Saturday, March 27, 2010
livin' the good life.....
on chappaquidick island four wheeling ,
insulin pump is protected in the tummietote by tallygear
tummietote by tallygear try it on the beach with the patented LOKSAK to hold your insulin oump to make sure that your pump does not get wet. Finally peace of mind and comfort too! You dont even know the pump belt is there because of the comfort of the fabric it is made with.
Contact http://www.tallygear.com/ to order.
(it is also a fashion statement if you want it to be...it looks like a cool accessory on the bottom of your tee and atop your shorts, or hide it underneath your tee....)
Diabetes and sugars and Sweeteners!
Diabetes and Sugar & Sweeteners
Foods that are sugar free, no sugar added, or low carb, typically have the sugar replaced with sugar alcohol. Sugar alcohols have a significantly diminished impact on blood sugar levels as compared to regular sugar because they are incompletely absorbed into the blood stream from the small intestine. They also have fewer calories than sugar, and are not as sweet as sugar. Some common sugar alcohols are: glycol, sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, and lactitol. The simplest sugar alcohol, ethylene glycol, is the sweet but notoriously toxic chemical used in antifreeze. Sugar alcohol is typically derived from fruits and vegetables.
Foods that are sugar free, no sugar added, or low carb, typically have the sugar replaced with sugar alcohol. Sugar alcohols have a significantly diminished impact on blood sugar levels as compared to regular sugar because they are incompletely absorbed into the blood stream from the small intestine. They also have fewer calories than sugar, and are not as sweet as sugar. Some common sugar alcohols are: glycol, sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, and lactitol. The simplest sugar alcohol, ethylene glycol, is the sweet but notoriously toxic chemical used in antifreeze. Sugar alcohol is typically derived from fruits and vegetables.
Top 10 tips for teens....
Tyler's Top Ten Tips for Teens
Tyler Stevenson
Mar 25, 2010
Experience is a great teacher, but sometimes it's not the best way to learn, especially when it comes to your medical needs. Smart people learn from their mistakes, but wise people learn from other people's mistakes. In my ten years with diabetes, I have found that to eliminate problems, you need to anticipate your needs. A few moments of preparation can ensure a great afternoon of fun with your friends, a better grade on a test, or participation in a sporting competition without any complications.
As people with diabetes, we don't have the option of forgetting about our disease if we want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. So here are ten things that I've learned we should all do to protect ourselves from complications as we go through our daily routine.
1. Have glucose tablets on you at all times.
2. Always check your blood glucose before any type of physical activity.
3. Have some type of sugary drink with you during any type of exercise or sport. Orange juice is the best by far.
4. Have a small bag to contain all of your supplies.
5. Check your blood sugar, and, if needed, try to have a snack 15 minutes prior to a test.
6. When playing school sports, check your blood glucose and adjust during halftime.
7. Take a Kwick pen with you whenever you are playing sports, in case you need a fast adjustment.
8. Always listen to your body. If you are thirsty all the time and have to urinate frequently, you definitely need to check your blood glucose.
9. Never be afraid to tell a coach or a teacher that your blood sugar is low because the problem will not go away.
10. When your blood sugar is low, have a snack that has protein and carbohydrates. The carbohydrates will get your blood sugar up, and the protein will prevent you from dropping as fast.
Tyler Stevenson
Mar 25, 2010
Experience is a great teacher, but sometimes it's not the best way to learn, especially when it comes to your medical needs. Smart people learn from their mistakes, but wise people learn from other people's mistakes. In my ten years with diabetes, I have found that to eliminate problems, you need to anticipate your needs. A few moments of preparation can ensure a great afternoon of fun with your friends, a better grade on a test, or participation in a sporting competition without any complications.
As people with diabetes, we don't have the option of forgetting about our disease if we want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. So here are ten things that I've learned we should all do to protect ourselves from complications as we go through our daily routine.
1. Have glucose tablets on you at all times.
2. Always check your blood glucose before any type of physical activity.
3. Have some type of sugary drink with you during any type of exercise or sport. Orange juice is the best by far.
4. Have a small bag to contain all of your supplies.
5. Check your blood sugar, and, if needed, try to have a snack 15 minutes prior to a test.
6. When playing school sports, check your blood glucose and adjust during halftime.
7. Take a Kwick pen with you whenever you are playing sports, in case you need a fast adjustment.
8. Always listen to your body. If you are thirsty all the time and have to urinate frequently, you definitely need to check your blood glucose.
