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06-02-05 |
Living Life as a Diabetic Newsletter |
Issue# 5
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Kimberly Advent
Editor
Ashley's Diabetes
Information Center
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Welcome to our Fifth Newsletter.
Thank you to everyone who has written to me with idea's on what they would like to see in this Newsletter. Remember that I put this together for You. So anything you are interested in learning about write to Kimberly and I will research it for you.
I am looking for guest writers. If you are interested in writing a guest column for this Newsletter please contact Kimberly. Let me know what you would like to write about it. Columns must be about 600 words & related to Diabetes. I reserve the right to refuse any article if I don't think it is relevent to the Newsletter.
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This Newsletter is by subscription only! Welcome to your next issue of
"Living your life as a Diabetic NEWSLETTER". You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to it or
wrote to me at one point asking for information on Diabetes or Nutrition. If you are not interested in receiving this Newsletter full of great Diabetes & Nutritional information follow the Unsubscribe instructions at the end of this newsletter.
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- Feature
Article - The Ups & Downs of Diabetes by Kimberly Advent
- A word from our Sponsor
- Guest Article: Insulin Pump Therapy Demystified by Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer
- Review
of Products or Services
- News on Stem Cell Research
- Sugar Free Recipes
- Kid's Corner
- Diabetic Tips & Tricks
- Subscribe/Unsubscribe
information
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| FEATURE ARTICLE, The Ups & Downs of Diabetes by Kimberly Advent |
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The Ups & Downs of Diabetes
Did you know that up to 20 percent of people with Diabetes suffer from depression? I think it is pretty understandable how this can happen. Most diabetics go through occasional bouts of sadness, fear & uncertainty at some point in their lives. But, when it is taking over your everday life something should be done.
Somtimes the emotional feelings go hand in hand with the physical ones. You might feel sick from a high blood sugar & feel sad because you allowed yourself to get high. This is not an abnormal feeling. You must know how to recognize if this is becoming a serious problem. Here are some warning signs of real depression.
- Weight Loss
- Problems sleeping
- Irritability
- Feelings of Guilt or Worthlessness
- Not able to concentrate
- Thoughts of Death or Suicide
If you are suffering from any of these signs you should talk to your doctor about it. There are so many different treatments for Depression these days. There is no reason why you should suffer alone with these feelings. Remember you are not alone! There are many people who are having the same feelings you are.
Also remember it is not just the diabetic that may be suffering from depression. It could be the loved one of a diabetic. Many parents of diabetic children go through these bouts of sadness as well & can become seriously depressed. It is not uncommon for you to feel guilty that some how your child's diabetes is your fault. It is not your fault! You did not make your child a diabetic & there is no way you could have prevented it.
Remember that you are not alone. There are many support groups for Diabetics & for the loved ones of Diabetics. We are all here to support each other. If you are feeling alone join a local support group. You can find one on my web site on this page Find a support group in your state. If you would like to join an online support group there are many. I run one for kids, one for teens & one for adults. My adult group is for adult diabetics or parents (caregivers) of diabetics. If you are interested in joining one go to this page Online Support.
Also remember you can always email me at kimberly@elviradarknight.com. I respond to all of my email personally.
by Kimberly Advent - kimberlydadvent@aol.com
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Guest Article: Insulin Pump Therapy Demystified by Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer
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Like many of you, I live with Type 1 diabetes every day. I am now thirty-three-years-old and was diagnosed at age ten. Over the years, I have had my ups and downs with blood sugar control, due to a variety of factors including struggling with the dawn phenomen (a rise in blood sugars in the very early morning hours) and a monthly change in my insulin needs because of fluctuations in my menstrual cycle. At times, even with diligent monitoring, wise food choices and adjustments in insulin dosing, I could not achieve an A1C under 8. Six years ago, at age 27, I was busy pursuing a graduate degree and working, when my endocrinologist approached me with the idea of trying insulin pump therapy to help me acheive better control and so gain more control over my life.
At first, I was completely resistant to the idea. I was put off by the thought of having a tube connected to my body and couldn't imagine what dating would be like with a pump. I wanted to maintain some privacy about my diabetes and thought that wearing a pump would “expose” me in a way that didn't feel comfortable.
But on the other hand, I was becoming increasingly frustrated with my high blood sugars and also fearful about what the future might hold for me if I didn't get my diabetes under tighter control. I finally let go of my fears and worries enough to try the pump. And sure enough-like so many other people who have-my life has become significantly better-due to my decision. I was able to make small changes in my basal insulin pattern that allowed me to cover times when my blood sugars would rise. I could cut down on my insulin at the spur of the moment if I chose to exercise, with no fears of going low. I could sleep late, not being restricted to the peaking pattern of long-acting insulin. And I could eat sweet treats or high-carb food now and again and still maintain excellent blood sugar control!
