Tag: insulin

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Can Brains Be Insulin Resistant?

“The higher the blood sugar, the high the brain sugar,” says Psychiatrist Georgia Ede MD. “If your blood sugar is going too high too often so is your brain sugar. But remember that your insulin will plateau at a certain point.”

A recent study out of BYU has linked lifestyle choice to Alzheimer’s disease. “Growing evidence that the brains in humans with Alzheimer’s disease are deficient in the use of glucose,” tweeted one of our friends, and colleagues, Dr. Lori Shemek PhD.

As the brain becomes more insulin resistant, it can’t take in glucose anymore. Brain insulin resistance is a common and early feature of Alzheimer’s disease, closely tied to cognitive decline and capable of promoting many biological abnormalities in the disorder.

“While swimming in a sea of glucose, your brain can literally starve to death,” says Psychiatrist Georgia Ede MD.

While not affecting neuronal glucose uptake, brain insulin resistance in AD is similar to muscle insulin resistance in Type 2 diabetes (T2D). In both circumstances, insulin is much less able to activate a specific signaling pathway than is normally the case.

 

 

Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests include Asha Brown, Maximize Your Metabolism Co-Authors Dr. Noel Maclaren and Sunita Singh Maclaren, Trisha Artman, Dana B. Roseman, MPH, CDCES, RDN, Know Diabetes By Heart’s Karen Dawson and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE.

In 1985, Barbra Streisand returned to her roots with the release of her twenty-fourth album, The Broadway Album. Having decided that Broadway musicals were no longer in the same league as some of the more commercial music dominating the charts in the early ‘70s, Streisand ended up taking an unforeseen fifteen-year break from Broadway and show tunes. This return to her “roots” was a shock to many, worrisome for some, but ultimately a massive success, both critically and commercially.

It’s almost time to raise the curtains again in New York City, says Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Broadway needs to come back, and we will move heaven and earth to bring Broadway back,” he said. New York City’s theaters have been shut down for more than a year, since Mar. 12, 2020.

Throughout the podcast, we will be featuring music from Barbra Streisand’s The Broadway Album courtesy of SONY Music.

Tune in over 140 Diva TalkRadio podcasts available for free on i-tunes (‘Divabetic’). Get the latest in diva news, diabetes headlines and inspiration by joining our Divabetic facebook page.

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High Insulin Costs Are Killing Americans

After losing his job and insurance, Jeremy Crawford, 39, struggled to afford the insulin he needed to survive. He tried using Walmart insulin (retailing for $25), but it didn’t work well. 

Some politicians like to point to Walmart-price insulins and say that there are low-cost alternatives. However, Walmart insulins just don’t perform nearly as well as the more expensive insulins. Insulins are not interchangeable as some industry leaders would like us to believe. Switching insulins can negatively affect the health of people with diabetes, making blood sugar mangement more irregular and raising A1C scores.

As Jeremey got sicker, he resisted calling 911 to get the help he needed because he could not afford it. He died from diabetic ketoacidosis.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening problem that affects people with diabetes. It occurs when the body starts breaking down fat at a rate that is much too fast. The liver processes the fat into a fuel called ketones, which causes the blood to become acidic.

We are shedding light on the tragic consequences of rationing insulin and DKA on Divabetic’s upcoming mystery podcast, A Christmas Peril, debuting in September 2021. Our most popular podcast’s cozy mystery format allows us to reach a broader audience to raise awareness for these critical issues.

No one with diabetes should die because they can’t afford their insulin. 

The Right Care Alliance (RCA) is a grassroots coalition of clinicians, patients, and community members organizing to make health care institutions accountable to communities and put patients, not profits, at the heart of health care.

