Category: Education

What’s Trending Now: The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new insulin delivery system for people with Type 1 diabetes.

The device, Medtronic’s MiniMed 670G hybrid closed loop system, is made up of an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor (CGM), both of which are already on the market separately. The new part involves the communication between the two devices.

Medtronic’s previous system already had a feature that would shut down the insulin pump if the wearer’s blood sugar dropped too low. But the 670G predicts when a person’s blood sugar is dropping and prevents the low in the first place, and also corrects high blood sugars.

This is the first such machine in the world with that level of automation, and thus it is informally being called the first “artificial pancreas” system.

However, it’s called a hybrid rather than a fully closed-loop system because users will still need to signal that they’re about to eat and estimate the carbohydrate count of the food so the device can calculate the additional amount of insulin needed.

For people with Type 1 diabetes, the new capabilities mean they can both sleep through the night without worrying about their blood sugars dropping too low and can go through their day without having to think about their diabetes all the time,

“You get almost normalized overnight blood glucose. For people with Type 1 diabetes, that’s massively important,” according to Aaron Kowalski, chief mission officer for the JDRF, the organization that funds much of the “artificial pancreas” research. “The diabetes isn’t gone, but [wearers] can think about it less …This is a historic milestone.”

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Late Nite hosted by Mr. Divabetic. We’re talking about kidney disease and diabetes on our 6th Anniversary Diabetes Late Nite podcast with musical inspiration from P.M. Dawn. Guests: Poet Lorraine Brooks, Mama Rose Marie, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Lynette Luckers from the Marion Luckers Kidney Foundation, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Janis Roszler, RD, CDE, FAND and Leon Petrossian.

 

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“AADE Educator of Year: 2015” Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDE, CDN returns for our latest diabetes mystery podcast, “Suspect Boulevard” scheduled for Tuesday, September 13, 2016, 6-7 PM, EST.

Susan Weiner is an award-winning Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator and published author. Her Masters Degree in Applied Physiology and Nutrition from Columbia University in New York has afforded her the opportunity to practice as a nutritionist and exercise physiologist.

We’re so fortunate to have Susan joining us again this year. I enjoy working with her so much because she’s so passionate about helping people learn about nutrition and diabetes self-care.

In addition to dozens of nutrition-related articles online and in magazines, Susan is the author of two popular diabetes resource books: “The Complete Diabetes Organizer: Your Guide to a Less Stressful and More Manageable Diabetes Life”(Spry Publishing, 2013) and “Diabetes: 365 Tips for Living Well ~ Expert Advice to Help You Thrive Each Day” (Demos Health, 2015).

Susan and Leslie’s ‘Complete Diabetes Organizer’ book inspired several key scenes in this year’s Diabetes Mystery podcast, “Suspect Boulevard.”

Is your lack of organization impacting your ability to effectively manage your diabetes?

Do you run out of supplies and forget endocrinologist appointments? Do you find snacks in your pantry that expired sometime before the insulin pump was invented? Do you struggle to keep track of health-care invoices and payments? Do you succeed at keeping an active health journal for a week or two and then neglect it for a year or two?

It sounds like you could use The Complete Diabetes Organizer!

Within the pages of this book, diabetes educator Susan Weiner and organizing guru Leslie Josel provide you with dependable strategies and ideas designed to help streamline your diabetes care and simplify your life. From her distinguished career and experience in the fields of diabetes and dietetics, Susan Weiner brings helpful tips and tricks that are guaranteed to ease daily mechanics, promote improved nutrition, and relieve stress caused by disorder and confusion.

Certified professional organizer and ADHD Specialist Leslie Josel applies her expertise to the topic of diabetes, with simple, surefire techniques that will allow you to disentangle yourself from the clutches of chronic disorganization.

