TODAY'S MENU

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

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

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

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

PURPLE HAZE

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

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

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

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

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

FINALLY!! DIABETES SOFTWARE FOR MAC OSX USERS

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

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

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

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

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

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!!

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

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

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

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

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!