Education for Diabetes

A video that captures life of a child with Type 1 Diabetes

Bearskin Meadow Camp supports youth with type 1 diabetes. A group of these campers and counselors climbed Mt Whitney, the highest mountain in the lower 48 states. This program is designed for teens ages 15 17 who want to be physically, emotionally, and mentally challenged like never before. Every other summer a group of dedicated Diabetic Youth Foundation teens and staff with diabetes journeys across the Western Sierra and climb up 14446 feet to the peak of Mt. Whitney. Bearskin Meadow Camp, BMC, is one of the oldest and largest wilderness resident camps for children, teens and families affected by diabetes. The camp is located in the Sequoia National Forest. Also see: www.dyf.org www.dyf.org

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes three years ago. Doctors believe that instead of fighting a virus, my body turned on itself. The insulin producing cells of my pancreas were destroyed. Now I get my insulin through a pump that has a device like a catheter inserted under my skin. This needs to be changed every couple of days. In addition I must check my blood sugar with a finger stick many times a day. I take insulin to correct high numbers and cover carbohydrates that I eat. I can eat the same food as a non-diabetic. Unexplained lows and highs are the hardest to deal with. It is difficult to concentrate and my grades in school are sometimes effected. This is my story and that of many other children battling this diesease every day.

From Maryland – In a recent study, 499 Native Americans with type 2 diabetes were randomized to drug treatment aimed at achieving standard LDL targets of 100 mg/dL and systolic blood pressure of 130 mm Hg or to a more aggressive LDL target of 70 mg/dL and a SBP of 115 mm Hg. The more aggressive targets were associated with a reversal of atherosclerosis in the carotid artery and reduction in heart size. From Atlanta – With the widespread use of a second dose of mumps vaccine among school children, the incidence of mumps has fallen dramatically. However, in 2006 over 6000 cases were reported in the US. With most likely having received 2 doses of the mumps vaccine, the outbreak may have been related to waning immunity or less effectiveness against the G genotype of the virus. And finally, back to Maryland – According to the FDA, the number of estimated fatalities linked to tainted heparin may now be as high as 103 in the last 15 months. The deaths may be linked to allergic reactions and low blood pressure in response to contaminated heparin – a product used to lower the risk of blood clots. The contaminated batch is believed to have come from China and may have contained chondroitin sulfate – a compound seen in pig cartilage. For Insidermedicine in 60, I’m Dr. Susan Sharma.

Please support me as I participate in this year’s JDRF Walk To Cure Diabetes. It is my 20th anniversary of having type 1 diabetes and my goal is to raise $2020 in honour of that.

Here’s Blake’s story about living with Type 1 Diabetes

From Washington – According to a report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, surgical errors may cost employers $1.5 billion each year. In a study of over 161000 patients insured by employer-based health plans, researchers found that 1 in 10 patients who died within 3 months of surgery died from a preventable error, and one-third of these deaths occurred after the patient was discharged. From Toronto – According to a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, women with pregnancy-related diabetes are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. In a study of over 21000 women with gestational diabetes, researchers found that nearly 20% went on to develop Type 2 diabetes within nine years of giving birth. The researchers suggest that women with gestational diabetes may benefit from preventative interventions and regular screening. And finally, from Pittsburgh – According to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, overweight and obese women must do more than limit calorie intake to maintain weight loss. In a study of over 200 overweight and obese women, researchers concluded that, in order to sustain a 10% weight loss over 2 years, the women needed to exercise 55 minutes per day, five days a week. At present, 1 in 4 Americans report getting little to no regular exercise. For Insidermedicine in 60, I’m Dr. Susan Sharma.

Madeline tells about how her life changed after being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 2.

How to be a part of a cure for Juvenile Type 1 Diabetes.

This is a video about my 2 year old son Aidan who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in March of this year. A glimpse of what he goes through….