9. Never be afraid to tell a coach or a teacher that your blood sugar is low because the problem will not go away.
10. When your blood sugar is low, have a snack that has protein and carbohydrates. The carbohydrates will get your blood sugar up, and the protein will prevent you from dropping as fast.
TUMMIETOTE by Tallygear
This is a wonderful, comfortable belt for your pump and physical activity!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
TALLYGEAR GOES GLOBAL !!!
. We are happy to report we have sold tummietotes in Saudi Arabia, UK, Norway, New Zealand, Australia, and all over the US.
We have received lots of positive feedback which I will start posting once I get my self organized......
http://www.tallygear.com/
Live good,
Deb
Sunday, March 21, 2010
tummietote by tallygear sold on amazon
a soft sided lightweight personal storage belt. made of high quality spandex/nylon material that feels like a second skin and it molds to your specific shape to provide the perfect fit. It has 3 six inch pockets to carry/store all your small items. It also has an adjustable waist with a heavy duty velcro closure. The belt is easily kept clean with periodic washes in cold water/line dry. There are many colors/designs available. The belt is extremely stylish and can also be very discreet.The belt comes in 3 sizes-small fits waist size 24" to 32"-medium fits waist size 30" to 38"-large fits waist size 36" to 44". Solid colors are black, navy,green burgundy,white,beige. http://www.amazon.com/
Thursday, March 18, 2010
you know you are a parent of a child with diabetes when...
In public your teenager announces they're high and you hand them a syringe.
Your 6-year-old is given many colors of modeling clay and told she can create anything she wants and she chooses to make a meter, lancet and cotton ball for her diabetic teddy bear.
Your laundry smells good because you accidently washed the glucose tabs again.
Your nine-year-old son pees on the toilet at 3 a.m., and you're not mad because now you can check his ketones without making him get up again!
You end up with a drop of blood on the antenna of your cell phone during a 1 am blood glucose check.
Doing math homework, in response to the question "Name three things that you use in your home to measure with and draw a picture of it," your 6-year-old son writes "syringe" and painstakingly draws a picture of it.
live good,
deb
Your 6-year-old is given many colors of modeling clay and told she can create anything she wants and she chooses to make a meter, lancet and cotton ball for her diabetic teddy bear.
Your laundry smells good because you accidently washed the glucose tabs again.
Your nine-year-old son pees on the toilet at 3 a.m., and you're not mad because now you can check his ketones without making him get up again!
You end up with a drop of blood on the antenna of your cell phone during a 1 am blood glucose check.
Doing math homework, in response to the question "Name three things that you use in your home to measure with and draw a picture of it," your 6-year-old son writes "syringe" and painstakingly draws a picture of it.
live good,
deb
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Diabetes snacks treats & easy eats for kids...
Product Description
When children come home from school or sports, they want a snack. Not some gourmet meal, just something simple and tasty and quick to fix. For those with diabetes, these snacks can be especially hard to come by. And with incidence rates rising sharply — one in three American children born in the last five years is expected to become diabetic — it’s a problem more and more families are facing. This book offers a happy solution, with 130 recipes for the types of things youngsters really like to eat that are also healthy and help them stay within diabetic guidelines. It contains a wide array of choices for every meal of the day and to satisfy every hunger pang in between, with healthy renditions of favorites like Pizza Puffs, Chicken Nuggets, Taco Salad, Turkey Quesadillas, Puffy German Pancakes, Strawberry Sundae, Mini Chocolate Cupcakes, and many more.
book description/review...taking diabetes to school
This color illustrated book for elementary age children contains an instructive story of a grade-schooler with diabetes who tells his classmates about the disease and how he manages it. The story offers sensitive insight into the day-to-day school life of a child with a chronic illness. Includes Ten Tips for Teachers and; Kids Quiz--This text refers to the Paperback edition.