I began a quest to learn all that I could about insulin pump therapy and even ended up writing a book Insulin Pump Therapy Demystified about my experiences and those of over 100 other pump users that I interviewed. Unlike other books about pump therapy, my book focuses on a patient's perspective and how the pump affects every aspect of one's life-from finances to sexuality, self-image to sleeping. I can tell you, six years later, that I have never once regretted my decision to choose the pump. It is not a cure, is not always easy to work out…still I think it is the most flexible, innovative insulin deliver system that we have. I am now the proud mother of a healthy 2-yr-old boy and have another baby on the way. I could not be living this dream without my pump!
If you or someone you know are considering insulin pump therapy, I've listed ten important facts to help you learn about life with the pump.
- Insulin pump therapy allows the person with diabetes to "think like a pancreas." Pump therapy offers people with diabetes, who must take insulin in order to survive, a way to do so without relying on multiple daily injections. Just like a pancreas, an insulin pump releases small, continuous amounts of insulin into the bloodstream. In pump terminology, this is known as "basal" insulin. And, just as a pancreas produces insulin quickly to counteract carbohydrate intake, an insulin pump allows its wearer to dial in additional insulin to cover the amount of carbohydrates ingested. This insulin is known as a "bolus" of insulin. The combination of correct basal insulin rates with additional bolusing allows the person with diabetes to achieve the closest thing possible to a functioning pancreas.
- Insulin pumps are small, sleek machines-no bigger than a pager. Today's insulin pumps contain tiny computers, and run on batteries. They are extremely safe, comfortable and easy to wear. During my research, I discovered that many people with diabetes have never seen a pump and so have a hard time imagining how they work. Insulin is delivered through a thin tube that is connected both to the pump and to the person wearing the pump, through a needle or catheter, placed under the skin. Most pump users connect at the abdomen, although others use thighs, hips, upper buttocks, or even arms. The tube can be easily detached for some activities, such as showering, that are easier to do without the pump on.
- Pump therapy allows for a flexible, more "normal" lifestyle. Insulin pumps run small amounts of fast-acting insulin, which allows the person with diabetes to take a bolus of insulin just before eating. This means that people with diabetes no longer have to schedule their lives around the "peaking" of long-acting insulin. People on the pump can dine out in restaurants, go to parties and even skip meals when they choose. (Not to mention sleep late when the opportunity arises!)
- Wearing an insulin pump does not interfere with fashion choices! Many women-from young girls to senior citizens-fear what wearing the device will do to their body image. I know that this was a huge concern for me initially. Fortunately, there are many solutions to fashion dilemmas from wearing the pump in a leg garter to having a seamstress sew pockets into fancy dresses. In fact, Miss America 1999 Nicole Johnson wore her pump during the Miss America Pageant.
- People wearing an insulin pump can participate in all kinds of sports and exercise regimes. Insulin pumps allow their users to continue any physical activity they're involved in-they don't inhibit sports, recreation, work or sex. People can program their pump to give them less insulin so that they can avoid getting a low blood sugar reaction during heightened physical activity. I spoke with one young athlete who had a pocket put in his football uniform so he could wear his pump while he played.
- Insulin pump therapy is recommended for all diabetic women who wish to become pregnant. Pregnancy demands tight control of blood sugars, and research shows that the insulin pump is the very best way for women with diabetes to control their blood sugars during pregnancy. I feel fortunate to have had the pump during my own healthy pregnancy-I was able to adjust my insulin levels with ease.
- People of all ages-from young children to senior citizens-can benefit from pump therapy. New research shows the amazing benefits of having young children on the insulin pump-requiring that parents take primary responsibility for monitoring the pump. And you can teach "old dogs" new tricks-many senior citizens swear by the pump and adjust to this new regime with ease.
- Insulin pump therapy is for people with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. research points to pump therapy as being the most effective way to treat Type 1 (often called "Juvenile") diabetes, as well as an effective way of treating Type 2 (formerly known as "adult-onset") diabetes. It is estimated that 17 million people worldwide have diabetes and that 3.7 million of them must rely on taking daily insulin shots.
- Insulin pump therapy is not a cure for diabetes. Insulin pump therapy is in no way a cure for diabetes. The pump user must still measure blood sugars by using a home blood sugar monitoring device and make insulin adjustments, based on activity levels and food intake. In some ways, pump therapy requires more commitment and involvement on the part of its user than multiple injection therapy does.
