now resting and cooling before I will refrigerate them and prepare for tomorrow's relish. If they are good, I will share the recipe with all of you. Before consuming, prepare for a insulin to carb ratio, since it will be treated like any other carbohydrate.
By the way, lots of good quality chocolate is needed (I use 1½ pounds of chocolate).

HYPOGLYCEMIA IN TRADER JOE'S

2006-04-03T17:55:00.000-04:00

I just got back from that great food store, Trader Joe's. While in the store that just opened here in Manhattn, I began to feel as if I was about to blackout and lose consciousness. I immediately searched my pockets for anything sweet and found coffee sugar packets that I sometimes carry with me. There in the middle of Trader Joe's I began to dump about six packets of sugar down my mouth with my head back so as to take it all in. The security cameras in the store must have thought I was an unusual sight to behold. What I ask you could be more of an irony? To be surrounded by great and unusal foodstuff from around the world while I am about to go under from an Insulin Reaction.Lucky there was also a "Sample Bar" in the store where I availed myself of 5 small (finger size) barbecued chicken sandwiches. By the time I got to the cashier with my shopping wagon (15 minutes later) I was OK. Carbs and sweets to the rescue again!!

OVERWEIGHT PEOPLE=OVERWEIGHT PETS

2006-04-01T14:10:00.000-05:00

It is amazing but not unique to New York City where there is always visual stimuli present, that there always seem to be an obese man or woman walking down the street with their dog who also is obese. I am an "Animal Rescuer" and find it very sad that the pets people have are totally dependent on the care that they receive from whoever cares for them. The problem being in the kind of care that they receive, which in this case, is poor and destructive care to the health of the animal. In spite of there being numerous variables responsible for the rise of Insulin Resistance Disease(Type 2 Diabetes),overeating is a major contributor. People would rather eat foods high in carbohydrates, fats and other types of "junk" because as they reason, "I just can't help myself and it tastes good". These same irresponsible people use similar faulty logic with their pets(cats or/and dogs) by giving their animals too much food to eat. As most of us know, dogs and cats also develop Diabetes and have to be treated with insulin. They are subject to the same complications as their human counterparts such as heart disease, kidney disease and other awful neuropathies. If the owners of pets have no self-control, self-respect for their bodies, they should not pass this horrible behavior to their pets. Their animals are TOTALLY dependent on their caregivers. It is not fair to these animals because they have people taking care of them who do not know what they are doing. All of them will tell you that they 'love their pets'. However creating an illness in your pet that results from overfeeding and obesity is hypocritical and nothing to do with Love. These same people often overfeed their children as well creating more Diabetes or and Heart Disease now or for later in life.
I have had animals in the past and have them now as well. They are not overweight because I do not and have not overfed them. My animals (cats) have saved my life by helping to restore consciousness in me while in severe hypoglycemia as well as alerting me to my having low blood glucose(another story for another time).

POST BRONCHITIS

2006-03-29T23:29:00.000-05:00

A bout with Bronchitis which lasted for two weeks is finally over minus 10lbs of body weight because of not being able to or wanting to eat anything. I guess that takes me out of the "running" to be eligible to use Exubera (Inhaled Insulin). As I previously posted, "those with any respiratory problems such as Asthma, Bronchitis as well as Smokers are not candidates for Inhaled Insulin". Anyway, it was really created for those with Type 2 Diabetes who are afraid or do not want to use a needle with syringe to inject themselves for better Diabetes management/control. As we all know, in terms of "dollars & cents", Type 2 Diabetes is a larger cash flow market than Type 1 Diabetes which is about 10%. Another example of R&D being tipped in favor of those with Type 2 Diabetes since there is more money to be made.
The irony behind all this, is that Type 2 Diabetes is "PREVENTABLE". Type 1 DM is not.

