Presidential Proclamation — National Diabetes Month, 2013

NATIONAL DIABETES MONTH, 2013

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

With more than 25 million Americans living with a diabetes diagnosis, and many more going undiagnosed, diabetes affects people across our country and remains a pressing national health concern. 

During National Diabetes Month, we renew our dedication to combating this chronic, life-threatening illness by standing with those living with diabetes, honoring the professionals and advocates engaged in fighting diabetes, and working to raise awareness about prevention and treatment.

Diabetes can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and blindness. Type 1 diabetes, often diagnosed in children, limits insulin production and its causes are not well defined. Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for more than 90% of diabetes cases, has been linked to older age and family history, although it is increasingly being diagnosed in younger Americans and is associated with obesity and inactivity. 

The risk is particularly high among African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, and some Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. I encourage all Americans to talk to their health care provider about steps they can take to prevent or manage this disease.

With diabetes ranking among the leading causes of death in the United States, my Administration is committed to supporting Americans living with diabetes, investing in promising scientific research, advancing work toward improved treatment and care, and bolstering prevention efforts. 

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, beginning in 2014, no American with diabetes can be denied health insurance based on their diagnosis, and in most plans, Americans at increased risk can access diabetes screenings at no cost to them. 

The National Diabetes Prevention Program engages private and public partners to help people with prediabetes adopt lifestyles that can prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes, and the National Diabetes Education Program focuses on delaying and preventing disease onset while also working to improve outcomes for those living with the disease.

With our next generation in mind, First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative has taken on the staggering rise in childhood obesity our Nation has seen over the past three decades, and Let's Move! is empowering families and communities to put children on a path to healthier futures. 

Obese children face an increased risk of adult obesity and all the health risks that come with it, including Type 2 diabetes. By connecting children with healthy, affordable food options and the opportunity to be active in their communities, Let's Move! is helping our sons and daughters reach a healthier, more promising tomorrow.

This month, as we remember those we have lost to diabetes and support those living with the illness, let us look to a day with fewer cases of diabetes, a firmer understanding of the disease, and better outcomes for all those affected. By continuing the important research, outreach, and care delivery we have already begun, we know we can get there.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2013 as National Diabetes Month. 

I call upon all Americans, school systems, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, health care providers, research institutions, and other interested groups to join in activities that raise diabetes awareness and help prevent, treat, and manage the disease.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth.

BARACK OBAMA

Washington, D.C. (United States) (OFFICIAL WIRE) October 31, 2013
http://www.officialwire.com/pr/presidential-proclamation-national-diabetes-month-2013/

World Diabetes Day

Did You Know November is Diabetes Awareness Month? . . . 

In many parts of the world November marks the start of a month-long series of activities to put diabetes firmly in the public spotlight. 

On November 14th, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) will be releasing the 6th Edition of its Diabetes Atlas, the authoritative source of evidence on the global burden of diabetes. 

New estimates will be provided for 2013 and 2035 with the goal of strengthening the evidence base for coordinated efforts to stem the diabetes epidemic.

Here is  a reminder of why urgent action is required to protect our future:

• Diabetes is among the top 10 causes of disability, resulting in life-threatening complications such as heart disease, stroke, lower limb amputations and blindness
• 1 in 2 people with diabetes are undiagnosed
• 80% of people with diabetes live in low- and middle-income countries.

View all our campaign messages to help inform your awareness activities in the days and weeks to come. Together we can make a difference!

http://www.idf.org/

What You Need to Know About This Year's Medicare Open Enrollment Period

If you have Medicare, you don't need to participate in the new health insurance marketplace

If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, here’s something for your autumn to-do list: Go Medicare shopping.

Review your benefits and costs for 2014, compare alternatives and decide whether to keep or change plans during Medicare’s annual open enrollment period Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2013.

This year, Medicare’s open enrollment overlaps with open enrollment for the new insurance marketplaces or exchanges created under the Affordable Care Act, also commonly referred to as Obamacare — but don’t let that throw you. 

Medicare’s 50 million-plus beneficiaries, most of them seniors, will steer clear of the marketplaces.

Got questions? Click here to find out what you need to know about Medicare’s open enrollment in the marketplace era.

Headaches - What is Migraine?

Migraine headaches produce an acute, throbbing pain on one side of the head, and are usually localized near the temple on either side of the head. Migraines are often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, along with sensitivity to light and noise. Attacks can last anywhere from a few hours to days, and some suffer for longer periods.

