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 sugar'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:52:00 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086463&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2011%2F08%2Fa_casual_low_bloodsugar.html "Mama?  Ma.  Ma.  Ma.  Ma.  Dumbledore.  Ma." Her voice comes over the monitor, stumbling me from sleep.  "BEEEEEEEEEP!!!"  The Dexcom wails at me from the bedside table.  "[insert the sound of my awful alarm clock noise, which is actually this song and makes my whole head spin with cat rage]"  "You people all want me awake right now, don't you?"  I grumbled, reaching for my meter, despite the fact that my eyes weren't even close to open.  Damn it, the meter is in the bathroom.I moved casually from the bed, down the hallway, and into my bathroom.  The fog is apparent at this point; I know I'm low, and now it's almost a guessing game as to just how low I really am.  My eyes are shar... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086463 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 14:22:34 +0100 5086463 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4984453&cid=t_102156_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=4968761&cid=t_102156_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FT0Ftzoyx8Z8%2F As soda and potato chips spread through the world, so does diabetes. An international study published today in The Lancet found that as of 2008, 347 million adults have diabetes; far more than previously thought (other studies have placed estimates around 285 million), and more than double the number of adults with diabetes in 1980. The study, which was funded by the World Health Organization and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, also found that average blood pressure and cholesterol levels actually dropped during the same time period, things that researchers say would actually be much easier to manage than diabetes. In 1980, data indicates that 153 million adults had diabetes; today’s numbers indicate a global epidemic. While they attribute 70% of the rise in diabetes rates to ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968761 Sat, 25 Jun 2011 15:33:31 +0100 4968761 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893449&cid=t_102156_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdiabetes-blogger-nearly-passes-out-at-local-gym%2F2011.06.03 The Dexcom said 177 mg/dl and dropping, but after a full 60 minutes of cardio, I expected the graph to show a lower trend. “Whatever,” I said, a little confused because my pre-workout blood sugar was 143 mg/dl.  Felt foggy, but I was a little dehydrated so I figured I needed to get home and relax.  Ignoring the cotton-ball haze I felt encased by, I grabbed my keys and gym backpack from the locker room and walked out into the parking lot.  After trying to get into someone else’s black Honda Civic (forgetting, in my fog, that we replaced my old car for the Mom Car), I put the key in my car’s ignition and sat there for a few seconds. And then a few seconds more. It wasn’t until I was out there for about two full minutes that I thought “Hey, might want to... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893449 Fri, 03 Jun 2011 20:00:01 +0100 4893449 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893796&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=35179&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscottsdiabetes.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fdiabetes-basketball%2F Diabetes and exercise is something incredibly hard to manage.  It is difficult to get my blood sugar where I want it for exercise, and even harder to get it to stay there.  For many people, managing blood sugars before, during, and after, is so hard that they just don’t exercise.  I don’t blame them.  It introduces a million new variables. I shot some video during basketball of me checking my blood sugars and talking about what was going through my head at the time. I still ended the day at 277 mg/dl.  Do I blame it on a few too many gulps of Gatorade?  Maybe a temporary basal rate reduction that was too aggressive? Who knows.  I’m extremely lucky that I enjoy basketball enough to keep working through the hard blood sugars to find a way to play.   Diabetes an... Scott's Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893796 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:33:08 +0100 4893796 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4883825&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2011%2F05%2Fexercising_my_right_to_loiter.html The Dexcom said 177 mg/dl and dropping, but after a full 60 minutes of cardio, I expected the graph to show a lower trend.  "Whatever," I said, a little confused because my pre-workout blood sugar was 143 mg/dl.  Felt foggy, but I was a little dehydrated so I figured I needed to get home and relax.  Ignoring the cotton-ball haze I felt encased by, I grabbed my keys and gym back from the locker room and walked out into the parking lot.  After trying to get into someone else's black Honda Civic (forgetting, in my fog, that we replaced my old car for the Mom Car), I put the key in my car's ignition and sat there for a few seconds.And then a few seconds more.It wasn't until I was out there for about two full minutes that I thought "Hey, might want to double-c... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4883825 Tue, 31 May 2011 13:51:01 +0100 4883825 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4883908&cid=t_102156_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F929PtH2PZsw%2F Good morning, everyone, and welcome back. We hope your weekend was relaxing and refreshing. Now, of course, the time has come to resume the routine of meetings and deadlines. And yes, we are coping by brewing the mandatory cup of stimulation - our flavor today is Mocha Nut Fudge - and we invite you to join us. Meanwhile, here are some tidbits to help you get in the groover. Hope your day goes well and see you soon… Five Lessons From The Niaspan Study (Forbes) GlaxoSmithKline Is Downgraded By Goldman Sachs (Associated Press) More Children Dying After Vaccination In India (India Times) JB Chem & Pharma To Hire 1,500 Medical Reps (The Economic Times) Sanofi Diabetes Drug Cuts Blood Sugar & Weight In Study (Reuters) No Workers, No Products: A Bleak Future For Renovo (Pharma Tim... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4883908 Tue, 31 May 2011 12:03:14 +0100 4883908 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4803134&cid=t_102156_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Felectronic-pancreas-may-keep-glucose-in-safe-range-overnight%2F2011.05.10 A team led by researchers from University of Cambridge showed that closed loop insulin delivery was effective in controlling overnight blood glucose levels in patients with type 1 diabetes. The system took readings every fifteen minutes and automatically titrated a proper amount of insulin. University of Cambridge researcher Dr Roman Hovorka led two studies to evaluate the performance of the artificial pancreas in 10 men and 14 women, aged 18 to 65, who had used an insulin pump for at least three months. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Medgadget* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4803134 Tue, 10 May 2011 14:05:52 +0100 4803134 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4795004&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2F37RVw9CJUhA%2Fmeter-accuracy.php I think we have all seen a complaint or two about meter accuracy. Some of us (*cough Bennet *cough) even have signs to express our displeasure with the current standards.   Usually my meter matches up “close enough” to my CGM that I feel pretty confident about the results. One morning a few days ago told a different story. I was driving to work and checking my blood sugar for my breakfast bolus. I usually take that opportunity to give my CGM a value for calibration as well, so I clicked on the DexCom to check my graph there. I don’t remember the exact number it was showing, but I know I had an arrow headed east (meaning the number is relatively stable) and a result in the 140s-150s. I think that’s why I was so surprised when I tested and saw a 77 on my meter. Testing and driving ... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4795004 Fri, 06 May 2011 17:20:58 +0100 4795004 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4795000&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2011%2F05%2Fbandaids.html September will mark 25 years for me with type 1 diabetes, but I still haven't learned that an afternoon of lazy 200+ mg/dl's that won't budge, even after multiple boluses (and one really solid rage bolus where I actually grunted "You. Frigging. Diabetes." as my fingers mashed the buttons), after repeated tests that showed climbing numbers ... wouldn't you think I'd inspect that infusion set?  Maybe just give it a peek?  See how things are doing there, on the back of my hip, where that 6 mm cannula is resting (hopefully) comfortably?Oh, you mean I shouldn't have waited until I smelled that distinct scent?  The one that smells like a cross between bandaids and the dentist's office?  And then, when I dabbed at the gauze patch around my site and felt the dampness,... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4795000 Fri, 06 May 2011 14:24:15 +0100 4795000 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4789522&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=35179&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscottsdiabetes.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fsloppy-evenings-low-blood-sugars-guilt-and-fear%2F This has been an active week for me. It feels good. My body feels good. Four days of basketball, with one seriously kick ass weight session afterward. Four days of tossing a football around with my son and shooting baskets with my daughter. One short bike ride back home after taking my old pickup truck to the repair shop. As far as exercise, I’m doing it. And it feels good. But I get sloppy in the evenings. High carb foods combined with estimated carb counts and ballpark boluses PLUS a lot of exercise and activity equals an evening full of lows that leave me feeling fat, guilty, foolish, frustrated, helpless, stupid, and scared. The first low blood sugar I treat with glucose tabs. But because I’ve been so sloppy with my insulin dose, they are not enough to do the trick. So I ha... Scott's Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4789522 Fri, 06 May 2011 06:53:22 +0100 4789522 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4789523&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=35179&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscottsdiabetes.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fcops-blood-sugar%2F Last week I was at one of the local type 1 meet-ups.  We were at a Caribou Coffee, and I noticed a couple of cops there having coffee.  I say “cops” in a general way.  Technically, I think they were Ramsey County Sheriffs.  But you know, uniform, badge, gun, bullet-proof vest bulging underneath the shirt. The term “cop” works for me.  No, they were not having donuts. I approached them, apologized for interrupting, and asked if they had ever dealt with traffic stops involving diabetes and low blood sugars.  They had.  I asked what helps them determine it is a low blood sugar (or other medical event) rather than intoxication? The male officer started to reply, but had a lot of trouble trying to assign words and language to the complicated “decision tree&#... Scott's Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4789523 Wed, 04 May 2011 12:47:45 +0100 4789523 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4762901&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2011%2F04%2Fthe_pinging_and_the_ponging.html Target lows struck again yesterday, only in the form of a "didn't test until after I ate and was only 53 mg/dl" sort of thing.  (Which made me wonder how low I was as I stumbled through the aisles of the store.)  I had BSparl with me, strapped into the shopping carriage, so I opened and consumed half a package of orange slices (happened to be in the party aisle I was perusing) without blinking.  With sugar-coated teeth, I smiled at my daughter, assuring her that I was fine."Mama is totally fine.  We're going to rock this low right up into the stratosphere with those candies.  Mama is going to need a whole bottle of insulin to fix this!" (She clapped her hands and cheered at the word "bottle.")Low blood sugars have always frightene... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4762901 Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:01:48 +0100 4762901 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4734465&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2011%2F04%2Fbelow_the_line.html I think I know who has finally and precisely perfected inhaled insulin.  No, not a pharmaceutical company - Target.What is piped through the air ducts at Target?  What is it that makes me go into that place and immediately my Dexcom starts hollering?  It's not like I'm running around the joint, flailing my arms and burning as many calories as contained in the candy aisle.  And I'm not secretly bolusing, for sport, before I go shopping.  What gives, Target?  How are you sending me "below the line" so often?  Why do you make me so low?  And how can I replicate your efforts during, oh, let's say a post-Cheesecake Factory lunch? (Source: Six Until Me.) Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4734465 Tue, 19 Apr 2011 14:31:00 +0100 4734465 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4580894&cid=t_102156_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhat-i-want-her-to-know-about-diabetes%2F2011.03.13 After a tough low this morning: I want her to know that she was wanted so much, well before she arrived, and that her parents went to great lengths to make sure her arrival was as safe as they could manage. I want her to know that those moments when she has to wait while I test, or while I bolus, or the times when I have to set her in her crib and gulp down grape juice while she stands there with her big, brown eyes staring at me while her mouth tugs into an impatient smile, that I love her and I just need to deal with diabetes for a few seconds so I can be the best mommy I can. I want her to know that if my eyes don’t get better, it’s not her fault. It’s not my fault, either. The fault lies with diabetes. I want her to know that the reason I’ll sometimes frown at... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4580894 Sun, 13 Mar 2011 19:00:34 +0100 4580894 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4560271&cid=t_102156_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2F10-ways-life-tries-to-mess-with-diabetes-control%2F2011.03.08 Life is trying to further mess with my diabetes control. (Or is diabetes trying to mess with life? Is a zebra white with black stripes, or a horse with black and white stripes?) I’m making efforts to get it together, but odd little things keep leaping in the way. Oh, efforts to thwart: Let me count the ways! 1. Recently, the jar of glucose tabs in my car was empty, so I was forced to stop at a random store and buy a regular Mountain Dew from the vending machine. But I had to open it and let it settle a little first before I could chug it, because draining a can of fizzy sugar would make me instantly ralph. 2. It snowed and/or was freezing on the days I went to the gym. But on the days I didn’t go? Sunshine and warm weather. Stupid weather wants me to be fat. 3. I lost ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4560271 Tue, 08 Mar 2011 18:00:28 +0100 4560271 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4525031&cid=t_102156_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdoes-cell-phone-use-stimulate-brain-activity%2F2011.02.26 We all know that using a cell phone can stimulate the brain to work a bit harder. “Mr. Skerrett? This is Dr. LeWine’s office. Do you have a minute to talk about your test results?” or “Dad, a bunch of kids are going to Casey’s house after the dance. Can I go?” But a new study published in JAMA is making me wonder what the energy emitted by the phone itself — not just the information it delivers — is doing to my brain. Here’s the study in a nutshell. Dr. Nora Volkow and her colleagues recruited 47 volunteers to have their brain activity measured twice by a PET scanner. Both times the volunteer had a cell phone strapped to each ear. During one measurement, both phones were turned off. During the other, one phone was turned on but muted so the volunteer didn’t know... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4525031 Sat, 26 Feb 2011 22:00:29 +0100 4525031 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4501587&cid=t_102156_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fi-see-pump-people%2F2011.02.20 A few weeks ago, Chris and BSparl and I went out to dinner. Dining out with our little bird is a bit of a tangled experience, and we don’t spend as much time people watching as we used to because we’re very preoccupied with the baby wrangling.  That night, though, we were sitting and settled and throwing gluten-free puffs (yes, all of us) around the dinner table like confetti when I saw this woman walk in with her family. She settled her family in at the table, and then reached to remove her coat, revealing a beeper clipped to her pocket. Only it was one of them fancypants beepers with the tubes and the buttons and the accompanying not-making-insulin pancreas. I reckon it was an insulin pump. Immediately, I wanted to swing mine over my head like a lasso and say “OMG la... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4501587 Sun, 20 Feb 2011 17:00:10 +0100 4501587 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4477764&cid=t_102156_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpancreas-of-mine-wont-you-be-my-valentine%2F2011.02.14 Oh rotting, feeble pancreas of mine, Won’t you be my Valentine? Won’t you wake from your long sleep And make some insulin, you creep? What makes you sit, all shaped like a wiener, Lazy and dull, with a pompous demeanor? What makes it okay, that for your enjoyment You’ve spent twenty plus years filing unemployment? We need to start over; we need to be friends. We need this whole type 1 diabetes to end. I’m tired of shots and I’m sick of the lows, So I think we should talk about ending this row. I could use a break, my corn-cob-shaped friend. I’d love to have “old age” listed as my end. I think that your time off has drawn to a close. I’d like working islets, and plenty of those. How ’bout it, old pal? Care to start working? Care t... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4477764 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:00:10 +0100 4477764 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4455422&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=35193&url=http%3A%2F%2Fannetics.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fintensity-and-blood-sugar.html When I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, one of the guidelines I was given was that exercise would make my blood sugar drop.  Like most guidelines I received, this was an oversimplification.  During my years of daily running, I would go out the door without eating or taking any insulin, and often return with a slightly higher BG level.  I remember thinking, "'Guess I'm just weird."  And during track workouts, the response was even more perplexing.  After a few intervals at high intensity, my blood sugar would really start to climb.  I grew accustomed to this response and began taking some correction boluses or temporary basal rates to help temper the steep rise.  What I have learned since then, and which has hopefully become more common knowledge, is th... Annetics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4455422 Wed, 09 Feb 2011 20:18:00 +0100 4455422 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4438887&cid=t_102156_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmanaging-diabetes-in-real-time%2F2011.02.05 The cost of managing chronic diseases is the largest portion of healthcare expenditures in developed countries. For example, the prevalence of adult acquired diabetes has been rising in the United States, in concert with increasing rates obesity. The CDC has termed it an “epidemic,” especially in light of the massive costs incurred by the healthcare system due to diabetes. The deleterious health effects of many chronic conditions can be diminished by behavior modifications. While few would underestimate the difficulty of having patients lose weight or exercise more, good management of blood sugar in diabetes is both objectively measurable and strongly correlated with reduced end-organ damage. This is among the reasons why Research2Guidance has recently nominated diabetes as the conditi... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4438887 Sat, 05 Feb 2011 14:00:52 +0100 4438887 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4414520&cid=t_102156_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdiabetes-bingo%2F2011.01.29 Recently, I reconnected with a long-lost local PWD (person with diabetes) named Ryan. Last time Ryan and I saw one another we were talking about diabetes goal-setting and dealing with wicked bouts of burnout. And this week I received an email from him with a brilliant idea about how to stay motivated towards setting — and reaching — diabetes-related goals. “I’ve had this ‘pyramid’ for about three months now. Just something that I keep near my desk to keep me focused on my diabetes. After completion of the pyramid, I have no clue what I will do but some kind of celebration will be in order,” he wrote, and attached a slide to his image. And when I opened it, I was like “whoa.” He had created a pyramid of his diabetes goals. Tangible... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4414520 Sat, 29 Jan 2011 20:00:28 +0100 4414520 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4414637&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2Fc15sDgvM_fM%2Froof-raking.php Like all of us in the Northeastern US, we've had a lot of snow this winter. And snow means icicles on the roof unless you use a huge long pole with a roof rake attached to it and scrape off as much of the snow as you can.Today I managed to do that while balancing on a piece of plywood, so I didn't plunge into the snow up to my knees. And the results...see for yourself.I started with my blood sugar at around 150 mg/dL (around 8.3 mmol/L) and after finishing the work, my blood sugar was down to 61 mg/dL (3.4 mmol/L) and dropping fast.Thank God for tools like my Dexcom CGM. Since then I've taken apple juice and after 20 minutes it's 91 mg/dL (5.1 mmol/L) and rising.Of course, with all the exercise I'll have to watch out for my blood sugar later in the day, as I'm likely to get a del... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4414637 Sat, 29 Jan 2011 16:29:43 +0100 4414637 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4275324&cid=t_102156_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fa-chia-pet-for-diabetes%2F2010.12.21 Like swallows returning to San Juan Capistrano in the spring, Chia Pets begin appearing every December on late-night television and in the gift aisles of many stores. (Full disclaimer: I bought one for the Yankee Swap at Harvard Health Publication’s annual Christmas party.) Water these ceramic figures and they sprout a green “fur” from seeds embedded on the surface. Silly? Sure, that’s why they are such a hit. What you might not know is that the seeds may someday be a real gift for people with diabetes. Chia seeds come from a plant formally known as Salvia hispanica, which is a member of the mint family. It gets its common name from the Aztec word “chian,” meaning oily, because the herb’s small, black seeds are rich in oils. It was a staple food for the Aztecs, and legend has... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4275324 Tue, 21 Dec 2010 14:00:58 +0100 4275324 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4253200&cid=t_102156_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=4251107&cid=t_102156_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fsantabetes-how-diabetes-is-like-santa-claus%2F2010.12.11 (Note:  This post contains spoilers.  If you are like my girl Brittany and you believe happily in the story of Santa, skip down to where it says “Diabetes is like Santa Claus.”) My husband and I share a philosophy on Santa Claus.   Santa gets too much credit.  Why should Santa get all the glory for the gifts that show up underneath the Christmas tree on Christmas morning?  Mom and Dad work their tails off to provide a fun and comfortable life for our child, and to have the fun thunder (funder?) stolen by Santa Claus is unfair.  “Thank you, Santa, for the Barbie and the Rockers van!”  I shouted as a kid, not realizing that Mom and Dad put in some extra hours (and spent half the night assembling the stupid thing) to get that Rocker Van under our Christmas tre... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4251107 Sat, 11 Dec 2010 22:00:49 +0100 4251107 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4162923&cid=t_102156_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fa-parking-lot-low%2F2010.11.13 “Brrrrr…it’s a little chilly outside today,” I said to BSparl as I tucked her blanket snug around her wiggly little self in the car seat. She waved at me and showed me her sock. “Yes, that’s a nice sock, birdy. Okay, let’s get out of here and get you into the car so we can go home!” The automatic doors parted and a brisk gust of wind came and skipped down my collar. With the baby’s car seat safely tucked into the belly of the carriage, I ventured out to find my car in the massive parking lot.  “Ha ha, where did Mommy leave the car?” I said out loud, walking up and down the parking lot aisles and pressing the alarm on my keys. Nothing. No flashing lights, no subtle little “beep” noise from my Honda. Nothing ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4162923 Sat, 13 Nov 2010 18:00:58 +0100 4162923 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4121852&cid=t_102156_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fsugar-consumption-a-deliciously-disgusting-ad-campaign%2F2010.10.31 New York City’s war on sugary soft drinks had to balance evidence-based medicine with a short, simple message that would go viral in the community. Going viral won, according to e-mails of internal discussions between the city’s health commissioner, his staff, and the ad agency that crafted the campaign. The statement that soda would cause a person to gain 10 pounds a year is contingent upon many factors, argued the staff, but the desire to produce a media message with impact overruled the details. One nutritionist called the campaign “deliciously disgusting.” Chocolate may moderate HDL cholesterol in type 2 diabetics, according to the November issue of Diabetic Medicine. High polyphenol chocolate increased HDL cholesterol in diabetics without affecting weight, insu... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4121852 Sun, 31 Oct 2010 12:00:00 +0100 4121852 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4040564&cid=t_102156_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdiabetes-lessons%2F2010.10.07 As doctors, sometimes the biggest lessons that we learn about disease pathology are those that we learn from the people that have that disease. Diabetes is one such disease. I recently gave a show-and-tell lecture about insulin pumps to the new interns and residents as well as the 3rd-year medical students on their pediatric clerkship with the inpatient endocrine service. We discussed different types of pumps (point A on the picture) and they got to push the buttons and send a bolus or change a basal rate. They also looked at real time CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitors, points C and D on the picture) sensors used to check glucoses levels every five minutes. (more…) (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4040564 Thu, 07 Oct 2010 14:00:04 +0100 4040564 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3961845&cid=t_102156_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F09%2F12%2Fprozac-and-potatoes%2F In her national bestseller “Potatoes Not Prozac,” Kathleen DesMaisons offers a seven-step dietary plan for sugar-sensitive people like me. I’ve tried to implement her suggestions into my diet because, as a recovering drunk and depressive, sugar can throw me into an emotional mess that gets downright ugly. A diet rich in fiber and protein is crucial to my mental health — but for me, it’s Prozac AND potatoes. Here’s what DesMaisons proposes: Keep a food journal. The journal keeps you in relationship to your body. It reminds you of the connection between what you eat and how you feel. Maintain your blood sugar level. Stay steady and clear. Always have breakfast. Eat three meals a day at regular intervals. Eat brown things (whole grains, beans, potatoes, a... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3961845 Sun, 12 Sep 2010 14:32:51 +0100 3961845 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3934590&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FUbbPK5sxzgw%2Fdid-it-say-i-was-hungry.php We were sitting just around the corner from the candy counter waiting for my wife and son to finish school clothes shopping.  "Can you get me something?""No.""But Dad, I'm starving." "No you're not, we just ate.""But I'm hungry.""No you're not.""Check my blood sugar then." she said, holding her index finger out to me, convinced that she'd be low and get a treat from around the corner.I pull out my meter and a test strip, rotate my MultiClix around for a new lancet, then spend at least five minutes waiting for her to muster up the courage to submit to a finger stick.  We talk about whether it will hurt or not.  She switches fingers a bunch of times, and finally settles on her thumb.  First she wants to push the button, then she wants me to do it, then her, then me. ... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3934590 Sat, 04 Sep 2010 18:54:24 +0100 3934590 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3907741&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F08%2Fmy_hat_was_kicked.html I woke up yesterday morning at a blood sugar of 158 mg/dl.  A little on the spikey side, but no worries - after I breastfeed BSparl, I usually drop about 40 points, so I figured I'd use her feeding as my "bolus."  By 8:45 am, I was down to 129 mg/dl.  And then things hit a downward slide that I couldn't control.  Over the course of the next five hours, I tested several times and saw the numbers tumbling all over the place.  At one point, I had to leave the baby fussing in her crib because I was attending to a 38 mg/dl.  The next blood sugar I saw was 29 mg/dl.  And then 61 mg/dl.  And then 55 mg/dl.  Hours were going by, and carbs were being consumed, but they weren't making a dent on the determined low blood sugar.  BEEEEEEEEEEEE... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3907741 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:22:49 +0100 3907741 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3807394&cid=t_102156_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fon-the-battlefield-against-diabetes%2F2010.07.31 I have no idea how it happened, but yesterday was a crummy day, diabetes-wise. Somehow, early in the evening, I heard the Dexcom singing from the kitchen countertop, and BSparl and I went over to investigate. “High.” With a long line at the very top of the Dexcom screen. “Hi to you, jerkface,” I said, pulling out my meter to see just what the greeting was about. And I saw a sticky 451 mg/dl blinking back at me. “What the fern?” I couldn’t figure out how I ended up so high, especially since after lunch I was 174 mg/dl and flatlined on the Dex. And I was so angry. How does this happen? Did I eat the wrong thing? Take a shallow bolus? Is the pump ferning with me? Could the insulin have spoiled? Did I just lose track of everything and my numb... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3807394 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 16:00:17 +0100 3807394 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3805972&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F07%2Fwe_are_ketones.html I have no idea how it happened, but yesterday was a crummy day, diabetes-wise.  Somehow, early in the evening, I heard the Dexcom singing from the kitchen countertop, and BSparl and I went over to investigate."High."  With a long line at the very top of the Dexcom screen."Hi, to you, jerkface," I said, pulling out my meter to see just what the greeting was about.  And I saw a sticky 451 mg/dl blinking back at me."What the fern?"  I couldn't figure out how I ended up so high, especially since after lunch I was 174 mg/dl and flatlined on the Dex.And I was so angry.  How does this happen?  Did I eat the wrong thing?  Take a shallow bolus?  Is the pump ferning with me?  Could the insulin have spoiled?  Did I just l... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3805972 Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:26:17 +0100 3805972 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3754079&cid=t_102156_150_f&fid=38374&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FePharmaSummit%2F%7E3%2FFvzsBN83Vls%2Fcan-mobile-health-lead-to-medicaid.html Heath Care at MSNBC recently looked at the work Dr. Richard Katz is doing in Washington, DC, to work with inner city individuals to monitor their diabetes daily. By using cell phones as medical devices, they are hoping to take daily readings of blood sugar and send reports back to the doctors. Then, if numbers are incorrect, the doctors can communicate with the patients as to what they need to do to get their blood sugar back to normal. Then upon normal doctors visits, all of the information is recorded at NoMoreClipboard.com. Thus, encouraging individuals to consistently monitor their health on a daily basis before conditions worsen. Read the full article here. As this experiment is focused in inner-city Washington, DC, the daily healthcare will contribute to Medicare saving.What do you t... ePharma Summit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3754079 Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:16:00 +0100 3754079 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3746693&cid=t_102156_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fdouching-donts-daily-health-quiz%2F Ready to get schooled about your health? Our Daily Health Quiz will test your know-how. Answer our question, below, and check back tomorrow for the answer and your next pop quiz. photo: Thinkstock Today’s Question: Douching may have been the thing back in the day, but now it’s a no-no. Do you know why? #MicroPollDiv_264562 { width: 250px; margin: 0px auto; } Answer to Yesterday’s Question: Human growth hormone (hGH) sounds like a mad-scientist serum that’s used to grow pod people, but it’s actually a naturally-occurring hormone that builds muscle, burns fat, raises energy, and maintains lower blood sugar levels. Arginine, an amino acid, supports healthy levels of hGH. Which foods contain arginine: Pecans, broccoli, cottage cheese, collared greens, or water... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3746693 Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:00:42 +0100 3746693 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3733237&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F07%2Fa_big_ol_discussion_about_mete.html During the course of the Roche Summit, we had a big ol' activity about meter accuracy. I've written about meter accuracy before - actually, it was way more of a spastic rant - and I have remained frustrated about the lack of accuracy that's in the meters we use every day.  So when the Roche people had us talking about meter accuracy and our perceptions and expectations, I had plenty of opinions.We were at tables of about eight people apiece, and each table gathered together to decide how we wanted to lean.  Our choices were 5/30, 10/20, 15/15, and 15/10, meaning that we could chose between a percentage of  variability on the low end of the blood sugar range (the first number) and a percentage on the higher side of the range.As a diabetic who was diagnosed as a kid, and also ... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3733237 Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:36:56 +0100 3733237 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3691124&cid=t_102156_160_f&fid=36189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skinmdblog.com%2F181%2Fcan-an-anti-aging-diet-really-reverse-wrinkles%2F Can an anti aging diet reverse wrinkles?  At least one dermatologist seems to think so.  It might work for some people.  It really depends on what they were eating before. Trying to eat right is well worth your while.  It’s not just about how you look.  It’s also about developing the so-called age-related diseases.  The latest research indicates that many of those diseases are preventable if people eat right and have a healthy lifestyle. Advice about eating right has changed over the years and continues to do so.  There are the high protein diets, the high carb diets, the low fat diets and others.  The proponents of each of those diets claim to have found the key to weight maintenance and good health. Here’s my advice.  Avoid packaged, processed and prepared foods.  Eat at ... Skin MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3691124 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:03:06 +0100 3691124 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3678526&cid=t_102156_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffake-cures-for-diabetes%2F2010.06.19 KERRI walks to the center of the living room and sits down on the couch, across from SIAH, who is sitting in the corner, staring aimlessly at the wall. KERRI Oh Siah, I just received an email!  About a chocolate shake with glucose-reducing powers!  And how, if I purchase the family pack of chocolate powder mix, I’ll get a free personal blender and I will also be cured of my diabetes! SIAH (blinks)  Meow? KERRI I know!  Diabetes cures apparently are everywhere.  Even in my spice rack, because it seems that just a spoonful of cinnamon, added to every meal and smeared on my face like Noxema, will help me achieve good blood sugar control.  Man, if only I had known that these diabetes cures were there the whole time! (more…) *This blog post was originally published a... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3678526 Sat, 19 Jun 2010 20:00:09 +0100 3678526 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3610327&cid=t_102156_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-diabetic-new-mommy%2F2010.05.29 You know you’re a diabetic mommy when… The bottle of glucose tabs is just as important as the bottle of breast milk in the diaper bag. You have already started wondering how you’re going to explain juice as “medicine” to the kiddo. When you wake up for 3am feedings and they double as a 3am blood sugar check. You start cooing sweetly at your meter when it gives you a result of 100 mg/dl. (”Oooh, what a good meter you are! Yes you are!”) Your baby ends up with a dot of blood on the back of her pajamas from your middle-of-the-night blood sugar check that didn’t stop bleeding right away. When you talk about “the pump,” you need to clarify “the insulin one, not the boob one.” Sometimes you have to draw numbers to see who... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3610327 Sat, 29 May 2010 15:21:21 +0100 3610327 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3607851&cid=t_102156_167_f&fid=38576&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drbriffa.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F05%2F28%2F%25e2%2580%2598food-for-thought%25e2%2580%2599-%25e2%2580%2593-nutritional-advice-for-those-preparing-for-and-taking-exams%2F My girlfriend and I have had a guest staying this week. He is Swiss and is in London for an exam which has something to do with international tax law (it’s all a bit above my head, I’m afraid). Last night the three of us were eating together – our last supper before our guest [...] (Source: Dr John Biffa's Blog) Dr John Biffa's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3607851 Fri, 28 May 2010 14:48:01 +0100 3607851 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3556298&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F05%2Fbreak_glass_in_emergency.html BSparl and I made our first trip out today into Boston proper, so I'm wicked late on writing my post for DBlog Week.  (I apologize for my tardy, bloggy arse.)  But when I was thinking about this topic last night while I waited for the baby to decide yes, she'd like to go back to bed after her 4 am feeding, thank you very much,  I knew I couldn't wax on about the old school low blood sugar treatments I used back in the day.  Like the white, BD glucose tabs that tasted like the Lick n' Dip sticks and came in foil-wrapped packs of three.  Or the packets of honey they'd dole out at Clara Barton Camp.  Or the bottles of grape juice that hide out in my fridge at this very moment.  Or the many flavors of glucose tabs that, despite their color or packaging, still... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3556298 Wed, 12 May 2010 02:54:55 +0100 3556298 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3556028&cid=t_102156_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F05%2F11%2Fwhat-one-short-nights-sleep-does-to-your-glucose-metabolism%2F As a blogger I regularly sleep 3-5 hours just to finish a post. I know that this has its effects on how I feel the next day. I also know short nights don’t promote my clear-headedness and I also recognize short-term effects on  memory, cognitive functions, reaction time and mood (irritability), as depicted in the [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3556028 Tue, 11 May 2010 17:18:36 +0100 3556028 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3552244&cid=t_102156_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fan-artificial-pancreas-for-type-1-diabetes%2F2010.05.11 Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston University have reported that an “artificial pancreas” has worked in 11 patients enrolled in a study sponsored by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). The device consists of insulin pumps, glucose sensors, and a laptop with regulatory software. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Medgadget* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3552244 Tue, 11 May 2010 12:00:01 +0100 3552244 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3549513&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2F7bIlzpkjdk0%2Fone-day-at-a-time.php It's Diabetes Blog Week - a great awareness event created and organized by Karen who writes the Bitter-Sweet Diabetes Blog. She has put together an amazing list of participants so this week you have an opportunity to get over 90 perspectives on a single topic every day this week! Unbelievable! Our assignment for today was to describe a day in the life of diabetes. I noticed on Twitter last night (Sunday) that a lot of people were having trouble coming up with what to write. I was relieved to find out I wasn't the only one. I think part of the problem was that we may have felt pressure to write about a 'typical' day with diabetes so that anyone who is reading our post can relate. There is only one problem with that - there is no typical day with diabetes! :)So instead of telling you ab... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3549513 Mon, 10 May 2010 12:30:46 +0100 3549513 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3538345&cid=t_102156_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=3515301&cid=t_102156_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2010%2F04%2F29%2Fspices-heal-diabetes%2F Filed under: ResearchPakistani and American researchers showed in 2003 that adding spices to your diet can help control cholesterol and blood sugar. In the study type 2 diabetics took powdered cinnamon to lower their blood sugar, LDL and triglycerides. One study, however, isn't proof. More recent studies showed that 3 grams of powdered cinnamon a day lowered blood sugar by 10 percent, but didn't affect LDL or triglycerides. Other studies showed that it might depend on the age and sex of the diabetic. If you want to give cinnamon a try, go ahead - but be advised that no one knows if megadoses have side effects or interact with other medications. And don't give up your traditional medications. Check out more diabetes information on AOL Health.Permalink | Email this | L... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3515301 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3515301 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3505155&cid=t_102156_167_f&fid=38576&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drbriffa.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2F26%2Fmy-advice-for-those-looking-to-have-an-energised-and-productive-afternoon%2F Apparently, it’s 30 years ago that Marks and Spencer (a UK-based food, clothing and home goods retailer) started selling pre-prepared sandwiches. Other retail outlets followed suit, and the end result is that sandwiches now are the prime lunch fodder for workers up and down the land. But do they represent prime fuel for those with [...] (Source: Dr John Biffa's Blog) Dr John Biffa's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3505155 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 07:16:57 +0100 3505155 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3482892&cid=t_102156_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fv%2F9dNQ6HVbvk8%26amp%3Brel%3D1%26amp%3Bcolor1%3Dd6d6d6%26amp%3Bcolor2%3Df0f0f0%26amp%3Bborder%3D0%26amp%3Bfs%3D1%26amp%3Bhl%3Den%26amp%3Bautoplay%3D0%26amp%3Bshowinfo%3D0%26amp%3Biv_load_policy%3D3%26amp%3Bshowsearch%3D0 www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dNQ6HVbvk8 To learn more about the disease and get information about the JDRF Capitol Chapter’s 2010 Walk to Cure Diabetes, visit www.jdrfcapitol.org. The Walks will be held in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, May 2 and in Leesburg, Virginia on Sunday, June 6. By Tamera Adams. “Can I do anything?” is the response 12-year-old Sara Jacob typically hears when she explains to new friends that she has diabetes and the device strapped to her waist is not a cell phone, but her “life support.” Those are the exact words Sara uses to describe the pump that automatically infuses insulin into her small body. It’s more critical than chemotherapy is to a cancer patient she explains. Unlike a type 2 diabetic whose body doesn’t produce sufficient insulin, Sara’s body p... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3482892 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 11:57:45 +0100 3482892 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3443933&cid=t_102156_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_102156_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=3429380&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fnew-top-10-super-diabetes-links.html After at least 20 minutes of research, here they are, in Letterman-style countdown order: 10. High Fat Diets Make Us Lazy & Stupid (Really? Us? Or just the rats?) 9. dLife: People are Stupid (a little dated, but still relevant?) 8. Eureka! It’s the Soda’s Fault 7. Ultra Diabetes on Wikipedia (sort of – eat your heart out, [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3429380 Thu, 01 Apr 2010 13:00:34 +0100 3429380 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3429381&cid=t_102156_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=3408581&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fgive-your-kidneys-some-love.html March is National Kidney Month (yes, they have a month for that organ! and even a World Kidney Day on March 11).  I realize the month is nearly over this year, but it’s never too late to show your kidneys some love — especially if you have diabetes, which possibly puts them at risk. I must admit, [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3408581 Fri, 26 Mar 2010 13:00:54 +0100 3408581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3399117&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fraising-the-bar-on-glucose-meter-accuracy-the-industry-recommends.html More details on the recent FDA Hearings on the accuracy of blood glucose monitoring devices: I was surprised by the report from patient advocate Ellen Ullman on Monday, noting that patient interests seem to be grossly underrepresented, and lots of experts seem to believe that the status quo of +/- 20% error margin is all [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3399117 Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:00:35 +0100 3399117 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3395077&cid=t_102156_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2010%2F03%2F23%2Fdiabetes-and-exercise%2F Filed under: CareDaily activities like gardening or taking the stairs are good for your heart, lengthen your life and keep you mobile. Exercise can help prevent or control heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and other illnesses. If you already have diabetes, exercise will still benefit your health. However, there are some precautions you should take before exercising. Before starting new workouts, consult with your doctor. He or she can warn you about potential problems. You should follow a regular routine of eating, exercising and taking your medications at the same time each day to help your body adjust. You must also be careful exercising when your medicine is reaching its peak effect. Depending on the time you exercise and your workout intensity, you may need to discuss possible c... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3395077 Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3395077 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3390934&cid=t_102156_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=3370358&cid=t_102156_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2010%2F03%2F16%2Fhow-to-make-the-most-of-your-doctors-appointment%2F Filed under: CarePatients and doctors don't always see eye-to-eye, but there are ways to make your next doctor's appointment easier. There are often many options for diagnosing or treating diabetes and choosing to work with your doctor -- instead of against him or her -- will help. Make sure that you choose a doctor who you feel comfortable with and can build a great relationship with. Choosing a doctor who understands your lifestyle, wants, needs and limitations is essential. Be an active participant at your appointment, by takinge your daily blood sugar (glucose) monitoring logbook to your appointment. Also, be prepared for any tests that you might need to take and think about the following questions that your doctor can use to help you manage your diabetes, especially if you're havi... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3370358 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3370358 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3366381&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F03%2Ffrom-green-beer-to-guinness-stout-champagne-and-more-%25e2%2580%2593-tips-to-sip-it-safely.html Alcohol and diabetes. Never a more timely topic than this week. Please enjoy today’s guest post responsibly A Guest Post by Hope Warshaw, nutrition expert and CDE St Paddy’s Day 2010 is just days away. Thinking of gulps of green beer or Guinness Stout, or sips of Irish whiskey or Bailey’s? Alcohol, in its [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3366381 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:00:08 +0100 3366381 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3350482&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fwinning-with-type-1-diabetes-bike-racing-with-a-bang.html Following my series of interviews with Kris Freeman, I got a note from competitive cyclist Phil Southerland, founder of Team Type 1.  He wanted to let me know how well his group of athletes with type 1 diabetes have been performing so far this year. Phil was concerned that the mainstream media coverage of Freeman’s challenges [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3350482 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:00:51 +0100 3350482 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3322325&cid=t_102156_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2010%2F03%2F02%2Finsulin-pump-or-injections%2F Filed under: Drugs, CareUsually used to treat type 1 diabetes, insulin pumps can be key to one's care. An insulin pump is an option for those who cannot adjust to insulin injections. The light-weight pump has several pieces including a pager-sized, insulin-containing device that is usually clipped to your belt or waist. It pumps insulin into a very thin, soft tube called a catheter that carries the insulin from the pump to a "connector" on the skin of your abdomen. This connector is made of an adhesive pad that sticks to the your skin like a bandage. A spring-loaded needle punctures your skin each time you attach the connector to your body. After the connector is attached, the needle is removed. For most pumps, the connector must be changed every three days, which is a simple, painless... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3322325 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3322325 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3262577&cid=t_102156_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2010%2F02%2F11%2Feye-exams-early-warnings-of-undiagnosed-diabetes%2F Eye exams may warn doctors of undiagnosed diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes increases your risk for vision loss fourfold, and it's the leading cause of new cases of blindness in people ages 20-74. Retinopathy is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the retina. However, because of delayed diagnosis, about 10 -20 percent of people with type 2 diabetes already have some degree of eye disease when their diabetes is diagnosed. If ophthalmologists notice that a patient is exhibiting symptoms of retinopathy, they should recommend additional testing. After 20 years nearly all people with type 1 diabetes and 60% of those with type 2 diabetes have developed retinopathy. To cut back on the chances of developing retinopathy, people with type 1 diabetes s... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3262577 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3262577 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3243965&cid=t_102156_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=3239762&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FhNYETT7DRPc%2Fwhere-the-hell-is-my-insulin.php I hate when I take some insulin to bring down a high, and when I check two or three hours later I am exactly where I was when I started.  It's like "what happened to that insulin I took?"I know that I must have been rising, and the insulin curbed the rise (or I went higher and came back down again).  But at first glance it just seems like that insulin I took disappeared.  This type of thing is really scary when the amount of insulin taken is a LOT (relative to my daily dose).  Or (has this ever happened to you?) I bolus for a snack, then something happens and I don't eat, but never go low?  What the heck?  