- There are many sources available for learning about pump therapy. In Insulin Pump Therapy Demystified, I organize a list of organizations that can help both lay people and physicians learn more about insulin pump therapy. You can also find a list of resources on my web site www.insulinpumpbook.com.
Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer is the author of Insulin Pump Therapy Demystified and hosts a monthly program called “Real Life Pumpers” on www.diabetesstation.com.
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| REVIEW:
Products or Services |
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This Newsletter we will be reviewing Anima's IR 1250 Pump.
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Create a Food Database on your pump using the CalorieKing.
Choose up to 500 foods out of a database of 7,000.
Enter up to 9 food items for any one meal - the IR 1250 totals the carbs & calculates the insulin dose.
Compose your alert sounds & download music from selected favorites.
Personalize your pump to include:
- Important contact information.
- Choose names of 4 basal programs to accommodate your lifestyle.
- Use your PC to easily program personal setting & basal rate.
- Enter quick tips for managing diabetes during sick days.
- Choose pump color of silver, black or blue.
- Create a customized pump cover with your favorite photo or design.
ezBG automatically calculate a correction bolus. Waterproof all day - Tested at 12 feet for 24 hours. Retains memory even if batteries are removed. Insulin on board- tracks unused bolus insulin to prevent hypoglycemia. Reminders for time of day or to check BG.
Retail price is $5974.00. There are programs available for the uninsured. Make sure you ask your Anima's rep about them. The cost for Reservoirs or Cartridges (this is what the insulin is held in) is $36.00 for 10. The Rep I talked to said you should on need 10 a month. The Infusion sets are $89.00 (10) for the Comfort & $150.00 (10) for the Quickset.
LifeScan is coming out with a new Glucometer called the Ultra two in the fall that will work with the IR 1250 Animas Pump. The Glucometer will be free with the purchase of the Insulin Pump.
To see this pump go to Animas.
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I wanted to share with you a solution I found to a problem you might not even know you have. For the last month or so, I've been frustrated with the lack of performance of my computer. I knew something was wrong but I had no idea what it was. It turns out that my computer was infected with viral parasites, and further reasearch shows that 9 out of 10 computers are. Even though I use AOL's Security Edition with Spyware Protection & I run McCafee's Virus Scan, it wasn't enough. I also ran an Lavasoft's Adware Removal Program & the Spybot Search and Destroy Program but it still wasn't right. I stumbled accross an ad that said they could prove that my computer was still infected for FREE! Well, turns out they were right, and after scanning my computer with the program it showed 37 infected files.....37!!, and that was after running all the other programs first! Needless to say, my computer is now virus free and running at least 3 times faster than before. So, my suggestion is that you Try This Program Yourself for FREE by clicking on the ad below and see how many Parasites are hiding on your machine. I wouldn't recommend it if it didn't work.....and work well. You can Thank Me later.
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Insulin Identified as Trigger for Type 1 Diabetes
WEDNESDAY, May 11, 2005
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(HealthDay News) -- Insulin, the hormone most
closely linked to diabetes, has turned out to be the cause of the
inherited form of the blood sugar disease, researchers report.
For reasons that remain unclear, in patients with type 1 diabetes
the body's immune T-cells react against insulin-producing cells in
the pancreas -- effectively shutting them down and triggering
disease onset.
After eight long years of painstaking research, scientists believe
they've finally pegged insulin as the prime antigen -- immune system
target -- responsible for this shutdown.
"In the end, it's a very simple answer. A lot of studies that we do
in science tend to be complex, but in this case, we get a break,"
said lead researcher Dr. David A. Hafler, Breakstone professor of
neurology at Harvard Medical School. His team's research appears in
the May 12 issue of Nature.
Buoyed by the findings, researchers elsewhere are already hard at
work testing out insulin as the basis of a possible vaccine against
type 1 diabetes.
About 10 percent of the nearly 16 million diabetic Americans have
the type 1 form of the disease, according to the American Diabetes
Association. The vast majority of diabetics suffer from type 2
diabetes, where factors such as increasing weight gain gradually
desensitize the body's cells to the effects of insulin.
Scientists have long known that type 1 diabetes is caused by the
body's immune system turning against cells in the pancreas that
produce insulin. What's remained unclear is the target for this
immune response.
"Of course, it's been such an obvious question -- what's the
antigen?" Hafler said.
Unfortunately, the only way to adequately answer that question in
humans is to examine tough-to-obtain pancreatic lymph tissues. "It
took us years to get these tissues, to clone the cells and then to
really characterize them and examine their activity," he said.
That effort has paid off, however: Supported by evidence from other,
smaller papers, the Nature study "really weaves a rather compelling
story that indeed the target -- the cause -- of type 1 diabetes may
be T-cell reactivity to insulin," Hafler said.
