Funny thing is that sexual dysfunction and sexual changes are very natural and common among many who suffer from diseases such as diabetes. And why be embarrassed? We all do it right (if not the human race would have come to a screeching halt)?

The book Sex and Diabetes For Him and For Her has answers to vacuum pumps, erectile dysfunction, orgasms, decreased vaginal sensitivity and every other worry or question you could possibly come up with. It is presented in a very real, nonthreatening tone and the writers hit the nail on the head in my opinion.

The book was written by Janis Rozsler, RD, CDE, LDN, and Donna Rice, MBA, BSN, RN, CDE, and all proceeds go to further the mission of the American Diabetes Association. It’s available from the ADA and on Amazon.

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Sex And Diabetes For Him And For Her… A+ In My Book

Whether it’s a black tie gala, a walk, a golf tournament, or a group in your area that can help you manage your diabetes, find out the latest about what’s happening where you live.

You will be surprised at how much is going on in the area that you live. My mom actually sent the link to me and it is a great idea. They even offer ways to start fund raisers, group walks and school time awareness activities.

hat tip to Barbs, my mom!

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A Handy List Of Local Events For Diabetics

When that lovely bewitching 6 PM hour comes knocking at the door and the girls are staring at me in the kitchen chanting their dinner song and claiming that they are ready to melt into nothingness, as I am scrambling to get dinner on the table, I am not always the nicest mommy in the world. I even recall saying 1 or 2 no- no words here and there.

But I have some good news to share. Now this is not earth shattering, mind moving, ground breaking research, but it is a diabetic cookbook that provides over 200 recipes that are on the table in 30 minutes. And they aren’t even lying!! Uh huh, the recipes rock y’all!

The book is Helly Clegg’s trim and terrific Diabetic Cooking and it is endorsed by the American Diabetes Association. She even offers tips on how to cut even more time off of prepping by using  pre-packaged items! And she doesn’t even turn her nose up at using frozen veggies or canned salsa. You gotta love a women like that! And every recipe shows the diabetic exchanges and complete nutritional content of the dish that is being prepared. Here is a sample…

Roasted Mexican Chicken

1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tsp minced garlic, dash of cayenne pepper, salt and pepper to taste, 2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts cut in half, 1 green bell pepper sliced, 1/3 cup chopped red onion, 1 tomato thinly sliced, 2/3 cup reduced fat shredded Mexican cheese

400 degrees, combine olive oil, chili, cumin, garlic, cayenne, and salt and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and coat them well on both sides. . Transfer chicken to a baking sheet and top each piece with the green pepper, onion and tomato, bake for 25-30 minutes, sprinkle with cheese and serve!

Now, she presents it much nicer than I just did, but you get the drift. Yummy is all I have to say! And 3 carbs, 1 sugar, 152 calories, 5 g fat and 3 exchanges of lean meats.

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This Diabetic Cookbook Rocks Y’All!

Diabetes is not usually a controversial topic and does not raise eyebrows on a regular basis. But did you know that stem cell research is linked to the disease? Developments of new treatments and therapies could be on the horizon.

Such research continues to this day as scientists seek new treatments for a variety of diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, heart disease and kidney failure. But government funding for human embryo and fetal research is another matter altogether, one that as a political issue is inextricably linked to the controversy over abortion.

I am not stating my political views or my religious preferences. Do I agree or disagree with stem cell research? You can deduce that answer for yourself.

Being a diabetic, as well as health care professional, I welcome new advancements in diabetic medications and treatments. It is important that scientists have every opportunity to explore and research what could potentially be the “missing link”.

President Bush used his veto power Wednesday for the first time since taking office 5 1/2 years ago, saying that an embryonic stem-cell research bill “crossed a moral boundary.

Without stem cell research, will scientists be able to study such diseases to the fullest capacity? With stem cell research, would there be new advancements in diabetes that would have otherwise been unattainable?

Also in a statement, Lawrence T. Smith, chairman of the American Diabetes Association, called the veto “a devastating setback for the 20.8 million American children and adults with diabetes — and those who love and care for them.”

Research using this technology is strongly supported in a number of countries, including Australia, Israel, the Czech Republic, Singapore, Korea, and the United Kingdom. Others in the world appreciate the potential of this technology. If we continue to prevent federal funds from being used to support this research in the United States, the ability of our biomedical scientists to compete with other research teams throughout the world will be undermined.

Only time will tell if stem cell research is federally funded. I hope that all aspects of this debate are looked at from a neutral point of view with science and research being at the center of the discussion.

via The New England Journal of Medicine

CNN.com

Guttmacher Institute

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Is Stem Cell Research Beneficial To Diabetics?

While the management of blood sugar has always been and remains a cornerstone of diabetes care, diabetes requires a comprehensive program that includes management of blood glucose, management of blood pressure and management of cholesterol. We call these key components of care the ABC’s of diabetes: A standing for A1C, B is for blood pressure, and C is for cholesterol.

Diabetics are at an increased risk for heart disease and stroke. Almost 66% of diabetic patients die from these complications every year. This is a very scary statistic that I see come true almost every week at the hospital.

It is very important for health care providers as well as patients to talk about ways to reduce these risks. I know that doctors visits can be, well, less than satisfying. Your doctor rushes in and out, spends 2 minutes with you and expects you to be good for another 3000 miles. The American Diabetes Association and The American College of Cardiology has made this easier by initiating a Make the Link! program for diabetics.

A recent Make the Link! survey shows that 68% of people with diabetes do not consider cardiovascular disease to be a serious complication of diabetes. Furthermore, 60% of people with diabetes surveyed do not feel at risk for either high blood pressure or cholesterol problems.

We need to educate ourselves and each other. Have questions written down before your doctors visit and push your doctor for the answers you want. Take it from a cardiac nurse, persistence is good!

You can lower your risk by keeping your ABC’s of diabetes on target with wise food choices, physical activity, and medication. Losing weight can also help you manage your ABC’s and prevent heart disease. Every step you take will help. The closer your numbers are to your targets, the better your chances of preventing heart disease or cutting your risk for another heart attack. If you smoke, get help to quit.

via American Diabetes Association

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Diabetics Are At An Increased Risk For Heart Disease And Stroke

Are you worried that someone you care about could be at risk for diabetes? The American Diabetes Association is also offering an Alert e-card that you can send to your friends and family.

Nearly 21 million people children and adults in the United states have diabetes; almost one third, or 6.2 million people, are unaware they have the disease.

Diabetes is a serious disease. Knowledge makes it manageable. Be informed!

via American Diabetes Association

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The American Diabetes Alert Day Is March 27th

Many herbs and vitamins have shown some promise for diabetes, but the scientific evidence for their safety and efficacy is too uncertain for experts to make recommendations about most of them.

This is not to say that doctors do not see the possibilities in alternative treatments. Dr. Nathaniel Clark who is the spokesman for the American Diabetes Association states, “It’s not as if we know everything we need to know. There’s always a need for new therapies and new approaches.”

For thousands of years the medicinal powers of Eastern type healing have been popular. Are they for everyone? No, certainly not.

“I always partner up with my patients and let them tell me what they’re interested in, and then we have an open discussion,” says Patricia Geil, a dietitian in Lexington, Ky., and spokeswoman for the American Association of Diabetes Educators.

One of the herbs being studied to help with diabetes is cinnamon. Now were talking. Anything that smells and tastes that darn good, and helps produce insulin in the body, is worth eating!

via Web MD

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Herbs, Vitamins And More For Your Treatment Of Diabetes