Comment on Diabetes: Can't Get No Respect -- And Why It Should

sisterspitfire — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:33:58 -0000

I am seeing a man with type 2 diabetes, and although I have one sister and one brother with it, he really doesn't talk much about what he needs to do for his diabetes. I am working on improving his diet, and exercise, but find I meet with resistance from him. I also know he totally blows his diet during the week when we are not together, eating a lot of prepared, highly processed foods, and not much fresh. I need all the help I can get! So, thanks!

Comment on Weight Loss: Keeping a Food Diary Makes a Difference

tguez — Fri, 08 May 2009 20:02:45 -0000

I use food diary called Food And Exercise Diary. It is not free. But it is professional. www.WeightLossSoftware.Com

Comment on Second Opinions: If in Doubt, Seek One Out

octoman — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:19:52 -0000

Dear Sarah it is a wonderful story, me being eighty next year I feel an affinity with her,I had a second opinion after both my consultant and surgeon behaved like clowns.I was sent to a liver transplant surgeon he had my scans on his wall,"the clowns refused to show me them)my liver had several growths both kidneys had growths, and a growth in my stomach(I suppose the clowns thought I might have a heart attack if I had seen them?)any way I had a PET scan that showed only the stomach growth was active,the surgeon was very information he was going remove my stomach with its resident cancer and go into liver to check that,I might not survive the operation,but it was my only option,I could not have drugs,they were reserved for patients who could not have surgery.I decided at seventy three I would rather face cancer with a stomach.I am very well,but I feel so sorry for people who die of cancer,or is it the treatment that killed them?I will not go in to what my clowns got up to it was unbelievable.well just one or two.The consultant always told me my cancer was in my duodenum and persisted to do so for over a year(they decided I was in operable until I did not die) until I question him exactly where?he moved that cancer all the way up first part of my small intestine,and it was'nt there,so I said "it must be in the stomach then?""Yes"he said.It turned out he thought patients were too stupid to understand!The surgeon was going to remove my cancer by keyhole surgery?my curiosty saved my stomach,I just managed to stop the epidural injection in time. The surgeon was about to remove my stomach without my consent!I could have died a rich man.laughter is the best medicine.isn't it?

Comment on Why Blogging May Be Good For an Elder's Health

mmph — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:13:11 -0000

Claire is a wise, funny, insightful person. Thanks for introducing us to her world.

Comment on Why You Should Care About Diabetes

Anonymous — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 01:28:18 -0000

Diabetes is a terrible disease. There are ways to prevent it from becoming a reality if you've been diagnosed with pre-diabetes. This is how http://www.newrinkles.com/index.php/archive/stop-pre-diabetes-before-it-strikes/

Comment on Lack of Energy: Not a Normal Sign of Aging

Sarah Henry — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 05:24:00 -0000

Thanks for sharing your three interesting -- and very different -- examples of excessive tiredness masking an underlying problem.

Comment on Lack of Energy: Not a Normal Sign of Aging

Donnalee — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 04:58:42 -0000

My father who just turned 90 has been going through this for about a couple of years - about the time he told me he'd been told he had a high platelet level and had been put on hydroxurea; he thought he would be taken off when his levels went down but the doc said he was now on it for the rest of his life for risk of stroke; however, I found out the risk is not the great (I do realize the consequences could be though if he did have one; but do we want to have this kind of life?) but he listens to the doc (or did until he quit; now he doesn't have one so we're waiting; in the meantime he's still taking the meds)

Comment on Lack of Energy: Not a Normal Sign of Aging

Anonymous — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:30:32 -0000

This is so important! My mom was uncharacteristically tired and napping a lot -- we didn't add it up. Figured, oh, getting old. By the time she collapsed from dehydration (and then got proper medical attention) it was too late. Inoperable cancer was diagnosed and she was gone within months.

Comment on Lack of Energy: Not a Normal Sign of Aging

BettyC — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:12:00 -0000

My husbands parents moved in with us in March of this year. We have the same problem of napping a lot but still too tired to do anything. I approached my mother-in-law, Dot, about it calling it disappointment rather than depression. She said that she is very disappointed at not feeling well and not being able to do very much. We talked about that zapping her energy and appetite and she agreed but whether or not there will be any change remains to be seen. She has not been willing to admit to depression but calling it disappointment worked. Now we just have to fix it.

