MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'blood glucose'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:59:47 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5125739&cid=t_102103_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmobile-application-shown-to-enhance-diabetes-care%2F2011.08.12 It seems intuitive (at least to Medgadgeteers) that mobile technology can be used to improve health outcomes, but we still need studies to actually put data behind this idea.  A recent study of the DiabetesManager mobile health platform from WellDoc is a step in this direction. We last reported about WellDoc’s mobile diabetes application in 2010, and since that time it has been tested in a clinical trial and was shown to reduce HgbA1c by 1.9%. The DiabetesManager is a behavioral coaching and clinical decision support system.  Patients enter details about blood glucose values, medications, and behaviors via mobile phone, and health care providers receive quarterly summaries based on this information. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Medgadget* (Source... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5125739 Fri, 12 Aug 2011 21:00:14 +0100 5125739 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4984453&cid=t_102103_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhen-diabetes-requires-mad-scientist-experimentation-to-get-blood-sugars-in-target-range%2F2011.06.29 I do not enjoy basal testing.  Even though I sometimes go six hour clips without having a snack (thanks, Birdy and your busy ways), something about knowing I can’t eat or exercise makes me want to do a 5K while simultaneously chomping down on some soft serve. But when I noticed that I was going to bed at a completely normal blood sugar, but waking up in the 180 – 220 mg/dl range for three days in a row, I knew I needed to do some basal tweaking. Making adjustments to my overnight basal rates always skeeves me out.  I’m a very deep sleeper (as evidenced by the fact that Siah prowling around on the bed all night doesn’t wake me in the slightest, but makes Chris say “We’re sleeping with the door SHUT tonight,” in the morning), and I have a very heal... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4984453 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:00:03 +0100 4984453 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813195&cid=t_102103_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fdr-patrick-mooney-developing-needlefree-technique-measure-blood-sugar%2F Surgeon Dr. Patrick Mooney is expanding his company Echo Therapeutics as he develops a technique to measure blood glucose levels with a needle-free device. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813195 Wed, 11 May 2011 04:15:24 +0100 4813195 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4794816&cid=t_102103_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F06%2Fjournal-of-the-american-medical-association-2011%2F This article reports on a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs) assessing associations of structured exercise training regimens (aerobic, resistance, or both) and physical activity advice with or without dietary cointervention on change in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in type 2 diabetes patients. The article concludes that structured exercise training that consists of aerobic exercise, resistance training, or both combined is associated with HbA1c reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes. Structured exercise training of more than 150 minutes per week is associated with greater HbA1c declines than that of 150 minutes or less per week. Physical activity advice is associated with lower HbA1c, but only when combined with dietary advice. Filed under: A... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4794816 Fri, 06 May 2011 12:53:30 +0100 4794816 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4512429&cid=t_102103_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F02%2F23%2Fcellphone-use-may-increase-brain-activity%2F Brain studies get more interest in the media, because the brain is truly one of the last great unknowns of the human body. While our understanding of the brain has made great strides in the past few decades, we still have only very basic and rudimentary knowledge of this important organ. Honestly, researchers still aren’t quite sure how the brain even works. When you consider where we are with our understanding of the brain’s basic functions, you have to take studies that use brain imagery with a healthy grain of salt. The consumption of sugar by the brain is thought to indicate important brain activity, but it’s a correlational association that researchers have documented. The latest “gee whiz!” brain study showed that when you put a muted cell phone next to ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4512429 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 19:28:44 +0100 4512429 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4460119&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FeD0yA6ygYoQ%2Fthe-most-awesome.php BackgroundThe endocrinologist prescribed diet, exercise, and blood glucose monitoring in our first meeting. Such a difference from what the primary care physician prescribed upon my type 2 diabetes diagnosis - metformin. The endocrinologist recognized the effort already made in reducing carbohydrates, exercising, and losing weight. The primary care physician told me I was losing weight because of high blood sugar and suggested a weight loss drug.Guess which one is still my doctor?“The most awesome thing I have done in spite of diabetes is . . . . “...doing things that I could have never dreamed possible before my type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Doing things that could have not been possible had I listened to that primary care physician who wanted to give me a prescription for metformin with n... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4460119 Thu, 10 Feb 2011 15:53:07 +0100 4460119 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4411669&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2Fe0gziuHe-Gc%2Flessons-learned.php Things I learned this week:A brand new iPod can make all the difference in changing up a workout routine.If I am going for a longer workout after breakfast, it is perfectly okay to load up on the "smart" carbohydrates during that meal.  Meaning, a leftover pork chop with a half cup worth of skillet potatoes (Yukon Gold, NOT russet) does not harm blood sugar readings if a 40-minute elliptical workout is in the day's plans.I cannot miss snacks in the afternoon on days I work out in the morning - either I get hungry and/or I get shaky and cranky accompanied by a blood sugar reading of 80 mg/dl or less.  Hello, reactive hypoglycemia.Oh, how I love #dsma on Twitter and the diabetes online community, even if I've been a little out of the loop.  I was glad to provide a couple of th... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4411669 Fri, 28 Jan 2011 12:31:00 +0100 4411669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4322651&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FblhVphypxYQ%2Fweek-1.php 160 minutes of exercise logged, the most in months, I guarantee.A surprise 120 mg/dl fasting blood sugar Thursday morning, the best I've seen in weeks, maybe even the same number of months since I logged that much exercise.Two positive things for the week.Pizza on Tuesday night and the subsequent long night spent in and out of the bathroom with indisputable high blood sugars.  One negative thing for the week.As long as the positive things outweigh the negative things, I should be golden, right?***This week, I also registered for the DiabetesSisters Weekend for Women event in Raleigh, NC, happening April 29 - May 1.  Even if I get back on track with my diabetes care by then, I will always need the inspiration the event is sure to bring.  I hope to see some of you there. ... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4322651 Fri, 07 Jan 2011 12:39:00 +0100 4322651 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4253200&cid=t_102103_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F12%2F12%2Fdo-your-panic-attacks-ever-grow-rosy-in-retrospect%2F Photo Credit: gavinmusic The other night, I found myself obsessively listening to a unique crowd-sourced brand of music at OneHelloWorld. OHW is — well, think Postsecret, but for your ears. The site’s creator (who doesn’t identify himself by name) asks the world to call his phone and leave a three-minute narrative voicemail. Then, he creates a musical composition for the background that’s inspired by the content of your message. (“Call it a soundtrack for your thoughts,” the site describes it.) The result? An intriguing amalgam of personal stories and instrumental melodies. The completed tracks are moving. Some are inspirational; some are depressing. Always one to take part in the novelty of experimental projects on the internet, I called OHW’s ph... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4253200 Sun, 12 Dec 2010 23:06:16 +0100 4253200 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4125211&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FlZcERttpuVg%2Fdiabetes-hiatus.php I believe "diabetes" and "hiatus" rhyme.  Or they come pretty darn close, anyways.  For several personal reasons, I fell off the wagon and took an unintended diabetes hiatus.  What better month to get back on track than November, American Diabetes Awareness Month?  I'm starting slow with just a couple of goals for the month, as I explain in my latest dLife column.  150 minutes of exercise per week and trying to lower my fasting blood glucose readings down to 126 mg/dl (or better) - nothing more, nothing less.  As I exercise more, the temptations of simple carbohydrates should dissipate - and if not, then December's goal will be to eliminate consumption of them.  Right now, I can't promise I will blog consistently, but I do intend on gett... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4125211 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 17:33:52 +0100 4125211 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3969143&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2Fq3U_XFMNgso%2Fdiabetes-panic.php Heart racing, choking feeling, sweating, fighting off tears. All signs that signal a panic attack.  All signs with which I am quite familiar.   Overwhelmingly, my panic attacks occur with work stress or uncomfortable social situations.  Once in a while, a family situation creates enough anxiety for a panic attack to occur.   Yesterday was different.  Yesterday it was about diabetes.With an upcoming endocrinologist appointment looming, much thought has been going into questions to ask regarding recent weight gain and sharply increased fasting blood glucose readings.  And that includes wondering if it is time to try metformin again.   Metformin, the wonder drug that did little wonder for me, other than making me wonder why I kept taking ... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3969143 Tue, 14 Sep 2010 16:08:41 +0100 3969143 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3921022&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2F5_iYJoKi5FQ%2Ffor-the-past-five-years.php For the past five years, as I struggled with the ups and downs and all arounds that diabetes brings, I believed daily scale watching held me accountable.  Doing so would keep me in line, would keep me from tipping over into overweight territory, would work in line with my blood glucose meter to signal good diabetes control.  For the past few weeks, however, the line of thinking changed dramatically.  Every time the scale read a pound higher instead of a pound lower, I took a step back despite the fact the meter sat at a comfortable 30-day average.  Why should I exercise, why should I count carbohydrates if all that effort is for naught on what the scale tells me?    I weighed myself for the last time at home this morning.  The next time I know w... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3921022 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:42:26 +0100 3921022 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3802541&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FQ-5fXelqAwM%2Fmatching-fbg.php 112 mg/dl.  In my book, that qualifies as a decent fasting blood glucose reading, whether type 1 or type 2.  It is the number that happened to flash up for both me and my type 1 husband this morning.  What are the chances of that, really?   (Forget meter accuracy issues for the moment, please...)We ate the same meal last night - sirloin steak with an ear of corn - and ate a little later than we usually do.  Besides the obvious gender, weight, and height differences, there are several other factors to consider.  Earlier in the evening, I worked out on the elliptical.  Later in the evening, I went to bed before he did.  Remember, my husband uses exogenous insulin and can correct if need be.  Even more important to note is that after meet... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3802541 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:42:14 +0100 3802541 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3666159&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FmxlMP26GD8k%2Fa1c-now.php "Unless you have concerns between now and then, I will see you in September.  We probably only need to do an in-office A1c test, so no lab slip today."Not exactly the words I wanted to hear from my endocrinologist back in March.  For the first time, I felt disappointed with the appointment, even though my recent A1c had been 5.8%.  I was facing my second surgery in under six months and felt out of control with eating and lack of exercise.  I shook those feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty off after a few days.  After all, I needed to be focused mentally on the challenge of healing from the second surgery.  While in the hospital, no blood glucose monitoring was done due to the recent A1c level being under 6.0%.  There wasn't much to do for me anyways, n... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3666159 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 20:01:14 +0100 3666159 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3549514&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2F4Pv1whyswDw%2Fdiabetes-blog-week-a-day-in-the-lifewith-diabetes.php Karen came up with a fantastic idea to unite the diabetes blogging community this week - a full seven days of prompting topics for us to ponder - in other words, a Diabetes Blog Week.  Check out the long list of participants!  Today's topic, "A day in the life...with diabetes" is described as:"Take us through a quick rundown of an average day and all the ways in which diabetes touches it.  Blood tests, site changes, high and low blood sugars, meal planning, anything that comes along.  This can be a log of an actual day, or a fictional compilation of pieces from many days."***Friday, May 7.  Eight days post-op.I slowly wake up about the time that the husband's alarm clock is about to spring us into action for the day.  I head to the bathroom, then downstai... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3549514 Mon, 10 May 2010 13:00:00 +0100 3549514 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3538345&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fmy-most-excellent-life-as-a-pancreas.html Funny what you find when you clean out your closets. As I was sorting through some of the piles of diabetes-related materials in my office last week, I uncovered this cheery-looking little book called “My Life as a Pancreas” by Priscilla Call Essert: Someone had sent it to me for review a while back, and I [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3538345 Thu, 06 May 2010 13:00:28 +0100 3538345 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3526911&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FYJPemW9EVOM%2Fa-la-carte---food-and-blood-glucose-monitoring.php Shh, I have a secret!  The food wasn't that bad at the hospital during my recent post-surgical stay, even though I stuck to the lower carbohydrate options.Since the menu was a la carte, the variety of choices was pleasing and the ability to choose lower carb items was available.  So many combinations were possible with the items published under "soups and salads", "main dishes", "side dishes", "starches", "sweets", "beverages", and "condiments".  Knowing my own personal dietary needs as someone with type 2 diabetes, it was quite easy to select vegetable beef soup and a fruit cup for lunch or sausage links and a light yogurt for breakfast without going into carb overload.  The only "huh?" moment came with the juice boxes that were placed on every meal tray.  Those g... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3526911 Mon, 03 May 2010 13:05:00 +0100 3526911 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3511703&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fjessica-bernstein-rethinking-diabetes-from-the-ground-up.html Jessica Bernstein wants to take “control” out of the diabetes vocabulary. So read the headline when she was featured in the San Francisco Chronicle last week. Jessica is a San Francisco Bay Area psychologist who was diagnosed herself with type 1 diabetes when she was just a year old. She’s spent much of her [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3511703 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:00:25 +0100 3511703 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3494492&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FbFYKzRJ_fHw%2Fthere-is-no-worry-in-healing.php Worrying about diabetes control is not on my to-do list before surgery next Thursday.  I have plenty to worry about with the following: Pre-operative appointments with the surgeons and nurses Cleaning my house to make it cozy when I come home from the hospital Completing assignments for the day job as well as my freelance career I can only improve on what happened back in December - blood sugar on the low side throughout hospital recovery (thanks to nausea) and higher blood sugars upon returning home on powerful antibiotics and painkillers.  The instances of high blood sugars didn't last long enough to raise eyebrows, especially as they dropped quickly once I completed the full regimen of those powerful prescription drugs.  This time around, a nausea patch h... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3494492 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 21:46:30 +0100 3494492 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3490812&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fhappy-birthday-to-me.html Glucose averages looking good. Got a clean mammogram result last week. Enjoying a beautiful — if not entirely sunny — day today with my partner (still the love of my life) and my three unbelievable girls. Thinking about how much fun we had over Spring Break a few weeks’ back: Life is good, even when you no [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3490812 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:20:08 +0100 3490812 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3483063&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fwhats-new-in-diabetes-goods-reader-tips.html Thankfully, many readers send me emails when they hear about something newsworthy/ different/ fun/ controversial/ or quirky in the world of diabetes. Thank you! And keep those tips coming, pahhhleeese, People. Today, from the mailbag, three items that I simply had to share: New OneTouch Delica Lancing Device This one’s so new it doesn’t even appear on the [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3483063 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 13:00:06 +0100 3483063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3443933&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fthe-jurys-still-out-on-victoza.html Novo Nordisk is well-known in the diabetes community for its insulins, Novolog and Levemir, used to treat mainly type 1 diabetes. But in the last year, Novo launched a new kind of injectable, a “first line of defense for people with type 2 diabetes” called Victoza (generic: liraglutide). It’s a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drug designed [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3443933 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 13:00:37 +0100 3443933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3440998&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fbeating-the-odds-with-richard-vaughn-over-half-a-century-of-diabetes.html Richard Vaughn is a bit of a legend in the diabetes online community. Known more widely as Richard157 on several diabetes forums, Richard began sharing his story of living with type 1 diabetes for over 60 years via forum posts in 2007 and has become an inspiration for many. Last week, Richard also became a [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3440998 Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:00:24 +0100 3440998 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3429381&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fnewsflash-new-sanofi-aventis-glucose-meters-brought-to-you-by-agamatrix.html Today, Sanofi-Aventis announced that it’s getting into the glucose meter manufacturing business, by partnering with a small company known for highly accurate meter technology, AgaMatrix (makers of WaveSense products, based on a patented electrochemistry formula). Reports say the new Sanofi-branded meters will be out later this year, and that this move is part of a larger [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3429381 Wed, 31 Mar 2010 21:00:47 +0100 3429381 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3390934&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F03%2Ffda-hearings-on-blood-glucose-meters-an-advocates-perspective.html Many of you may know that the FDA held a two-day Public Hearing on the issue of Glucose Meter Accuracy late last week. Dozens of experts gathered at the Washington DC Hilton/Gaithersburg Hotel to lend testimony. The issue at hand, according to FDA statements, is that: “Glucose meters are increasingly being used to achieve tight glycemic [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3390934 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:00:50 +0100 3390934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3318612&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2Fyfd2Pw6L868%2Fgame-over.php I don't know what to be more surprised over - the A1c result I received yesterday or that my endocrinologist mailed the results in advance of my appointment in a couple weeks.  