Defeat Diabetes^® E-Lerts™ Newsletter

April 2005
(Volume IV, Issue 4)

Spring is finally here! Most of us are spending more time outside and are making new resolutions about getting more activity into our lifestyle. In this issue of E-Lerts™, we'll show new, extremely important ways to exercise for your health and even for your survival in Latest News - Self-Management - Exercise.

Diabetes raises risks for many other health problems. Read about some of the newest ones in Latest News - Self-Management - Health Risks.

Obesity surgery is the one of the methods people turn to, but do they know the dietary challenges afterward? What food promotes weight loss? Read Latest News - Self-Management - Food.

Let's work together with our medical team and what technology offers to maximize our care. Read Latest News - Self-Management - Care.

Defeat Diabetes Foundation Illuminating Moldable Bracelet.
Patent pending, space age technology is visible all night long, and is rechargeable indefinitely with any light source. Unisex bracelet is pliable and will bend and mold to any wrist, ankle or arm. These unique bracelets can be worn under or over clothing. Your purchases help support Defeat Diabetes® Programs.
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Theresa Garnero, APRN, BC-ADM, MSN, CDE, tackles the difficult (for some people, not me!) subject of Vacation Time in Diabeducation™.  Seriously, when you have diabetes and are going away, you need to make preparations. But Theresa also takes a look at the humorous side of diabetes and vacation in Islets of Humor™.

As many of you know, Theresa Garnero, APRN, BC-ADM, MSN, CDE, was selected as the National Diabetes Educator of the Year by the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) at their conference in August 2004. Theresa's humor (Islets of Humor™) is well known and she has written a thoroughly enjoyable Diabetes Educator of the Year Travels.

You know you're supposed to eat your vegetables. Salads are a great way to get so many of the nutrients you need, BUT they can be soooo boring. Not these Salads from Jyl Steinback, America's Healthiest Mom. Each of these salads, by itself, would make a great lunch or a light supper. And they taste so unique and delicious, you'll love eating what's good for you.

Usha Dhiman was diagnosed with diabetes when she was 7 years old and has been on insulin injections ever since. She had the disease long before, but she was living in a small town in Kenya and it was not until she went into a coma did anyone know she had diabetes. We are very pleased to bring you Usha's very poignant story about her Life With Diabetes – Then and Now!

What can make burgers healthier and still taste great? New treatment for PAD? A "designer" liver? All in Treatments on the Horizon.

When is diabetes a disability? Do people with diabetes consider themselves disabled? We'll discuss the definition of disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Why should people with diabetes drink lots of water? Read Readers' Forum.

Mr. Diabetes® is walking again. It's been a long winter and he is glad to be out on the road again. Proclamations are coming through and he is speaking at several Diabetes Support Groups. He is currently in Chicago so give a holler or a honk of your horn if you see him walking.

HELP ME FIND THE PERFECT NAME!!! There is a new feature on our web site that for which I'm struggling to find the perfect name. We're receiving material from all over the world from people just like you and they include: Poems; Personal Stories; Pictures of Diabetes Awareness Clinics (in India), etc. If you would like to submit any material to Defeat Diabetes Foundation, please read our Reader Submissions Policy first. If you agree, please send your material to me at lrasolt@DefeatDiabetes.org or ReaderSubmissions@DefeatDiabetes.org.

Good Health,
Lisa M. Rasolt
Program Director
lrasolt@DefeatDiabetes.org
www.DefeatDiabetes.org
Awareness + Action = Prevention®

