Defeat Diabetes® E-Lerts™ Newsletter
January 2006
(Volume V, Issue 1)
By this time, most of your New Year's resolutions have probably become wishful thinking. Maybe it is time to revisit your resolutions. This time, don't be too vague or too ambitious. Self-Management can begin with baby steps. Making minor changes in your lifestyle is doable for most people.
Here are new resolutions you may take upon as your own:
Latest News - Self-Management - Complications: You can take action and check your feet for foot ulcers before they even start, you can get a stress test, take vitamin E and other positive steps to avoid complications of diabetes.
Latest News - Self-Management - Self-Care- Exercise: You can exercise moderately and smartly. Walking also helps heal wounds and strokes.
Latest News - New and Important Diabetes Information: Exubera became the first inhaled insulin to get FDA approval; a new form of diabetes has been found; The brain plays a major role in lowering blood sugar; and more.
Latest News - Self-Management - Diet: Green tea, alcohol and eggs may help you in many ways.
Theresa Garnero, APRN, BC-ADM, MSN, CDE keeps with our theme of New Year's Resolutions in this month's Islets of Humor™.
In Nutrition News, Barbara Quinn, MS, RD, CDE, addresses Trans fats and Whole grains in the New Year.
The Mr. Diabetes® Wake Up and Walk® Tour: Even though Andy is in winter-mode, (no official walking), he has been working with the Lions Clubs in Toronto, Canada on some long-range plans and has given presentations about diabetes. Here is one of the many letters he and we have received after a Mr. Diabetes®, Andy Mandell, presentation: Read More
Defeat Diabetes Foundation Commemorative Ornaments, " Rimbrandts by j" are a special edition of 250 signed and numbered large glass ornaments. They commemorate the ongoing 10,000 mile Wake Up And Walk® Tour of co-founder Andy Mandell. Defeat Diabetes Foundation receives a very generous donation from every ornament sold. These beautiful custom glass ornaments are painted in the Rimbrandts Seriglass® process. For More Information
Here are some super Super Bowl Recipes that can be prepared ahead of time, from America's Healthiest Mom, Jyl Steinback. These are perfect for on the go lunches too.
Are Your Phone Records for Sale? Help! My Screen's Upside Down! These are the two topics that Kevin McBride tackled in Kevin's Tech Tips.
Treatments on the Horizon: Two new discoveries and two new promising results.
This month's Readers' Forum has questions and answers that will probably interest most readers. Can you refrigerate metformin? How do you find out about clinical trials?
We, at Defeat Diabetes Foundation hope that this information we provide you will help you in your self-management of diabetes, pre-diabetes, or general health. If you have any questions or comments, please let us know.
Good Health,
Lisa M. Rasolt
Program Director
lrasolt@DefeatDiabetes.org
www.DefeatDiabetes.org
Awareness + Action = Prevention®
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Awareness Programs
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your financial support for all of our Defeat Diabetes® Public
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donations
are tax-deductible.
Please Donate Now
*********************************************************
Latest News -
Self-Management -
Complications
Catching Foot
Ulcers Before They Even Start
A study finds that early
changes in the oxygenation of the skin could help foretell the development of
ulcerations and enable doctors to treat patients at an earlier stage, before the
onset of serious complications.
Diabetics
With No Coronary Risk Factors Need A Stress Test
Contrary to
current guidelines, "aggressive" efforts to detect coronary artery disease (CAD)
are worthwhile in asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes and one or no
cardiovascular risk factors, based on results of a study.
Vitamin E Helps
Combat Heart Attacks for Those with Diabetes
A
new study has indicated that about 40 per cent of diabetic patients can reduce
their risk of heart attacks and of dying from heart disease by taking vitamin E
supplements.
Rapid
Glycemic Control Seen Detrimental Before Cataract Surgery
In patients with
moderate to severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, rapid correction of
blood glucose levels before cataract surgery may increase the risk of
postoperative progression of retinopathy and maculopathy and therefore should be
avoided.
Aspirin Shows Promise Against Diabetic Retinopathy
One
more reason why patients with diabetes should be taking aspirin.
Clamping Down on Type 1 Diabetes
In a government-sponsored study
that spanned 17 years, researchers found that tight blood sugar control could
cut the risk of heart problems almost by half in people with type 1 diabetes.
High Cholesterol in
Diabetes May Harm Vision
Individuals with the highest levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the "bad"
cholesterol, had twice the risk of developing a visual problem called macular
edema, or fluid in the macula of the eye, compared with those with the lowest
LDL levels. Subjects with the highest ratio of total cholesterol to high-density
lipoprotein (HDL), the "good" cholesterol had a fourfold increased risk of this
eye disorder.
Kidney Failure A
Health Risk of Obesity
Compared
with normal weight individuals, those who were overweight were nearly twice as
likely to develop kidney failure, and the extremely obese were seven times more
likely.
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Did You Know?
The C.D.C. has projected that a child found to
have Type 2 diabetes at age 10 will see his life shortened by 19 years.
