Have you heard the thought that aspirin, specifically anti-inflammatory aspirin, is helpful in preventing diabetes?

Well researchers took this same concept and applied it to low-dose aspirin. The result? That low-dose aspirin, while having many other healthful benefits, does not help prevent Type 2 diabetes.

David S. H. Bell, MD, an Endocrine Today Editorial Board member, said:

“This finding is not surprising since low dose aspirin was utilized. High dose aspirin or other salicylates, which are truly anti-inflammatory, have been shown to decrease insulin resistance and perhaps improve beta cell function. Clinical trials to evaluate the effects of high dose salicylates are being performed in patients with type 2 diabetes and the results of these trials will be more meaningful.”

If you have any questions about whether YOU should be taking aspirin to help prevent diabetes, consult your doctor. Never assume that this will work based on a study or two. Do the research and always discuss it with your doctor before changing your health care routine.

Post from: Blisstree

Low-Dose Aspirin Not Effective in Diabetes Treatment

This is news NO diabetic likes to hear. Larry Miller, who owns the pro basketball team the Utah Jazz, has “had both of his legs amputated 6 inches below the knee.”

Mr. Miller has Type 2 diabetes and has been using a wheelchair even before the surgery. We wish Mr. Miller a speedy recovery. Our thoughts go out to you!

Post from: Blisstree

Utah Jazz Owner and Diabetic Suffers Double Amputation

One of the most frustrating things about diabetes is that you often get other ailments along with it. As soon as you get diagnosed with diabetes, you are automatically at risk for other diseases such as heart disease or stroke.

It’s one reason diabetes is such a difficult disease to deal with. Emotionally and physically, it takes a toll.

That’s why I like to here news like this. Researchers at Sanford have received “an American Diabetes Association Career Development Award to help understand why people who have diabetes often die from heart disease or stroke.”

The grant is in excess of $870,000 and will be paid out over five years. They will study both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics.

Post from: Blisstree

Stanford Researchers Receive Grant from ADA

Here’s a scary thought: With all the lay offs happening these days workers are finding it increasingly difficult to keep their health insurance. That’s ESPECIALLY frightening for diabetics.

A survey over at CNN says that in 2007, “researchers found that two-thirds of workers, if they were laid off, would be eligible for COBRA. Data from 2006 data suggest that only 9 percent would opt into the program.”

Since costs are higher now, that problem is probably even more prevalent.

It’s difficult. I know one of my fears has always been that I wouldn’t have health insurance. I’ve stayed at jobs I hated because of that, and when offered COBRA I did spend the money for it even though money was tight.

Diabetics need insurance. The costs are outrageous and without it they could forgo treatment or testing – which would only make them sicker.

Post from: Blisstree

Lay Offs Mean No Health Insurance

Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler has been vocal about getting diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes last year, and he’s helping to bring awareness to the cause. He’s teamed up with Eli Lilly & Co. and their “Inspired by Diabetes” campaign to help send Type 1 diabetic children to summer camps.

“Inspired by Diabetes” is a campaign to help bring families together to help raise awareness to the “global burden” of the disease.

Cutler has said, “Diabetes is the toughest opponent I’ve ever faced, but I wasn’t going to let it slow down my career. And kids don’t have to let it stop them from reaching for the dreams.”

Cutler (whose team is not in the Superbowl this year) will instead spend that week visiting “All Children’s Hospital to meet with families of children with type-1 diabetes.” The children are encouraged to “share their stories through art, essays, poems or photography.”

Post from: Blisstree

Jay Cutler Helps in the Inspired by Diabetes Campaign

Remember Brenda Novak? She’s the writer who has managed to raise over a half million dollars for diabetes research in just a couple of years.

She’s also having a giveaway to win a tote with signed copies of her books, among other treats! Enter to win and if you do, by all means come back here and tell us!

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Enter to Win Brenda Novak’s Books

Mr. Mandell has an inspiring story but more than that, his story will motivate YOU to take action in your own life! I especially like his final word to us. Read on.

Image from Mr. Diabetes.

What type of diabetes do you have?

Type 2 – insulin-dependent. Self management, along with proper medical oversight, is key to ensure effective diabetes control.

When was it diagnosed, and how?