It's been reported that over 28 million Americans suffer from migraines, which account for approximately  10% of the population. Women are three times more likely than men to suffer from these severe headaches, however children and adolescents can experience them as well. What's interesting is that half of the people never see a physician about the condition.

What Causes Migraines?

The exact cause is not known. For many years it was believed they were the result of dilation of blood vessels, but today medical research has brought about other explanations. Many researchers in the field now believe the condition is a genetic disorder which affects how certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters such as serotonin) interact with nerve cells.

The typical migraine is associated with something doctors term as an "aura" - and relates to the symptoms migraine sufferers experience before the onset. The term "aura" is not the same term associated with mystical fields around the body. Instead the symptoms are described as visual hallucinations - such as seeing bright spots, flashing lights - and some have been known to suffer a loss of vision. Once these symptoms occur, the migraine headaches usually occur shortly thereafter.

There is a second class of migraines - people who suffer from this type usually do not have advance warning of the symptoms listed above.

What Brings on Migraines? 

Although there is no concrete answer to this question, researchers have found there a combination of factors that can increase the frequency. In the area of sleep the research is conflicting because a lack of sleep - as well as getting too much sleep can be a risk. Migraines are often associated with eating certain foods, such as cheese, and also skipping meals increases the risk. Trying to find the right balance for your body type is definitely frustrating, and a continual challenge.

Certain hormonal factors are also believed to influence the onset and severity of attacks. Researchers believe this is why there is a much higher incidence among women than men - one study shows approximately 17% as opposed to 6%. In addition, some studies have shown a connection between contraceptive pills and migraines. Estrogen is a component of birth control pills and affects blood vessels.

Stress is also a trigger - and even simple everyday activities, such as walking up stairs or other activities involving more physical exertion, can trigger an attack. Other triggers can involve extreme heat or cold, loud noises or flickering lights. Often, migraines occur more frequently when there is a combination of these triggers.

Fortunately, there are a variety of medical treatments available, though none has been shown to be overwhelmingly effective in all cases. Sometimes simple acetaminophen is a useful aid. In more extreme cases, triptans and other prescription medications are called for.

Since the triggers differ for each person, it is useful to keep a diary on each attack. Try to note all the external and internal factors going on at the time the attack occurs. Hopefully in keeping a running diary, it may be possible to find the exact combination of triggers that cause the migraine headaches.

Charles Thompkins
Diabetic, Senior and Blackhttp://diabeticseniorandblack.blogspot.com/

Feel free to republish this article -however byline and links to this blog should be included

Diabetes Treatment with Various Teas

Tea is a rejuvenating drink at any time. However, most people are uninformed there’s a number of various teas and lots of have particular qualities which help improve several aspects of your well being, particularly if you have Type 2 diabetes. 

Image Credit - Diabetes Portal

Black tea is probably the most commonly used teas for a lot of reasons. It’s enjoyable to consume and it is easy to find in the stores. Diabetes treatment with various teas it includes antioxidants called thearubigins and theaflavins which could:

• Shield against the common cold
• Relieve congestion, and has
• Glucose-inhibiting properties to help control Diabetes type 2

Some studies additionally say it is able to reduce the potential risk of having a stroke and could guard against lung cancer for smokers, so it is great diabetes treatment. 

Green tea extract is very popular as well as contains antioxidants. It includes flavonols to safeguard your retinas from the harm caused by high blood sugar. It’s believed to also prevent damage caused to your bloodstream because of high-cholesterol. Some flavonols are resistant against insulin that is helpful for diabetics.

Read full article at Diabetes News Portal

Plant Based Diet For Type 2 Diabetes May Prevent Kidney Disease

Can plant based diets help prevent kidney disease for people with Type 2 Diabetes?

Choosing soy protein (such as tofu and soy beans) and other vegetable protein sources instead of meats may mean a lower risk of kidney disease for people with Type 2 diabetes. 

Learn why there are so many benefits to a vegetarian diet

Jerry the Diabetic Teddy Bear

For young children with type I diabetes, days are filled with constant monitoring, finger pricking and insulin injections.

But one inventor is aiming to bring these children a bit of comfort during these activities, as well as to teach them the importance of staying healthy, he created a teddy called Jerry the Bear, who also has diabetes.

Aaron Horowitz, CEO of tech startup Sproutel, grew up with a condition called human growth hormone deficiency, which also required frequent injections to treat.

