The importance of working towards control.

The importance of working towards control.

Keeping with the advice of the health care professionals who look after us is not always easy. Following diets and exercise programmes, checking of blood sugar levels, attending appointments can be tough.

I often wonder how difficult it must be for parents whose children have diabetes. It’s tough enough bringing up children but to add the necessity to keep track of your child’s blood sugar levels and to administer insulin injections must at times become very challenging.

For these parents there is little choice, they must follow the advice and work towards control of their children’s blood sugar levels.

For the rest of us we are faced with many choices and temptations. Nicely packaged and advertised processed foods, candy, chocolates, sugar laden fizzy drinks, reasons not to do that exercise, I’ll leave it to tomorrow syndrome to name a few.

Unfortunately, diabetes that's not properly managed can cause many serious health problems. It's wise to take precautions against associated illnesses as soon as possible.

Excess glucose in the blood damages the blood vessels and nerves, contributing to:

• heart disease
• strokes
• kidney disease (nephropathy)
• impotence
• peripheral vascular disease (PVD)
• nerve damage (neuropathy)
• damage to the back of the eye (retinopathy)

Uncontrolled diabetes is the commonest cause of blindness in people of working age, although treatment can prevent blindness in 90 per cent of those at risk.

Diabetes is the second most common cause of lower limb amputation, trauma being responsible for most leg amputations.

However, it's possible to minimize the risk of developing these complications by working towards keeping diabetes under tight control. What has passed is in the past and the important message this morning is that we all continue with the advice of our health care professional and work towards keeping our diabetes under control. Much like the parents of children with diabetes have to do on a daily basis.

 

Tax on unhealthy food - A tax to save your life!

Sugar, rum, and tobacco are commodities which are nowhere necessaries of life, which are become objects of almost universal consumption, and which are therefore extremely proper subjects of taxation.

                    — Adam Smith, The Wealth of Nations, 1776

BREAKING NEWS: Quoted from the New England Journal of Medicine  April 8, 2009, on-line edition.  Will appear in print edition of the NEJM on April 30, 2009.

The obesity epidemic has inspired calls for public health measures to prevent diet-related diseases. One controversial idea is now the subject of public debate: food taxes.

Forty states already have small taxes on sugared beverages and snack foods, but in the past year, Maine and New York have proposed large taxes on sugared beverages.  Because excess consumption of unhealthful foods underlies many leading causes of death,  food taxes at local, state, and national levels are likely to remain part of political and public health discourse.

Sugar-sweetened beverages (soda sweetened with sugar, corn syrup, or other caloric sweeteners and other carbonated and uncarbonated drinks, such as sports and energy drinks) may be the single largest driver of the obesity epidemic. A recent analysis found that the intake of sugared beverages is associated with increased body weight, poor nutrition, and displacement of more healthful beverages; increasing consumption increases risk for obesity and diabetes; Studies show that reduced intake of soft drinks improves health. Studies that do not support a relationship between consumption of sugared beverages and health outcomes tend to be conducted by authors supported by the beverage industry.

Sugared beverages are marketed extensively to children and adolescents, and in the mid-1990s, children's intake of sugared beverages surpassed that of milk. In the past decade, per capita intake of calories from sugar-sweetened beverages has increased by nearly 30%;  beverages now account for 10 to 15% of the calories consumed by children and adolescents. For each extra can or glass of sugared beverage consumed per day, the likelihood of a child's becoming obese increases by 60%.

Taxes on tobacco products have been highly effective in reducing consumption, and data indicate that higher prices also reduce soda consumption. A review conducted by Yale University's Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity suggested that for every 10% increase in price, consumption decreases by 7.8%. An industry trade publication reported even larger reductions: as prices of carbonated soft drinks increased by 6.8%, sales dropped by 7.8%, and as Coca-Cola prices increased by 12%, sales dropped by 14.6%.5 Such studies — and the economic principles that support their findings — suggest that a tax on sugared beverages would encourage consumers to switch to more healthful beverages, which would lead to reduced caloric intake and less weight gain.