Does that mean I would have been super high if I would have eaten that snack? Makes me scratch my noggin sometimes. (Source: Diabetes Daily) Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3239762 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:39:40 +0100 3239762 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3208316&cid=t_102156_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2010%2F01%2F26%2Fdiabetes-symptoms-type-1-diabetes%2F Filed under: CareRecognizing the symptoms of diabetes can often help you get a proper diagnosis and treatment. There are currently 5.7 million people who have undiagnosed diabetes in the United States, according to the American Diabetes Association. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes usually come on quickly within days or weeks. The following can be signs of type 1 diabetes: Your appetite has increased, and you're still losing weight. You're fatigued or irritable. Your vision is blurry. You're dehydrated. Once diagnosed, you will still experience high and low blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels develop slowly. Low blood sugar levels can develop in minutes. Symptoms of low blood sugar include sweating, weakness and hunger. Symptoms of high blood sugar include increased... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3208316 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3208316 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3197831&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fstupid-diabetes-winners-announced.html I asked for some input on what a new diabetes web site could offer, and I got it – Thank You! Ahem… ask a silly question, get a silly answer, right? I mean it should have been obvious that the No. 1 thing that fits under the heading “StupidDiabetes.com” is humor! The general consensus seems [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3197831 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:00:58 +0100 3197831 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3193952&cid=t_102156_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=3176071&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fflashback-friday-true-confessions-of-a-good-diabetic.html Due to recent exciting news events, I’ve moved my trip down memory lane to Friday this week… Another wonderful fellow D-blogger, Lee Ann Thill, recently posed a question on Facebook: “who exactly is responsible when people with diabetes aren’t ‘good’ diabetics?”  Over 30 replies ensued, as this perennial question brings up all sorts of fundamental issues [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3176071 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:00:25 +0100 3176071 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3159932&cid=t_102156_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=3115242&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fwayback-wednesday-wheres-the-physical-activity.html Today, I’m revisiting a guest post from ‘legendary’ diabetes educator Gary Scheiner for two reasons: 1) this is the time of year when we most need this essential reminder about gettin’ our exercise, and 2) well, because I just love Gary (who’s also the author of the exceptional book Think Like a Pancreas, btw) and [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3115242 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:00:33 +0100 3115242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3108510&cid=t_102156_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=3097009&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fdiabetes-part-of-loser-life-on-men-of-a-certain-age.html Well, Hollywood’s done it again, trying to incorporate a character with diabetes into their storyline. This time, the entertainment industry has bestowed diabetes on one of the main characters in TNT’s new hit TV show, Men of a Certain Age. While the show has been receiving rave media reviews from the San Francisco Chronicle to [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3097009 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:00:36 +0100 3097009 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3092872&cid=t_102156_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=3092880&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FIsJ3Xzrg_08%2Fwhats-that-thing-on-your-arm.php Yesterday I didn't get into the gym until around 8:30 PM.  I had been in the car all day.  As I was getting close to the gym I started really feeling excited about lifting weights (I know, weird, right?).  I felt strong, and I was probably just feeling pretty antsy from being cooped up in my car all day.  My blood sugar was in the low 200's, which is not where I wanted it.  I had some insulin working from a bit ago, and was a bit worried about dropping too much while exercising.  Well, sure enough, after warming up and doing about half of my workout, I was dropping fast.  I had my Navigator CGM with me and was watching the action on the screen.  Not too long after I hit 120 mg/dl with a straight down arrow, I knew I had to stop and get some glucose i... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3092880 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:31:07 +0100 3092880 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3071418&cid=t_102156_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=3067255&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fthe-non-invasive-glucose-monitor-no-one-wanted.html Larry Ishler is an electrical engineer living in Erie, PA, whose son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in college about ten years ago. A few years later, the father had an idea for a non-invasive glucose monitor that would take readings through the skin on your ear (similar to the GlucoTrack from Integrity Applications [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3067255 Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:23:29 +0100 3067255 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3048296&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fwayback-wednesday-hypo-school.html I was chatting with diabetes investor / expert / friend Robert Oringer the other day, who has two teenage sons with Type 1 diabetes. “I’m obsessed with finding ways to prevent severe hypoglycemia,” he pronounced. I guess I knew this about him, but it reminded me of just how complex and scary blood sugar lows [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3048296 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:00:58 +0100 3048296 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3019192&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F11%2Fdiabetes_torture_devices.html Last week, on Twitter, Elizabeth Arnold posted a link to a photo that made my whole body cringe and I instinctively said, "Oh crap, THAT thing?" (I'm stealing and reposting this photo here, but the original photo credit belongs to Cardinal Health.)  Behold - The Guillotine:This photo made me shudder because I remember this lancing device clearly.  It was the first one I ever used, outside of having my finger pricked by the nurses with the lancet alone, and I remember the shunk sound it made as it came careening towards my fingertip.  It wasn't the standard shunk we know now - this sucker would have to be cocked back like a rifle, and once it clicked loudly into place, you had to hit that button on the back to release the spring-loaded lancet.  And it wasn't ju... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3019192 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:06:42 +0100 3019192 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3008331&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fglucose-measurement-in-your-ear-for-real.html A gentleman cornered me at the Diabetes Technology Society meeting earlier this month, and said he wanted to talk non-invasive glucose monitoring.  How could I resist? He said his name was Avner Gal, from Israel. He pulled out a chunky little MP3-looking device, and plugged in a cord with a small clamp on the end. Then [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3008331 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:00:23 +0100 3008331 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2950938&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fcountdown-to-world-diabetes-day-get-ready-for-the-big-blue-test.html Hope you all had a fun Halloween weekend. Somehow the conclusion of that sugar-fest seems a great segue into National Diabetes Awareness Month, no? And the countdown begins to World Diabetes Day on Nov. 14, 2009. Where to begin describing all the activities planned around the web and around the world to “bring diabetes [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2950938 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:22:23 +0100 2950938 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2923414&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FDDmztZX1X84%2Fits-amazing-really.php I had a low blood sugar.  I'm recovering and am starting to feel better.  I exercised incredible restraint in how I treated it, but still managed to eat at least two full meals worth of stuff.While vacuuming down all of this food, I kept saying "Hang tight Scott, you don't need much".  That kept me from going ape shit and eating everything I wanted to, but it was a LOT of work.  How can a person feel so... hungry?  But "hungry" isn't really the right word for it, is it?  Because it is not a hunger that comes from your stomach.  It is coming from somewhere else, and it is powerful.  As I sit here typing this, my stomach is all bloated, and I feel pretty miserable.  Not to mention wiped out from the low (thankfully sleep is right around the corner... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2923414 Sat, 24 Oct 2009 05:31:12 +0100 2923414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2920504&cid=t_102156_160_f&fid=36193&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aloha-dermatology.com%2Faloha-dermatology-blog%2Fmaui-county-36th-annual-senior-citizens-health-fair-maui-economic-opportunity-inc%2F Maui War Memorial Gymnasium Saturday, October 24, 2009 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon Please join us at the Maui County 36th Annual Senior Citizens Health Fair on Saturday, October 24, 2009 at the Maui War Memorial Gymnasium from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Come, have fun, and visit the many booths that will have health-care related displays and other pertinent information. Blood pressure testing, blood sugar level checks and hearing aids will be available. Many agencies and businesses such as the Maui County Office of Aging, Aloha Dermatology and Laser Center, Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital, Social Security Office, State Department of Consumer Affairs, State of Hawaii SAGE Plus Program, Organ Donors of Hawaii, County of Maui Recycle Dept., A&B Sugar Museum, Alzheimer’s Associa... aloha-dermatology.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2920504 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:17:44 +0100 2920504 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2916382&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FsRApjVlbUq4%2Fexperiments-wake-up-bolus-breakfast-and-exercise.php I was really fighting the blues through the tail end of last week and through the weekend.  Really bad.  What really kicked it off for me was some job stuff that I thought was going well, but wasn't.  So once again I am looking for work.  Freelance, contract, full-time, part-time, a combination of all of the above - anything will help.  Since Cozmo closed down, this transition has been trying.  Most of all, it has been hard keeping depression at arms length.  With my current contracting gig crumbling away a little bit, I got pretty dang close and comfortable with depression again, and it sucks.  But depression is a weird monster, because as sucky as it is, there is a strange comfort in it.  Comfort is a bad word for it, because it is anything bu... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2916382 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:32:38 +0100 2916382 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2912405&cid=t_102156_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=2902927&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2Fx0jo78-Hi9g%2Fa-check-list-of-newbie-mistakes.php If so, I think I’ve managed to cover most of them. E-2 – not enough blood on the strip. E-3 – not waiting until the meter was ready to put the sample in place. Dropping strips in water. Putting a strip in backwards. Needing to stick myself half a dozen times to get a decent draw. Not washing my hands enough to get strawberry juice off (now that fasting blood sugar reading just about gave me a heart attack). Leaving loose the lid on the strip pack. Leaving the A1c test in the car (not supposed to be over 78 degrees oops) But I’ve got the routine now, even when I’m sleepy. Note, when you only have one eye open, it is really easy to miss your finger. Glide the strip and machine along the other fingers to aim more accurately at your itty bitty fuzzy wiggly target. Machines reall... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2902927 Sun, 18 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0100 2902927 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2886672&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FdzHCaHycbNk%2Fa-wake-up-bolus.php Is there something more than Dawn Phenomenon? The dawn phenomenon is typically described as the body releasing a handful of hormones overnight that cause some insulin resistance.  You see this as higher blood sugars in the morning, even though you went to bed with a great blood sugar.  I do experience the dawn phenomenon, and have been able to adjust my pump to deliver a bit more basal, or background, insulin during the early morning hours. But I've also got something else going on.  When I get up for the day, no matter what time it is, my blood sugar goes up.  If I wake up at 4:00 AM, it goes up.  If I wake up at noon, it goes up.  If I wake up anywhere in-between there, it goes up.  I've come to think that my body just hates waking up and squirts out so... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2886672 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:17:58 +0100 2886672 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2876275&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fflashback-friday-pitching-yeast.html Mixing it up a little from my Wayback Wednesday series today… It was four whole years ago that I wrote this tongue-in-cheek post about diabetes and yeast infections. The guys aren’t brewing at our place so much anymore, but I’m finding that ladies with diabetes are still struggling for answers. Why don’t doctors proactively tell us this [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2876275 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:49:38 +0100 2876275 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2839129&cid=t_102156_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_102156_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=2786225&cid=t_102156_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=2782263&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F09%2Fpayoff.html I've worked very hard over the last few weeks.  There's no denying that.  I've logged blood sugar numbers on the Kevin spreadsheet and busted my butt to keep up with the maintenance of those logbooks.Chris and I have counted carb after carb, making sure that I'm dosing accordingly.I have changed some of my "bad habits" here and there in efforts to get crap under better control in pursuit of BabySparl.  (I even gave up coffee.  For anyone who knows me, THAT is a huge thing.  Huge-r than logging numbers.)And yesterday, after spending the entire day under the weather, my phone rang.  Dr. CT was calling with my A1C results."Kerri?  This is Dr. CT.  I have your blood work back."I was napping off my illness just before she called, ... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2782263 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:01:58 +0100 2782263 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2774877&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2F0Vfgytt5VsQ%2Feating-our-way-through-the-weekend.php This past weekend was a whirlwind!  My brother, P, got married to a wonderful girl (J) who we are so excited to have in our family!  It was a beautiful wedding, and P & J are on their way to Aruba for their honeymoon!My parents hosted the rehearsal dinner at their home and my Mom and I did the cooking for a crowd of close to 100.  A lot of the guests were vegetarians so we thought a lot about what we should make.  What we came up with was a variety of salads and grilled sausages on the side.  What fun!  My Dad bought around 25 lbs of gourmet, fresh sausage at the West Side Market here in Cleveland and every bite of it was gone.  We couldn't believe it!  Where were all these vegetarians we were expecting?We had tons of appetizers like gazpacho, hu... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2774877 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0100 2774877 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2761960&cid=t_102156_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=2758158&cid=t_102156_167_f&fid=36988&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happynutritionistsnuggets.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fmineral-facts-chromium-glucose.html I start by saying I hope you are all having a wonderful summer, trying to keep up with my blogs and business adventures when the sun is shining so brightly is a challenge, but here I sit in our little log cabin on the lake with the large screen window behind me open to the fall-like cool air we're enjoying right now in the northeast. See? I'm so into the outdoors I'm not getting to the topic!Chromium, this is a wonderful trace mineral that has a reputation for helping to maintian blood sugar levels that are already at a normal range. It is believed to work by helping the glucose find it's way from the blood into the cells. It is needed so that the liver can manufacture fatty acids, lecithin, cholesterol, and lipoproteins.Foods that contain this trace mineral include:Brewer's YeastBlackstra... Happy Nutritionist's Nuggets blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2758158 Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:11:00 +0100 2758158 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2758032&cid=t_102156_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=2752098&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FTc2D_FGr9Tw%2Fheadlights.php I am glad to say that I've found some work.  It is not diabetes related, but it seems to be paying a couple of the bills and gives me a lot of flexibility. This job involves a lot of driving.  4 hours into Wisconsin or Iowa (one way) a few times per month, minimum.  I've got a lot of time just staring through my windshield and watching bugs bounce off (or not... SPLAT!).  It gives me a lot of time to think about stuff, which is kind of nice.One of the things I was thinking about is how the tools we have to manage our diabetes are a lot like headlights.  Especially when you're driving down a dark country road in the middle of the night.  Your headlights are blazing beams of light ahead of you, but when you're driving 65mph, it doesn't seem like they reach quite... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2752098 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:00:00 +0100 2752098 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2741547&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=36012&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBattleDiabetes%2F%7E3%2FiTldgohj_TM%2F What is the leading cause of blindness in the United States of America? Diabetes. Researchers are now stating that diabetes related vision loss can be prevented if the disease is treated in time. The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. has reported that only 50 to 60 percent of people with diabetes get the recommended yearly eye exam. The effective treatments, including a dilated eye test, can reduce severe vision loss up to 94 percent. A persons risk for diabetic retinopathy increases with the length of time that they have had diabetes. It was once thought that diabetic retinopathy only affected diabetics who have had the disease for a long length of time. We now know that that is not the case. For some diabetics, retinopathy is one of the first signs of the disease. Diabetic retinopathy happ... Battle Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2741547 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:33:15 +0100 2741547 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2730312&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F08%2Ften-things-i-should-do-more-often.html Darn it, it’s tough returning from vacation. Somehow you feel like your life is all loose ends, and man, are you behind on tying things up!  Diabetes sort of makes you feel that way all the time though, doesn’t it?  As I attempt to “un-bury” and get back into my “more responsible” routine, it occurred [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2730312 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:00:17 +0100 2730312 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2727370&cid=t_102156_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=2725202&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F08%2Fstaying_accountable.html It's been three weeks since my Joslin appointment and in that time, the accountability train, and thankfully, it hasn't derailed.  Or smashed into me.  Yet.But also in that time, I traveled to Spain, had plenty of wonky lows while traveling, didn't have internet access, and battled the time-space continuum, in addition to working plenty of hours at dLife before the trip and upon my return.  Stress levels?  Not at their lowest.  Also, logging opportunities?  Minimal.But DUDE.  I'm still doing it.  Thanks to the power of the Kevin Spreadsheet and the fact that I sit on my rear end all day long, staring into the abyss of my work Mac, and also thanks to the jazzy little Ann Taylor flashdrive I picked up at BlogHer, I actually have logbooks that mean some... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2725202 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:22:59 +0100 2725202 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2702483&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F08%2Flow-blood-sugar-one-of-my-biggest-fears-as-a-parent.html I met John Crowley a couple of years ago when I started working with Alliance Health. He’s a sweet, down-to-earth, tech-savvy guy who made me realize — for the first time really realize — how much a child’s diabetes affects every aspect of the parents’ life, even long after that child is able to perform [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2702483 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 13:00:00 +0100 2702483 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2678822&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F08%2Faerobic-training-cardio-anaerobic-resistance-what-should-you-do.html * Part 2 of a three-part guest series on Diabetes & Exercise* Dr. Sheri Colberg is an author, lecturer, researcher, professor, exercise physiologist, and expert on exercise with diabetes. She’s written eight books (including the Diabetic Athlete’s Handbook) and more than 150 articles on exercise, diabetes, healthy lifestyles, fitness, nutrition, aging, weight loss, diabetic Latinos, and [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2678822 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:00:52 +0100 2678822 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2674455&cid=t_102156_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=2657872&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fworking-out-with-diabetes-consider-the-controllables-understand-the-uncontrollables.html * Part 1 of a three-part guest series on Diabetes & Exercise * Dr. Matthew Corcoran is a clinical endocrinologist, a CDE, and a self-proclaimed diabetes-exercise freak. He’s the founder of Diabetes Training Camp, which was featured in Newsweek a couple of years ago. Today, he shares his expert tips for working out hard without crashing [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2657872 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:30:45 +0100 2657872 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2653961&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2Fp87_bkkTcuQ%2Fwhat-is-your-favorite-way-to-treat-a-low.php Today's post isn't going to be about cooking.  Today, we're going to talk about what you do to raise you blood sugar.  Do you use glucose tabs, juice, a cookie, frosting or something else totally different?  Why did you make that decision?  Do you just grab what's available to you first or do you have a stash of food you keep precisely for that reason?Me, I go shopping for things to treat low blood sugar with.  Before I had diabetes, I loved to drink juice.  It's just not possible for me to have a glass of regular juice these days, so if I have to suffer from a low blood sugar, I make sure that I can enjoy the taste of what I'm using to treat it.  Lately, I've been buying lemonade, which is very refreshing over the summertime.  Unfortunately, I tend ... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2653961 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:00:00 +0100 2653961 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2649221&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2F-2T3-jw3p_E%2Fnot-why-but-what-now.php As I mentioned in my last post, I learned a ton from William Polonsky during the CWD conference. There is an interesting thing about going as an adult to a conference originally designed for parents and their children. You find out that either 1) you never actually grew up, or 2) we never grow out of the things associated with daily life with diabetes. Although there are many things we would all probably like to change about our meters, a session called The Great Meter Makeover is not about what you think it is about. According to Dr. Polonsky it is about "transforming that annoying little machine from foe to friend." It is about changing how I think about blood glucose monitoring and changing what I do. First, Dr. Polonsky reminded us about all the reasons we hate love... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2649221 Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:53:42 +0100 2649221 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2630190&cid=t_102156_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FDX5AhFxZl4E%2F Some people think that if you have diabetes, you pretty much just have to lay off the sugar and you’re set. Au contraire. There’s so much more to the disease, and so many other complications you can get as a result. One of them even involves the skin. Some diabetics can get diabeteic dermopathy, which shows itself as “oval, light brown, scaly patches found most often on the front of the legs.” This is the result of damage done to the blood vessels, and how the skin responds. There is good news, however, if you have this disease. The patches don’t hurt or itch, and they aren’t dangerous. (More of a visual nuisance than anything.) Image: sxc.hu. Share and Enjoy: Post from: Blisstree Diabetic Skin Disease (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2630190 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:42:22 +0100 2630190 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2616831&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F07%2Ffda-cracking-down-on-accuracy-of-glucose-monitors.html The New York Times reports today that the rise in the use of home glucose monitors, also in hospitals, is pushing the Food and Drug Administration toward a possible crack-down on accuracy standards.  