Self-Managing Cholesterol
By David Spero
As a recent study indicates, reducing LDL (“bad" cholesterol) can help prevent complications in most people with diabetes. Why is LDL cholesterol a bad thing, and how do you get to a healthy level?
First, what is cholesterol? Discovered in 1769 by analyzing gallstones, cholesterol is a fat-like organic chemical that is an essential part of animal cell membranes. Without it, cells won't function properly.
Cholesterol is made into bile, which is needed for digesting fats. It is also helps produce the body's natural steroids, including our sex hormones and the vital stress hormone cortisol. Cholesterol ...
Source: Diabetes Self-Management - May 15, 2013 Category: Diabetes Authors: David Spero Source Type: blogs
Gastric Banding vs. Bypass
By Quinn Phillips
Last week, Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey revealed to the public that he underwent bariatric (weight-loss) surgery earlier this year. Rather than opting for the more popular gastric bypass procedure, Christie went for gastric banding. Originally approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2001, gastric banding involves constricting the top of the stomach with an adjustable band, creating a small pouch that heavily restricts food intake. In 2011, the FDA approved the procedure for adults with a body-mass index less than 40, the previously approved threshold for the surgery.
Gastric band...
Source: Diabetes Self-Management - May 15, 2013 Category: Diabetes Authors: Quinn Phillips Source Type: blogs
Prescribe Insulin? Nah! Too Much Trouble
By Jan Chait
Taking insulin is too much of a burden for people with Type 2 diabetes, say 66% of primary care doctors surveyed at one hospital in Pennsylvania.
People with Type 2 diabetes believe taking insulin means they've failed to manage their condition, 69% of primary care docs opined.
Glycemic control is better with insulin than with oral drugs (88%) and beginning insulin earlier rather than later can prevent diabetic complications (75%).
But wait! There are all these different insulin products: It's confusing (53%) to prescribe. The regimen is too complicated (60%) for people with Type 2 to understand.
Insulin is too...
Source: Diabetes Self-Management - May 14, 2013 Category: Diabetes Authors: Jan Chait Source Type: blogs
Focus on This: May Is Healthy Vision Month
By Amy Campbell
The merry month of May is upon us, and that means it's time to think about your vision! In 2003, the National Eye Institute declared May as Healthy Vision Month. Now is as good a time as any to make sure that you're doing all that you can to protect your vision and prevent vision loss.
Diabetes and vision
If you have diabetes, chances are you know that if you're not taking good care of yourself, your risk for certain types of complications goes up. Diabetic eye disease is a group of eye problems that can result in people with diabetes.
Everyone with diabetes, both Type 1 and Type 2, is at risk for diabetic ...
Source: Diabetes Self-Management - May 13, 2013 Category: Diabetes Authors: Amy Campbell Source Type: blogs
Help for Those Dealing With Diabulimia
By Web Team
If you or someone you love is dealing with the eating disorder known as diabulimia, the organization "Diabulimia Helpline" can lend a hand.
Diabulimia Helpline is the only nonprofit organization dedicated to "education, support, and advocacy" for people with diabulimia — a condition in which a person stops taking his or her insulin in an effort to lose weight — and their families. The organization has a 24-hour helpline available at (425) 985-3635, an insurance specialist who can help navigate the steps to getting insurance for an eating disorder, and a referral service to help people find health...
Source: Diabetes Self-Management - May 11, 2013 Category: Diabetes Authors: Web Team Source Type: blogs