About the Author
Kim Gosselin was born and raised in Michigan where she attended Central Michigan University. She began her professional writing career shortly after her two young sons were both diagnosed with chronic illnesses. Kim is extremely committed to bringing the young reader quality children's health education while raising important funds for medical research. Kim now resides, writes, and gives consultations. Kim is the recipient of the 1998 National American Lung Association Presidential Award. She is an avid supporter of the American Lung Association, the American Cancer Society, the Epilepsy Foundation of American, and a member of the American Diabetes Association, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International, the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, the Small Publishers Association of North America, the Publishers Marketing Association, and the Author's Guild.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Living well with Type 1 Diabetes
Living Well With Type 1 Diabetes
Adapting to Life With Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes Facts
To live well with type 1 diabetes you must take it seriously. A casual approach to managing your blood glucose is not going to help you remain healthy and strong. The good news is that you can learn to manage your diabetes and in turn reduce the risk of long-term health complications.
How do you do this? Here are seven important ways to take care of yourself and stay motivated to live well with diabetes:
1. Become a Student of Diabetes
At the time of diagnosis, most people experience a steep learning curve as they try to digest all they can about managing their diabetes. But unfortunately, many stop learning after the first few months and assume they know enough. Don’t make that mistake. The more informed you are about diabetes the more confident you will be in managing it. Many excellent resources are available within this site to help you increase your knowledge of diabetes.
2. Manage Your Diabetes Every Day
The four pillars of diabetes management are insulin, food, exercise and glucose testing. Balancing your glucose levels with the first three is your daily challenge. Testing your blood regularly is the only sure way of knowing how you are doing. It’s important to remember that perfection is not the goal. No person with type 1 keeps their blood glucose levels in the normal range all the time. When you have a bad day, try to understand what went wrong, give yourself some slack and make an honest attempt to improve the next day.
3. Work Closely With Your Healthcare Team
Management of type 1 diabetes requires you to think of yourself as a member of a healthcare team. You are the most important person on that team because you will be doing most of the work. But you also need the expertise and guidance of others. These team members include a/an:
Endocrinologist
In addition to your primary care provider, you should also work closely with an endocrinologist (pediatric endocrinologist for children) who is a specialist in diabetes.
Diabetes Educator
A Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) is trained to help you learn about diabetes and make the necessary adjustments for your diabetes care.
Dietician
A dietitian can help you develop and stick to a healthy meal plan that is customized to your personal needs. You should consult a dietitian at least once a year. This annual visit is especially important for children to ensure their nutritional needs are being met as they grow.
Pharmacist
Your pharmacist can help you choose diabetes supplies and answer any questions about medications that may cause a rise in your glucose levels.
4. Learn about Vital Tests
Monitor the results of these three important measures of your health:
A1c Test
Also known as hemoglobin A1c, this quarterly test measures an approximate average of your blood sugar over the past three months. The standard goal is to have your A1c below 7, which indicates a fairly well-controlled glucose during that period. The lower the number, the better.
Blood Pressure
The goal for most people with diabetes is to keep blood pressure under 130/80. High blood pressure can lead to a number of serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.
Cholesterol
For total cholesterol, your goal should be under 200. For LDL (bad cholesterol), it is optimal to be under 100. And for HDL (good cholesterol), you want your reading to be above 40.
5. Learn to Handle Stress
When you are under stress, your body reacts as if it is under attack, releasing hormones and stored sugar into your bloodstream. This can raise your blood glucose. Learn to listen to your body for early signs of stress (tight muscles, difficulty concentrating, difficulty falling or staying asleep) and try practicing various forms of relaxation (deep breathing, exercise, meditation) to combat stress and remain calm.
Stress Relief Breathing Exercise
Deep Breathing Exercises for Kids
How to Meditate
Exercise for Beginners
Getting Kids Involved in Exercise
6. Get Support
Many people with type 1 diabetes have found great comfort and inspiration by participating in a diabetes support group. There are hundreds of support groups around the country that are designed for adults, parents, families and children living with type 1.
7. Ask For Help
To live well with diabetes you will need the help of others. Don’t be afraid to ask family members, friends, co-workers and employers for assistance. Having diabetes is not something you should be ashamed of telling others about. Nearly one in every 12 people in the U.S. has either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. So, by asking for what you need, you may be not only be taking care of yourself, but also showing others that they can do the same.
