With thanks to Abbott Global for providing a complimentary FreeStyle Libre, my sensor provided accuracy, and the full 10 days of sensor life that it promises to provide to those of us living with diabetes. The results have truly been remarkable. [Read more...]
These Feet are Made for Walking
April 26, 2013 By Leave a Comment
The mention of “diabetic footwear” may just make you wiggle your toes or perhaps crinkle your nose. Unfurl yourself, possess an open mind and take a gander at some of the beautiful up to date footwear on the market. Specialty selections range from socks and slippers to boots and everything in between.
Why do people with diabetes need to pay special attention to their feet?
People with diabetes are in a higher risk category for feet problems. Neuropathy (better known as nerve damage) may impact the way a person detects discomfort, temperature changes and even uncomfortable fitting shoes. Therapeutic shoes function in two positive ways. They provide preventative measures for feet problems and second provide comfort and safety for feet that currently have issues.
With proper attention paid to diabetes management and footwear, the end goal is a positive one – preventative care to eliminate foot issues altogether.
According to the American Diabetes Association “Poor circulation (blood flow) can make your foot less able to fight infection and to heal. Diabetes causes blood vessels of the foot and leg to narrow and harden. You can control some of the things that cause poor blood flow. Don’t smoke; smoking makes arteries harden faster. Also, follow your health care provider’s advice for keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol under control.”
What does prescription diabetic footwear mean?
Insurance may reimburse for all or part of the cost of prescription shoes and supportive inserts for people with diabetes. There are certain criteria to meet, but a healthcare professional can determine your eligibility.
Foot Health Glossary- (Confusing names and terminology explained in an easily digestible manner)
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Sweeteners – Natural vs. Artificial
April 8, 2013 By 2 Comments
Sweeteners, natural or otherwise tend to occupy conversation space when diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Many living with diabetes prefer artificial sweeteners due to their lighter impact on blood sugars. My personal preference sways toward natural sweeteners and carbohydrate counting for their presence in foods.
I decided to ask some Twitter friends (who also happen to be registered dieticians) about their favorite sweeteners and received varied responses. Here is what I received – organic cane sugar for baking, agave syrup, stevia, pure local maple syrup, unpasteurized raw honey and ” love them all as close to a natural state as they can be”. [Read more...]
Invokana – FDA Approves New Diabetes Medication
April 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Invokana is a new medication on the market whose primary target is type 2 diabetes. Invokana works in a clever way, helping to eliminate extra sugar from the body.
Current medications for type 2 diabetes are focused on insulin efficiency in the body or pancreas stimulation. This medication is not insulin focused. Invokana works by bypassing the usual plumbing that occurs in the body when it is processing extra sugar.
Invokana is an SGLT2 inhibitor. What does this mean for you in non-medical terminology? Simply put, this drug stops the kidneys from injecting sugar back into the bloodstream after they process it out. Instead of sugar re-entering the blood stream, it’s excreted through the urine. [Read more...]
Dexcom G4 Platinum Continuous Glucose Monitor, a Nurse’s Review
February 27, 2013 By
Dexcom is a true favorite for me from not only a nursing perspective but also as a user and a parent. With the newest Dexcom G4 product, Dexcom has taken continuous glucose monitoring to another level.
What is a continuous glucose monitor?
A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is very self descriptive. It is continuously measuring serous sugar levels, reporting every five minutes. Note this is not a blood sugar value from a blood source. Because of the source you will notice different trends in your sugar levels. [Read more...]
The Ideal Waist Size is Half Your Height
February 1, 2013 By Leave a Comment
There aren’t many people confused about their height. Perhaps we should be even more familiar with the size of our waists.
Lets face it, Americans waistlines are in trouble. What is the ideal size for everyone’s waistline? There is no need for fancy charts or confusing math equations, there is a simple standard for measuring. As far as I’m concerned, nothing beats a simple screening tool that can be found in your drawer.
According to Dr. Margaret Ashwell, a former Science Director of the British Nutrition Foundation “keeping your waist circumference to less than half your height can help increase life expectancy for every person in the world.” [Read more...]
High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) Takes Over America
January 23, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Like it or not, high fructose corn syrup has taken over America’s packaged food supply. Siphoned through our highly popular processed food industry, HFCS has become a welcome additive. Are we even clear on what HFCS is or why we are so comfortable with it added to our foods?
The down and dirty on high fructose corn syrup
High fructose corn syrup is a cheap alternative to sucrose. We have seen its explosion among prepared foods, drinks, candies and most everything imaginable. The average American consumes a staggering 35 pounds of high fructose corn syrup per year according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Could HFCS also be a player in widespread insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome taking root in America’s children and adults?
Studies point to the fact that HFCS leaves us hungry unlike glucose due to differences in metabolizing these sweeteners. It isn’t just a matter of eating less, feelings of satiation must be met as well. Interrupting this normal process, HFCS may set the ball rolling in a destructive course of metabolic madness.
Gamifying Diabetes with a new “Diabesties” App
January 8, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Diabesties is a new app that aims to connect and store diabetes data sent between friends. Diabesties, is not to read diabeasties (as I mistakenly did the first time). It rather sounds like besties or best friends.
This app is applicable to both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes which is a plus. [Read more...]
Special Diabetes Program (SDP) Renewed for 2013
January 1, 2013 By 1 Comment
It’s a new year and on January 1, 2013 the U.S. Senate passed diabetes legislation. Fingers crossed, the U.S. House will vote on this legislation next. If you or a loved one has diabetes, this is incredibly important news for you.
Diabetes diagnoses are rapidly increasing in the United States and the costs to our economy are staggering. The SDP is a significant contributor to the Artificial Pancreas Project and diabetes research. The success of this legislation rests in the hands of the public as advocates.
Hypoglycemia- How Does it Make You Feel?
December 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment
What does hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) really feel like?
Most parents have no problem interpreting if a blood sugar is low, but can they discipline when their child is hypoglycemic? It is a frequently asked question and talked about topic amongst parents.
Parents, teachers, and care providers for kids with type 1 diabetes are often left to interpret behaviors. Is this child misbehaving purposefully or is this a “Houston, we’ve got a problem” moment? Perhaps this witty child is testing me and using their diabetes as an excuse? Type 1 diabetes management in a child is simply tricky business.
Every child is unique, therefore parenting is molded to the needs of each individual. Parents of kids with type 1 diabetes are always sorting through potential diabetes factors, it’s a continuous cycle of what if’s. I can guarantee there isn’t a parent out there who hasn’t disciplined their child’s behaviors only to figure out they had low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). You don’t have to be a type 1 diabetes rookie to have it happen to you. With good intentions, you can relieve yourself of the mental muck that comes along with that… [Read more...]