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Latest News -
Self-Management - Self-Care-
Exercise
Exercise Smart
for Protection During Cold, Flu Season
Exercise
during the cold and flu season can strengthen the immune system, provided you
don't overdo it, says a Purdue University professor who studies exercise and the
immune system.
Walk Away from Stroke's Side-Effects
There may be more
effective options than the short-term therapy given to most patients after a
stroke, a new study shows. Even years later, intensive exercise therapy focused
on using a treadmill can significantly improve a stroke patient's physical
skills.
Exercise Helps
Speed Wound Healing 25% in Older Adults
The
body’s ability to heal even small skin wounds normally slows down as we age. But
a new study in older adults finds that regular exercise may speed up the
wound-healing process by as much as 25 percent.
Walking Program Slows
Decline in Peripheral Artery Disease
Results of a new study
show that just ninety minutes of walking a week, made up of three or more
therapeutic walks, may slow the progress of lower extremity peripheral arterial
disease.
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Did You Know?
Red peppers contain three times the recommended daily requirement
for vitamin C, which is responsible for boosting iron absorption and
strengthening the immune system.
Cook Once, Eat for a Week, Jyl Steinback,
America's Healthiest Mom
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Latest News - New
and Important Diabetes Information
Inhaled Insulin Gets
FDA OK
Exubera
became the first inhaled insulin to get FDA approval. It will be on pharmacy
shelves by the middle of the year, says the spokeswoman for Exubera maker
Pfizer.
Brain Plays Major
Role in Insulin's Ability to Lower Blood Sugar
"Our
findings suggest that, in individuals with diabetes, the ability of insulin to
lower blood sugar involves the brain. This effect is not trivial; the brain
makes a substantial contribution to insulin response."
Diabetes Link to Liver Disease
A pair of studies
reveal that patients with type 2 diabetes have two times the risk of developing
liver disease and possibly three times the risk of developing liver cancer as
their healthy peers.
Effectiveness of
Pharmacist-Administered Diabetes Education and Management Services
Diabetes
management services from clinical pharmacists achieved significant improvements
in A1C values and reduced costs of $59,040.
Providers Unaware
That Insulin Syringes Are Covered Under New Medicare Prescription
Program
A
survey of more than 100 help desk operators at Part D providers found that many
offered confusing information and were unaware that the new benefit covers
syringes. In addition, the medicare.gov website does not provide information
about newly covered supplies such as insulin syringes and pen needles.
New Diabetes Form
Found by Norwegian Researchers
In
addition to high blood sugar levels, the disease is characterized by a decrease
in pancreatic functioning and reduced fat absorption in the intestine.
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Did You Know?
The most common place where Americans keep
medications is also the worst place, “The bathroom medicine cabinet is the worst
place to keep both over-the-counter and prescription drugs due to heat, moisture
and humidity in the bathroom. Store medications in a cool, dry place such as a
closet, out of direct sunlight and on an upper shelf, and out of the reach of
children.” Heat and moisture hasten the deterioration of medications, causing
them to lose potency. Director of UAB Drug
Information Service
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Latest News -
Self-Management - Diet
Green Tea:
Wonder-Drink?
Studies
are adding up and researchers are backing the idea that green tea could protect
you from Alzheimer's disease, fight cancer, lower cholesterol, and even help you
lose weight. Look for products that have powered green tea leaves or brewed
green tea. Also, be aware of green tea extracts or flavorings because they don't
provide the same benefits. You can get even more benefits by letting the tea
steep a full five minutes before drinking it.
Drinking Small
Amounts of Alcohol Regularly Reduces Risk of Obesity
Results
from a new study shows that consuming no more than a drink or two a few times a
week reduces the risk of being obese.
Egg-breakfast Fills
You Up for Longer
Starting
the day with an egg breakfast instead of another food with the
same calorie count is more likely to lead to weight loss in overweight people,
suggests new research.
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Did You Know?
Although the origins of chili powder have
been traced to ancient Aztecs who combined chile peppers and oregano, the
present blend of dried chiles, garlic powder, red peppers, oregano and cumin is
said to be the creation of early Texans.
Cook Once, Eat for a Week, Jyl Steinback,
America's Healthiest Mom
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Islets of Humor™
humor
By Theresa Garnero, APRN, BC-ADM, MSN, CDE
January 2006
See
More of Theresa's Cartoons
*********************************************************
Did You Know?
Three of every four American adults are eating
dinner at home, but preparing it from scratch is now the choice of only
one-in-three, and restaurant take-out has overtaken sit-down dining.
Food Technology magazine—What, When, and Where America Eats.
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Nutrition News
nutrition
By Barbara Quinn, MS, RD, CDE
January 2006
Trans fats and Whole grains in the New Year
Besides watching those carbs this year, here are two other food ingredients that can help make or break your health goals for 2006:
Trans fats
As of January 1, we have one more tool to help make
better choices when we buy food. The US Food and Drug Administration now
requires trans fats on Nutrition Facts food labels.
Whole grains
Yeah, yeah, we know that whole grain foods are good for us. But why are they
important to people with diabetes? According to the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for
Americans, at least 3 servings (or 3 ounces) of whole grain foods a day may
reduce one’s risk for heart disease by 20 to 30 percent*
Read More
*********************************************************
Did You Know?
