24 for 24 Campaign

It unimaginable that there are now 24 million people in the United States living with Diabetes.

"Who do you know that has it?", or should I say "How many people do you know that have it?"

Please join me in the fight to support diabetics worldwide in the 24 for 24 campaign to raise 24 million dollars to support the NGO's worldwide that are providing life saving research, support, and programs to enable diabetics to live a healthier, happier life.

Without Insulin, how many of you would not be alive today?

It is estimated that there are at least 5.7 million diabetics in the United States that have not yet been diagnosed - how can this be with all of the publicity about this epidemic?

By supporting the 24 for 24 campaign you can donate to the Diabetics Association in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom or the United States.

Help Find A Cure In Our LifeTime

Diabetes and Alcohol

From the Canadian Diabetics Association:

People using insulin or insulin secretagogues should be aware of delayed hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) that can occur up to 24 hours after drinking alcohol.
People with type 1 diabetes should be aware of the risk of morning hypoglycemia if alcohol is consumed 2 to 3 hours after the previous evening’s meal.
Alcohol should be limited to 1-2 drinks per day (less than 14 standard drinks/week for men and less than 9 standard drinks/week for women).
People with diabetes should discuss alcohol use with their diabetes healthcare team.

Risks for people with diabetes

Alcohol can:

• affect judgement
• provide extra calories that can make weight loss or weight management a challenge
• increase blood pressure
• contribute to sexual difficulties
• damage the brain and nerves
• increase your triglycerides
• contribute to inflammation of the pancreas
• dehydrate the body which is very dangerous in someone with high blood glucose
• increase the risk of various cancers over time
• increase the risk of personality change such as depression or aggression
• worsen eye disease
• damage your liver over time

BEFORE Drinking Alcohol

• Eat regular meals, take your medication(s), and check your blood glucose levels frequently(keep your blood glucose meter with you).
• Always have a treatment for low blood glucose with you (such as 3 glucose tablets or ¾ cup regular pop or 6 Life Savers®).
• Wherever you are, make sure someone with
• you knows your signs and symptoms of low blood glucose and how to treat it so they can help you.
• Be aware that glucagon, a treatment for low blood glucose, will not work while alcohol is in the body. Because of this, make sure that someone knows to call an ambulance if you pass out.
• Wear diabetes identification such as a MedicAlert® bracelet.

WHILE Drinking Alcohol

• Eat carbohydrate-rich foods when drinking alcohol. Some ideas are bread, cereal or crackers, or if you are out at a pub or restaurant, fries - or yam fries (a healthier alternative) or a sandwich or burger (bun = carbs). Make sure you dont eat too much though - you dont want to be too high.
• Eat extra carbohydrate-rich foods if you are dancing, playing sports or doing other physical activity.
• Always pour your own drinks. Use less alcohol and stretch your drinks with sugar-free mixes.
• Drink slowly. Make your second drink without alcohol.

AFTER Drinking Alcohol

• Tell a responsible person that you have been drinking. They should look for low blood glucose symptoms. (eg. )
• Check your blood glucose before going to bed. Eat a carbohydrate snack if your blood glucose is lower than usual.

Set an alarm or have a responsible person wake you up through the night and early morning –
a delayed low blood glucose can occur anytime up to 24 hours after drinking alcohol.
You need to get up on time the next day for any food, medication or insulin you normally take. Missed medication or insulin can lead to high blood glucose, ketones and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

For a list of drinks and their calorie and carbohydrate content click here

Diabetes and Water Consumption

I am the absolute worst for drinking enough water in a day.. in fact.. I live on Coffee and Diet Pepsi... I vow to change this after learning about why it is so important that I drink lots of water, even more important than for a non-diabetic.

Whether you are a type 1 or a type 2 diabetic, water helps you to convert sugar in the blood into urine so you can get rid of it. If you are dehydrated, it is harder on your kidneys, and other organs and can eventually cause more problems.

Nevermind that it is great for your skin, breath, hair, nails and other inner workings. Every single organ system in our bodies requires water to function properly. Water flushes out toxins and carries nutrients to our cells and tissues. Water keeps our mucous membranes moist. And, of course, water keeps us hydrated.

Have a glass... right now!

FYI - it is recommended that women have at least 11 8oz glasses of water a day, and men 15. I know I know.. more than the 8 glasses that used to be the norm!

Diabetes Educator Section (DES) Contest for New Logo

We are having a contest to redesign the current DES logo! Help us create a new “look” for Canadian Diabetes Educators.

Get your creative juices flowing!

http://www.diabetes.ca/get-involved/news/des-logo-contest/

Difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder where the pancreas is not producing insulin correctly or the body has ceased to react to the insulin properly. It can have damaging affects on the heart, kidneys, nerves, and vision. It is a condition that has risen from one million sufferers in 1958 to over eleven million in the year 2000.

Type 1 Diabetes
In type 1 diabetes, also called IDDM or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, the pancreas has stopped functioning right and is either not producing enough insulin for the body’s needs or isn’t producing insulin at all. This results in a high blood sugar reading as the body isn’t able to process the sugar.

This is usually seen in people who are 30 years old or younger and is considered juvenile diabetes. The course of treatment for type 1 diabetes is insulin injections to put enough insulin into the body to regulate the sugars in the body.

Type 2 Diabetes
In type 2 diabetes, also called NIDDM or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, the pancreas is still producing insulin but the body isn’t able to respond to it correctly, and this results in a blood sugar reading that is too high.

This is usually seen in people who are 40 years old or older and considered adult onset diabetes. The course of treatment for type 2 diabetes can be diet, exercise, some oral medications, or if need be, insulin injections. All of these can help regulate the blood sugar levels.