Last week, I decided to just go ahead and have my blood work done, no use delaying the inevitable news that some control had been lost.Only it hasn't.  5.8%, down from 6.0% in November.  I had to look at it several times, certain it was actually reading 6.8%.  It just goes to show how much is missed when I'm not testing my blood sugar, though.  I usually test anywhere from one to five times a day.  What is really happening in between those tests?  Perhaps things are going smoother than originally thought - or they could be rougher.  And what about the accuracy of test str... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3318612 Sun, 28 Feb 2010 21:13:07 +0100 3318612 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3314689&cid=t_102103_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FLVj4qPgkhOo%2F OneTouch SureStep Test Strips (LifeScan): Recall PRESS RELEASE [Posted 02/26/2010] LifeScan and FDA notified healthcare professionals of a voluntary recall of eight lots of OneTouch SureStep Test Strips, used by people with diabetes to measure their blood glucose levels at home. The test strips are being recalled because they may provide falsely low glucose results when the glucose level is higher than 400 mg/dL. If patients use the falsely low test results to determine their insulin dose, they may give themselves too little insulin, which could result in poor blood glucose control. High blood glucose must be recognized and treated promptly to avoid serious complications, such as coma and death. The eight lots of consumer OneTouch SureStep Test Strips being recalled are identified in the... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3314689 Sat, 27 Feb 2010 01:03:15 +0100 3314689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3243965&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fsubtle-accusations.html Sometimes it’s the incessant sense of failure with diabetes that gets me down.  It’s not so much about strangers making stupid comments, or even me beating myself up for not doing a perfect job of managing my BG levels every day…  it’s more about the subtle accusations of people closer to me, those who I [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3243965 Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:00:08 +0100 3243965 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3193952&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F01%2F10-d-things-to-do-this-year.html Over at HealthCentral Network, the theme for 2010 is “This Year, I Get My Condition Under Control.”  For January, the bloggers are focused on “Pairs of Tens for Your Condition,” as in 10 Things You Should Know, 10 Myths Busted, etc., etc. For my part, I’m taking on “10 Things I’ll Do This Year.”  To make [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3193952 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:00:47 +0100 3193952 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3193959&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FDjoqOUzFcBY%2Fbehind-the-numbers.php The numbers on the meter and the results of our A1C tests should not define what kind of person with diabetes we are.  It is not a judgment of our control, it is not necessarily linked to our future destinies.  We can go into each day, each month, each year with the best of intentions, with all the effort we can muster, with the motivation to stave off complications.  Sometimes we win.  Sometimes we struggle, but we still win when we do the best we can.Sometimes the numbers go beyond diabetes, as I know quite well from my recent experience with a large abdominal abscess.  If you follow one train of thought on treating type 2 diabetes, you may look at my most recent A1C of 6.0% and think that I could do better, that I must not be treating myself well enough, that my... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3193959 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 03:26:40 +0100 3193959 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3159932&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fthe-diabetic-partner-follies-act-22-what-does-it-take-to-be-a-caregiver.html Welcome, partners and loved ones of diabetics. It’s been a while since we’ve visited this series by and for you all, where you can share your perspective on what it means to live with diabetes “from the other side.” First off, I’d like to announce that fabulous fellow D-blogger and author Wil Dubois is working on [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3159932 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:00:10 +0100 3159932 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3108510&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fannouncing-the-2009-holiday-survival-story-winners.html Happy Mid-Holiday Season, Dear Readers.  We had a modest turnout for the DiabetesMine Holiday Survival Stories Contest this year, which wasn’t such a bad thing, as it turns out; we judges still had a hard time choosing winners. In the end, we tried to focus on situations that “typify” what we PWDs tend to go through [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3108510 Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:00:18 +0100 3108510 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3092872&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fwayback-wednesday-diab-entity-crisis.html As a sort of addendum to this Monday’s post, I can’t believe I wrote the following testimonial four whole years ago. Ever more confirmation that the more things change, the more they stay the same: Diab-entity Crisis Sometime in the middle of last week, as I was gazing at my blog banner and mulling over my next [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3092872 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:00:59 +0100 3092872 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3071418&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fwayback-wednesday-oh-glorious-middle.html Special for “hump day”: I’m revisiting this post from 2007, which I’ve referred to often whenever I second-guess myself about how to talk to my kids about living with diabetes: Oh, Glorious Middle! I’ve shared this tidbit with some of you already: whenever my girls and I are having a bit of relaxed fun, laughing and taking [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3071418 Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:00:05 +0100 3071418 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3017193&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FWZXVVB5q-Ok%2Fthe-last-hurrah-will-the-averages-lie-part-5.php So, here we go.  This coming Monday morning, I shall have my blood drawn for all sorts of diabetes, thyroid, and lipid panel goodness.  And the following Monday morning, I shall have the verdict as to whether the meter averages have lied to me.But unlike March, May, July, and September, the latest meter averages are disappointing.  111 before meals, 135 after meals, 123 overall.  At best, I could expect the same A1C result I received back in April when the streak of awesome averages was just beginning - 5.8%.  Still, it could be that the low battery signal I received this morning means that my meter has been off.I know better, though, because I don't feel my best.  I struggle to exercise enough each week.  Not only did I ignore my vow to keep carbohydrate... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3017193 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:11:40 +0100 3017193 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012455&cid=t_102103_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FNkxtEUaQATk%2F Living with diabetes is more than taking insulin or medication. Those who have diabetes or know someone who does knows that living with diabetes is a lifestyle. Insulin or medications, like metformin or glucophage are not a cures for diabetes, although that is a common belief. Insulin and medications merely manage the disease, allowing the person with diabetes to continue living as normally as possible. Unfortunately, the disease still can cause significant damage to the body, as the sugar levels fluctuate. People with diabetes who manage to keep their blood glucose (sugar) under strict control have a better chance of avoiding complications. However, avoiding the development of diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, is even better. Type 1, what used to be called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012455 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:33:39 +0100 3012455 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2950949&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FJJ8STU6mLWg%2Fpractical-concerns.php Yesterday, I talked about how I'm not getting the H1N1 vaccine.  I've thought it over and I'm not taking the news reports of severe illness or deaths lightly.  However, I don't want to jump through hoops in order to receive vaccines when I'm relatively healthy.  It's a practical matter.  It's almost like stealing a H1N1 vaccine from a baby...except actually, it is.  Chronic illness is not an indicator in the Denver area for receiving it.  I'm not faking pregnancy in order to get it, like I've been hearing on the news in other areas of the country and in Canada.  Hello, I'm being practical here.Last week, Kerri posted about control solutions for glucose meters and test strips and how we should do it once a week.  Sorry, but I'm not wasting a test... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2950949 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:36:02 +0100 2950949 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2912404&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2F_Th9KWCBbFs%2F186-mgdl.php The number screams at me.  I feel a chill wash over me, then a shudder.  That number threatens to give me nightmares.  186 mg/dl.  The highest post-prandial I have seen in months, the highest reading on the meter in months.  And when I say months, I do not mean merely mean two or three...more like seven or eight.  The post-prandial readings that rang out under 140 mg/dl (if not 120 mg/dl) were what prompted me and my endocrinologist to consider going off metformin back in early April.  (And yet, I know my type 1 husband would kill for consistent post-prandials at 186 mg/dl.)Is this where things change?  Is this where I start to progress?  Is this where I have to reconsider metformin in spite of all the nasty side effects?  All thoughts... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2912404 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:46:50 +0100 2912404 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2912405&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=36012&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBattleDiabetes%2F%7E3%2FDdWrs_Tj-dw%2F And they taste pretty good too! In an age of pharmaceuticals we tend to forget that there are things like herbal teas that can help improve our diabetes. Herbal teas are gaining popularity in the United States and this could be due to the infusion of Western and Eastern Medicine techniques being blended together more often. So what type of herbs are in herbal teas for diabetes control? There are a few but I’m going to give you the two most popularly utilized herbal teas for diabetes control. Bilberry Tea – Never heard of it? Well maybe you know the Bilberry by it’s more popular American name of the Huckleberry. Bilberry herbal tea is known as the most effective herbal tea in aiding diabetes for those who are not insulin dependent. So mainly we’re talking about thos... Battle Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2912405 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:06:57 +0100 2912405 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2876295&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=36012&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBattleDiabetes%2F%7E3%2Fxs1a1rzLhyg%2F Whey protein is a natural product, produced as part of the cheese making process. It is probably most renowned for being a supplement used for bodybuilders and weight trainers as it is an excellent source of protein. Whey protein is not only of benefit to bodybuilders and weight trainers but also to sufferers of conditions such as cancer sufferers, people who are overweight and to Diabetic sufferers. How can it benefit Diabetic sufferers? As mentioned already, whey protein is the best natural source of protein. Protein can become an element lacking in some Diabetic’s diets, as a result of their dietary alterations. Whey protein also lowers levels of blood glucose and this is thought to happen because higher protein levels stimulate Insulin production from the Pancreas. This particular e... Battle Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2876295 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:04:41 +0100 2876295 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2855781&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fwhere-are-they-now-log-for-life-winners-of-the-diabetesmine-design-challenge.html Last year, the DiabetesMine Design Challenge was just getting off the ground but we had some amazing contributions! The winner of the Grand Prize was Ethan Mullis, a 25-year-old graphic and UI designer at Gnoso Inc. who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in eighth grade. His submission was Log for Life, “an online logbook [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2855781 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:00:46 +0100 2855781 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2839129&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fhow-to-be-a-good-endo-from-a-patient%25e2%2580%2599s-pov.html Scott Johnson is one of my favorite fellow diabetes bloggers. Always has been. This post will show you why.   A Guest Post by Scott K. Johnson, of Scott’s Diabetes Journal Amy’s guest post from Dr. Anne Peters last Thursday on “How to be a Good Diabetes Patient” sure ruffled some feathers.  I wanted to take [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2839129 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:00:25 +0100 2839129 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834307&cid=t_102103_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2Fns7Z1-MPA_c%2F Diabetes is a disease that can’t be cured yet; it can only be controlled. Part of the control is with your diet, and carbohydrate and caloric intake, so you need to be able to figure this out. If your diabetes is being controlled by insulin, it’s essential that you understand the numbers behind your blood glucose (sugar) levels and the amount of insulin you must take every day. Unfortunately, not everyone does well in arithmetic or math in school, or may  be educated. This can prove to be a significant stumbling block for proper control of diabetes. Interestingly, much has been said lately about health literacy, being able to read the instructions from a doctor or how to take medications,. Not as much information has been placed on health numeracy, which is the ability to work... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834307 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 01:20:35 +0100 2834307 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796706&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FgIBv8zek3-g%2Fbest-laid-plans.php This was going to be the week that I updated with a third follow-up to "Will the Averages Lie?", posted way back in March before my last endocrinologist appointment.  This was going to be the week that I would get poked and prodded at the lab for another round of diabetes, lipids, and thyroid tests.  Then life stepped in with plans for a quick trip to visit my family and meet my nieces at their upcoming baptism.  Since I'd already been spending a lot of time out of the office with other doctor appointments and long weekends out of town, I just didn't think I could sneak in my endocrinologist appointment, too.  And certainly not when others are taking on work in my absence in addition to their own extensive job duties.When I went to change my appointment, I was in for a ... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796706 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:30:00 +0100 2796706 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2790386&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2F5lCYw-9XONk%2Fspotting-trends-and-stopping-them.php Even though I've cut back on my blood glucose testing, the meter has proved useful in spotting a troubling trend.For about two weeks in late August, I noticed that my fasting blood sugar had increased.  Instead of seeing numbers under 110 mg/dl, the meter was showing me readings above 120 mg/dl.  I would have expected this while I was traveling earlier in the summer, but not while I was at home and keeping up with exercise and diet.  Then it hit me.  I'd been skipping my evening snacks worth 15-20 grams of carbohydrate in favor of going to bed early.  With the daylight hours slowly dwindling, I'd been getting sleepy earlier.  After a few evenings of propping my eyelids open past 9:00 pm to ensure a bedtime snack would be consumed, my morning blood sugar readin... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2790386 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:17:17 +0100 2790386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2786225&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F09%2Flife-by-the-numbers.html Browsing through the latest issue of Wired magazine (my favorite print pub!), I stumbled upon a “reader rant” that stopped me in my tracks. A guy named Edward Aboufadel from Ada, Michigan, was responding to a recent article titled Living by Numbers, about our new data-driven lifestyles. He writes: People who are really ‘living by [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2786225 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:56:51 +0100 2786225 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2774847&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fhome-a1c-testing-vs-the-lab.html So it was time again for my A1C and other blood tests last week. Over-time, in fact.  You know how I hate going in to the lab when I have to be fasting for lipid tests and can’t even have a latte on the way over in the morning. Ugh! And who ever said diabetics [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2774847 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:00:35 +0100 2774847 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2761960&cid=t_102103_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FSDMoKhzNNtE%2F Type 2 diabetes is on the rise. It’s one of the diseases afflicting humans that is often preventable. Preventable because lifestyle plays a large role in the development of type 2 diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes Type 1 diabetes is different from type 2 – it’s caused by the pancreas’ inability to produce insulin. On the other hand, in type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does produce insulin but either not enough or the body can’t properly use the insulin that’s being produced. It used to be that type 1 diabetes was called juvenile diabetes and then the name changed to insulin-dependent diabetes. Originally, it was thought that only children developed type 1 diabetes but now we know that people as old as their late 20s can develop it. Then, it was insulin-dependent be... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2761960 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:47:59 +0100 2761960 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2758032&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fwayback-wednesday-crap-high-blood-sugar.html Four years ago, I got really upset when my blood sugar surged. If you asked me then, I’d have sworn that in four year’s time, I’d have it all figured out and these surges would be a thing of the past - hah!! Thus, I bring you, from October 2005, an all-time favorite [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2758032 Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:00:53 +0100 2758032 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2727370&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fblood-sugar-guidelines-in-the-crossfire.html Did any of you catch this excellent article in the New York Times last week: Diabetes Case Shows Pitfalls of Treatment Guidelines?  I was surprised to see very little blog chatter on it. It’s a fascinating summary of the recent controversy over national blood sugar guidelines, sparked primarily by the ACCORD study that scared everybody [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2727370 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:00:17 +0100 2727370 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2712305&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=36012&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBattleDiabetes%2F%7E3%2FXvVkO3C58X4%2F Here’s a video about a woman who was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes after a routine physical with her Doctor. She goes on to describe how her doctor said that blood should be the consistancy of water but when she lanced her finger it was more like syrup sticking between her fingers. “It is a miracle you are still standing.” the Doctor told her. Related Posts Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes – What Do I Do Now? Type 2 Diabetes Raises the Risk of Parkinsons Disease (Source: Battle Diabetes Blog) Battle Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2712305 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:39:04 +0100 2712305 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2674455&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fwayback-wednesday-crap-high-blood-sugar.html Four years ago, I got really upset when my blood sugar surged. If you asked me then, I’d have sworn that in four year’s time, I’d have it all figured out and these surges would be a thing of the past - hah!! Thus, I bring you, from October 2005, an all-time favorite [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2674455 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:00:53 +0100 2674455 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2621990&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FPd8oJlTCYoo%2Fpermission-granted.php By testing my blood sugar fewer times per month, I am not letting myself go.  