SOMETIMES THE "OLD" IS BETTER THAN THE "NEW"

2006-03-11T20:07:00.000-05:00

The Lancets used for the necessary testing of Blood Glucose are getting better and better. There now exists on the Market a Lancet that is 33Guage (very sharp and thin). This is all very good if you are newly diagnosed with Diabetes, a young child/infant/baby or someone who still has "Virgin Skin". If on the otherhand, you have had Diabetes for a long time (I have had Diabetes since I was 6), do a great number of "Finger Sticks" and have developed scar tissue, then the "New & Great 33 Guage Lancet" is not for you. The first time I had tried one, it did not even penetrate and was not even felt. There is logic within Diabetes. The more frequently that you use sites(no matter how much rotation you do) you will inevitably develop underlying scar tissue at the point of impact, preventing very thin lancets from drawing blood. One way around this is to have a Lancing Device that has greater depth and a higher degree of force. Sounds like a Bow and Arrow to me.
So I am very happy to be able to use the 31 Guage Lancet which is able to penetrate through the tissue with just enough force.

JUST BACK FROM THE E.R.

2006-02-27T01:57:00.000-05:00

I just got back from the E.R. after yesterday's battle with HYPOGLYCEMIA. After my neighbor called 911 at 2:00AM because I yelled at her to do that, since I was on the floor of my apartment thrashing about with the Forces of Life and Death. The Paramedics arrived and asked if I wanted to go to the hospital. Since I had drunk a good quantity of Maple Syrup and my Blood Sugar was now 65mg/dl where previously it was 40mg/dl. I decided against going to the hospital. They would have given me Glucose I.V. and taken my blood. These things I was doing myself minus the Glucose I.V.
What happened was when my BloodSugar was 40mg/dl, I decided to make Crepes with Maple Syrup to raise it up. However, Time was not on my side. Yes, I began eating the Crepes w/Maple Syrup, but next found myself on the Kitchen Floor with my plate smashed doing battle with the Forces of Life & Death from the Hypoglycemia. It must have gone down to about 20mg/dl. Since I now have Hypoglycemia Unawareness, the Falling of my BS is very quick,
Before the Paramedics left, I tested my Glucose and it was now 86mg/dl. We all felt assured that things were OK. However, an hour later my L Hand began to swell. I immediately put ice compresses on it and knew that it was related to the Fall. Since the EMT people had already left, I decided to go to the E.R. in the morning after sleep.
While waiting in the E.R. Waiting Room I heard someone coughing and sneezing. I turned in the direction and again saw that the simple implement of a tissue or handkerchief was not used to cover the nose and mouth. The person looked like a Fellow American. So it shows, that All People,including Americans (based on my comments of yesterday in the TUBERCULOSIS article) can display low class, base behavior, not caring about others or themselves.
Back to the E.R. The results of the Xray revealed a fracture of the Radius on my L Hand. So I have to wear a Soft Cast for about 6 weeks. The irony about all this as I told my Physician and Nurse is that all the long years I spent in Martial Arts, I never incured a Fracture, However my Battles with staying Alive from Hypoglycemia related to Diabetes caused more Pain (Emotional & Physical) as well as Fractures in comparison.
Eventhough I ended up staying 8 hours in the E.R. from 4:00PM to 12:00AM, Dr. Kaplan who was the E.R. Attending and Dr. Gulotta , the Orthopedic Resident were great as were Thomas and Mei my E.R. Nurses.