The Complete Diabetes Organizer is your guidebook to maintaining your diabetes with less effort and more confidence, allowing you to focus on enjoying a healthier, stress-free life. BUY NOW

DON’T MISS: Suspect Boulevard on Tuesday, September 13, 2016, 6-7 PM, EST. Our third annual Diabetes Mystery Theater Podcast, ‘Suspect Boulevard’ revolves around dogs, dementia, diamonds and diabetes. This special mystery theater production is loosely based on Billy Wilder’s film, Sunset Boulevard. Guests include: Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, ‘We Are Diabetes’ organization founder, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDE, CDN, ‘Good Like This’ Author Peter Arpesella and Mama Rose Marie.

Throughout the podcast we will spotlight the wonderful music by the National Philaharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Charles Gerhardt courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic hopes to inspire you to become a Diabetes Detective will this third installment of Diabetes Mystery Theater podcast.

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Expert Dog Trainer and Author, Debby Kay provided invaluable insight into Diabetes Alert Dogs for this year’s diabetes mystery podcast, “Suspect Boulevard” scheduled for Tuesday, September 13, 2016, 6-7 PM, EST.

Diabetes Alert Dogs are trained to alert their owners in advance of low (hypoglycemia) or high (hyperglycemia) blood sugar events before they become dangerous. That way their handlers can take steps to return their blood sugar to normal such as using glucose sweets or taking insulin. A Diabetes Alert Dog is specifically trained to react to the chemical change produced by blood sugar highs and lows.

Debby Kay is the author of the ‘Super Sniffer Handbook’. This is the first book that offers a proven program to prepare your dog for the new national certification program.

Debby Kay has been a leading professional in the field of scent detection work since 1969. She is a pioneer in many new applications of the incredible power of the dog’s nose which led to the development of her internationally recognized Super Sniffer Program. Debby believes passionately in the dog’s ability to enrich the lives of people they live with and has worked with individuals, businesses, governments and institutions to educate and promote the positive power of the Super Sniffer® program.

Her work with the government has given her insights into the most effective ways animals and people learn, leading to her distinctive and highly praised presentations

DON’T MISS: Suspect Boulevard on Tuesday, September 13, 2016, 6-7 PM, EST. Our third annual Diabetes Mystery Theater Podcast, ‘Suspect Boulevard’ revolves around dogs, dementia, diamonds and diabetes. This special mystery theater production is loosely based on Billy Wilder’s film, Sunset Boulevard. Guests include: Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, ‘We Are Diabetes’ organization founder, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDE, CDN, ‘Good Like This’ Author Peter Arpesella and Mama Rose Marie.

Throughout the podcast we will spotlight the wonderful music by the National Philaharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Charles Gerhardt courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic hopes to inspire you to become a Diabetes Detective will this third installment of Diabetes Mystery Theater podcast.

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Join us at the Divabetic Club for a special presentation, “Be Sweet To Your Feet” on Thursday, September 15, 2016, 12 PM – 1 PM. Admission is free!

Daily foot care is important to combat poor circulation to the feet, years of wear and tear, shoes that don’t fit or are poorly designed and disease process. This workshop will focus on the essentials of quality foot care. Foot care screenings will be offered.

Speaker: Valentino Ciullo, DPM Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine, Jefferson Vascular Center.

Divabetic Club is a free diabetes outreach program presented at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. The Divabetic Club blends diabetes self-management education, group support with online empowerment tools in a way that enlightens participants and motivates them to improve their diabetes self-care.

Divabetic’s uniquely “Glam More, Fear Less” philosophy infuses beauty and fashion with diabetes outreach and online programming to help comfort, connect and empower our community.

Divabetic Club Philadelphia is presented by a team of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital healthcare professionals and diabetes educators who provide expert advice on food, fitness and self-care management to encourage early action and prevention of diabetes health-related complications. The program is hosted by Mr. Divabetic and features guest speakers, food demonstrations, interactive panel discussions and more.

Divabetic Club Philadelphia is sponsored Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, works collaboratively with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and is a signature program of Divabetic.