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Did You Know?
Higher levels of physical activity in men in early adult years may lower the risk of Parkinson disease: The researchers concluded: “This study suggests either that higher levels of physical activity may lower the risk of Parkinson disease in men or that men predisposed to Parkinson disease tend to avoid strenuous physical activity in their early adult years.” Neurology 2005;64:664-669. February 22, 2005
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Latest News - Self-Management - Exercise
Too Much Water During Exercise Riskier Than Dehydration A new study reports that athletes who drink too much water are at risk of diluting the sodium content of their blood, causing hyponatremia and putting them at risk for seizures, coma and death.
Step Counting Increases Exercise More Than Timed Walking Instructing sedentary women to walk 10,000 steps per day is more effective at increasing exercise per day than is asking them to walk 30 minutes on most days of the week.
Frequent Exercise May Improve Survival in Dialysis Patients  In patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), those who exercise 4- to 5- times per week have markedly improved survival compared with those who exercise less frequently or more frequently.
Physical Activity Increases Insulin Sensitivity 44% Physical Activity in women with type 2 diabetes may not only reduce waist size, but can also reduce the amount of visceral fat surrounding organs in the abdomen — the type of fat known to be associated with insulin resistance, even without diet.
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Did You Know?
In patients with type 2 diabetes, treatment with lipid-lowering agents reduces cardiovascular risk. "Most patients, including those whose baseline LDL cholesterol levels are below 115 mg/dL, and possibly below 100 mg/dL, benefit from statins. Moderate doses of these drugs suffice in most patients with diabetes."
Ann Intern Med. 2004;140:644-649, 650-658
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Latest News - Self-Management - Health Risks
Depression Increases Mortality Risk in Diabetics The results of a new study confirm that individuals with diabetes are prone to depression and show that over a 10-year period depressive symptoms significantly increase the risk of death among persons with diabetes but not among persons without diabetes.
Diabetes Increases Risk of Urinary Infection in Postmenopausal Women "This finding suggests that urinary tract infection may be due to long-term effect of high glucose as opposed to a shorter-term exposure to high glucose."
High Glycemic Index Diets Raises Risk of Breast Cancer The association between glycemic index and breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women was slightly stronger among women reporting no vigorous physical activity, among those with a history of HRT use and among those of normal-weight.
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Did You Know?
The flavonid doismin, an active ingredient in rosemary, is a natural brain stimulant and memory enhancer. Jyl Steinback, America's Healthiest Mom, Supermarket Gourmet
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Latest News - Self-Management - Food
Battle of the Bulge: Dietary Challenges after Obesity Surgery If you're morbidly obese and you've made the decision to have obesity surgery, your journey is far from over. While this may be a step towards a much healthier life, the lifestyle changes that you will have to make after surgery must be considered or you'll be in even worse shape than when you began.
Yogurt Promotes Fat Loss  Yogurt eaters lost 22 percent more weight--an average of 14 pounds, 66 percent more body fat and 81 percent more stomach fat during the 12-week study.
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Defeat Diabetes® Public Awareness Programs donate
Defeat Diabetes Foundation has provided over 2.25 million Defeat Diabetes® Screening Tests to over 4700 schools in all 50 states. We need your financial support for all of our Defeat Diabetes® Public Awareness Programs. Defeat Diabetes Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  Our web site is secure and all donations are tax-deductible. Donate Now
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Latest News - Self-Management - Care
21st-Century Kids Fight Diabetes With a personal digital assistant, kids can upload blood sugar readings, insulin doses and carbohydrate intake daily. In a study, children who used a PDA along with special software checked their sugars more often and had lower readings.
Pharmaceutical Care Reduces Risk Factors in Type 2 Diabetes A 12-month pharmaceutical care program can reduce vascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes.
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Did You Know?
Statistics show minorities are at increased risk for diabetes and other complications. African Americans are 1.6 times more likely to have diabetes than Non-Hispanic Whites, while Native Americans are 2.2 times more likely and Latinos, 1.5.
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Diabeducation™ diabeducation005
April 2005
By Theresa Garnero, APRN, BC-ADM, MSN, CDE

Vacation Time
The sun is out and flowers are blooming. Do you find yourself suffering from Spring fever? Not to worry—the remedy is easy. Decide on a nice place to visit to take a little time out from the hectic pace of life. What better way to recharge oneself?

So while you are packing those suitcases, remember to pack along your diabetes care supplies. You can get into a lot of trouble on vacation if you attempt to completely forget about diabetes. Here are some travel tips to help ensure a wonderful holiday: read more