After visiting children with type I diabetes in hospitals, Horowitz said he realized that their feelings of loneliness mirrored his own.

Many of the children had stuffed animals, and projected their medical condition onto their inanimate friends, Horowitz said. In people with Type I diabetes, the pancreas cannot produce the hormone insulin. The children would prick their companions' fingers to test their blood sugar, and cut syringes out of paper to give them insulin injections. 

Children can feed Jerry, regulate his insulin with injections and prick his fingers to monitor his blood sugar. A large, colorful screen in the center of Jerry's chest provides not only a medical readout, but a space for children to play games.

Horowitz made Jerry's condition into a game. Children must monitor Jerry's health very closely, because - as they will learn through storybook sequences and touch pad games - the bear is training for the Olympics, and won't let his disease stand in the way.

Read the full article at LiveScience

Kobe Bryant Supports Diabetes in Dubai

Kobe Bryant has first hand knowledge of diabetes as both of his grandfathers had the disease. 

Today Kobe follows a healthy diet and way of life. “When I was younger it was very easy for me to eat what I wanted. 

The hardest part of getting old is being able to change your diet. It’s a struggle with yourself, but it needs to be done. Some three-and-a-half years back I made a change in eating with my focus now on eating for performance and recovery. I now eat with a purpose.” 

Bryant is in Dubai for a celebrity match, as well as a youth clinic . . . 

The two-day event, which will see an exclusive clinic for youth in Abu Dhabi on Thursday followed by a celebrity match at the American University in Dubai (AUD) on Friday, is being supported by GEMS Education in association with the Dubai Diabetes Association, Boston Diabetes Centre, Imperial College of London Diabetes Centre’s public awareness campaign, Expo 2020, GAYSW, Dubai Calendar, Duplays and Dubai Sports Council. 

See full story

Fruit Juice Increases Diabetes Risk

Eating more whole fruits, particularly blueberries, grapes and apples, is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, with greater fruit juice consumption having an adverse effect. 


 Increasing fruit consumption has been recommended for the prevention of many chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes. However, studies have generated some mixed results. Read more

MyFoodAdvisor Diabetic Friendly Recipes

Need more "Diabetic Friendly Recipes" - Look no further than recipes from the American Diabetes Association - MyFoodAdvisor Recipes for Healthy Living 

The site offers a monthly meal plan with a variety of recipes. Subscribers get monthly e-mails on cooking tips including how to adjust carbohydrates and calories. 

You can search the large recipe database by food type, ingredients and the calorie or carbohydrate content.  A new set of diabetes-friendly recipes, some of which have been incorporated into the meal plan A one day sample meal plan with a grocery list and tips to adjust carbohydrates and calories to better fit your needs 

Videos showing you how to prepare our recipes and other healthy foods in the kitchen A feature article on nutrition or a seasonal health topic Quick tips for eating healthy and living well when time is scarce 

There is no cost to sign up for the Recipes for Healthy Living E-Newsletter and the site promises there will be no subscription fees down the road.  

Top 25 Diabetic Snacks

Stomach grumbling or blood glucose a bit low? Reach for one of the top 25 consumer-tasted and dietitian-approved snacks.

Diabetic Living's dietitians scoured the supermarkets to find the most nutritious packaged snacks, and a panel of taste-testers (including people with diabetes) ranked the treats. From chips and dip to cookies and popcorn, see which snacks were awarded the Diabetic Living What to Eat Seal of Approval.

My Net Diary Diabetes Tracking App

Over 2 million people are using the Diabetes Tracker app by MyNetDiary

The app is not free, and the cost is $9.99. So what do you get for this paid app? 

Well for one you can scan bar codes on food containers, along with tracking your glucose levels throughout the day, and get daily and weekly reports. You can also track your medications, exercise, water intake and A1C, LDL, HDL, BP tracking.

So for the cost, there are a lot of interactive features to this app. Available at iTunes store

Glucose Buddy - Free App to Manage Diabetes

Diabetes management is a daily effort of maintaining glucose levels

Glucose Buddy is a free app from Azumio. You enter your glucose numbers, carbohydrate consumption, insulin dosages and activities and monitor them throughout the day on the app or you can do the same on the free account online - which is great for older diabetics who do not have a smartphone or tablet. 

You can also view and print charts that show your glucose levels. 

