Population Growth
New statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control show that diabetes has risen by over 14 percent in the last two years. The CDC estimates that 20.8 million Americans — 7 percent of the U.S. population — have diabetes, up from 18.2 million in 2003.
Related: Type 2 Diabetes Prevention
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Just The Facts
McDonald's gets plenty of bad press for their gigantic portions, saturated fat laden fries, and child-focused junk food marketing -- so we thought it only fair to give credit where credit is due. Mickey D's does deserve kudos for their announcement that starting in 2006, they will be offering nutritional information for each of their menu items on the food packaging itself.
Food wrappers will include calorie, fat, carbohydrate, protein, and sodium information - both in total grams and as a percentage of the USDA recommended daily value for each nutrient. Like many other fast food establishments, McDonald's already offers this information on their corporate website and in printed form by request at their restaurants. The move to put it right on the food is unprecedented in the fast-food industry, however, and will be a useful tool for people with diabetes to figure that burger into their meal plan. Still, this doesn't let the company off the hook for its much maligned menu offerings. As one consumer watchdog group put it, what we really need is for McDonalds to put this information right on the menu so people can view it before ordering.
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Your Picture Here
dLifeTV is looking for people around the world who depend on insulin. We are in the process of creating a new show that will focus on the History of Insulin, and we’d love to feature you along with other insulin users in a montage to end this very special show.
To submit, please send a digital photograph of just the person with diabetes (no family photos please), 300 dpi or higher to: photosearch@dlife.com. In the body of the email, please include your first name, and how long you’ve been taking insulin. By submitting your photo, you are allowing dLifeTV to use your photograph in an upcoming episode.
Due to the large volume of submissions, please send the requested information only. These photos are not part of, nor will be included with the dLife Wall section of dLife.com. Submissions must be received by November 7, 2005. Thanks in advance for your submissions, and being part of dLife!
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Travel and Diabetes on dLifeTV
Tonight on dLifeTV: Tips for safe and fun travel with diabetes educator Joy Pape; on the field with baseball legend Ron Santo; and a look at the dLife of twin teens who share type 1 diabetes. Tune in to CNBC tonight at 7:00PM ET, 6:00PM CT, 4:00PM PT.
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Diabetes: A Family Affair
Do you make diabetes a family affair? The always-insightful Amy Tenderich offers tips to help you help loved ones understand your needs in Straight Up With Amy.
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The Glycemic Index
The glycemic index ranks foods on how they affect blood sugar levels. This index measures how much your blood sugar increases after you eat. David Mendosa has the low-down on what the GI means to you.
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Must See Diabetes TV
This Sunday night on dLifeTV, cardiologist Dr. Sheldon Gottleib discusses how to minimize your risk factors for diabetes-related heart disease; Parade magazine editor Fran Carpentier talks frankly about juggling career and family with type 1 diabetes; and your dLife hosts offer tips for eating out without losing control. Tune in to CNBC Sunday night at 7:00PM ET, 6:00PM CT, and 4:00PM PT.
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Be On dLifeTV
dLife needs your help. Do you have a powerful, inspiring experience you want share about your diabetes life? We're looking for real stories from real people to add to the dLife Wall!
Specific topics we'd like to hear about for upcoming shows include:
If you have a story relating to one of these topics or other personal insights about your diabetes diagnosis and how you manage your diabetes lifestyle, your story could appear on a future episode of dLifeTV! To submit, visit the dLife Wall and submit your story today.* If your story is chosen for dLifeTV please be aware that our producers will contact you to obtain further information as well as photos and footage.
*NOTE: In order to use your story, your email address in your dLife member profile must be up to date.
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Flu Shot Season
A gentle reminder from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control that it's time to get your flu shot. And we quote...
"To ensure that those who are at highest risk of complications from influenza have access to vaccine this season, CDC recommends that people in certain priority groups receive inactivated influenza vaccine (i.e., the “flu shot”) until October 24, 2005:
Starting October 24th, people that don't fall into these high risk categories are eligible to get the vaccine, so beat the rush and schedule your shot today.