Comment on Doctors' Visits: Getting the Most Out of Appointments

Anonymous — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 00:27:20 -0000

Dear Ms. Henry, Thank you for your thoughtful article on this very important topic. As a physician, I wholeheartedly support your efforts to enable patients to get the most out of each healthcare appointment. By following the plan outlined in your article, patients and their adult children have an effective road map which will undoubtedly help them. Best regards, Amrita G. Sawhney, M.D. http://organized-health.com

Comment on The Case For Geriatric Care

Gannie — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:35:00 -0000

Dear Caring, I don't know about the Geriatric care I went to see one and I thought this is the Doctor NOT So evertime I told him a problem he would say well your age I am 64. I have foot pain he told me his feet hurt and he had one xray and that my age I ask to be sent to a arthritis he refuse. So he saw me for the last time because I don't have a problem with my age it just that I have had a bad fall broke my ankle in three places and have a plate in my ankle almost lost my leg. No more Geriatic Doctors because I knnow who God is.

Comment on Diabetes A1c Test: New Use for an Old-Line Tool

Theresa Garnero — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:36:31 -0000

How refreshing to see we will use A1C for diagnostic screening. The main hesitation not to use it in the past was related to anemia ("hemoglobinopathies" as described in the panel link above). According to the research, that is rare and many more people would benefit by using the A1C as a screening tool. At the recent American Association of Diabetes Educator conference, the delightfully brilliant Dr. Lois Jovanovic outlined criteria for diagnosing type 2 diabetes in pregnant women including an A1C value of 5.3% or higher. (She also referred to the weapons of mass destruction being the fork and knife as it relates to our increasing waistlines and risk for diabetes.) Thank you for the link to David Cliff's Diabetes Investor. He is enjoyable to read and has many valid points, but I feel strongly about his catastropharian attitude that "industry... remain silent in the hopes that the 57 million consumers with "pre-diabetes" will develop full-blown diabetes, increasing the market for drugs and devices." From my practice standpoint in working in the largest diabetes center in California along with other diabetes educators and physicians who are doing everything they can to reduce a person's risk of the consequences of uncontrolled diabetes, I do not get the mentality that there is a man behind the curtain fiendishly wringing his hands thinking of ways to bilk money from those with or at risk for diabetes rather than find a cure. Without industry, we would not have many of the tools to make diabetes more manageable. It wasn't that long ago that we only had one oral medication for diabetes. Now we have many with others in development. Why is that same kind of logic not applied to other health conditions like heart disease or cancer? The health industry is a business, but I think we need to be careful before suggesting that industry is only out to make a buck. That myth is alive and well and deters those in need from seeking treatment as they feel they are being taken advantage of in some kind of warped conspiracy theory meanwhile putting themselves at risk for diabetes-related complications. The reality is, according to Dr. Ralph DeFronzo's Banting Lecture at the American Diabetes Association (he has hundreds of original research articles to his name), by the time a person gets diagnosed only 20% of beta cell function remain. Medications are often needed to preserve the rest and to control the disease. I totally agree with Clift's statement about "I don't have what you have syndrome" as many people with pre-diabetes still do not take action. I disagree with the concept that doctors are happily canvassing the prediabetes planet with medications and that industry "remains silent in hopes" folks will progress to diabetes. That's like saying the makers of chemotherapy eagerly await the next generation of first or secondhand smokers to develop cancer. Plus, physicians rarely prescribe medications for pre-diabetes as the "let's wait and see" approach remains prevalent. We are living longer, eating more, and moving less as a nation. Health issues are bound to arise. People often get their cholesterol checked annually but don't have a clue about glucose. Get your A1C test to screen for diabetes and have it checked regularly. You CAN take action and prevent needless complications. Theresa Garnero, APRN, BC-ADM, MSN, CDE

Comment on Diabetes: Can't Get No Respect -- And Why It Should

Anonymous — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:48:49 -0000

I read Sara Pope Parkerâ€™s article, too, and more people need to be informed about how to treat diabetes through natural supplementation and lifestyle change. More important, those who are diagnosed as â€œat riskâ€* of diabetes, or pre-disease states, should follow an all natural regimen to prevent full blown diabetes from occurring. I found a good read on a website called jonbarron.org, where the nutraceutical researcher and author of â€œLessons from the Miracle Doctorsâ€* discusses diabetes at length. Check it out: http://www.jonbarron.org/diabetes-program/diabetes_program.php

Comment on Weight Loss: Keeping a Food Diary Makes a Difference

food_logger — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:40:48 -0000

FitDay is good, but NutriMirror is my favorite online food diary ( http:www.nutrimirror.com ). It's free, easy to use, and does a great job counting calories and tracking nutrition.