The app is available for iOS and Android. http://www.glucosebuddy.com/

Diabetes & You Magazine from Walgreens

 Check out the magazine 

Diabetes and Kidney Disease Guide

Diagnosis of diabetes in today’s world does not mean you are doomed for a future of kidney failure, amputations, and a short life. 

Treatments and technology available today can, with effort and persistence, help us live a long and healthy life. (Sadly, there are some countries that do not have access to these treatments and technologies.)

Long-term studies of people with diabetes show that keeping blood sugars in a healthy range can dramatically lower the risk of complications. 

In fact, even a few years of better blood sugars has a protective effect that lasts for decades. On the flip side, years of uncontrolled diabetes increase the risk of kidney problems.



Did you know that people with diabetes account for 44% of the newly diagnosed cases of kidney failure each year? 

Here's what you need to know . . . 

African American Stroke Patients May Have High BP and Cholesterol

Photo courtesy of EB Johnson

African Americans are at particularly high risk of stroke, but even after experiencing one, many patients don’t get their blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes under control, according to a US study.

The researchers note that control of such risk factors in general could prevent many of the 1.1 million heart attacks and 731,000 strokes that occur in the United States every year.

In the study, researchers from Rush University in Chicago looked at more than 1,000 African-American stroke patients enrolled in a study of anti-clotting drugs. Ruland’s team was not concerned with the drug results, but instead looked at awareness and control of risk factors by the patients.

“We know from previous studies, both for primary prevention and prevention of recurrent heart attack and stroke, that real aggressive risk factor reduction will lead to fewer events,” researchers say.

While 73% of study participants known to have high blood pressure were taking medication to control it, just 30% had actually brought their blood pressure down to or below normal levels.

Medication may not have been effective in lowering blood pressure because “the treatment strategy wasn’t aggressive enough,” according to researchers. They says that may be due to attitudes of both the physician and patient, lack of follow-up care and poor patient compliance in taking prescriptions.

Less than half of the patients with known high cholesterol were taking medication for the problem. Most who were prescribed drugs were taking cholesterol-lowering statins, but they were effective in only about two-thirds of patients. In addition, one quarter of the patients with high cholesterol did not know it.

Of the 40% of study participants with known diabetes, 84% reported being on some type of medication. Among the diabetic patients whose blood glucose was checked, one third did not have it under control. In the remaining 60% of the patients who did not have diabetes, 2% were at high risk for developing the disease.

According to researchers, previous studies have shown that African Americans who have had a stroke are more likely to have two or more risk factors.

Article Source 

How NOT to Support a Person Living with Diabetes

You know what we need in life with diabetes? More police. More warnings. More lectures. More raised eyebrows and far more people gasping at the sight of our blood sugar when it isn’t perfect.

If you’re interested in doing it all wrong, increasing the already existing stress levels we live under day in and day out with diabetes, then here’s the guide for you

Grocery Shopping for Diabetics on a Budget

Photo courtesy of ifood tv 


Filling the fridge doesn't have to break the bank, even when you have diabetes. 

Healthy eating and healthy grocery shopping can be doubly challenging when you have to balance type 2 diabetes and your checking account. 

The answer? There are some easy tricks on your marketing list to pinch pennies while cooking up healthy, tasty meals.

Head over to Everyday Health and see how to Stock Your Pantry on the Cheap, Save Money When You Shop and watch the video's for more info

Diabetic Apps From MySugr

MySugr has created two apps - MySugr Companion on iOS for adults, and and Android app MySugr Junior for kids. 

The app is basically a diabetes logbook. It provides immediate feedback and helps you stay motivated. 

You win points for every entry made which help tame your diabetes monster. The goal is to tame your monster every day. 

The apps introduce elements of gamification to a process that is normally dreaded by children and adults alike. The data from the Junior app can be automatically shared with parents, prompting more accountability and responsibility on the part of the child, and more peace of mind for the parent.  

For adults or children with diabetes, the apps make it easier to stick to a regimen and make adjustments based on data.

https://mysugr.com/ 




Also check out Diabetes apps among top 10 doctors recommend to patients

Adapting to Mainstream Lowers African American Diabetes Risk

Trying to find a produce store or a large grocer in an economically depressed neighborhood is about as easy as finding an apple in a candy store.

Lack of access to good nutrition impacts racial and ethnic minorities and recent immigrants disproportionately. 

Poor nutrition combined with higher stress can contribute to other health problems, including type 2 diabetes.

But a new University of Michigan study may help explain how to cope with this stress and perhaps curb some of these health problems.

Read more