Some of you might say it’s about time, considering that current standards allow a margin for error of up to 20%, which [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2616831 Sun, 19 Jul 2009 21:54:52 +0100 2616831 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2588408&cid=t_102156_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_102156_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=2550315&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=36012&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBattleDiabetes%2F%7E3%2F-eu8Ij110vU%2F Listen, we would all like to say that we are always on point when it comes to maintaining diabetes health. But in reality, it is very common for people to fall of track from time to time.In this article we are going to look at the most common reason that people fall behind in their diabetes diligence and what you can do TODAY to get back on track with your diabetes care.The most common reason that people neglect their diabetes health is due to…DENIAL. Now you may not consider yourself to be a person that lives in denial. Fine. You also may not consider your lack of diligence towards your diabetes care as a sign of denial. Fine. But let me ask you this. Why? Why, if not for some form of denial, have you neglected all or part of your diabetes care? Is it because you are stupid? No. It ... Battle Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2550315 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 11:35:46 +0100 2550315 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523626&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F06%2Feven-more-bright-diabetes-ideas-a-little-help-from-your-friends.html As you know, I’ve been trolling through the copious creative designs we received in this year’s DiabetesMine Design Challenge, and today I’d like to take a moment to highlight those focusing on mentoring or community-based games to teach people about improving their diabetes management. This issue is near and dear to my heart, ’cause that’s what [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523626 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:00:52 +0100 2523626 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523627&cid=t_102156_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=2523628&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F06%2Faffordable-diabetes-wal-mart-tops-list.html I get loads of questions about where to find discounted meds and other diabetes supplies. Especially over at the DiabeticConnect community, costs are one of the hottest topics. Until now, I’ve been referring folks to Patient Assistance Programs, neglecting the fact that if you have a little bit of cash on hand, you can get [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523628 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:00:37 +0100 2523628 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2473961&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fglucose-bits-are-here.html I don’t know why this feels like front page news. It’s just a small thing. But one that many people with diabetes prone to hypoglycemia can really appreciate, I imagine — especially the kids who must positively choke on those standard-variety horse-pill-sized glucose tablets… What I’m talking about is: new Glucose Bits from Dex4, the company that [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2473961 Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:28:34 +0100 2473961 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2473962&cid=t_102156_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_102156_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=2453049&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fnewsflash-bayer-releases-new-home-a1c-kit-medtronic-acquires-new-cgm-technology.html Once again, I’ve returned from the gym to discover major diabetes announcements in my inbox. Why do these things invariably hit the wire while I’m off spinning? Anyhoo, two pieces of big diabetes device news today: * Bayer today has announced release of the new and improved A1c Now SelfCheck home testing kit, the technology it acquired [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2453049 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:39:51 +0100 2453049 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2448047&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fvisions-of-non-invasive-glucose-monitoring.html When will we stop bleeding daily for our diabetes?  Nobody knows.  But despite years of struggling with the “non-invasive dream,” you can rest assured that scientists and designers have not given up trying. I may have mentioned that we had a total of 16 entries in this year’s DiabetesMine Design Challenge that were concepts for new [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2448047 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:00:15 +0100 2448047 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442492&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F05%2Fold_school_diabetes_meters.html A few weeks ago, when I was poking through some old photos, I found my first teaching manual from Joslin.  (The big, red book.)  And tucked inside of that book were some old advertisements for glucose meters.Like this brick from Accu-Chek:This thing was huge, took two minutes to produce a result, and it was heavy enough to double as a hurricaine doorstop.  It's remarkable how much this technology has changed in the last twenty-two years.  Here's another oldie:I love the instructions - they're a freaking mile long!  Blood glucose monitoring has come a very long way since my own diagnosis - from urine testing to blood testing to the Dexcom that reads me every five minutes - but I'm not as impressed as I'd like to be.  I heard a few months back that the accuracy ... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442492 Fri, 29 May 2009 15:30:57 +0100 2442492 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442404&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=36012&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBattleDiabetes%2F%7E3%2FYHz3AVUn5fs%2F It may come as quite a shock to those type 2 diabetics who regularly consume caffeine to hear that studies are now showing that caffeine raises blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics. I’m a regular diet coke drinker and I thought that because there is no sugar in diet coke it was safe for me to drink regularly…I was wrong. The American Diabetes Association announced the findings of a Duke University study which showed that caffeine raised the blood glucose levels of type 2 diabetics throughout the day and especially after meals. But I thought caffeine was ok for diabetics? Previous studies on the link between caffeine and diabetes had shown that caffeine consumption lowered the risk of type 2 diabetes. Those who drank the most caffeine were the least likely to develop type 2 di... Battle Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442404 Tue, 26 May 2009 08:13:09 +0100 2442404 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405914&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FO4y7YGgCrGM%2Finterruptions-at-the-rookery.php Did you all see G-Money's vlog post the other day?  The one where he was playing basketball with his family and had to stop because he got low?  If not, go watch it now.  What we get with this slice of his life is how frustrating it can be dealing with a low.Feeling low sucks. It is very frustrating when it interrupts your day (or night).  But what drives me... (Source: Diabetes Daily) Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405914 Fri, 15 May 2009 01:00:01 +0100 2405914 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2381051&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F04%2Fim_in_the_zone_cortisone.html So yesterday I went to the orthopedist for this wrist mess.I was all, "I've been wearing the brace and I stopped lifting at the gym and have generally been taking it as light as I can, but no improvement."And he was all, "Well, we looked at your x-rays from today and your radial and ulna bones are in perfect position, so it does appear to be a tendon issue and not a bone issue."And I was all, "That's good, right?"And he was all, "Yeah.  So let's talk about options.  We can move with the brace for another month, or you can do physical therapy, or you can do surgery."And I was all, "Hmm.  Well the brace isn't helping yet.  And I don't want surgery.  Let's do a cortisone shot and follow up with physical therapy?"And he... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2381051 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:45:59 +0100 2381051 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2365350&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=36012&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBattleDiabetes%2F%7E3%2FFs6KqVC5Omg%2F With millions of sufferers out there, all with varying degrees of glucose intolerance, don’t panic you are not alone. The real problem with type 2 diabetes is high blood sugar, over time it can and will, cause a multitude of problems. So as the title states, you number one priority in reversing type 2 diabetes is lowering you blood sugar levels to within a safe range, then keeping them there. A safe range being between 4.5 - 6.5 mg/dl. This is the reading you a looking for upon waking. It is known as your fasting blood sugar level. Having a reading slightly above these figures is not going to kill you but it is a good indication that something is not quite right with your blood sugar control system. Natural Foods is a great way to keep this number low for you in the morning.  For mo... Battle Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2365350 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 04:32:46 +0100 2365350 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2354023&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F04%2Fprecision_logbooking.html "So what is this one, the 236.  Did you correct this?  Is this after eating?  I can't really tell."And I peered at the logbook, chock full of results.  Months of results, all neatly organized by date and time.  Only without food or insulin doses written in, so it was less like a diabetes assessment tool and more like the machine that spins the bingo balls. "Ah, I have no idea.  Damn, I have no clue, actually.  I'll assume I corrected it." There's not too much difference between writing in all the results the night before an endo appointment and printing out the numbers.With last week's endocrinologist appointment being a little less than thrilling, I'm on a new game plan to get ready for my June follow-up.  Dr. Brown has... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2354023 Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:58:51 +0100 2354023 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349384&cid=t_102156_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=2297304&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2Fo4OTOIwFS4c%2Fwayback-wednesday---still-high.php Courtesy of the "Wayback Machine", I bring you the early entries I made in my online diabetes journal.  This was back before Blogger made things easy, and I had to write the entries in HTML.  The journal is no longer available, but thanks to the wonderful tools available on the internet, I was able to find much of my old stuff.  I'd like to share one of the old... (Source: Diabetes Daily) Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2297304 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:00:00 +0100 2297304 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2297307&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FJf6ZY41NpVk%2Fperspective.php I took these pictures at a camp I was at this weekend. For each of them I was standing in the exact same spot. All I did was change my perspective. I changed the focus of the camera and it changed the result. Isn't it the same with diabetes? Sometimes we focus on a single number and we may get excited or discouraged. A single number can ruin your day,... (Source: Diabetes Daily) Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2297307 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:00:42 +0100 2297307 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2276538&cid=t_102156_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=2276539&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fglucose-testing-in-pairs.html It may or may not surprise you to know that lots of people with diabetes don’t really know how to use their glucose meters.  By that I mean they were never given a good explanation of when test to test or why. Naturally this refers mostly to folks not on insulin (because taking insulin generally [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2276539 Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:08:35 +0100 2276539 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2276542&cid=t_102156_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=2267710&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fsevere-hypoglycemia-got-you-down-take-the-survey.html So sorry for the bad pun. Couldn’t help myself.  But this is serious stuff, actually.  A small company out of Washington state is working hard to gather some much-needed data on severe hypoglycemia, and how we can better prepare for it and treat it. Apparently there’s not a lot of great existing data on severe hypo [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2267710 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 13:00:18 +0100 2267710 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2266829&cid=t_102156_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FNwRBOxmar18%2F Have you just been told you have diabetes or know someone who has? It’s a complicated disease. It can be managed fairly well, but it takes thought and preparation most of the time. It’s not a disease that you can forget about. One of the first things you learn is how to test your own blood sugar levels. At first, it seems like it’s so often, that your fingers are like pin cushions. This does get better. Your fingers may not get entirely used to it, but most often, the frequency of testing goes down as you become more controlled and aware of your body. What are those numbers? Your blood sugar levels can range wildly from below 2.0 mmol/L in a severe hypoglycemic crisis to above 24, heading towards a serious hyperglycemic crisis. The idea blood sugar levels are between 4.0... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2266829 Sun, 15 Mar 2009 12:47:08 +0100 2266829 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2266839&cid=t_102156_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FlvizNHFVbAE%2F Looking for Diabetes Notes? You’ve found us! Diabetes Notes is part of Blisstree now. How do you like our new digs? Don’t worry, I’ll still be providing diabetes news and updates here. And the “Putting a Face on Diabetes” interview series remains alive and well! (A little “health” humor there! Tee hee). This is an exciting time for diabetics everywhere, as each day we know more about the disease and get closer to a cure. Remember if you’re a Type 1 or Type 2 diabetic who is interested in being interviewed, please send me an email at: cherieburbach@yahoo.com. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you as we learn about and tackle this disease. (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2266839 Fri, 13 Mar 2009 21:34:01 +0100 2266839 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2233713&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2F3S5PFAz2Uaw%2F var iamInit = function() {try{initIamServingHandler(320,260,688979,"http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/Resources/Css/css2.css")}catch(ex){}}() If you’re diabetic and looking for a few extra bucks (and really, who isn’t in these tough times!?) this side gig may be of interest to you. This ad on Craigslist says: We are looking for people with diabetes (Type 1 or 2 diabetes, using a pump (if Type1 diabetes), using a Blood Glucose Meter or a Continuous Glucose Monitoring System or had gestational diabetes). We have a variety of review and content projects. Our most recent project is the BGM review. You will receive $20 for your first BGM review, and $10 for the following reviews. The maximum is of $50. We pay via check. More information (website and payment) will be provided once y... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2233713 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:48:43 +0100 2233713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2222553&cid=t_102156_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=2194762&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F02%2Fblood_sucking_meter.html Normal blood sugar test:  Unzip meter, put s strip in it, wait until it gives me the "Hey, apply blood now" signal, and apply a droplet of blood.This has been the routine for years now.  So imagine my surprise when I put in a new strip, got the go ahead, and applied a blood sample only to have the meter continue to grin at me."Apply blood!"Okay.Blink, blink."Apply blood!"Um, we tried this already."Hey, um ... apply blood!""Meter, I already did this.  Count down already, would you?"Blink."You have enough blood on there.  It's good to go.  Give me a result!""I like ... your shoes?  Apply blood!""Stop.  Being.  Miserable!  Give me the number, you bastard!""Hey look... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2194762 Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:17:35 +0100 2194762 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2190960&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2FxzyBm9FjExQ%2F var iamInit = function() {try{initIamServingHandler(320,480,622556,"http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/Resources/Css/css2.css")}catch(ex){}}() If you’re Type 2 diabetic, do you test your blood sugar? How frequently? I talk to many Type 2’s who aren’t very good about testing. While it’s true they don’t need to test as often as Type 1 diabetics, testing provides a guide for how they are doing with control, when they should time their meds, and how stress and exercise affect their blood sugars. Now a new program is helping Type 2’s manage their blood sugars by using the Internet. The program “gave patients access to the same medical records used by their primary care doctor, as well as the ability to e-mail health care providers. The program also prov... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2190960 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:04:44 +0100 2190960 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2222560&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fdiabetes-makeover-contest-and-the-winners-are.html Wow, and I thought picking winners for our Holiday Sweepstakes diabetes wisdom contest was difficult!  But for the NEW YEAR, NEW YOU Diabetes Makeover competition, what we ended up judging were people’s life stories — their hard luck and their struggles with diabetes and related health conditions.   How do you place comparative value on that?! Everyone [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2222560 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 13:00:24 +0100 2222560 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2182968&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2FGcQYqFXKO9A%2F var iamInit = function() {try{initIamServingHandler(320,480,605558,"http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/Resources/Css/css2.css")}catch(ex){}}() The new rage with diabetic metering is no-code meters. I can’t tell you how many times I forgot to reprogram my meter. I never understood why coding was necessary with digital meters. Now there is a new meter from Diabetic Care Services and Diabetic Express called the WaveSense Jazz™. “In addition to featuring one of the largest backlit digits for easy reading, WaveSense Jazz is one of the first meters to provide a score for a user’s glycemic variability.” Glycemic variability is used to show intense fluctuations in blood sugar, and could help with overall control. No coding and better control? Sounds pretty good to me! Tags: ... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2182968 Fri, 13 Feb 2009 03:36:46 +0100 2182968 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2156338&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F02%2Ffrustrated.html I am absolutely furious.Last night (after a very nice dinner with Karen and J), I went to bed at a blood sugar of 101 mg/dl.  My Dexcom showed a flat line throughout the night, and I woke up at 89 mg/dl.Nice.So I showered and got ready for work.  Dexcom has climbed to 130 mg/dl, but I took .5 u after getting out of the shower (to cover when I was disconnected), so I expected things to be cool.   Commuted to work (10 minutes) and settled in at my desk. But I'm already starting to climb.   Cup of coffee - drained.   I decided not to correct the climb because I had already taken that 0.5 u and besides, I didn't want to completely compromise my new basal settings.  I needed to give this at least a week or two to see how it really worked.Started answ... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2156338 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:20:55 +0100 2156338 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2147630&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FoC4-HI17MAM%2Fdo-you-procrastinate-too.php I had a really mild (which I define as a very slow moving, just barely below normal BG's) low blood sugar tonight as I was juggling dinner items in and out of the microwave for dinner.I grabbed a few handfuls of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal.  As I ate the cereal I was thinking that even that was probably a bit more than I needed to treat the low.  It would... (Source: Diabetes Daily) Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2147630 Sat, 31 Jan 2009 02:49:42 +0100 2147630 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2141492&cid=t_102156_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FB_W0fdA4QKw%2F CRP or an inflammatory marker is a protein that is made when there is inflammation present in the body. CRP inflammation can be caused by high blood pressure, high blood sugar or smoking, it is also the way your body reacts to injury or infection. CRP(C-reactive protein) inflammation encourages plaque to form in the blood vessels. This plaque will eventually cause the blood vessels to rupture causing a heart attack or stroke. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is often shortened to CPR. When your health care provider is explaining your disorder they will usually use the term CRP.  You will see CRP in written articles also. If you are experiencing any health problems related to your heart make an appointment with your health care provider immediately. Be sure to tell them at t... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2141492 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:00:00 +0100 2141492 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2134858&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2Fi42VdiOBM0M%2F var iamInit = function() {try{initIamServingHandler(320,212,536684,"http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/Resources/Css/css2.css")}catch(ex){}}() Have you heard the thought that aspirin, specifically anti-inflammatory aspirin, is helpful in preventing diabetes? Well researchers took this same concept and applied it to low-dose aspirin. The result? That low-dose aspirin, while having many other healthful benefits, does not help prevent Type 2 diabetes. David S. H. Bell, MD, an Endocrine Today Editorial Board member, said: “This finding is not surprising since low dose aspirin was utilized. High dose aspirin or other salicylates, which are truly anti-inflammatory, have been shown to decrease insulin resistance and perhaps improve beta cell function. Clinical trials to evaluate the effect... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2134858 Mon, 26 Jan 2009 14:38:03 +0100 2134858 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2132568&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2FNO1oEDVrOSM%2F var iamInit = function() {try{initIamServingHandler(320,483,536673,"http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/Resources/Css/css2.css")}catch(ex){}}() This is news NO diabetic likes to hear. Larry Miller, who owns the pro basketball team the Utah Jazz, has “had both of his legs amputated 6 inches below the knee.” Mr. Miller has Type 2 diabetes and has been using a wheelchair even before the surgery. We wish Mr. Miller a speedy recovery. Our thoughts go out to you! Tags: amputation, amputee, budget, complications, Diabetes Management, diabetic, diabetic resources, fitness, healthy diet, joining a gym, larry miller, low cost fitness, managing blood sugar, managing diabetes, oats, planning time for fitness, pro basketball owner, reduce complications, Research, stave off complications, sta... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2132568 Sun, 25 Jan 2009 21:29:05 +0100 2132568 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2132569&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2FQfXSVFBHRQM%2F var iamInit = function() {try{initIamServingHandler(320,213,536651,"http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/Resources/Css/css2.css")}catch(ex){}}() One of the most frustrating things about diabetes is that you often get other ailments along with it. As soon as you get diagnosed with diabetes, you are automatically at risk for other diseases such as heart disease or stroke. It’s one reason diabetes is such a difficult disease to deal with. Emotionally and physically, it takes a toll. That’s why I like to here news like this. Researchers at Sanford have received “an American Diabetes Association Career Development Award to help understand why people who have diabetes often die from heart disease or stroke.” The grant is in excess of $870,000 and will be paid out over five... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2132569 Sun, 25 Jan 2009 17:28:23 +0100 2132569 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2131511&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2FDkMifxumQvM%2F var iamInit = function() {try{initIamServingHandler(320,320,534868,"http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/Resources/Css/css2.css")}catch(ex){}}() Here’s a scary thought: With all the lay offs happening these days workers are finding it increasingly difficult to keep their health insurance. That’s ESPECIALLY frightening for diabetics. A survey over at CNN says that in 2007, “researchers found that two-thirds of workers, if they were laid off, would be eligible for COBRA. Data from 2006 data suggest that only 9 percent would opt into the program.” Since costs are higher now, that problem is probably even more prevalent. It’s difficult. I know one of my fears has always been that I wouldn’t have health insurance. I’ve stayed at jobs I hated because of t... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2131511 Sat, 24 Jan 2009 23:44:25 +0100 2131511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2125522&cid=t_102156_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2FqKmjRjHLkWw%2F Image from Brenda Novak. Remember Brenda Novak? She’s the writer who has managed to raise over a half million dollars for diabetes research in just a couple of years. She’s also having a giveaway to win a tote with signed copies of her books, among other treats! Enter to win and if you do, by all means come back here and tell us! Tags: amazon, announcements, blog contest, brenda novak, budget, diabetic resources, fitness, free stuff, gift certificate, giveaway, healthy diet, joining a gym, low cost fitness, managing blood sugar, managing diabetes, oats, planning time for fitness, prize, reduce complications, Research, stave off complications, staying healthy, study, sweepstakes, time to exercise, walking, winShare This (Source: Diabetes Notes) Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2125522 Wed, 21 Jan 2009 21:49:26 +0100 2125522