TUBERCULOSIS

2006-02-25T20:42:00.000-05:00

Today in New York City, the temperature was around 50℉ so I decided as usual to go to Farmers' Market for more great Food for the week. The best way of getting there for me other than biking is the Subway. I boarded the train which was fairly empty (it was around 1:00PM). At the next stop however, a woman wearing a face mask gets on and sits close to me. I immediately moved to the other end of the car. It was not long before another woman who was already seated began expectorating her phlegm into her used coffee cup. Having had worked at Columbia University School For Public Health at one time and having a healthcare background before I entered the Food Industry, I again moved my seat to a Safer part of the subwaycar.
I do know that there was a time when anyone who had a communicable disease or a respiratory infection and was coming into this country would be quarantined for the good and safety of all.
Is it no wonder that there has been an increase in Tuberculosis in New York City. There exist now entities that look like human beings who when the need arises to sneeze or/and cough it is done openly without using a handkerchief (foreign substance to many) or tissue to cover the nose or mouth. This is so that their germs and poor habits can be openly shared with others in close proximity. I once saw someone who resembled a human being (outer form only) expectorate on the floor in the Lobby of Bellvue Hospital. I am sure that this "wholesome activity" is going on in other cities as well. Afterall, isn't it more important to show "Foreigners" how accepting we Americans are of all who come to our Shores, despite being "Blown-Up" as we were on 9/11/2001?

DON'T YOU DESERVE THIS LEVEL OF CARE?

2006-02-19T21:45:00.000-05:00

When I was on the Insulin Pump some time ago, I still would have severe hypoglycemic reactions. All the more so, since I now had what is called "Hypoglycemia Unawareness". A condition due to lack of sufficient norepinepherine levels that act as an early warning system for low blood sugars.
There is a hospital in New York City that every once in a while will advertise on radio as to 'how great they are' by saying in a very Pompous Uptight/Upper Eastside/Snobby Woman's Voice, "Dont you deserve this level of care"?
Well since I was affiliated as a patient with this hospital, I decided to go to their Emergency Room. The day before I had dropped to the floor along with my floor lamp and awoke about two hours later because of the "Hypoglycemia Unawareness". Not only did this result in a loss of consciousness, a loss of my floor lamp, but heavy contusions on both legs which caused "open cuts" resulting in skin infection. Since Medically this is considered an Emergency, I naturally went to the ER of this supposedly great hospital. It was about 5:00PM when I was admitted into the ER where still wearing my Pump and after having seen the On-Call physician in the ER who suggested an alteration in my insulin settings and a dressing for my wounds. Since I was still laying on the Stretcher-Bed waiting for the Dressing to be applied by Whoever, I decided as I often do, to check my Blood Sugar. It was 40mg/dl....I was going into another Hypoglycemic Event and those Idiots who supposedly know all about Emergency Care, did not seem to know that a person who has Diabetes and is wearing an Insulin pump, is in need of FOOD!!!! Especially since it was now 7:00PM and I had been in the ER since 5:00 PM without any food.
I then got up off the Stretcher-Bed, approached the ER Physician who had seen me and said in a very loud voice so others would hear me as well, that I was Hypoglycemic and needed food. I also showed him the reading on my meter to confirm what I had said. I am glad I embarrassed him. I did get my food and later thought to myself as I left the ER as to why there is much Litigation within the Medical Profession. Could it be that the thousands of unnecessary deaths in hospitals due to negligence and stupidity is the reason?
Don't You Deserve this Level Of Care?

ONE OF THE MANY WORSE SCENARIOS FOR THOSE WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES

2006-02-09T22:08:00.000-05:00

This goes wothout saying fellow persons with T1DM......do everything you can to try to stay out of hospitals as an in-patient.
A number of years ago, I had to undergo an operative procedure. As many of you know, all patients who are admitted for any surgical procedure must have an IV placed. This allows for easy access to administer medications quickly via a vein. It is especially useful if a person is not allowed "anything by mouth" and again it is a very quick/reliable way to adminster medications.
So, when I was admitted, the IV nurse places a solution of D&W in my vein in order to "keep it opened" in case different medications are required. Being proactive and never giving up self-autonomy, being able to think for myself, I said "I think you should use NaCl instead. Otherwise the D&W (Dextrose & Water) will cause my glucose to become very elevated. This is in spite of the medical personnel knowing in advance that I have T1DM (Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus). Afterall, an intake form is always required for all patients where their allergies and illnesses are listed. After consulting with the Resident and Attending, the IV solution was quickly changed to NaCL (Sodium Chloride). It is blunders like this which account for many many mistakes which affect the patient and his outcome. Another reason why litigation is so prevelant in healthcare.
Another time and in a different hospital, I required surgery on my eye. The RN assigned to me after the surgery was told to put "Liquid Tears" in the eye that did not have the surgery. The eye that did have the surgery, had sutures around it so I was not able to open it until removed.
So what do you think happens? She enters my room with the "Liquid Tears" and proceeded to apply it to the eye that had the surgery and which I could not open anyway due to the sutures. In my post anesthetic state I still was able to tell her WRONG EYE!!!
The lessons to be learned from all of this (I have more stories to tell), is NEVER NEVER GIVE YOURSELF UP TO DUMMYS AND INCOMPETENCE. It is you who are in charge of your body and no one else. Afterall no one is going to feel your pain if a mistake is made. Even those who wear WHITE make mistakes. Ask any Attorney who practices Malpractice. Don't ever "sell yourself short"!! Intelligence and good judgement are not exclusively given to those who wear white. I am wearing a teashirt(white) right now as I am writing, but I still know more about T1DM than many Fellows in Endocrinology.