LEARN MORE – GET INVOLVED 

 

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Reflections of a Unicorn with Type 1 Diabetes by Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDCES Clinical Psychologist and Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist, Part 2

 The Beginning of My Journey with Diabetes

It was a Monday morning in March 1975 when my GP (then known as General Practitioner, now referred to as Primary Care Physician) had me take a 5-hour oral glucose tolerance test in his office. On Friday, March 14, 1975, I returned to his office for the results of the test. He diagnosed me with “juvenile diabetes” (now referred to as type 1 diabetes). He gave me my first injection of insulin. There were no practice shots for me to learn how to inject myself. There were no diabetes educators or support groups for me to ask for guidance. He recommended a physician who was a specialist in diabetes for me to see for my care. That specialist (a diabetologist) was a wonderful man who helped to empower me to manage my diabetes. His name was Dr. Henry Dolger, a “Founding Father” of JDF (now referred to as JDRF, formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). His office staff welcomed me at my first visit  and after reviewing the results from my glucose tolerance test asked me how my stay in the hospital was? I was alarmed, because I was never admitted to any hospital.  To this day I don’t know how high my blood sugar reading was, but it must have been significant.

“I was told at the time of my diagnosis that I would be blind after ten years of living with diabetes.”

Diabetes management in those days was one shot of insulin a day. There were no meters to measure blood sugar, only urine tests to measure sugar “spilled” into your urine. It was an imprecise tool as it measured the sugar which had collected in your bladder. As time went on, my regimen changed to two shots per day. I was told at the time of my diagnosis that I would be blind after ten years of living with diabetes. At 20 years old that was daunting news to hear. I decided to continue studying my college major of psychology, accepting that I could still practice psychology in the future even if I were blind as long as I was able to hear my patients. Thankfully, I was not blind after 10 years, or 20 years, or 30 years or 40+ years! In fact, I have never experienced any diabetic eye complications.

Read Part 1

Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDCES has published two books which include insightful lessons of empowerment written by successful men and women with diabetes. Available for purchase.

 

MY SWEET LIFE: Successful Women with Diabetes by Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDCES and Friends is a collection of life stories – each chapter written by a highly respected successful woman with diabetes. This group of diverse women share their stories how they find balance between managing their careers and/or family AND managing their diabetes.

The book is compiled by Dr. Beverly S. Adler who is also one of those women. “Dr. Bev” as she is better known, is a clinical psychologist and Certified Diabetes Educator in private practice, specializing treating patients with diabetes and also has had type 1 diabetes for 37 years. All those years ago when she was diagnosed, there were no role models with diabetes for her. This book is geared for women with diabetes who need role models who can inspire them. The book is written for the newly diagnosed woman with diabetes who is overwhelmed with her diagnosis. Or, for the woman who has had diabetes for a while, but can also benefit from uplifting, inspirational stories to encourage and motivate self-care (especially if they already are trying to cope with some complications).

Dr. Bev is joined by 23 contributing authors who are all women of exceptional accomplishments! Each story is unique and heartwarming, as these very special women share their triumph over diabetes. The reader can learn how the women’s experiences with diabetes helped to shape them into who they are today. The theme running through the book is that “diabetes is a blessing in disguise.”

 

Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDCES on November’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with musical inspiration from one our all-time favorite divas, Whitney Houston.

Enjoy an exclusive listen of “Whitney Houston – I Wish You Love: More From ‘The Bodyguard’”  courtesy of SONY Music. This 25th anniversary of “The Bodyguard” soundtrack album features the hit song, “I’m Every Woman” echoing the recent statistics that 1 in 10 women are now living with diabetes.

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What Is Insulin Sensitivity?

Insulin sensitivity refers to how responsive your cells are to insulin. You are insulin sensitive if a small amount of insulin needs to be secreted to deposit a certain amount of glucose, and insulin resistant if a lot of insulin needs to be secreted to deposit the same amount of glucose.
Basically, being insulin sensitive means that your body is properly utilizing food and converting the correct amount of glucose for energy.
Experts state that improving insulin sensitivity can help you reduce insulin resistance and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

What Is Insulin Resistance?

When the body’s cells are insulin resistant, they are unable to use insulin efficiently. This in turn results in elevated blood sugar

We’re talking about diabetes weight loss medications and blood pressure monitors for home use, and sharing one woman’s journey to manage her type 2 diabetes after the loss of her husband on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from Jessye Norman.

Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Mandy Reece PharmD CDCES, BC-ADM, BCACP, FADCES, and Know Diabetes By Heart Ambassador, Sarah Bryant.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Jessye Norman’s Roots: My Life, My Song (Live at The Philharmonie Berlin) album courtesy of SONY Music.

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Medtronic Launches Discount Program

Medtronic has launched a CGM Access Discount program, which allows users without insurance coverage, or those who switched insurance or lost coverage, to access a discounted out-of-pocket cost for a Medtronic CGM. The discount enables eligible patients to pay $180 for a Medtronic CGM (with a 12-month warranty) and $60/month for sensors. For more information on the program, click here. This program will help people while the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reviews proposed new changes that, if finalized, would expand Medicare coverage for CGMs.

Earlier this year, Medtronic expanded its Medtronic Assurance program for U.S. customers who lose their jobs and health insurance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Current eligible customers can receive a three-month supply of sensors, infusion sets and reservoirs at no cost.

Medtronic’s InPen integration with real-time Guardian™ Connect CGM system (continuous glucose monitoring) data helps people get to the right dose at the right time, by having all the data they need in one convenient place. Insulin insights and CGM data now appear together, so you can view doses, active insulin, and current glucose in one view without switching apps.

What is an InPen?

InPen is an insulin pen system designed for individuals using insulin injections and want the benefits of smart diabetes tech. The InPen app gets information from the InPen to keep track of diabetes data and help with insulin management decisions.

 

It automatically records insulin doses, tracks active insulin, and recommends mealtime and correction doses based on a bolus calculator. These features are especially impactful when it comes to determining how much insulin to give.

 

What is the Guardian™ Connect CGM system?

The Guardian™ Connect CGM system monitors glucose levels day and night, sending precise readings automatically to the app. The sensor continuously converts tiny amounts of glucose  into an electronic signal. Your system then uses these signals to provide sensor glucose values. The system includes a small sensor that can be worn up to seven days and a slim, discreet Bluetooth transmitter that can be worn in almost any situation.

It’s important to note that you will need to have both the InPen and Guardian Connect apps on your smartphone to enable real-time data sharing. InPen will be used to manage insulin and dosing, while the Guardian Connect app will manage your glucose and alerts. You will need to enter a blood glucose reading to calibrate in the Guardian Connect app and to use the bolus calculator in the InPen app. Since the data sharing is made possible by CareLink Personal software, you’ll also need to have an internet connection to see data in real time. Our goal is to continue building upon this technology and ease the burden of the daily decisions of managing diabetes.

The InPen and Guardian Connect CGM apps work on both iOS and Android devices. Click here to see if your device is supported.

 

Enjoy this edition of Diabetes Late Nite podcast with Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Dan Houdeshell, Pendulum Glucose Control‘s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Orville Kolterman and Diabetes Meal Planning Made Easy, Author Hope Warshaw, MMSc, RD, CDE, Mama Rose Marie and music from Harry For The Holidays album courtesy of SONY Music.

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Tune In to December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring Holiday Music from Harry Connick, Jr.

We’re talking about ’Eating Right, Being Bright’ during the holidays with musical inspiration from Harry Connick, Jr. and his 16 piece big band on December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast scheduled for Tuesday, December 8, 2020, 6 – 7:30 PM, EST.

Harry Connick, Jr. is among today’s most successful and multi-talented artists, who has garnered acclaim in both  music and acting. His won both Grammy and Emmy awards as well as received Tony nominations.

Harry Connick, Jr.’s wife, Jill Connick is a breast cancer survivor.  The couple credit timely screening and early detection for her good health and well-being. Together they have teamed up to encourage people 50 years and older to talk with healthcare providers about colon cancer screening, including the modern, noninvasive options.

Podcast guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Lorraine Brooks, Dan Houdeshel, Stacey Harris aka ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’ and Pendulum Glucose Control‘s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Orville Kolterman and Diabetes Meal Planning Made Easy Author Hope Warshaw, MMSc, RD, CDE.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Harry For The Holidays album courtesy of SONY Music. Harry Connick, Jr.’s second Christmas album, Harry for The Holidays is as much a salute to his New Orleans musical roots as it is to the season.