1985 at 40 years old. Long overdue medical checkup. My lifestyle was active and I felt no symptoms.

What’s the biggest challenge in managing your blood sugars?

Initially, the challenge was learning the new rules-of-adjustment. The first couple of years was diet control. But, unfortunately, I wasn’t under the guidance of an endocrinologist. I had the wrong doctor and never got proper advice. When I did get to an endocrinologist, about 2 years later, I quickly learned the difference between what I had been advised to do and what I should be doing. At that point I had to learn about glucose testing, nutritional guidelines, oral medications and more………… In short, the biggest challenge was realizing that life had permanently changed and adjusting to those changes.

It is 24 years later and I am still learning and adjusting to life as a diabetic. It is a balancing act between the medical, nutritional and physical fitness that I am always struggling with – I am a rookie every time I test (6-10 times p/day) and, as a result of that test, what I do (or DON’T do) next.

Tell me about how you became “Mr. Diabetes” and about your Defeat Diabetes foundation.

Defeat Diabetes Foundation (DDF) was established in 1990. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity. The Mission: the prevention, early identification and effective self management of diabetes.

DDF is registered nationally, in all 50 states, and enjoys a presence in over 30 countries around the world. We provide a number of information and education programs with a heavy emphasis on Type 2 diabetes, nutrition and physical fitness. DDF, further, believes the most effective impact on this insidious disease can best be accomplished by working closely with children – by encouraging them to build positive and healthy life habits. To this end we have developed a number of innovative and effective programs, including our KIDD program and MADDCAP(tm) program (Martial Arts Defeat Diabetes(r) Community Action Project). These are both national programs which are well received by parents, teachers, elected officials, civic organizations and, of course, the children, themselves. Other exciting programs are developed and await funding to be implemented.

We urge everyone interested in diabetes and related health issues to visit our VERY extensive website, where we offer over 3500 pages of accurate and up-to-date information: www.DefeatDiabetes.org Also, visitors should sign up for our E-Lerts(tm) newsletter; it is monthly, informative, fun and it’s FREE!!!!

DDF also emphasizes awareness programs of nutrition and fitness in the self management of diabetes. It is clear that diabetics who do best are those who are actively involved with their own treatment and share this involvement with their families and friends. In this regard, and because we can profile who will develop diabetes, this approach is significant in the prevention of diabetes in those close to them and at risk for developing diabetes. We have the knowledge to prevent Type 2 diabetes 95% of the time.

Tell me more about yourself – Hobbies? Favorite way to spend time? Family life? Etc.

I am eclectic in my interests, many of which have been on hold during the past eight years. Because of limited space available in the RV, which has been home for me, I had to leave them in storage bins. For example, I have a wonderful collection of ‘78′ records and ‘33′ records. They require a lot of space to store, play and enjoy them. I am also a comic book collector. which also takes up more than a bit of space. Additionally, I have a modest collection of musical instruments. Plus, I have a library of books, of which I have carried with me a couple of hundred, but not all. I am very much involved in the martial arts, but haven’t had the bags and other equipment with me to enjoy the full martial arts experience. That said, the beauty of the martial arts is that you can take it with you everywhere. And I also enjoy writing. Now that THE WALK(tm) is over I will gradually get reacquainted with all these activities and interests.

But, most importantly, I am back with family and our Defeat Diabetes Foundation headquarters in Madeira Beach, FL. Here, I will spend whatever time is necessary to finalize the organizing, classifying and categorizing the events of the past eight years. In this regard, I have an estimated 200,000-300,000 still pictures and approximately 1000 DVD’s of camcorder film. My hope here is to get some volunteer(s) who can help me to prepare various presentations and books that will result from it all.

Clearly, I have gained a unique perspective on the health, wants and needs of our American population, especially, diabetes and diabetics. It is all well documented and needs to be shared with the rest of America. So, I am actively engaging speaking opportunities and appearances to best accomplish this.

How has your life changed (if it indeed has) since you got diabetes?

I have become much more aware of the deeper meaning of Health & Fitness. There is a balance of living and life which can best be enjoyed by learning about and, then, practicing a healthy lifestyle. This includes reducing stress from life whenever and wherever possible. That’s not always easy to do, but it definitely can be done. Exercise is certainly one proven way of accomplishing stress reduction. And, it’s good for diabetics, too. So, everyone should add this to the 3 rules of behavior (above). WIN-WIN!!

