Diabetes is commonly misunderstood as a debilitating condition that may prohibit us from being able to work, exercise, travel, or live full, productive lives. This kind of misinformation is often the source of wrongful discrimination.
For Vince Zambrana, being a …
Current Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) regulations prohibit all individuals with insulin dependent diabetes from obtaining a commercial drivers license. In a recent reversal of this policy, the FHWA has decided to begin a trial period for waiving the restriction based …
This is the final installment of Dr. Ginsberg’s three-part series called “Intensive Insulin Therapy,” which was written in response to the DCCT results. Part one defined intensive therapy and gave an overview of the theories and techniques involved. The second …
Does living with diabetes cause an increased prevalence of depression? Recent studies on the prevalence of depression in adults and adolescents with diabetes suggest that this may be the case. In a study published in Diabetes Care (December, 1993), the …
In a study conducted at the Northeastern Ohio University Medical College, the effect of aspartame (Nutrasweet) on patients with a history of depression was measured.
The study examined the difference in response between subjects who received 30 mg of aspartame …
The American Diabetes Association has suggested a series of medical prerequisites for all commercial vehicle waiver applicants. The prerequisites are intended to ensure that people with diabetes who are issued waivers “will not be contrary to public interest and will …
The Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), a US federal agency, has established new Medicare reimbursement rates for home blood glucose testing strips. The new rates represent a huge drop from what Medicare has been paying, and could trigger a dramatic …
Biocontrol Technology Inc. of Pennsylvania will give away its first non-invasive blood glucose sensor to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDF) for a charity auction. The sensor will be awarded to the highest bidder, with all proceeds going to the JDF. …
High blood sugar is known to cause a variety of eye and vision complications, including sugar cataracts, blurred vision, and retinopathy (the breakdown and/or leakage of small capillaries in the eye which can cause a decrease in or total loss …
Based on the population registry for Alleghany County, Pennsylvania, a retrospective chart review was used to determine the number of cases of insulin dependent diabetes (IDDM) diagnosed in patients under 20 years of age between 1965 and 1989. The study …
My life in the diabetes community started at a young age as the secret keeper of my maternal and paternal Grandmothers. They both had type 2 diabetes and my days spent alone with them exposed me to their misunderstanding of how their diabetes really affected them. Eating candy bars, hiding the candy wrappers and smoking cigarettes seemed innocent enough to them. A decade later I married a type 1 person living with diabetes and experienced the full court of the diabetes spectrum with my type 2 family members and type 1 husband of almost 20 years.
My grandmothers, the type 2 have struggled with their diabetes as long as I could remember. Later my mother followed in her mother’s footsteps. Sadly, my brother followed in my mother’s footsteps and experienced an early passing at the age of 53. My brother Jamal’s passing had the greatest impact on me. Probably because were the Irish twins; eleven months apart and his departure devastated me.
As I tell most people, diabetes is not a glamorous profession. Most people that work in the industry have a personal connection. This is why I am still here publishing after 26 years.
On the flip side of the coin, helping and inspiring people is my mission. I understand the daily challenges you face regardless of your education, IQ and economic circumstance. I am not a healthcare professional. Simply a lay person who has lived with a Type 1 and Type 2 family member who struggled with their disease. My former Type 1 husband was a role model in how to manage your diabetes, while my intelligent family members were role models on how an invisible disease can be misunderstood, devastating the quality of their life while leaving heart broken family members behind.
The perils of my experience have taught me to never judge anyone. As knowledgeable as I am, I also realize that I have no idea of the strings that pull at each person heart.
What I love about the diabetes community?
Once I meet someone and we share that we have a common experience; their diabetes and my life long experience as a care taker, we tend to have an instant bond. Think about it. How many people do you meet who you feel really get you right after your introduction? The conversations that follow tend to be very personal. Not a common experience with all strangers.
I started this column because where ever I go, people tend to ask me a lot of diabetes questions.
My answers are my opinions and it is not to be replaced by your healthcare professional’s opinion. The answers to your question in most cases will include research and other links to give you a borader perspective on your question.
If you have a question for me, you can reach me at asknadia@diabeteshealth.com
Enjoy the columns and I look forward to reading and answering your question about diabetes.