Thursday, September 15, 2016, 12 -1 PM

Jefferson Alumni Hall, Eakins Lounge

10th and Locust

Philadelphia, PA 19107

FREE ADMISSION

Register: 1-800-JEFF-NOW (1-800-533-3669)

Can’t make it? Tune in to Divabetic’s free monthly Diabetes Late Nite podcasts featuring music, diabetes advice, games and patient testimonials. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic. Available on demand for free on blogtalkradio, i-Tunes and divabetic.org. Join Divabetic’s growing Facebook Fan and Groups, Twitter, Tumblr and Pinterest pages for daily information and inspiration.

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On August’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast I interviewed Dr. Lori Shemk PhD, the author of the book, ‘How To Fight FATflammation’ about a recent study reporting that repeated episodes of impulsive aggression and temper tantrums, as seen in road rage, domestic abuse and throwing or breaking objects and inflammation might be linked.

How the link may work remains unclear, the researchers said.

“We don’t know yet if the inflammation triggers aggression, or aggressive feelings set off inflammation, but it’s a powerful indication that the two are biologically connected, and a damaging combination,” said study researcher Dr. Emil Coccaro, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Chicago.

“The findings don’t mean that taking anti-inflammatory medication such as aspirin would calm an angry person,” Coccaro told LiveScience. But it does open a new direction for future studies, which could focus on whether reducing inflammation could eventually reduce aggression. [10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Brain]

People with IED (Intermittent Explosive Disorder) overreact to stressful situations with uncontrollable anger and rage. The condition affects people’s professional and social lives, and may put them at higher risks for other mental problems, such as depression, anxiety and alcohol or drug abuse, the researchers said. People with IED also face increased risk for medical problems, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes, they said.

“Treatment for IED includes mood stabilizers and psychotherapy, but they are not always successful for all patients,” Coccaro said.

Are you consistently overweight, no matter what you do? Have you tried everything? Are you plagued by stubborn fat hanging around your hips, thighs, and belly? Well, there’s a reason for that. All those frustratingly pointless diets and exercise regimes have failed to address the root cause of weight gain.

According to Dr. Lori Shemek, a successful diet isn’t centered on calories or cardio. She says, “Cutting calories doesn’t cut it.” Our problems with fat are created because we eat foods that cause the body’s natural fat cells to become inflamed. Sadly, the staples of the Standard American Diet—from pasta and bread to factory-farmed chicken and cattle, from sugar and artificial sweeteners to salad dressing and soft drinks—irritate our fat cells, causing chronic inflammation and chronically oversized fat cells. This irritation causes the body to store fat permanently, no matter how hard you exercise or how diligently you cut back on calories.

“How to Fight FATflammation” by Dr. Lori Shemek is a three-week program that helps reboot your body chemistry by returning your body’s fat cells back to their natural, healthy state. In the process, she explains the critical importance of maintaining balance between good fats (omega-3) and bad fats (omega-6) and how a proper ratio of both will help boost your metabolism; in short, your body will burn fat simply by your eating the right kinds of fat. She also helps you eliminate from your diet the dreaded FATflammation Four—sugar, refined grains, high-fructose corn syrup, and artificial sweeteners. Here’s your chance to shrink your fat cells and get the body you always wanted.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Late Nite ‘ The Angry Show’ podcast hosted by Mr. Divabetic. Podcast guests include Author of “Overcoming Destructive Anger” Dr. Bernard Golden PhD, Dr. Lori Shemek PhD, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDE, CDN, Laura Laria MA, CASAC-T, Jill Knapp- Woolsey, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Mama Rose Marie, and the Charlie’s Angels Outreach.

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The multiple challenges that a woman with type 1 diabetes faces when she becomes pregnant could cause feelings of angry, frustrated or stressed. How do you deal with these emotions?

Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN discusses this topic on August’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast aptly titled ‘The Angry Show’ on Tuesday, August 9, 2016, 6 -7:30 PM, EST.

Need some advice now?

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Join us for Divabetic’s “Family Affair” free diabetes outreach scheduled for Saturday, may 14, 11 AM – 3 PM at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

We will be presenting our first-ever, “Va Va Va Vision!” Eyewear fashion show hosted by Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller to raise awareness for diabetes eye disease.