I am granting myself permission to believe that following diet and exercise will continue to produce excellent results, even if I'm not testing as often.  After four years with type 2 diabetes, I know my body and how it reacts to certain foods and different types of exercise.  I don't need the meter to validate... (Source: Diabetes Daily) Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2621990 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 04:04:04 +0100 2621990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2606177&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FT0c22IKl0FE%2Fwill-the-averages-lie-follow-up-2.php Let's see.  Since my last look at meter averages back in May, I began taking an anti-depressant to help with generalized anxiety disorder and related depression.  In order to alleviate some stress in my life, I chose to avoid arguing over test strip coverage with my insurance company. And oh yes, we managed to take a road trip to visit my family back in Wisconsin.  No problems with weight gain... (Source: Diabetes Daily) Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2606177 Thu, 16 Jul 2009 04:05:50 +0100 2606177 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2591648&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=36012&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBattleDiabetes%2F%7E3%2FSYrycXRUWGw%2F Have you ever heard of a dog that could sense when blood sugar is dropping to an unsafe level? They are called Hypoglycemic Alert Dogs and they are changing lives. The March 2008 issue of Diabetes Forecast, the consumer magazine of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), features an article about assistance dogs that are trained to sense episodes of human hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose, and sound a life-saving alert. According to the article, these dogs seem to sense a dangerous drop in blood glucose before it begins, allowing the people they work with to prevent an episode altogether. Some dogs seem to sense high blood glucose, too. Mark Ruefenacht is a forensic scientist with type 1 diabetes who started a hypoglycemia alert dog training center in California and has been placing trai... Battle Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2591648 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:37:43 +0100 2591648 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2588408&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fthe-future-of-cgm.html Did I say I was finished reviewing the fabulous submissions in this year’s DiabetesMine Design Challenge? Well I lied, sorry. There’s one more design that came very close to winning that I’d like to share today. Remember how we said the Grand Prize winner LifeCase/LifeApp — a design concept that converts your iPhone [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2588408 Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:00:10 +0100 2588408 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2584357&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fwayback-wednesday-standard-deviation-buzz.html Welcome to Round 2 of my new blast-from-the-past series here at DiabetesMine. Once again, I note how little things have changed in four years! This post originally appeared exactly four years ago to the day, but if I didn’t tell you that, you might not notice. That’s because using the standard deviation for evaluating glucose [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2584357 Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:00:14 +0100 2584357 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2561506&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FUyUNwliL_6A%2Flost-in-translation.php This month's lesson is about conserving test strips.You see, somewhere between my mouth and the mail-order pharmacy, the idea of 300 test strips per 90 days got lost.  I told my endocrinologist's nurse that I usually get 100 per 30 days, so a total of 300 each shipment.  She might have misheard me, I admit.  Or the pharmacy might have misinterpreted the prescription.  Or the insurance might have decided that... (Source: Diabetes Daily) Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2561506 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 03:00:14 +0100 2561506 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523627&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fvacation-all-i-ever-wanted.html Q: When is a weekend away truly a Getaway? A: When your diabetes cooperates. Relaxation is good for me. I know that now because I’ve tested it empirically. Whenever I’m on vacation, especially if it’s someplace hot where I can wear scant clothing and swim in a sparkling pool, my blood sugar evens out to a point [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523627 Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:00:21 +0100 2523627 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2473962&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fall-in-one-diabetes-devices-where-have-they-been.html Nope, these innovative designs for “all-in-one” diabetes devices (everything you need for both glucose testing and insulin injections in one package!) were NOT shown at the ADA Expo this past week.  That’s because they don’t exist yet, except in the minds of some more of our űber-creative contestants in this year’s $10,000 DiabetesMine Design Challenge. And [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2473962 Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:00:48 +0100 2473962 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2453047&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fdiabetes-makeover-report-a-little-hand-holding-goes-a-long-way.html When Melanie Imhoff submitted her entry to the New Year, New You Diabetes Makeover Contest held here in January, she described herself as a “52-year-old type 2 diabetic that has been overweight for many years.” She was on an insulin pump, but wanted to reduce her required doses, and be healthier overall. As a grandmother, [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2453047 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:00:13 +0100 2453047 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2365356&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FnObEo1YitPU%2Fnot-worth-the-stress.php It baffles me.  It scares me.  It keeps me going. Four years of experiments with food, exercise, and medication did not yield the type of results I'm seeing on my meter now.  All of a sudden, it seems, I have found the equation that works for me.  At first, I couldn't pinpoint why.  Now it's clear the impact certain stressors in my life were making on blood sugar control.  ... (Source: Diabetes Daily) Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2365356 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:33:15 +0100 2365356 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349384&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=36985&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fsugarstats%2F%7E3%2FSBkg2nl9Y4s%2F Ran across this the other day, this is definitely a new one for me but perhaps this is old news. In the middle of the night in a “typical” family home in Florida, a 12 year old girl, named Hunter, sleeps, while her German Shepherd, Diva, lies close by, snoozing on her own bed. All is [...] (Source: SugarStats.com - Simple, Online Blood Sugar Tracking for Diabetes Management) SugarStats.com - Simple, Online Blood Sugar Tracking for Diabetes Management blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2349384 Mon, 13 Apr 2009 18:36:20 +0100 2349384 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2325115&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FtHGz753IJ60%2Fthe-way-things-were-blood-glucose-meters.php Following on from last weeks look at the barbaric instruments we used to use to draw blood, I dug out my first two blood glucose testing machines from the nineteen eighties.The first meter which actually belonged to me was the original Reflolux. The hospital had lent my parents a different model for a few weeks after diagnosis, but, ever at the cutting edge, they quickly realised they needed to get... (Source: Diabetes Daily) Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2325115 Tue, 07 Apr 2009 01:51:12 +0100 2325115 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2276538&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fode-to-euglycemia.html I can’t believe I’ve lived with diabetes for five years now and never knew the term for my ultimate goal: euglycemia. That’s a fancy science word for “normal blood sugar levels.” Since I’ve discovered this term, I’ve become just a tad obsessed. Did you know Google spits out 52,900 hits for it?  [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2276538 Fri, 20 Mar 2009 13:00:40 +0100 2276538 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2276542&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fhappy-st-paddys-day-diabetes-the-drink.html Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Are you wearing green? Better yet, are you heading out to the bars after work to partake in a little St. Patrick’s Day celebrating?  If you’re a PWD, you might want to take a few minutes to take a look at your “diabetes plan” to make sure you’re set — assuming [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2276542 Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:00:26 +0100 2276542 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2222553&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fdesigner-mini-glucose-meter-coming-in-march.html Recently I wrote about an amazingly compact new glucose meter called the Glucocard, from Japanese manufacturer Arkray.  Now it seems that the company is going designer ultra-mini with a tiny new meter that will be the first-ever to feature interchangeable face plates, “so users may personalize the look of their monitoring system.”  The  GLUCOCARD® 01 [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2222553 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:00:42 +0100 2222553 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2074367&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2F499161163%2Fconundrum-at-years-end.php As I mentioned before, I've been back to exercising regularly, albeit minimally.  