WHAT IS STARBUCKS GOOD FOR?

2006-02-04T18:57:00.000-05:00

Many of you would automatically think of coffee. Since Starbucks does have great name recognition, there would be no other reason to associate the company with anything else. But wait, Starbucks has other things that are even better than coffee. Besides, their coffee is not a good as it use to be. Some of the reasons for this are that the volume of stores cannot and does not (in my opinion) keep the same quality control when it comes to the roasting of their beans. The Barristers and "others" who work for the company are not as good as once were. They seem to be people who are there to fill vacancies and nothing more. The emphasis appears to be on marketing and real estate purchasing compared with good quality and knowledgeable service. In the beginning when Starbucks "came on the scene" here in New York City, the coffee was great as compared to the cheap quality coffee that was coming in from Columbia at that time. Starbucks, since it was the "new guy on the block", had to prove itself and establish a following willing to pay more than .50¢ for a cup of coffee. They did this by having well-trained Barristers and great Roasters to handle designated areas within the city.The small number of Starbuck stores established in the city at that time enabled the fresh roasting of coffee beans to be available to each store with care and quality control. Not the case now.....there are too many stores and not enough qualified people involved with the company as once was. Basically, Starbucks has grown too big and in the process has lost quality of coffee and service."Too big to be managed effectively". OK now that I have said my little critique on Starbucks, I will answer the question posed.
Taking many insulin injections throughout the day has some risks. Since I always carry my Flash glucose meter with me in a pouch that I clip to my belt, I can always monitor my blood sugars. When I am outside (the street), I need to be able to access a place where I can either give myself a bolus if my bs is too high or take someting sweet if the opposite is true. Since I am no longer on the "Pump", I carry my insulin pen with me all the time as well. Behold Starbucks!!
How great is it to be able to sit at one of the tables and do a 5 sec. check of my blood sugar?
If my reading shows "Hyperglycemia", then all I have to do, is to walk about 15ft. to the bathroom in Starbucks and take my fast acting insulin there.
If the contrary holds where I am feeling irritable, irrational, disoriented (normal states in New York City by all) and my glucose meter shows a "Low Number", then all I have to do is again walk about 15ft. to the sugar counter and open a few sugar packets to swallow. Nothing could be easier and I did not even have to drink their horrible coffee. And if you are feeling romantic, you could always sit next to someone who you feel attracted to. All this without spending a dime. Oh, one more thing.....If you are "out and about town" and in need of going to the bathroom, there is always a Starbucks to be found (these days) on every corner. Starbucks has become a stationary ambulance for those with Diabetes that also sells coffee. Thank you Starbucks for assisting all those with Diabetes.