TUNE IN 

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Baking Party with special guest, Stacey Harris aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef on Thursday, December 10, 2020, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.

REGISTER NOW

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Medtronic to Acquire Smart Insulin Pen Company Companion Medical

Medtronic announced that it will acquire Companion Medical, the manufacturer of InPen, a smart insulin pen system paired with an integrated diabetes management app.

The InPen is the only FDA-cleared, smart insulin pen system that combines the freedom of a reusable Bluetooth® pen with the intelligence of an intuitive mobile app that helps users administer the right insulin dose, at the right time.

 

“I’ve been an insulin pen user for a couple of decades and this is the first real advance in insulin pen technology.” – Matt, InPen user since 2019

Dose with the smart pen and rely on the app to track your data, get personalized recommendations, and keep an eye on your active insulin throughout the day. Now available for all ages*, InPen intelligence can give caregivers the confidence that they’re giving the right dose at the right time.

“This acquisition is an ideal strategic fit for Medtronic as we further simplify diabetes management and improve outcomes by optimizing dosing decisions for the large number of people using multiple daily injection (MDI). We look forward to building upon the success of the InPen by combining it with our intelligent algorithms to deliver proactive dosing advice personalized to each individual. This smart CGM system can help people think less about diabetes and be able to live life with more freedom, on their own terms,” said Sean Salmon, executive vice president and president of the Diabetes Group at Medtronic. ”Our goal is to become a trusted partner that offers consistent support whether an individual wants to stay on MDI, transition to automated insulin delivery or take a break from their pump.”

“InPen removes the human error out of diabetes management and offers dosage reminders,” says the InPen spokesperson in the video below.

https://youtu.be/N4jxjRb0KjI

We’re talking about movie characters with diabetes including Steel Magnolias, Soul Food and The Baby-Sitter Club on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from 2Cellos. How realistic are these portrayals? How do we feel after viewing them?   Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Glucose SOS founder Pamela Heyward, Constance Brown-Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN, Kent Gash, Jessica Clark and Muniq Gut Health Shakes Founder, Marc Washington.

Throughout this podcast we will be featured music from the album ‘Score’ by 2Cellos courtesy of SONY Music.

 

Having diabetes doesn’t mean you need to deny yourself all the foods you love, but you do want to make healthier food choices. One good choice is to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, which are heavy in nutrition but light in calories.

During this virtual Cooking Party on Zoom,Chef Robert Lewis will prepare a recipe that won’t compromise your diabetes wellness.

Chef Robert Lewis, The Happy Diabetic, is a nationally recognized author and motivational speaker who is passionate about helping people learn to live a healthier lifestyle. Chef Lewis graduated from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in 1976. He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 1998. Thus began his motivation to create great tasting dishes that are easy to prepare. He travels the country speaking on the benefits of healthy eating not only for people affected by diabetes, but also for anyone who would like to eat and live a healthy lifestyle. 

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Cooking Party with special guest Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ on Thursday, August 13, 2020, 7 – 7:40 PM, EST on Zoom.

REGISTER NOW – IT’S FREE

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1 in 4 Americans Ration Insulin

1 in 4 Americans have rationed insulin due to prohibitively expensive costs according to Beyond Type 1‘s helpful website.

If that’s you, you’re far from alone – and it’s not your fault. 

If you need insulin now!

If you are in emergency need of insulin right now, always go to the emergency room. The below resources address those struggling to afford monthly costs (CLICK HERE FOR FULL LIST). 

Manufacturer Discount Programs

  • If you take Lilly insulin (Humalog, Basaglar): the Lilly Diabetes Solutions Call Center Helpline provides personalized assistance for finding your best cost option (as long as you take Lilly insulin). Call 833-808-1234 9am to 8pm ET Monday to Friday. If you have high-deductible health insurance or are uninsured, you may be eligible for Lilly insulin at 40% discounted through BlinkHealth but this is not available if you are insured through Medicaid or Medicare. Additionally, if you are uninsured or have Medicare Part D, and meet certain income parameters you may be eligible for free insulin through LillyCares.
  • If you take Novo Nordisk insulin (Fiasp, NovoLog, NovoRapid, Levemir, Triseba): Patient Assistance Program provides free insulin to those who qualify, which is limited to those with no private insurance and who do not qualify for federal insurance programs and who are at or below 400% of the federal poverty level – with a few exceptions.