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Little PumpKids and Diabetes
Our good friends at Divabetic are spreading the word about a Halloween-themed diabetes awareness program called Little PumpKids. According to Divabetic founder Max Szadek:
"'Little PumpKids' is our newest diabetes fundraising program to educate people about diabetes and/or provide SUGAR SAVVY tips on treat-giving when people seem to need it most! Ironically, Halloween's actually the 'kick-off' for Diabetes Awareness Month in November so it does make a lot of sense from several different standpoints...We're specifically trying to raise money for The Charles Ray III Diabetes Association to fund glucose testing supplies for children living with diabetes affected by the hurricane."
DON'T LET DIABETES GROW IN THE DARK THIS HALLOWEEN
While the treats will be ‘good and plenty' this Halloween, the necessary care and caution that’s needed for millions of children who are living with diabetes won’t be. One of the 'scariest' facts recently reported about diabetes is how quickly the percentage of newly diagnosed children with type 2 diabetes has climbed from less than 5% before 1994 to between 30 and 50% in subsequent years according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As demand rises for diabetes screenings, supplies, services and support it is increasingly difficult for today’s current health care systems to keep up and help provide resources. The awareness and participation of organizations like yours has now become essential to helping maintain the welfare of our children.
DIVABETIC/DCNJ is dedicated to motivating, encouraging and supporting all people living with or affected by diabetes as well as providing additional funding for several other diabetes related charities. Halloween, ironically has become the ‘unofficial kickoff’ for National Diabetes Awareness Month in November, so the real "trick" to lowering the health risks for a child living with diabetes is by creating educational/fundraising opportunities that he or she will benefit from all year long. DIVABETIC/DCNJ’S goal is to "unmask" the common misconceptions about the disease for parents, children and the public at large, and get corporate support to ensure easy access to healthier choices for all.
Don't let a child get 'spooked' by this silent killer help keep them safe. Support middle school screening programs, glucose testing supplies and additional ‘pump therapy’ counseling by joining DIVABETIC/DCNJ’s Little PumpKids: ‘Growing Up With Diabetes’ Awareness Campaign.
Here's how your organization can participate this Halloween season:
Raise Money for Little PumpKids by:
Share Knowledge with Little PumpKids by:
DIVABETIC/DCNJ’s Little PumpKids: Campaign specifically benefits:
Please make checks payable to: ‘the Muhlenberg Foundation’ and send your organization's tax deductible contributions to:
DIVABETIC/DCNJ
c/o Muhlenberg Foundation
Park Avenue & Randolph Road
Plainfied, NJ 07061
Your generous gift will help us take the first step towards making Halloween sweeter for a child growing up with diabetes!
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Religious Holidays and Diabetes
October is a month of many religious holidays, from the start of Ramadan to the Jewish holy days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The fasting and foodstuffs involved with some religious observances can pose challenges for people with diabetes. Fortunately there are some good resources online to help guide you:
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Hairdressers for Health
After relocating, a friend of mine once related that finding a good hair stylist is tougher than finding a new doctor. Many women (and men) are unusually loyal to their barbers and hair stylists - which may explain this news item in The News-Sentinel about salon visits that have lead to an earlier diagnosis of diabetes and other chronic diseases.
Changes in the hair and skin and head and neck lesions are two of the most common health changes that hair stylists notice and bring to their client's attention. The University of Alabama in Birmingham’s School of Medicine has decided to capitalize on the stylist-client relationship with a new early intervention program entitled Shop Talk, that uses hair salons to disseminate health information by educating beauticians about health issues and arming them with informational pamphlets.
Also in on the trend is the Association of Black Cardiologists (AABC) and their REACH for Wellness initiative. The program trains barbers to take blood pressures outside of the doctor's office setting.
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