Comment on Say What? Hearing Loss Common Among Adults with Diabetes

Samatha — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 17:50:11 -0000

Hello All - My father not only suffers from Diabetes, but also an inner ear injury as a result of concrete dust setting up in his inner ear. Needless to say, his hearing has been greatly affected by both. The biggest frustration for him has been talking on the phone. Face to face, he is able to at least "fake" hearing what others are saying through lip reading and inflection. On the phone, that's not going to work. We searched high and low for a phone that would amplify conversations to the point where he could communicate. Many of these devices are just too complicated and in his words "fancy" for older adults. We tried several models,and finally found one that we have/he has really worked. It's called ClearSounds A50 Expandable. http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/Cordless-Amplified-Phones/ClearSounds-A50-Expandable-Cordless. It's cordless, has a smaller base, rings REALLY loudly, and even has attachments like a bed shaker that will work along side (hopefully, we won't need those for awhile). He likes that it's a simple to use product that works really well. This device has made a difference in his life. He can continue to work, talk to his out of town friends, etc..... I am thankful that technology is keeping up with our aging parents. What once was a struggle is becoming easier for them and us as caregivers.

Comment on Diabetes: Can't Get No Respect -- And Why It Should

pamtime — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:55:37 -0000

HURRAY! Little know additional disease processes of Type II diabetes that I recently became aware of due to my mom's declining health> Diabetic Amyotrophy a muscle wasting disease related to diabetes, Vascular Dementia secondary to the effects of Type II Diabetes>>>> when I was diagnosed in 1977 I was told I had a touch of diabetes and to watch my weight and what I ate. Granted home testing was no availabe then. In 1999 I was diagnosed again... this time instructed to watch my weight and diet... I had the education then to ask my PCP for a test kit, diabetic education, and yes medication.....How can many patients take this disease seriously if the medical community does not. A recent physician I was speaking with mentinoned in passing that if it were not for diabetics the in patient status of patients would cause hospitals to go belly up.. why because diabetes affects every major organ in the human body. It is a silent killer. EDUCATE EDUCATE EDUCATE ......it is time to pull off the blinders... if I can't feel it, see it, or taste it, then I must be OK seems to be the mind set of a lot of diabetics that are playing with their disease. Diabetics die from the complications of diabetes affect on our entire body...Cardiovascular, kidney failure, muscle wasting, amputations related to decreased circulation and nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy), vascular dementia which could be preventable, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration (blindness)...the list goes on.... People it is time we educate ourselves and take care of our disease....the medical community is financially thriving and overloaded on our diabetic related ailments. I am so glad to see an article like this....here was the trump card, because i was diagnosed Tyhpe II before the age of 40 I am DENIED life insurance....

Comment on How to Take a Vacation With Diabetes

Theresa Garnero — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:09:11 -0000

I didn't mean to be anonymous. That last comment was from Theresa Garnero! :)

Comment on How to Take a Vacation With Diabetes

Theresa Garnero — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:02:50 -0000

You can also split an entree' or share a dessert. Remember to stay hydrated during the hot days of summer-drink water, not juice or soda with meals. Dehydration will increase glucose. And you can ask for low sodium dishes. Enjoy!

Comment on Getting to the Heart of Recent Diabetes Findings

Theresa Garnero — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 02:56:40 -0000

Sarah is right on. We tend to focus on glucose, yet pay less attention to blood pressure and cholesterol control. In a few years time, we will see the cardiovascular benefits of the ADVANCE trial which now showed 21% reduction in kidney complications. If we are protecting the kidneys, we are protecting the heart. Much like the UKPDS (the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study) showed the benefits to the hert many years after the initial reports were released, it is speculated that the ADVANCE will have similar end-point. Glucose control IS good for the heart. Don't ditch those glucose monitors!

Comment on The Plot Thickens: Another Clue in the Alzheimer's-Diabetes Mystery

Sarah Henry — Thu, 29 May 2008 00:18:35 -0000

Have you tried talking with the caregivers at the assisted-living facility? They may have more luck negotiating with your dad than you do. Having a quiet word with the staff may also alert them to the fact that your parents may need some additional help in dealing with everyday matters.

Comment on The Plot Thickens: Another Clue in the Alzheimer's-Diabetes Mystery

Anonymous — Tue, 27 May 2008 15:08:57 -0000

I was especially interested in this article's comment about people with altzheimers afraid of losing control. My mother not only has altzheimers but she cannot walk or take care of herself. She and her husband are in an assisted living facillity with memory care. She does not get along with her husband. They are both 86 years old. He is ambulatory and functioning pretty well mentally. However, he wants to help her with everything. Not only does she resent him telling her what to do, but I believe he is hurting her more than helping. He is not trained in getting her to the bathroom or in and out of the wheel chair. I have asked him several times to call the caregivers, but he refuses. He says that "she is my wife and she is my responsibility". Any suggestions???