Live good,
deb
Adapting to Life With Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes Facts
To live well with type 1 diabetes you must take it seriously. A casual approach to managing your blood glucose is not going to help you remain healthy and strong. The good news is that you can learn to manage your diabetes and in turn reduce the risk of long-term health complications.
How do you do this? Here are seven important ways to take care of yourself and stay motivated to live well with diabetes:
1. Become a Student of Diabetes
At the time of diagnosis, most people experience a steep learning curve as they try to digest all they can about managing their diabetes. But unfortunately, many stop learning after the first few months and assume they know enough. Don’t make that mistake. The more informed you are about diabetes the more confident you will be in managing it. Many excellent resources are available within this site to help you increase your knowledge of diabetes.
2. Manage Your Diabetes Every Day
The four pillars of diabetes management are insulin, food, exercise and glucose testing. Balancing your glucose levels with the first three is your daily challenge. Testing your blood regularly is the only sure way of knowing how you are doing. It’s important to remember that perfection is not the goal. No person with type 1 keeps their blood glucose levels in the normal range all the time. When you have a bad day, try to understand what went wrong, give yourself some slack and make an honest attempt to improve the next day.
3. Work Closely With Your Healthcare Team
Management of type 1 diabetes requires you to think of yourself as a member of a healthcare team. You are the most important person on that team because you will be doing most of the work. But you also need the expertise and guidance of others. These team members include a/an:
Endocrinologist
In addition to your primary care provider, you should also work closely with an endocrinologist (pediatric endocrinologist for children) who is a specialist in diabetes.
Diabetes Educator
A Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) is trained to help you learn about diabetes and make the necessary adjustments for your diabetes care.
Dietician
A dietitian can help you develop and stick to a healthy meal plan that is customized to your personal needs. You should consult a dietitian at least once a year. This annual visit is especially important for children to ensure their nutritional needs are being met as they grow.
Pharmacist
Your pharmacist can help you choose diabetes supplies and answer any questions about medications that may cause a rise in your glucose levels.
4. Learn about Vital Tests
Monitor the results of these three important measures of your health:
A1c Test
Also known as hemoglobin A1c, this quarterly test measures an approximate average of your blood sugar over the past three months. The standard goal is to have your A1c below 7, which indicates a fairly well-controlled glucose during that period. The lower the number, the better.
Blood Pressure
The goal for most people with diabetes is to keep blood pressure under 130/80. High blood pressure can lead to a number of serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.
Cholesterol
For total cholesterol, your goal should be under 200. For LDL (bad cholesterol), it is optimal to be under 100. And for HDL (good cholesterol), you want your reading to be above 40.
5. Learn to Handle Stress
When you are under stress, your body reacts as if it is under attack, releasing hormones and stored sugar into your bloodstream. This can raise your blood glucose. Learn to listen to your body for early signs of stress (tight muscles, difficulty concentrating, difficulty falling or staying asleep) and try practicing various forms of relaxation (deep breathing, exercise, meditation) to combat stress and remain calm.
Stress Relief Breathing Exercise
Deep Breathing Exercises for Kids
How to Meditate
Exercise for Beginners
Getting Kids Involved in Exercise
6. Get Support
Many people with type 1 diabetes have found great comfort and inspiration by participating in a diabetes support group. There are hundreds of support groups around the country that are designed for adults, parents, families and children living with type 1.
7. Ask For Help
To live well with diabetes you will need the help of others. Don’t be afraid to ask family members, friends, co-workers and employers for assistance. Having diabetes is not something you should be ashamed of telling others about. Nearly one in every 12 people in the U.S. has either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. So, by asking for what you need, you may be not only be taking care of yourself, but also showing others that they can do the same.
Live good,
deb
Diabetes related Social Networking....
Diabetes-related Social Networking
The online social networking scene has hit the diabetes world. Not that this is particularly new. Diabetes-related online social networks have been around a few years now and places like facebook, myspace, LinkedIn, and Flickr have been around even longer.