To read about Theresa's Diabetes Educator of the Year Award click here
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Did You Know?
Research indicates that onions are most powerful when eaten raw and freshly peeled. Of course, raw onions can do a number on your breath; follow up with fresh parsley. Jyl Steinback, America's Healthiest Mom, Supermarket Gourmet
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Islets of Humor™ humor5
April 2005
By Theresa Garnero, APRN, BC-ADM, MSN, CDE

see more of Theresa Garnero's cartoons
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Mr. Diabetes® Says
I do not pretend to know what many ignorant men are sure of. Clarence Darrow
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Diabetes Educator of the Year Travels
By Theresa Garnero, APRN, BC-ADM, MSN, CDE
In the blink of an eye, time passed from the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) conference in August 2004, where I was selected as the National Diabetes Educator of the Year, to the first lecture of my national tour in Jacksonville, Florida. In this column, I will share anecdotes of my travels across the United States in which I plan to make 15 stops, visiting chapters of the AADE along the way (there are over 100 chapters nationwide). read more
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Did You Know?
What makes broccoli a superfood? It is a good source of folic acid, vitamin K, Vitamin C, riboflavin (vitamin B2) and niacin (vitamin B3). Jyl Steinback, America's Healthiest Mom, Supermarket Gourmet
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Diabetic Recipes recipes
You know you're supposed to eat your vegetables. Salads are a great way to get so many of the nutrients you need, BUT they can be soooo boring. Not these salads from Jyl Steinback, America's Healthiest Mom. Each of these salads, by itself, would make a great lunch or a light supper. And they taste so unique and delicious, you'll love eating what's good for you.
Red Potato Salad with Chicken
Grilled Tuna Salad
Oriental Chicken Salad
Layered Taco Salad
Tuna-Mac Salad
Superb Salad Supper
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Did You Know?
Keep bagged salad mixes or vegetables fresh longer: once the package has been opened, gently push out any excess air. Clip or wrap a rubber band and store in the refrigerator to keep your produce moist and fresh until reuse. Jyl Steinback, America's Healthiest Mom, Supermarket Gourmet
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Life With Diabetes – Then and Now!
By Usha Dhiman 
The other day I was grumbling about the many times I have to prick my fingers to check blood sugars, when I recalled what a trying time I had had trying to manage diabetes for the past 44 years.  In fact I realized that I should not be complaining but be grateful for the so many new gadgets, which have made now monitoring and managing diabetes so much easier, and as a result have made our lives much more comfortable, than it was, say about two decades ago! read more
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Did You Know?
Exercise causes cells to become more sensitive to insulin, so sugar is taken out of the blood, and exercising muscles use more sugar. The result is a more normal blood sugar level.
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Treatments on the Horizon
Fat-Buster Makes Burgers Healthier and May Prevent Diabetes A new form of soluble cellulose that, if added to high-fat food items, appears to slow down fat absorption to a healthier rate and reduce the likelihood of developing insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
New Treatment for Peripheral Arterial Disease  Researchers hope that Implanting a drug-coated, flexible, metal-mesh tube called a drug-eluting stent into the superficial femoral artery of the thigh, that the drug coating will make it more likely to prevent the blockage from recurring, as compared with uncoated stents, which fail to do so in about one-quarter of the cases.
Designer Liver Enhances Glucose Tolerance and Improved Insulin Response The Burnham Institute's Gen-Sheng Feng has created a mouse with improved glucose tolerance and insulin activity in the liver, and generated new findings about insulin-signaling in the liver. This could prove useful in understanding the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes.
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Did You Know?
While epidemiological studies have shown that the incidence of some cancers is increased in patients with diabetes, the risk of lung cancer apparently is not. Diabetes Care 2005;28:590-594.
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Readers' Forum forum
When is diabetes a disability? Do people with diabetes consider themselves disabled? We'll discuss the definition of disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Why should people with diabetes drink lots of water?

Q - When is diabetes a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? -Sharon - for our answer
Q - Why do doctors suggest that people with diabetes drink lots of water? - Jen - for our answer
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Did You Know?
Meat is one of the best ways to get your daily value of 6 milligrams B12 for prevention of fatigue, memory loss and other neurological problems. Jyl Steinback, America's Healthiest Mom, Cook Once, Eat for a Week
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*Reader Submissions Policy

This concludes the Defeat Diabetes^® E-Lerts™ Newsletter.

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The Defeat Diabetes Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  Our web site is secure and all donations are tax-deductible.

Important Notice: The opinions and statements expressed in the Defeat Diabetes^® E-Lertsä Newsletter are directed at a general audience. Its intent is solely for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes and is not to be construed as medical advice or instruction. Please consult a health professional on any matters regarding your health and well-being, or if you are interested in anything mentioned in the Defeat Diabetes^® E-Lertsä Newsletter. The information presented here is believed to be accurate, based on the best judgment of the Program Director, but the reader is responsible for consulting with his/her own health professional on any matters raised within.