Shape of Glass Influences How
Much Alcohol Is Poured: People, including professional bartenders, pour 20 to 30
percent more liquor into short, squat glasses than into tall, thin ones, finds a
new Cornell University study. Head researcher thinks the vertical-horizontal
optical illusion is the reason. "People generally estimate tall glasses as
holding more liquid than wide ones of the same volume," "They also focus their
pouring attention on the height of the liquid they are pouring and
insufficiently compensate for its width." Advice is for bars and restaurants and
for those who don't want to unintentionally drink too much: "Use tall glasses or
glasses with alcohol-level marks etched on them." For parents? Use tall, thin
glasses when pouring soda but short, wide glasses for milk and other healthful
drinks. British Medical Journa for Dec 2005
*********************************************************
The Mr. Diabetes® Wake Up and Walk® Tour
Even though Andy is in winter-mode, (no
official walking), he has been working with the Lions Clubs in Toronto, Canada
on some long-range plans and has given presentations about diabetes.
Here is
one of the many letters he and we have received after a Mr. Diabetes®, Andy
Mandell, presentation:
Read More
*********************************************************
Defeat Diabetes Foundation Ornaments
- " Rimbrandts by
j"
Defeat Diabetes Foundation Commemorative Ornaments are a special edition of
250 signed and numbered large glass ornaments. They commemorate the
ongoing 10,000 mile Wake Up And Walk® Tour of co-founder Andy Mandell.
Defeat Diabetes Foundation receives a very generous donation from every
ornament sold.
These
beautiful custom glass ornaments are painted in the Rimbrandts Seriglass®
process. For
More Information
*********************************************************
Did You Know?
Honey contains pinocembrin, an antioxidant not found in any
other product.
Cook Once, Eat for a Week, Jyl Steinback,
America's Healthiest Mom
*********************************************************
Healthy and Delicious
Recipes
- Good for Diabetics, Too
Here are some super
Super Bowl recipes that can either be prepared ahead of time or during a
commercial (or is that the best part?) from America's Healthiest Mom, Jyl
Steinback.
Fiesta Tacos
Fruit 'n' Chicken Salad Stuffed Pitas
Make Ahead 'n' Marinate Garden Vegetable Salad
Spicy Turkey-Pepper Rolls
Creole Mixed Salad Greens
Barbecue Meat Loaf Muffins
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Did You Know?
Grapes contain ellagic acid, a substance that may kill
certain cancer-causing compounds in the body.
Cook Once, Eat for a Week, Jyl Steinback,
America's Healthiest Mom
*********************************************************
Kevin's Tech Tips
kevin
By Kevin McBride
January 2006
Are Your Phone Records for Sale?
Help! My Screen's Upside Down!
Question:
This probably sounds like a stupid question, but recently my brother came to
visit and used my computer. After he left, I found the monitor display was
upside down! I've tried everything I could think of to fix this and nothing
works. I'm getting so desperate I'm actually considering turning the monitor
over physically. NOT the fix I want. Can you help? - Allison P. -
Read More
*********************************************************
Did You Know?
Apple shape predicts heart attack risk better
than BMI: The Interheart study -- a case-control analysis of acute myocardial
infarction -- involved 27,098 participants, found that, BMI does not predict
heart attack risk, while waist-to-hip ratio does. The findings, triples the
number of people at risk.
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Treatments on the
Horizon
Discovery Of
Glucagon Secretion Mechanism
A University of
Toronto research team has discovered a mechanism for secretion of the
hormone glucagon, which could facilitate the development of new drug therapies
for diabetic hyperglycemia.
Researchers
Discover Link between Hyperglycemia and Retinopathy
They identify a
molecular link connecting high blood sugar inside cells to the initiation of
diabetic retinopathy.
Amylin Designing
Trial of Sustained Release Byetta
After seeing
positive results for the once-a-week Byetta and buying a new plant to produce
it, Amylin is in talks with regulators preparing to launch a long-term trial.
Encapsulated Pancreatic Islet Transplantation Feasible
Microencapsulated pancreatic islet transplantation into two patients with
type 1 diabetes is showing promising results. "Since the transplanted islets are
physically immunoprotected into microcapsules, the recipients will not require
pharmacologic immunosuppression -- whose long-term deleterious effects are only
partially known."
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Mr. Diabetes®
Says
All truths are easy to understand once they
are discovered; the point is to discover them.
Galileo
*********************************************************
Readers' Forum
forum
Q - Is it okay to keep
metformin in the refrigerator? - Gary -
For Our Answer
Q - How can I find out about clinical trials and if I
qualify? - Lisa -
For Our Answer
*********************************************************
Did You Know?
Meat is one of the best ways to get your
daily value of 6 milligrams B12
for prevention of fatigue, memory loss and
other neurological problems.
Cook Once, Eat for a Week, Jyl Steinback,
America's Healthiest Mom
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This concludes the Defeat Diabetes®
E-Lerts™
Newsletter.
If there are specific questions you have, you may reach us at
info@DefeatDiabetes.org.
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donations
are tax-deductible.