According to Manny Hernandez, founder of TuDiabetes, there are at least two dozen diabetes-related social networks (as of May 2009). I wouldn’t be surprised if there are even more now. Because I found eight in about 15 minutes of searching online. Below are the ones I found and I’ve also included a brief description taken from their site:
Site Description
tudiabetes “a community of people touched by diabetes, run by the Diabetes Hands Foundation“
juvenation “a Type 1 Diabetes community created by the JDRF.”
dLife Community “information, inspiration, and connection with others who share your challenges and concerns.”
diabetesFriends.net “a free social network for diabetics and people with an interest in diabetes.”
diabetesTalkfest “Linking Diabetics Coast 2 Coast”
My Diabetes “The community for patients, friends, families and healthcare professionals.”
Diabetic Rockstar “a social network dedicated to breaking down stereotypes and beliefs commonly associated with diabetics.”
Present Diabetes (for diabetes medical professionals)
We Are Diabetic “The Social Support Network for The Diabetic Community
alot of good info , take a look............
live good,
deb
The online social networking scene has hit the diabetes world. Not that this is particularly new. Diabetes-related online social networks have been around a few years now and places like facebook, myspace, LinkedIn, and Flickr have been around even longer.
According to Manny Hernandez, founder of TuDiabetes, there are at least two dozen diabetes-related social networks (as of May 2009). I wouldn’t be surprised if there are even more now. Because I found eight in about 15 minutes of searching online. Below are the ones I found and I’ve also included a brief description taken from their site:
Site Description
tudiabetes “a community of people touched by diabetes, run by the Diabetes Hands Foundation“
juvenation “a Type 1 Diabetes community created by the JDRF.”
dLife Community “information, inspiration, and connection with others who share your challenges and concerns.”
diabetesFriends.net “a free social network for diabetics and people with an interest in diabetes.”
diabetesTalkfest “Linking Diabetics Coast 2 Coast”
My Diabetes “The community for patients, friends, families and healthcare professionals.”
Diabetic Rockstar “a social network dedicated to breaking down stereotypes and beliefs commonly associated with diabetics.”
Present Diabetes (for diabetes medical professionals)
We Are Diabetic “The Social Support Network for The Diabetic Community
alot of good info , take a look............
live good,
deb
Sunday, March 7, 2010
American Idol Alum Elliott Yamin has difficulties after Chile Earthquake getting insulin.....
Elliott Yamin, Diabetics Face Medical Danger After Earthquake
'American Idol's' Elliott Yamin Reports His Insulin Difficulties Post-Disaster
March 3, 2010
Stranded in Santiago, Chile, after the earthquake Saturday, "American Idol" alum and diabetic Elliott Yamin said he feared for his health after he realized he did not have enough insulin to treat his Type 1 diabetes while he waited for a flight home.
Tremor scared thousands, collapsed buildings and sparked tsunami warnings. "I only packed enough to get me to Sunday," he said, when his flight was supposed to leave for the United States.
Given the interruptions to medical care and supply transport caused by the earthquake, many other diabetics may be facing the same life-threatening dilemma, said Dr. Vivian Fonseca, chief of section of endocrinology at Tulane University.
Elliott Yamin Vows to 'Fight for Love'Hawaii Tsunami: 'We've Dodged a Bullet' Are We Ready if the Big One Happened Here?Yamin said he has been able to get a six-day restock for his insulin pump through the U.S. Embassy and the manufacturer of the pump that he hopes will last him until he is able to get a flight.
The airport in Santiago reopened Monday, according to Yamin, but flights are currently only carrying supplies in, not people out.
The earthquake, which has already led to death tolls over 700, may result in longer-term health complications without adquate medical care and aid, Fonseca said.
"The important thing now is getting emergency supplies, testing kits and insulin, to victims on the ground," he said, because "for those with Type 1 diabetes, running out of insulin becomes extremely dangerous within a day or two.
"Obviously injured people need attention as well," he said. "But people tend to put on a back burner those with chronic disease like diabetes."
Managing the Aftermath
Fonseca chaired the American Diabetes Association task force on disaster management following Hurricane Katrina and he said the organization has "learned a lot from Katrina" about the difficulties facing those with diabetes after natural catastrophes.
"Caring for diabetes on a daily basis demands constant attention in the best of times [and] despite the best planning, many aspects of the health care 'system' can be rapidly interrupted in a disaster," Fonseca and the other authors wrote in an ADA statement following Katrina.
"Physician's offices and pharmacies close due to evacuation, ... major medical centers may be inaccessible, ... loss of electric power, telephones, and other means of communication and closure of roads ... add to the complexity," the ADA statement said.