What keeps you motivated to stay positive?

I absolutely love my life. I wake up every single day knowing that I have a contribution to make in this world. That by doing what I do, diabetes awareness, I am saving lives every day.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I am working with a staff as equally committed to impacting diabetes as I am. Our programs are innovative, positive and effective. Defeat Diabetes Foundation is a public charity and depends on the support of individuals. We are diligent about how we prepare our outreach efforts and urge those who seek to give their support to consider Defeat Diabetes Foundation.

In this regard, please know that DDF encourages donors to select the
program(s) they wish to support. Also, we offer a unique program for donors to work with our DDF Team to develop a new Defeat Diabetes(r) Program designed specifically for your own community.

VISIT: www.DefeatDiabetes.org

AND REMEMBER:
“What’s worse than finding out you are diabetic?…….NOT finding out!!!”
Andrew P. Mandell – MR.

Post from: Blisstree

Interview with Mr. Diabetes: Andrew Mandell

Recently we gave away a 4-mile walk DVD, and the comment of our winner was that she was glad to have won because she didn’t like walking alone.

I can relate to this. I don’t mind exercising alone if I’m at home, but for some reason whenever I go to the gym or walk outside I wish I had someone with me. Of course, there are ways to find someone to go with, or at least to make it “feel” like you have someone.

For example:

Workout DVDs
I have quite a few of Leslie Sansone’s walking DVDs. I love her energy level and really feel like it’s a great workout to do at home. I pop them in and regardless of the weather (or if I don’t have a workout buddy), I can get a walk in.

Find a Buddy Online
Even if you can’t workout with a buddy in person, it does sometimes help to find one online. You could share stories and motivate each other via the Web, and it may make it seem like you are really with someone in person. Many different sites offer this. Do a search for “workout partner” or “workout buddy” to find one in your area.

Find a Buddy Through Meetup
Meetup is really an amazing resource. You can hook up with all kinds of people who want to do everything from play games to read to yes, walk. Pop in your zip code and see who’s strolling by your neck of the woods.

Mall Walking
This is another great way to walk with other people. Oftentimes mall walkers simply agree to meet at a certain time and place of the mall, and away they go. You don’t need to register or do anything fancy. Call up your local mall to see if you have a group like that in your area.

Everyone needs a little motivation now and then in order to get moving. These ideas should help get you walking – which is really the best exercise and also a lot of fun.

Do you have some ideas on finding a partner? Comment below!

Post from: Blisstree

Finding a Walking Partner

Here’s some interesting news. “Diabetic persons spend an average of $11,000 more than persons without diabetes. Preventative programs with a fitness protocol could save the U.S. $20 million on diabetic patients alone.”

Well, that’s true. Much of our costs are in trying to be healthy and maintaining an ideal weight. However, much of the cost diabetics incur is due to things like test strips (so incredibly expensive it’s ridiculous), needles, and of course, insulin. So I’m not sure how much more we’d “save” by losing weight in terms of money.

But, it’s definitely worth it to lose weight and get healthy for EVERY OTHER REASON! Feeling good, avoiding complications, living a good life. And those are things you can’t put a price on!

Post from: Blisstree

Getting Healthy is Priceless

You already know how I feel about some research studies. I’d rather have every scientist around focusing 24/7 on a cure for diabetes than have studies that seem to research common sense things.

For example, this news story says researchers “in Scotland are going to try to determine if the side effects of type 2 diabetes can be managed through a diet full of oat-rich cereals.”

The Scottish government is forking over $305,000 to help fund this study, which will go on for 16-weeks and involve 60 people. They are trying to study if eating more oats will stave off Type 2 diabetes and also improve insulin control.

I’m already here to tell you that eating healthy and exercising will help do that. Why focus on oats? Especially when we already know that fiber helps keeps insulin levels at a more even keel?

To me, this is a waste of time and money. I’m all for research. I want MORE RESEARCH! But to spend money on something that seems to very common sense to me is ridiculous. It’s like studying people to see if they maintain a healthy weight and exercise that they have a reduced chance of getting diabetes. We already know the answer.

Post from: Blisstree

Oats and the Diabetic: Yet Another Study