Diabetic eye disease comprises a group of eye conditions that affect people with diabetes. These conditions include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema (DME), cataract, and glaucoma. All forms of diabetic eye disease have the potential to cause severe vision lossand blindness

Most of us take our vision for granted. Seeing is one of the easiest things to do in the world- you just have to open your eyes. Apart from that, so much of our lives are based on visual stimulation. From work to fashion and entertainment, our eyes form a large part of our everyday ‘divabetic’ lives. Unfortunately, most of us don’t think about actual eye care until something goes wrong.

Regular eye exams can tell you a lot about your general state of health. For example, diabetes is very often diagnosed via an eye exam. Other diseases like glaucoma can be quickly detected and treated by going for regular eye tests.

There are a number of ways to maintain good eye care and health while you work. First of all, regular eye exams are a must and it’s important to tell your doctor how much computer work you do each day. When using your computer, make sure that you stop for breaks at regular intervals. It’s a good idea to just get up and walk to a window and just have a look outside. Allowing the eyes to look away from the screen, particularly at something soothing can be very resting for the eyes.

Family Affair on Saturday, May 14, 11 AM – 3 PM

Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

Bluemle Life Sciences Building

233 S. 10th St. Philadelphia , PA 19107

Free Admission Register Now: 1-800-JEFF-NOW
The free diabetes outreach program is hosted by the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic. The program is supported by the American Diabetes Association (Philadelphia, PA Chapter), Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Divabetic.

LISTEN NOW: Our popular Diabetes Late Nite podcast hosted by Mr. Divabetic with musical inspiration from Etta James

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The signs and symptoms of Heart Failure are not always easy to detect. But with awareness of family history (genetics), personal behavior (diet, exercise regime, drug abuse, alcohol and sodium intake), and health related problems (diabetes, infection, anemia, and thyroid problems), a person may determine whether or not they may be at a high risk for Heart Failure.

Divabetic Club – Philadelphia will GO RED! on Thursday, February 18, 2016 to raise awareness heart disease in the diabetes community.

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) have identified the Stages of Heart Failure. The stages are more recent and they complement the NHYA classification (See-Classifications of Heart Failure). The four stages are set up as follows: Stage A, Stage B, Stage C, and Stage D.

If you have a history of the aforementioned problems, or if you have a diet high in fat, abuse alcohol or drugs, or smoke, you may be a high risk candidate for Stage A Heart Failure.

Stage B Heart Failure candidates have probably never experienced symptoms of HF, but have been diagnosed with the disease. There is clear evidence of Heart Failure during diagnosis but no clear symptoms. At this point a physician may prescribe medication such as ACE Inhibitors or Beta Blockers (See-Glossary) There will be close monitoring of blood pressure (hypertension OR hypotension-See Glossary).

In Stage C, cardiac dysfunction is present, as are symptoms. Tiredness while performing simple activities like walking or bending over, are common symptoms. Shortness of breath and overall fatigue are present. In Stage C strict attention should be paid to exercise (consult your physician), eating properly (with low sodium intake) and little to no alcohol consumption.

Patients in Stage D of Heart Failure show signs and symptoms of HF even though they have undergone treatment and therapy. Monitoring of diet, exercise, and blood pressure is still adhered to during Stage D. Patients will probably be prescribed medications, depending on the person and the extent of Heart Failure. This stage is associated with surgical options (depending on severity) including, but not limited to:

1. Placement of a conventional Pacemaker;
2. Placement of a ventricular device such as a BiV (See-Biventricular Pacemakers May Help Heart Beat More Effectively in Advanced Heart Failure Patients)
3. LVR (See- Left Ventricular Reconstruction Surgery a Viable Possibility for Certain Advanced Heart Failure Patients); or
4. A heart transplant

As with all health concerns a person should consult their physician before making a self-diagnosis or practicing self-treatment.

DON’T MISS: Our special tribute to Natalie Cole on Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music by Adele on Tuesday, January 12, 2016, 6-7 PM, EST.