Diabetic Recipes: BBQ and Diabetes

How to Prevent Diabetes Complications in Feet

Top 8 Vegetables for Diabetes

Coping With Negative Moods - The Diabetes Experience

Have you ever taken a ride on a diabetes rollercoaster?

 No, I’m not talking about a ride at Disney World! It’s the emotional up-and-down ride that many people living with diabetes, and their loved ones, may experience. 

The rollercoaster can be triggered by a variety of factors, including blood sugar levels, stress, and emotional challenges. 

Here are a few of these issues along with tips that may help - Read more - Coping with negative moods | The DX: The Diabetes Experience

Diabetes Friendly Fridge

Colgate Total® Launches "Watch Your Mouth!"

The "Watch Your Mouth!" Campaign in Collaboration with the American Diabetes Association®

In support of October's National Dental Hygiene Month and American Diabetes Month in November, Colgate Total® has launched  "Watch Your Mouth!", a new campaign to help raise awareness about the often overlooked link between oral health and diabetes. 

Life With Type 1 Diabetic Teens

Articles written just for teens who are living every day with the challenges of T1D

This guide offers practical advice to help address the questions most common to teens with T1D - mood swings, academic performance, friendships, driving with T1D, and many others - so that parents and teens know what to expect and can enjoy this unique time in their lives.

Download the Teen Diabetic Toolkit here 

African Americans Less Likely to Adhere to Medication for Type 2 Diabetes

We already know that African Americans have higher rates of type 2 diabetes and the accompanying complications, and researchers at Ohio State University reveal that this group is less likely to adhere to their medication schedule. 

Photo Credit: Milwaukee Community Journal

They looked at almost 2,700 individuals with type 2 diabetes and learned that medication adherence was 12% down among African Americans.

Data was gathered from people on one of three medications for type 2 diabetes – thiazolidinedione, sulfonylurea or metformin. 

They looked at whether a person had refilled their prescription as a guide to medication adherence. The African American participants took their medication as prescribed 54% of the time, compared to the white participants who took it 59% of the time. Of the drugs, metformin was the one with the poorest medication adherence. 

Clearly more needs to be done to explain the importance of taking medication to all people who have type 2 diabetes, so they can avoid complications of the disease.


Source: Tele-Management - Ethnic origin is a factor in medication adherence for type 2 diabetes

Reducing Sodium in a Salty World

There’s been a lot of talk lately about limiting salt intake to improve your health, but the conversation is not new

Photo Credit: American Heart Association

Experts have known since the first studies were published in the 1940s that significantly reducing sodium in the diet could lower blood pressure. The dangers of excessive salt have been known for so long that thousands of years ago Chinese noblemen would use large amounts to commit suicide.

Today, sodium excess remains a deadly threat. The average American consumes about 3,400 milligrams of sodium a day, more than double the 1,500 milligrams recommended by the American Heart Association.

Too much sodium increases the risk of high blood pressure and other major health problems. More than 76.4 million people in the U.S. have high blood pressure — one-third of the population. High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” because its symptoms are not always obvious.


Continue Reading at American Heart Association site

How to Make Healthy Recipes for Diabetics

Women Under 60 With Diabetes at Much Greater Risk for Heart Disease

Generally, women under 60 are at far less risk for coronary artery disease than men of the same age. 

But among women of that age who have diabetes, their risk of heart disease increases by up to four times, making it roughly equal to men’s risk of this same form of heart disease.

Read more

Support World Diabetes Day With Thunderclap!

Take a positive step to fight the diabetes epidemic. 

Join the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) on World Diabetes Day to show your support for improved access to essential care and medicines for all people with diabetes. 

I support World #Diabetes Day because millions don’t have access to the care they need #WDD  thndr.it/16jyRfB

Thanks for your support,
Charles

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