Comment on Too Much and Too Little Shut-Eye May Be Bad for Health

Sarah Henry — Thu, 15 May 2008 17:50:17 -0000

Thanks for sharing your mother's dilemma. Her early-morning waking is a very common concern of older adults. There are many tips you can try to help your mom get more rest. First, have you considered her sleep environment? Is her room dark, quiet, and a little cool? Does she have rituals that help her relax before bedtime, things like a warm bath, a light snack of warm milk and toast, or a few minutes of reading? There are things to avoid because they interfere with sleep. The big three are alcohol, caffeine, and daytime naps. What you describe your mother experiencing may a form of insomnia (she can fall asleep but wakes too early.) If that's the case, you may want to look for patterns to see if you can pinpoint what could be causing her early waking. This checklist: http://www.caring.com/checklists/questions-about-insomnia-before-going-to-doctor may help you do that. All the best helping your mother get a good night's rest.

Comment on Too Much and Too Little Shut-Eye May Be Bad for Health

Anonymous — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:00:18 -0000

It never occurred to me that not enough sleep might be part of the problem to my mother's not feeling well. I'd LOVE some practical advice on how to improve it - short of talking to her doctor. My mother goes to bed around 11 and for the life of her cant' sleep past 4 am.

Comment on Yelling and Nagging: Not the Way to Keep Someone With Diabetes on Track

Theresa Garnero — Tue, 13 May 2008 03:52:27 -0000

Weight gain from glipizide may be around 5 pounds (not inches on the belly). Weight gain can happen from overtreating lows with extra carbohydrates. The initial weight gain can occur when the glucose returns to normal levels. With high glucose levels, the cells burn fat for energy, a process that is dangerous in and of itself as that is hard on the kidneys. As the glucose lowers, metabolism returns to normal, so some folks gain back the weight they should have never lost in the first place. A little weight gain is better than all the potential negative consequences of high blood glucose. So, before you ditch your pills in fear they may cause wieght gain, have a conversation with your doctor or diabetes educator.

Comment on A Big Butt May Keep Diabetes at Bay

Anonymous — Mon, 12 May 2008 22:04:40 -0000

Great post. Finally, an advantage to having a large...er, derriere. Now *that's* research I can get behind.

Comment on Weighty Matters: Diabetes Drugs Can Pack on the Pounds

Anonymous — Mon, 12 May 2008 22:01:36 -0000

I hear you, akatrina. I've taken various SSRIs for depression, too, and every single one of them resulted in weight gain. It's so...well, depressing! But for me, the benefits of not being depressed outweigh the frustrations of not being as svelte as I'd like to be. On the requirement that commercials for drugs list side effects: I have to say I think this is a good thing. That way consumers can weigh the risks and benefits for themselves. Although I personally feel that ads for medications should be banned...but that's another story entirely.

Comment on Weighty Matters: Diabetes Drugs Can Pack on the Pounds

akatrina — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:39:59 -0000

hi, ive been on all kinds of depressin medicines, mostly all my life. and the most depressing thing about the game with medicine is, the weight gain. THATS THE MOST DEPRESSING THING ANY ONE WANTS TO HAVE ,WHILE THEY ARE DEPRESSED, IS WEIGHT GAIN. thats why more and more people are turing to the herbal industry for help, and soon the mean old drug industry will be out of business because , they are not manufacturing healthful medicine. i always liked the old medicine and i am still on the old medicine off and on . the herbs work so well that i hardly need meds any more.when you see all the adds for the new meds on tv you will think twice because they state all the side affects of the medicine ; who would want to get on a medication with all those side affects? gosh , america are we that insane?

Comment on Downward Dog May Keep Elderly Upright

Sarah Henry — Fri, 02 May 2008 18:16:09 -0000

Katie: Sound advice on the beginner front & great point regarding teaching people who have had strokes. I wonder if other folks out there have first-hand experience doing yoga with chronic conditions.

Comment on Downward Dog May Keep Elderly Upright

Katie — Fri, 02 May 2008 16:38:47 -0000

If you're a yoga beginner, don't try to learn on your own. Find a good instructor, and get the basics right - once you have some knowledge, you can use DVDs to supplement. Also, you don't need to be flexible to do yoga! My teacher recently taught a yoga class for stroke patients who can barely move fingers and toes. Here's a link to her web site if you're interested: http://www.yogasolution.com

Comment on The Link Between Diabetes and Alzheimer's

anonymous — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:33:15 -0000

All of this interconnectedness is fascinating to me -- and we have diabetes in the family. Thanks for sharing the research. I'll try to track it...

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