Chile Earthquake, Tsunami Warnings: Science of a DisasterDeath Toll Rises in Chile as Looting Hampers Rescue EffortsHow to Donate for Chile Relief EffortsAnd amid the chaos following a natural disaster, diabetic needs can jeopardize life within hours after a lack of insulin, experts say.
While for those with Type 2 diabetes, complications are slower to progress and less life-threatening, for those with Type 1 diabetes, the body makes almost no insulin and things get risky rather quickly, Fonseca said.
For those taking insulin shots, that can happen within 24 hours, said Dr. Charles Clark Jr., director of the WHO/PAHO Diabetes Collaborating Center for Continuing Health, and for those with an insulin pump, like the one Yamin uses, running out would pose a threat much sooner.
What's more, in situations of extreme stress, blood glucose control can be further depressed, leading diabetics to need even more insulin than usual, Fonseca said.
"Stress hormones can cause blood sugar levels to be erratic and these physiological changes combined with lack of good access to food and water" can complicate matters, said Dr. Amir Afkhami, assistant professor of psychiatry and global health at George Washington University.
Back-Up Plan Buys Time for Diabetics
There is little a Type 1 diabetic can do to "stretch out" limited supplies, said Dr. Joshua Cohen, associate professor of medicine at the George Washington University Medical Center.
"Insulin [shots are] an absolute necessity," otherwise within hours, a patient can develop ketoacidosis, when the patient's body, unable to process glucose, breaks down fat, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, he said.
Chile Earthquake: Death Toll Soars From 8.8-Magnitude QuakeTo help diabetics be more prepared for the health risks that can arise rapidly in emergency situations, the CDC advises keeping a few weeks supply of medication in an emergency kit to buy time until health care systems are back up and running.
The CDC suggests keeping diabetic-appropriate foods, such as peanut butter, cheese and crackers, in this kit as well, to ameliorate some of the problems associated with irregular food supply.
But for the many in Chile who will not have back-up supplies, the key issue now is to get medical aid to victims in Chile, Fonseca said.
This isn't "just a short-term thing," he said. "It affects victims for a long time because health care systems take a long time to get back together fully."
During Katrina, the ADA partnered with the International Diabetes Federation to provide specific diabetic disaster support and Fonseca said he suspects and hopes they will do the same for Chile, though the ADA said that, as of yet, no such plans have been made.
Yamin echoed this need to address conditions in Chile:
"It's been a traumatic experience," he said. "I'll get home when I get home. I just want to encourage everybody to pray for people who are far worse off than I am."
'American Idol's' Elliott Yamin Reports His Insulin Difficulties Post-Disaster
March 3, 2010
Stranded in Santiago, Chile, after the earthquake Saturday, "American Idol" alum and diabetic Elliott Yamin said he feared for his health after he realized he did not have enough insulin to treat his Type 1 diabetes while he waited for a flight home.
Tremor scared thousands, collapsed buildings and sparked tsunami warnings. "I only packed enough to get me to Sunday," he said, when his flight was supposed to leave for the United States.
Given the interruptions to medical care and supply transport caused by the earthquake, many other diabetics may be facing the same life-threatening dilemma, said Dr. Vivian Fonseca, chief of section of endocrinology at Tulane University.
Elliott Yamin Vows to 'Fight for Love'Hawaii Tsunami: 'We've Dodged a Bullet' Are We Ready if the Big One Happened Here?Yamin said he has been able to get a six-day restock for his insulin pump through the U.S. Embassy and the manufacturer of the pump that he hopes will last him until he is able to get a flight.
The airport in Santiago reopened Monday, according to Yamin, but flights are currently only carrying supplies in, not people out.
The earthquake, which has already led to death tolls over 700, may result in longer-term health complications without adquate medical care and aid, Fonseca said.
"The important thing now is getting emergency supplies, testing kits and insulin, to victims on the ground," he said, because "for those with Type 1 diabetes, running out of insulin becomes extremely dangerous within a day or two.
"Obviously injured people need attention as well," he said. "But people tend to put on a back burner those with chronic disease like diabetes."