The nonprofit organization, Beyond Type 1,  offers these solutions if you need help getting insurance coverage (CLICK HERE FOR FULL LIST).

If insurance is not an option through your employer or you are unemployed, head to Healthcare.gov. From there you can explore health insurance and assistance options based on your state, income, and specific circumstances.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) has a publication called “Financial Help for Diabetes Care” explaining programs which may provide additional coverage for medical expenses for a person with diabetes. View online here.

Insure Kids Now! – Every state in the nation has a health insurance program for people under 18. This website is offered by the US Health and Human Services Department to help navigate getting insurance – or call 877-Kids-Now

READ MORE

Music by Destiny’s Child on October’s Diabetes Late Nite

We’re talking about the skyrocketing cost of insulin on Diabetes Late Nite with T1International’s US Advocacy Manager, Allison Bailey, Mary Ann Hodorowicz RD, MBA, CDE, Jessica Clark and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and music from Destiny’s Child. 

LISTEN NOW 

Join the advocacy movement

Explore tools + actions you can take to get involved with access advocacy here. 

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Destiny’s Child on October’s Diabetes Late Nite Podcast

The ‘Year of The Diva’ continues on Divabetic’s free monthly podcast, Diabetes Late Nite with music from Destiny’s Child on Monday, October 7, 2019, 6 PM, EST.

We’re talking about the skyrocketing cost of insulin in the United States with T1International’s US Advocacy Manager, Allison Bailey, Mary Ann Hodorowicz RD, MBA, CDE, Jessica Clark, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE. 

According to Business Insider the list prices of common types of insulin have roughly tripled over the last decade, even though they’re the exact same products offered 10 years ago. READ MORE

Bills, Bills, Bills

This year marks the 20th Anniversary of Destiny’s Child’s second studio album, ‘The Writing’s on the Wall’. Essence magazine referred to the album as a masterpiece of Black femininity, women empowerment, and honestly just a banger that still gives us nostalgic feels. Mega-hits off the album include “Say My Name,” “Bills, Bills, Bills,” and “Jumpin’, Jumpin’.” 

Say My Name

Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot’.

TUNE IN

Jumpin’ Jumpin’
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Skyrocketing Cost of Insulin on October’s Diabetes Late Nite

We’re talking about the skyrocketing cost of insulin on Diabetes Late Nite with music from Destiny’s Child courtesy of SONY Music.

With song lyrics like: “Can you pay my bills, Can you pay my telephone bills
Can you pay my automo-bills, If you did then maybe we could chill, I don’t think you do, So, you and me are through”, Destiny’s Child underscores how many people in the diabetes community feel about big pharma and insurance companies.

According to reports the list price of insulin has nearly tripled since 2002 and the average price of insulin has increased by 64 percent since January 2014. People blame big pharma, pharmacies, health plans, and employers for the cost. We’re talking the experts about who or what do you feel is behind the skyrocketing cost of insulin.

T1International is an advocacy organization aimed at helping people with type 1 diabetes worldwide overcome problems of access to affordable insulin supplies.

“Our advocates are truly fighting for their lives and their dignity. It’s as grass roots as you can get, and it has grown naturally,” says T1International founder, Elizabeth Pfiester.

We will be spotlighting music from Destiny’s Child. It’s the 20th Anniversary of their second studio album, Writings on the Wall throughout the broadcast. The breakout album featured mega-hits like “Say My Name,” “Bills, Bills, Bills,” and “Jumpin’, Jumpin’.”

Essence magazine referred to the album as a masterpiece of Black femininity, women empowerment, and honestly just a banger that still gives us nostalgic feels.

Guests include T1International‘s US Advocacy Manager Alison Bailey, Mary Ann Hodorowicz RD, MBA, CDE and Patricia Addie-Gentle. 

Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot’. 

TUNE IN

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