THE TRUTH BEHIND HbA1C

2006-01-31T23:36:00.000-05:00

Most of us with Type 1 Diabetes are familiar with HbA1C. This test shows a 6-12 week pattern of blood sugars and is widely use as a predictor and evaluation of "how well the patient is doing" by the Medical Profession. Basically, Glucose binds with the protein Hemoglobin to give us glycosilated hemoglobin. It is now generally felt that those with Diabetes should have a HbA1c of 7% or lower, but not higher since that would mean poor control with "high blood sugars".
The thing that is wrong with this type of test to be used as a Predictor of Control is that the person could have very high blood sugars (300mg/dl and above) for 2 weeks and then have very low blood sugars 50 and below( as in the case of Hypoglycemia) for the remaining balance of the month or two.
Since HbA1C shows a median or average of the numbers.....the percentage might appear as a HbA1C of 7% and the Healthcare Providers are saying "how great and what a good job you are doing" to the patient. In reality however, the person's blood sugars are fluctuating between extremes and while the HbA1C shows "good numbers", the reality is not very good. Again keep in mind that the only thing that is measured, is the average of all the numbers and not the fluctuations that can and does occur on a daily basis.

INHALED INSULIN......BIG DEAL/SO WHAT?

2006-01-29T21:40:00.000-05:00

The approval for Inhaled Insulin by the FDA is now going to get the "Madison Avenue Marketeers" going full steam probably with the support of some Diabetes organizations and hospitals/clinics. In reality, Inhaled Insulin is geared for those (Type 2 Diabetes) who have fears and hesitancy in taking insulin(injecting) for good Diabetes control. Dollars & Cents, it is a huge market, with about 90% of people with DiabetesType 2 as potential buyers. It will by all accounts be more expensive than vial insulin already available . In addition, it is not recommended for those who have asthma and other respiratory problems such as bronchitis. It is also not recommended or children.
This Fairy Tale, is but yet another method for taking insulin, nothing more and nothing less. Where are all the new products/inventions for Type 1 Diabetes? I'll answer that, "they are on the back burner, because Type 1 Diabetes is not as profitable as Type 2 and there is a greater monetary market potential and volume for healthcare as regards Type 2 Diabetes". This is another reason why we (Type 1 Diabetes) must be our "own Doctors" and never give up on ourselves. I have no fear injecting insulin. My big fear however is meeting up with mediocre healthcare personnel who know nothing about Type 1 Diabetes.

INHALED INSULIN

2006-01-28T12:50:00.000-05:00

Let us celebrate!! Another star for progress in the management of Diabetes. No cures, no cures.....but lots of glucose meters,lots of insulin pumps, lots of various insulins, lots of sharp needles (31G) and lots of congraulations to be had. This all points out to where on the "Time Continuum Line" you are on. As all of you know, 100 years ago, short acting insulins, let alone disposible syringes and meters were totally unheard of and unavailable. The way people with Diabetes managed their disease was with food and starvation. I am in no way implying that all these "devices" do not make the management and life easier as far as having Diabetes is concerned, but I also know, that sometime later/later☞☞ because of the "Time Continuum", the word Cure will have a greater meaning for those with Diabetes.

WHAT SEAT ARE YOU IN?

2006-01-24T12:27:00.000-05:00

In Type 1 Diabetes, it is most important to instill in the patient(person) the foundation for education, care and responsibility for good management. This can be made possible by having good Endocrinologists available who are more interested in Type 1 Diabetes than Thyroid Disease or Type 2 Diabetes(Insulin Resistant Disease), as well as having the opportunity to avail themselves of Certified Diabetes Educators and other Healthcare providers.
From the age of 6, I was fortunate enough to meet Physicians who stressed and encouraged my "taking care of myself and in learning as much as possible about the illness so as to become responsible for day to day living with Diabetes". This responsibility is a necessary part for the patient who is the one managing his/her illness 24/7.
I use the analogy of the Driver's Seat. You and your Physician as well as other Diabetes related Healthcare providers should both be sitting in the front seat of the car with the Physician at the wheel. Never sit in the "Passenger's Seat". You have the responsibility and duty to make decisions regarding your care along with your Physician and others.
When you choose to seat in the "Passenger's Seat" you have given up your autonomy. Not very good for ideal Diabetes Management.