Not only that, but because of travel and holiday indulgence and more travel and more holiday indulgence, I'd been taking less than the prescribed dose of metformin, thanks... (Source: Diabetes Daily) Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2074367 Wed, 31 Dec 2008 04:01:40 +0100 2074367 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1961383&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=36012&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBattleDiabetes%2F%7E3%2F452377968%2F Here’s a video about a woman who was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes after a routine physical with her Doctor. She goes on to describe how her doctor said that blood should be the consistancy of water but when she lanced her finger it was more like syrup sticking between her fingers. “It is a miracle you are still standing.” the Doctor told her. Related posts:Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes - What Do I Do Now? You are newly diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and you...Even A Small Weight Loss Benefits Type 2 Diabetes We know that Type 2 Diabetes is directly linked to...Cutting the Simple Carbs and Increasing Quality Protein With Egg Whites This whole dietary balancing act can get frustrating sometimes. As... Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin. (... Battle Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1961383 Fri, 14 Nov 2008 01:19:48 +0100 1961383 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1933211&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fthe-state-of-januvia-and-its-election-ties.html Again, Januvia is one of the most searched-for terms on this site — which is interesting, because it’s an oral drug for controlling Type 2 diabetes with which I have no personal experience.  But there’s a “perfect storm” surrounding Januvia that encapsulates many of the controversial themes running through diabetes care: Show Me the Money If you [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1933211 Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:06:47 +0100 1933211 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1918289&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=36012&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBattleDiabetes%2F%7E3%2F436476555%2F Whey protein is a natural product, produced as part of the cheese making process. It is probably most renowned for being a supplement used for bodybuilders and weight trainers as it is an excellent source of protein. Whey protein is not only of benefit to bodybuilders and weight trainers but also to sufferers of conditions such as cancer sufferers, people who are overweight and to Diabetic sufferers. How can it benefit Diabetic sufferers? As mentioned already, whey protein is the best natural source of protein. Protein can become an element lacking in some Diabetic’s diets, as a result of their dietary alterations. Whey protein also lowers levels of blood glucose and this is thought to happen because higher protein levels stimulate Insulin production from the Pancreas. This particular e... Battle Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1918289 Thu, 30 Oct 2008 02:58:21 +0100 1918289 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1876041&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fisense-and-their-glycemic-signature.html iPod, iPhone, iPump, iPort, iV-drip (?)… so no reason to look surprised when you hear about another futuristic diabetes technology company by the name of iSense. This one, a privately held company based in Oregon, has been working on developing a “minimally invasive” continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) for about ten years.  (I’m guessing the company [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1876041 Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:15:45 +0100 1876041 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1812890&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2FQcBPSHqkOP0%2F This is a very important reminder of sorts… So many of my patients assume that they only need to examine their fasting blood sugars- that is not so! We all know as diabetics we prick our fingers and make sure that we keep our blood sugar levels within “normal” limits approximately 4 times a day. The typical, and I say typical because I know that every diabetic is different, is to check our blood glucose in the morning before breakfast, before we eat our lunch, before we eat our dinner and then once before we turn in for the night. Due to some new research and a report titled “Guideline for management of Postmeal Glucose” that was carried out for The International Diabetes Federation we may need to be pricking our fingers even more frequently. Oh boy, how fun! Warwick Medical ... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1812890 Sun, 21 Sep 2008 16:05:41 +0100 1812890 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1782725&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35152&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsstrumello.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F08%2Ftrials-show-bgat-delivered-online.html Blood Glucose Awareness Training (also known as "BGAT") is, perhaps, one of the most important pieces of diabetes education that miraculously, an overwhelming majority of certified diabetes educators (CDEs) have never even heard of. It should be required education, but sadly, is not and in my personal experience, many CDEs have never even heard of the program.Now I must admit, when I was diagnosed at age 7 back in 1976, there was no such thing as a "CDE" and truthfully, I have never viewed that "certification" as having any particular value. My reason is not without merit. But my core theme today is not about CDEs or their ignorance about BGAT (even though I think that's inexcusable), but it pertains to Blood Glucose Awareness Training. There is a detailed review of BGAT which can be found... Scott's Web Log blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1782725 Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:50:00 +0100 1782725 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1451999&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=36012&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBattleDiabetes%2F%7E3%2F293250728%2F Have you ever heard of a dog that could sense when blood sugar is dropping to an unsafe level? They are called Hypoglycemic Alert Dogs and they are changing lives. The March 2008 issue of Diabetes Forecast, the consumer magazine of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), features an article about assistance dogs that are trained to sense episodes of human hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose, and sound a life-saving alert. According to the article, these dogs seem to sense a dangerous drop in blood glucose before it begins, allowing the people they work with to prevent an episode altogether. Some dogs seem to sense high blood glucose, too. Mark Ruefenacht is a forensic scientist with type 1 diabetes who started a hypoglycemia alert dog training center in California and has been placing trai... Battle Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1451999 Mon, 19 May 2008 05:33:29 +0100 1451999 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1284897&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=36012&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBattleDiabetes%2F%7E3%2F247187762%2F And they taste pretty good too! In an age of pharmaceuticals we tend to forget that there are things like herbal teas that can help improve our diabetes. Herbal teas are gaining popularity in the United States and this could be due to the infusion of Western and Eastern Medicine techniques being blended together more often. So what type of herbs are in herbal teas for diabetes control? There are a few but I’m going to give you the two most popularly utilized herbal teas for diabetes control. Continue Reading Two Herbal Teas That Can Help Lower Blood Sugar (Source: Battle Diabetes Blog) Battle Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1284897 Fri, 07 Mar 2008 05:37:38 +0100 1284897 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1197964&cid=t_102103_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F02%2Fcost-of-diabetes.html Poor old Iain Dale. He has just developed maturity onset (type two) diabetes (DM2). Iain is approaching it with his customary good humour. (see here) He is using the TrueTrack Smart System to monitor his sugars. It’s an excellent system, though one of many. Iain is currently in the USA. He forgot to take his test strips with him, so he had to buy a packet in an American pharmacist. $57 thank you very much. Ouch!Look at the US adverts for TrueTrack Smart.TrueTrack Smart System® Test Strips, only compatible with the TrueTrack Smart System® blood glucose monitor, cost up to 30% less than other systems.Thank God for our creaky, rattling old NHS. In the UK all prescriptions for diabetes are free including any other medication a diabetic may require, such as Viagra.Take look at Diabetes.co.u... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1197964 Sun, 03 Feb 2008 10:51:00 +0100 1197964 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1176115&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2F222532330%2Fhow-long.php I have had my OneTouch Ultra Smart blood glucose meter for a little over two years now.  In that time, it's given me readings that I need to survive.  There have been plenty of times where I may not... (Source: Diabetes Daily) Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1176115 Thu, 24 Jan 2008 21:23:56 +0100 1176115 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1005233&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35139&url=http%3A%2F%2Fitsmylifepeople.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Flittle-tipple.html Here's a word of advice, freely given: never open a bottle of wine directly after taken a blood sugar reading. Not unless you want the tiny pinprick on your finger to become a gushing torrent of sticky red liquid.Or, if you are going to be as dumb as I was, make it a bottle of white wine. Because when that geyser starts going just as you uncork the wine, you want to make sure that there isn't any blood mixed in with it and that's difficult to do with a glass of Cabernet. I learnt that the hard way. Eeuk. (Source: It's My Life, People) It's My Life, People blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1005233 Tue, 06 Nov 2007 00:07:00 +0100 1005233 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=964622&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2F172110887%2Fdont-lie-to-me.php With a margin of error around fifteen percent, it can be difficult to tell sometimes if your meter is telling you the truth. Ok, sure, when I wake up with a blood sugar of 43 mg/dl, I know that I'm... (Source: Diabetes Daily) Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=964622 Fri, 19 Oct 2007 16:13:01 +0100 964622 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=954335&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2F170403516%2F Bayer Diabetes Care introduced the new Contour TS blood glucose monitoring system. Well hot dog. This handy little glucometer is expected to provide more accurate blood sugar results. And just what makes the Contour TS so special? Unlike most meters that need to be manually coded to ensure accurate results, Bayer’s new Contour TS blood glucose meter automatically sets to the correct code any time a Bayer test strip is inserted. Manual coding may lead to miscoding. In fact, a recent study found that approximately 16 per cent—or one out of six—persons failed to properly manually code their blood glucose meters to the lot of test strips being used. Over 40% of glucometers that are miscoded offer very “off” results that provide inaccurate treatments and therapies. T... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=954335 Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:52:57 +0100 954335 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=835443&cid=t_102103_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F31%2Fvegetable-fiber-a-first-rate-diabetes-defense%2F Filed under: Type 2, Diet, Research, Daily NewsWe could all benefit from added fiber in our diets. However, it seems the type of fiber consumed is important too. A new study concludes that vegetable fiber is a good defence against type 2 diabetes. The study comes courtesy of researchers at the University of Sydney, Australia, who found that adults eating five grams of vegetable fiber daily were 24 percent less likely than other adults to develop the disease. People over the age of seventy enjoyed a thirty-one percent risk reduction.The study tracked the eating habits of more than two thousand people over a ten year period. Wow. The researchers also reported that those whose diets contained fiber from mainly cereal or fruit sources did not fare so well - they had a higher risk for type 2 di... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=835443 Fri, 31 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 835443 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=829967&cid=t_102103_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F29%2Famy-tracks-newest-gizmos%2F Filed under: Opinion, Products, CareWhat's small, green and cute? Nah, not Kermit the Frog. It's the Renew Lancing System. I was just checking out Amy T's review of this and other cool/interesting new diabetes-related gadgetry on her site, Diabetes Mine.The Renew Advanced Lancing System: it's sleek, small, and in cool colors - retro lime green and silver. But the name! "Renew Advanced Lancing System" - jeepers, couldn't they have thought of something a little catchier?? Anyway, it's a handy little self-contained, disposable lancing unit that contains twenty needles. Don't bother checking out the website, 'cause there's no info on there yet. Hmm...Amy gives the thumbs-down to another newie: the DUO-CARE, a combined blood glucose and blood pressure monitor. The idea is okay, but the design: ... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=829967 Wed, 29 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 829967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=809592&cid=t_102103_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F20%2Fnot-all-hypos-lead-to-police-brutality%2F Filed under: Daily News, Opinion, ComplicationsWow. I'm floored. Not every diabetic experiencing hypoglycemia in a pubic place becomes a victim of police brutality. A Texas woman with diabetes was recently discovered in her car on the side of a road by a police deputy. She was incoherent, talking to herself. No, the deputy did not drag her in to the station for DUI. Constable's Deputy Russell Whitton, intelligent guy, realized something was up and used the lady's cell phone to call the most recently missed call. This put him in touch with a relative, and he was able to establish that the lady had been reported missing, is diabetic, and was about to go into shock. The deputy gave her LifeSavers to help raise her blood sugar and called for an ambulance. . In the course of blogging for TDB I'... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=809592 Mon, 20 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 809592 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=808630&cid=t_102103_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F19%2Fsix-hours-locked-in-a-bank%2F Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Daily NewsIn a case of stunning ineptitude, staff at an Orange County branch of Bank of America locked in an elderly diabetic woman after closing at the end of the day on Wednesday. The woman, Marian R. Prescher (73), went to the bank late Wednesday to access the contents of a storage box she keeps there. The bank shut up shop at 6 p.m., and employees apparently forgot to check the private room that she was in before leaving.Around that time - I'm not clear on whether it was before she was locked in or perhaps as a result of being locked in - Prescher's blood sugar dropped into the danger zone. Fortunately, Prescher was discovered around midnight by a cleaning crew, whose members found her in diabetic shock - "unconscious and cold to the touch," according to a ... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=808630 Sun, 19 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 808630 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=806940&cid=t_102103_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F18%2Ftwo-year-olds-cell-phone-skills-save-dad%2F Filed under: Type 1, Daily News, PersonalitiesIsn't it amazing that even toddlers can operate computers and cell phones these days? Alex Merriam lives in Pleasanton, Texas. Alex is only two-years-old, but he helped save his dad's life recently. His father, William Merriam, has had type 1 diabetes since he was only four. Last Friday, William's blood sugar got dangerously low and and he fell unconscious in a chair. Alex was the only one in the house with him at the time.Alex's mom, D'anna, was worried when she kept trying to call her husband. No one answered. In the end, aware that a hypoglycemic episode could have hit William, she had her father try calling too. Eventually, Alex - all of two-years-old, mind you - got the ringing cell phone out of his dad's bag and answered it. He told his g... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=806940 Sat, 18 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 806940 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=738893&cid=t_102103_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F07%2F17%2Fnew-findings-on-continuous-blood-glucose-monitoring%2F In this study, CBGM's effect on long-term blood glucose control was insignificant. Researchers evaluated the benefits of two different CBGM devices in a study of over 400 insulin-taking type 1 or type 2 diabetics. 102 were randomly assigned to MiniMed's Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (R) (CGMS) and 100 patients were hooked up to Animas' Biographer. Approximately 200 remaining patients comprised a standard control group or an "attention" control group. The "attention" group was devised to compare against the increased contact with healthcare officials realized by patients on CBGM devices. Makes sense. A little info for you, MiniMed's CGMS is connected via a wire under the skin, takes blood sugar recordings every 5 minutes and can be worn up to 72 hours. The Biographer works different... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=738893 Tue, 17 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 738893 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=675444&cid=t_102103_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F06%2F16%2Ftest-your-blood-sugar-in-style%2F Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Childhood, Adult Onset, Products, Support You know diabetes is entering the mainstream when you see a tv ad hawking designer blood glucose meters. I'm not much of an impulse shopper, but these little buggers are sharp! LifeScan, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson Company, now offers their OneTouch(R) UltraMini(TM) blood glucose meter in four bold colors -- Silver Moon, Limelight, Pink Glow and Black. The sleek body is small enough to slip into your pocket or purse, with easy to read results in just five seconds. The meter uses OneTouch(R) Ultra(R) test strips. LifeScan's website claims the strips are covered at the lowest co-pay by more health plans than any other strip. Not bad. Americans eat up designer gear. Diabetes is on the rise. I predict a Personal Digital ... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=675444 Sat, 16 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100 675444 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=675443&cid=t_102103_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F06%2F16%2Fstand-up-and-your-blood-glucose-goes-down%2F Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Childhood, Adult Onset, Research, ExerciseStand up when you talk on the phone, it lowers your blood sugar. Fold the laundry standing up. If you're going fishing, leave the chair with the fancy cupholders at home. Light exercise may help cut the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Australian researchers studying 173 non-diabetic adults found the longer participants spent on low-intensity activities, the lower their blood sugars. Surprisingly, the association between light exercise and reduced blood glucose was irrespective of moderate to vigorous activity levels. But do not throw out the treadmill. Researchers stressed light exercise should not replace the recommended 30 minutes of medium to intense daily exercise. Since I ruptured my achilles tendon last month... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=675443 Sat, 16 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100 675443 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=601902&cid=t_102103_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F05%2F11%2Fmuscle-for-rank-in-the-continuous-glucose-monitoring-market%2F Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Childhood, Adult Onset, Lifestyle, Research, Opinion, Products, SupportIn the next 3 to 5 years, we will have a new generation of control upon us providing continuous glucose monitoring. Some of these marvelous technologies will not require a drop of blood, while others will embody the tried-and-true stick-to-itiveness we all know and loathe. Please join me as we browse the isles of things to come (and things now available) for continuous glucose monitoring. The DexCom STS Continuous Glucose Monitoring System is a glucose sensor that reports glucose values every 5 minutes for up to 72 hours. The sensor is inserted in the abdomen. After a 2 hour start-up period, the STS System is calibrated with 2 fingerstick measurements taken by a traditional glucose meter. ... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=601902 Fri, 11 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 601902 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=594856&cid=t_102103_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F05%2F07%2Ff%2F Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Diet, ResearchA few years back, Dr. Atkins invaded our small towns and villages like a diet-touting Godzilla, crushing bakeries with his bare hands and replacing them with strip malls full of steak houses and vats of butter. The carb craze was on, thanks in large part to the late Dr. Atkins, and it has taken until just recently for carbs to creep back out from their respective hiding places. Long known by people with diabetes -- but not as well known by the general public -- is that certain carb sources result in different degrees of fluctuation in blood glucose levels. While a whole thing of Laffy Taffy may send your blood sugar soaring, a small serving of whole wheat pasta is much more manageable. This is the whole Good Carb vs. Bad Carb point we have all rea... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=594856 Mon, 07 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 594856 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=554445&cid=t_102103_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F04%2F19%2Fdiamyd-results-on-newly-diagnosed-type-1-diabetes%2F Filed under: Type 1, Childhood, Adult Onset, Drugs, ResearchDiamyd showed promising results in slowing the attack on remaining islets in recently diagnosed type 1 diabetics. Diamyd is a therapy specifically designed to preserve residual beta cells in recently diagnosed type 1-diabetes. The results from the Diamyd study demonstrated that the group of 35 recently diagnosed type 1-diabetes patients that received Diamyd produced approximately twice as much meal stimulated insulin, as measured by C-peptide levels. These results were present 15 months after the first treatment. Insulin and C-peptide are produced in equal amounts. As C-peptide is easier to measure, meal stimulated C-peptide levels is the most important parameter to follow in a type 1-diabetes study where the aim is to preserve be... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=554445 Thu, 19 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 554445 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=554444&cid=t_102103_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F04%2F19%2Fno-food-no-problem%2F This study evaluated the safety for individuals with type 1 diabetes and to identify factors associated with success. Patients intending to fast were instructed on insulin dose adjustments, frequent glucose monitoring and when to terminate the fast. The study included 56 subjects who intended to fast -- 37 successfully completed the study. Individuals terminated their fast in the presence of either hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia. Overall, adherence to the protocol was high. Successful fasters had greater reductions in insulin dosage and higher HbA1c levels. There were no differences between individuals taking intermittent insulin injections and those with continuous infusion pumps. There were no serious side-effects of fasting. Results concluded that type 1 diabetics can successfully par... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=554444 Thu, 19 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 554444 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=547772&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2F109568214%2Fa-twenty-percent-failure-rate.php About a year ago, my insurance sent me a letter in the mail saying that they would not be covering my Freestyle Flash test strips. I was a little annoyed, a little sad and a lot confused. I had to switch my meter. My little Flash had been with me since my diagnosis. It kept me safe and secure while I was traveling through Europe. It vary rarely produced ERROR messages, and had a great system for testing in the dark. If you haven't used one before, it lights up at the end of the strip so you can see where the blood goes. Then, after it becomes saturated lights up on the screen. Brilliant, really. Back to the change. In the letter, my insurance company gives me two choices for a new meter. One was the One Touch Ultra, and the other was the One Touch Ultra Smart. They provided brochures for ... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=547772 Mon, 16 Apr 2007 20:52:12 +0100 547772 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=511577&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35139&url=http%3A%2F%2Fitsmylifepeople.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F03%2Fweird-patterns-sequel.html After the week of bouncing between -50 and 200+ I followed Matt's advice and got up every couple of hours throughout the night to see what was happening to the old blood glucose. I'd expected that it was dropping and then bouncing back high but that wasn't the case. It stayed around 200 the whole time. I definitely didn't want to fiddle with the basal rates now. Then on the fourth night I tested my blood before bed and it registered 132. I decided I'd had enough mid-sleep finger pricking to last a while and I was just going to forget about it. Number on awakening? 106! And it's been fine ever since.I don't know what was going on for those 7-10 days, maybe I was stressed, maybe I'd exercised harder than usual, maybe... who knows? It's one of the more difficult aspects of diabetes that there... It's My Life, People blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=511577 Fri, 30 Mar 2007 12:55:00 +0100 511577 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=499194&cid=t_102103_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F03%2F24%2Fcaffeine-impairs-sugar-metabolism%2F Filed under: Type 2, Adult Onset, Diet, Research, ProductsCaffeine intake makes insulin more resistant to changes in blood sugar levels, Canadian researchers report. The researchers evaluated sugar metabolism in 23 men before and after a three-month exercise program. Before and during the exercise program, the men were given caffeine or a placebo. The subjects included 8 sedentary lean men, 7 obese men with type 2 diabetes, and 8 obese men without diabetes. Before the exercise program, caffeine reduced insulin sensitivity by 33% in the lean and obese men and 37% in the obese men with diabetes compared to placebo. After the exercise program, insulin sensitivity fell 23% after caffeine intake in the lean men, 26% in the obese men, and 36% in the obese diabetic men. Comparison of the two stud... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=499194 Sat, 24 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100 499194 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=494241&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35139&url=http%3A%2F%2Fitsmylifepeople.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F03%2Fweird-patterns.html Number of times in the past week my blood sugar before bed has been below 65 = 7Number of times in the past week my blood sugar before breakfast has been above 200 = 6Number of times in the past week I have corrected my insulin dose before dinner = 5Number of days my blood sugar has been in range during the day, other than before bed and before breakfast = 7.Number of times in the past week I have used a four letter expletive upon looking at the numbers on my meter = 13I can't figure out what is going on here but I'm getting mighty sick of it. Bad, bad diabetes. (Source: It's My Life, People) It's My Life, People blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=494241 Fri, 23 Mar 2007 13:41:00 +0100 494241 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=494244&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35139&url=http%3A%2F%2Fitsmylifepeople.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F03%2Fother-side-of-good.html I haven't posted much recently because I've been busy and also because things have been going well - exercise is pretty much back on schedule, I've lost the lbs I put on flying around last month (does this happen to anyone else? I eat the same, I exercise the same but I put on 5-7 lbs just getting on a plane and it takes me a week to shed them again) and a couple more besides, and the health stuff has been non-eventful.Then Thursday I came down with a real migraine. I've only had a couple in my life, mostly I just get flashing lights in the corners of my eyes and it passes after an hour or so. But this was the full-on headache, flashing lights, sensitivity to noise, throwing up, nothing-helps migraine. I retired to a darkened room and slept most of the day and night but Friday I had to get... It's My Life, People blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=494244 Thu, 15 Mar 2007 12:33:00 +0100 494244 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=478743&cid=t_102103_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F03%2F14%2Fjoin-us-dr-p-and-the-diabetes-community%2F Filed under: Type 1, Childhood, Lifestyle, Research, Services, SupportChat live with Dr. Pugliese, an expert on the immunology and genetics of diabetes at The Diabetes Research Institute. His work has been focused on preventing the autoimmune attack that leads to diabetes. This research is very important for future prevention strategies, as well as stopping autoimmune destruction of transplanted islets. Dr. Pugliese's has studied the role of the thymus gland in the immune system and he describes it as the "school for the immune system". All immune cells are forced to pass through the thymus gland where they are exposed to the antigens present throughout the body. Immune cells that bind to these normal antigens are destroyed, thereby preventing the later destruction of healthy cells. If no... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=478743 Wed, 14 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100 478743 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=494251&cid=t_102103_134_f&fid=35139&url=http%3A%2F%2Fitsmylifepeople.blogspot.com%2F2006%2F12%2Fdoing-what-you-have-to.html I finally had to give in today and do something I'd been putting off for almost a week. I've been unable to get a work out at the gym since December 1st because I can't walk fast, pedal or sit without it being literally a big pain in the butt. Consequently my BG has been rocketing skywards for the last few days. I've been correcting with extra units of Humalog to keep it in check during the day but the morning levels have been above 270 since Friday. So this morning I took an extra 10% Lantus and like magic my BG has been below 126 ever since. I don't know why I'll take an extra bolus here and there but upping the basal rate makes me feel like the diabetes is getting worse. That's truly crazy, right?I'm sure this is just a temporary thing until I can get back to the gym but it goes to show... It's My Life, People blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=494251 Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:11:00 +0100 494251