25 August 2009

A Message from Bayer Diabetes Concerning FDA meter news

Examiner
You may have heard some recent news regarding concerns over certain blood glucose meters and the possibility of inaccurate results due to cross-reactivity with sugars other than glucose.

We want to let you know that Bayer’s meters DO NOT use the problematic technology that FDA stated can give inaccurate results.

In fact, Bayer’s BREEZE®2, CONTOUR®, and CONTOUR®TS are specifically designed for no interference with maltose and galactose (two non-glucose sugars cited by FDA), to help ensure the accuracy of your blood glucose readings. They also feature No Coding™ technology to eliminate inaccurate readings due to miscoding.
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Grammy(R)-Nominated R&B Sensation Angie Stone Teams up With the American Diabetes Association to Encourage African-Americans to be Victorious in the F

PR Newswire
The 11th annual Victory Over Diabetes event, hosted by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), kicks off in Atlanta on August 29, featuring singer-songwriter Angie Stone and Lilly USA, LLC's Fearless African-Americans Connected and Empowered (F.A.C.E.) Diabetes campaign. This free day-long event, also supported by Aetna, educates and empowers African-Americans living with diabetes to better manage the disease by providing educational tools and culturally relevant resources.

Victory Over Diabetes will take place from 7:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 29( )at the Georgia International Convention Center (2000 Convention Ct. Concourse, College Park, GA 30337). Features include:

* A series of diabetes-focused workshops, keynote speakers, and free health screenings
* "Fearlessly Fit with Diabetes" special session featuring Angie Stone and highlighting the importance of physical activity as part of overall diabetes management
* $50,000 check presentation by corporate sponsor Aetna in support of the Atlanta ADA's African-American-focused initiatives
More HERE.
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24 August 2009

Nick Jonas to Speak on Juvenile Diabetes at National Press Club August 24

PR Newswire
Teen pop idol Nick Jonas, the youngest member of the Grammy-nominated pop rock band the Jonas Brothers, will address a National Press Club luncheon on Monday, August 24. Jonas who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 13 will discuss his personal fight against diabetes and efforts to raise awareness for young people who have the disease.

As diabetes ambassador with Bayer Diabetes Care, the 16-year-old singer/songwriter has launched a national campaign to provide young people and their families with motivation and support to simplify life with diabetes. In June, he testified before Congress to call for support of diabetes research funding. He wrote the song "A Little Bit Longer" to inspire those with diabetes to live their lives to the fullest. Last year, The Change for the Children Foundation, founded by Nick and brothers Kevin and Joe to help children facing adversity, granted approximately $750,000 to diabetes research and treatment programs. Nick also hosts a website (www.NicksSimpleWins.com) to help inspire young people with diabetes to achieve small, everyday victories while managing their disease.

The National Press Club luncheon will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. and Nick Jonas' remarks will begin just after 1:00 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session.
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Living with diabetes: Amy's story

Examiner
“My mom had diabetes so I knew my risk was high. I had a glucose tolerance test and although the doctor did not even call me about it, I felt rotten for 2 days.” So began the battle over 10 years ago. Amy was fighting on several fronts. She saw diabetes looming on the horizon and like so many of us, was stressing about the future. Battles with weight, battles with diet, personal stresses; like many people she was not insured through work and the thought of being diagnosed as diabetic was, perhaps, more terrifying than the disease itself.

. “So tired, just exhausted all the time.” She remembered. “Later, someone told me about the Atkins Diet”. Amy lost weight but immediately gained it back. This is not uncommon as the diet involves avoiding carbohydrates and this leads to quick but often unsustainable weight loss. Nevertheless, the diet gave her more energy than she had felt in a while – so she tried to stay with it. The results were uneven. “Eventually all diabetics cheat,” she admitted. “Holidays will always be a time of cheating. It’s unavoidable and it is silly to think you can tough it out for the rest of your life”.
Read the entire story about Amy.
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21 August 2009

Digestive glitch could spur diabetes: study

Ottawa Citizen
Want an explanation for why some people develop Type 1 diabetes? Look no further than the human gut, says a new study by Ottawa researchers.

“Our research suggests that people with certain genes may be more likely to develop an over-reaction to wheat and possibly other foods in the gut and this may tip the balance with the immune system and make the body more likely to develop other immune problems, such as Type 1 diabetes,” said Dr. Fraser Scott, a member of the research team and a senior scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute.

The study of 42 Ottawa-area young adults with Type 1 diabetes suggests that people with certain genes may be more likely to develop an over-reaction to wheat in the gut. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system attacks the pancreas, the organ that regulates blood sugar.

The Ottawa study analysed the white blood cells of the subjects, looking for a response to partially-digested wheat proteins.
Continue reading this article.
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Diabetes drug linked to increased risk of heart failure

Foodconsumer.org
A new population based cohort study published on Aug 20 on bmj.com suggests that diabetics should avoid using rosiglitazone to treat type 2 diabetes because the drug apparently raise the risk for heart failure and death.

The study found rosiglitazone, a drug indicated to treat type 2 diabetes was associated with increased risk of heart failure and death among older patients compared to pioglitazone, another diabetes drug.

Both diabetes drugs rosiglitazone and pioglitazone belong to a group of drugs called thiazolidinediones. Although they help control blood sugar, they can cause side effects like weight gain, fluid retention and heart failure.
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20 August 2009

A Diabetic's Story: Added Content

I have been researching names of famous diabetics. I have added my list in the sidebar.

Why the list?

Two reasons -

First, I think it can offer emotional support to those that have the disease. I know how I have struggled with this knowledge and the feeling of being somehow set apart from other within my circle of friends and family. At times, knowing that there are others that have dealt with and, to whatever degree, have managed their diabetes and continued to lead successful lives.

Second, I believe it is important that we ALL understand how pervasive diabetes has become and why we need to focus additional resources and energy to curing the disease.
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A Diabetic's Story: My Story

Like many, I have been struggling with diabetes. Recently diagnosed after my first heart attack, I am now also a Type 1 diabetic.

I initially lived in denial of the early diagnosis until I experienced a second major cardiac event and surgery.

I seek to share my experience, my thoughts, and information I am gaining through this disease. Perhaps there are those that have felt, are feeling, or may yet discover themselves in a similar situation.

Stay tuned as I put this page together. I hope it will be helpful and educational for those that are living their diabetic story.
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