Managing the Aftermath
Fonseca chaired the American Diabetes Association task force on disaster management following Hurricane Katrina and he said the organization has "learned a lot from Katrina" about the difficulties facing those with diabetes after natural catastrophes.
"Caring for diabetes on a daily basis demands constant attention in the best of times [and] despite the best planning, many aspects of the health care 'system' can be rapidly interrupted in a disaster," Fonseca and the other authors wrote in an ADA statement following Katrina.
"Physician's offices and pharmacies close due to evacuation, ... major medical centers may be inaccessible, ... loss of electric power, telephones, and other means of communication and closure of roads ... add to the complexity," the ADA statement said.
Chile Earthquake, Tsunami Warnings: Science of a DisasterDeath Toll Rises in Chile as Looting Hampers Rescue EffortsHow to Donate for Chile Relief EffortsAnd amid the chaos following a natural disaster, diabetic needs can jeopardize life within hours after a lack of insulin, experts say.
While for those with Type 2 diabetes, complications are slower to progress and less life-threatening, for those with Type 1 diabetes, the body makes almost no insulin and things get risky rather quickly, Fonseca said.
For those taking insulin shots, that can happen within 24 hours, said Dr. Charles Clark Jr., director of the WHO/PAHO Diabetes Collaborating Center for Continuing Health, and for those with an insulin pump, like the one Yamin uses, running out would pose a threat much sooner.
What's more, in situations of extreme stress, blood glucose control can be further depressed, leading diabetics to need even more insulin than usual, Fonseca said.
"Stress hormones can cause blood sugar levels to be erratic and these physiological changes combined with lack of good access to food and water" can complicate matters, said Dr. Amir Afkhami, assistant professor of psychiatry and global health at George Washington University.
Back-Up Plan Buys Time for Diabetics
There is little a Type 1 diabetic can do to "stretch out" limited supplies, said Dr. Joshua Cohen, associate professor of medicine at the George Washington University Medical Center.
"Insulin [shots are] an absolute necessity," otherwise within hours, a patient can develop ketoacidosis, when the patient's body, unable to process glucose, breaks down fat, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, he said.
Chile Earthquake: Death Toll Soars From 8.8-Magnitude QuakeTo help diabetics be more prepared for the health risks that can arise rapidly in emergency situations, the CDC advises keeping a few weeks supply of medication in an emergency kit to buy time until health care systems are back up and running.
The CDC suggests keeping diabetic-appropriate foods, such as peanut butter, cheese and crackers, in this kit as well, to ameliorate some of the problems associated with irregular food supply.
But for the many in Chile who will not have back-up supplies, the key issue now is to get medical aid to victims in Chile, Fonseca said.
This isn't "just a short-term thing," he said. "It affects victims for a long time because health care systems take a long time to get back together fully."
During Katrina, the ADA partnered with the International Diabetes Federation to provide specific diabetic disaster support and Fonseca said he suspects and hopes they will do the same for Chile, though the ADA said that, as of yet, no such plans have been made.
Yamin echoed this need to address conditions in Chile:
"It's been a traumatic experience," he said. "I'll get home when I get home. I just want to encourage everybody to pray for people who are far worse off than I am."
Olympic cross country skier with diabetes....way to go!
Kris Freeman Update: Breaking D-Ground in Olympic Endurance Sports
I’m back today for my second exclusive check-in with Kris Freeman, world-class cross-country skier competing in the Winter Olympics this week. He’s the only athlete there with diabetes. And on Saturday, it caught up with him. A blood sugar crash killed his chances for taking a medal in the men’s 30K event, where he was a favorite (he fell to 45th place after having to lie down in the snow mid-race for a bit). Naturally, he’s disappointed, but still pushing his limits.
WHAT AN AWESOME FEAT!!!!
Live good,
deb
I’m back today for my second exclusive check-in with Kris Freeman, world-class cross-country skier competing in the Winter Olympics this week. He’s the only athlete there with diabetes. And on Saturday, it caught up with him. A blood sugar crash killed his chances for taking a medal in the men’s 30K event, where he was a favorite (he fell to 45th place after having to lie down in the snow mid-race for a bit). Naturally, he’s disappointed, but still pushing his limits.
WHAT AN AWESOME FEAT!!!!
Live good,
deb
Monday, March 1, 2010
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