"I think this really clinches it, in my view," said Dr. Jay Skyler,
associate director of the University of Miami's Diabetes Research
Institute. "The study provides the last bit of evidence in humans;
it's really very important," he added.
"It resolves a controversy because, based on animal models, there
had been considerable debate as to whether the primary antigen for
type 1 diabetes is insulin or [a second compound] glutamic acid
decarboxylase (GAD)," Skyler said. "That controversy has been going
on for 15 years."
While GAD might still play some role in type 1 disease, Hafler's
group seems to have proven that insulin is the real culprit, Skyler
said.
Long before this week's announcement, his team in Miami was already
hard at work testing insulin as a potential basis for a vaccine
against type 1 disease. "We screened 103,000 relatives of people
with type 1 diabetes to pick out people at risk," Skyler
explained. "Then we gave them either injected or oral insulin as a
potential vaccine."
The hope is that introducing insulin to individuals at high risk for
type 1 diabetes might desensitize their immune systems to the
hormone, thereby preventing the disease.
The injection-based trial largely failed, Skyler noted, perhaps
because safety concerns limited the dose researchers could
administer.
"But in the oral trial, we actually have a subgroup where it appears
to have a beneficial effect. We're going to do further studies on
that, to clarify it," Skyler said.
Another expert in type 1 diabetes research, Edwin Gale, cautioned
that a potent vaccine against the illness remains a distant goal.
The generally poor outcome of the Miami trials "has taught us that
the problems may have been underestimated," said Gale, who is
professor of diabetic medicine and head of the department of
clinical science at the University of Bristol in England.
"One major hurdle in humans is the inaccessibility of the pancreas,
which remains a sort of 'black box' in type 1 diabetes," he
explained. "Almost all our knowledge is obtained from animal models,
and these differ in important respects [from humans]. We are still a
long way from a vaccine."
Hafler also noted that while his findings are important to patients
with type 1 diabetes, they have little significance for individuals
with type 2, adult-onset diabetes.
"It's a totally different disease," he explained. "The end result is
the same, but the underlying cause is very different."
Stem Cell updates come from The Stem Cell Information Newsletter run by Steve Meyer.
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Double Chocolate Cupcakes
Makes 12 servings
1 1/2 cups All purpose flour
1/4 cup Cocoa Powder
1/2 cup SPLENDA®
1 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 cup Orange Juice
3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
1 Egg
1 tbsp Vinegar
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1/3 cup Mini Chocolate Chips
1 tbsp Confectioner's Sugar
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl combine the first 5 ingredients.
In a separate bowl combine 1/3 cup of water, orange juice, oil, egg, vinegar & vanilla. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the orange juice mixture. Stir just until moistened. Fold in chocolate chips.
Spoon into prepared muffin cups. Bake for 12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from pan.
When cool sprinkle with confectioner's sugar.
Do not overmix the batter or the cupcakes will become chewy and full of tunnels.
Nutritional Analysis Per Serving:
20g Carbohydrate
3g Protein
6g Fat
143 cal
Exchanges:
1 Starch
1/2 Other Carohydrate
1 Fat
Recipe brought to you by LifeScan
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In this area you will find tips that should be helpful to Diabetics. If you have any good tips or tricks please send them to me Kimberly.
Tips for People with Diabetes
Easy milkshake idea
Here is a milkshake idea that was sent to me by a visitor to my web site:
Hey Kimberly - I enjoy your website and thought I'd pass on a a recipe I've created as my substitute for ice cream shakes. So good, even non-diabetics give it a thumbs up. It requires a "frosty" mug - the plastic glass that has a layer of liquid between the inside and outside, that you freeze in the freezer before using. Before the mug is well frozen before making this.
Add 1/2 to 3/4 cup of mixed frozen, non sweetened berries to a food processer and chop until very fine. Immediately add the fruit to a frosty mug, then add a cup of milk, 3 packets equal and a dash of vanilla. Stir and within a few seconds, the mixture will freeze into a shake. I buy packages of mixed frozen berries that includes strawberries, raspberries and blueberries.
Anything you put in the frozen mug will start to freeze so there may be some other similar recipes that would be great for those who don't like berries.
I don't know about you but, I'm on my way out to buy one of those cups.
News for the uninsured Diabetic
If you are not insured and are not eligible for Medicare, you may be interested in the following new initiative in which LifeScan is a participant. For more information on the Together Rx Access™ Card, please visit the following Web page:
http://lifescan.com/company/about/together_rx/
This new initiative can provide savings on LifeScan's diabetes meters and test strips. To qualify for the card, applicants must be legal U.S. residents under age 65, not eligible for Medicare and have no public or private prescription drug coverage.
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