An estimated $79 billion is spent annually for overweight and obesity alone — half  at taxpayers' expense. In the case of sugared beverages, marketers commonly make health claims  about energy and vitamins to young children who often cannot distinguish a television program from an advertisement. A penny-per-ounce excise tax would raise an estimated $1.2 billion in New York State alone, which could be used to promote better health.

Americans consume about 250 to 300 more calories daily today than they did several decades ago, and nearly half this increase is accounted for by consumption of sugared beverages.

Such a reduction in calorie consumption would be expected to substantially reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes and may also reduce the risk of heart disease and other conditions.

UK diabetes audit, icebergs and cuckoo clocks

UK Diabetes audit is just the tip of the iceberg.

 

A stroll down the shopping malls of Manchester city centre confirms the time bomb of health problems that, like the German cuckoo clock, tick tocks away with such a sense of certainty that at some point, like the cuckoo clock, will explode horribly on all of us.

 

The survey of more than 23000 children explains that 97% of childhood incidences of diabetes in the UK are of type 1. More worryingly 3% of the incidences are now of Type II diabetes which has been associated almost exclusively with age onset and obesity. Age onset and obesity traditionally meant the over 50’s who had given up the battle of middle age spread.

 

When we toss into the melting pot to the fact that the  UK has one of the poorest reported proportion of these children exercising good control and balance over their diabetes any one with any interest in healthcare, children’s welfare, economics (chronic disease in expensive for the state and its taxpayers)  should be sleeping less well in their beds tonight.

 

How can you help yourself?

 

As a starter for 10 here are some pointers.

 

1)      Understand the daily challenges of patients and their families who live with diabetes.

2)       Diabetes is not concerned about political correctness. Afro Caribbean, Asian and socially deprived communities face greater risk of developing the disease. However look for the log in your own eye before you make judgment about other people and their lifestyles. In this consumer world where even opening a tin of beans has been mechanised diabetes lurks in places where physical activity has stopped.

3)      Support Diabetes Uk and other diabetes related charities whilst supporting your own body with a little more exercise.

4)      Learn about some of the long term complications associated with diabetes. Type II is a serious disease with the possibility of horrible long term complications.

5)      Take an interest in your diet. Do you know what the effect of transfats and empty calories are having on your body?

6)      Lobby like hell the supermarket chains. Enough of processed food it’s killing us and our wallets.

7)      Learn to cook and teach your children to cook.

Diabetes, Cataracts, blood pressure and Mt. Rianier

Sunday 29 March

Manchester.

 

Good Morning!

 

mydiabetes is for patients, family members, friends and healthcare professionals and is about providing support and encouragement to each other along the diabetes journey.  It’s also about sharing our good and sometimes not so good news with each other.

 

The clocks have sprung forward and it’s a beautiful sunny day here in Manchester. The daffodils are in bloom and the trees are showing signs of turning green. The forecast is for settled weather and fingers crossed spring has won its battle with winter. Much like the battle with our health, diabetes, diet exercise etc it’s not always easy and but the spring sunshine tells me to keep going with the battle!

 

How are you getting on with your diabetes this week?

Free blood pressure monitor competition

 

We have some Omron blood pressure monitors which will be sent to members who submit the best poems. Either add your poem to this link or send them by e-mail to poems@mydiabetes.com we will announce the winners next week.

 

Cataract Operation

 

Val has had her first cataract operation (have a look her post)

 

 

Inspirational pictures

 

Alan has shared with us some more stunning photographs

 

 

Useful Links

 

We are in the process of putting together a listing of useful web links and it would be great it you could help by passing on any links or web site addresses that you think might be helpful.

 

http://mydiabetessocialnetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/useful-web-links-please-can

 

Call to action!

 

Our membership is growing rapidly and for the site to be most benefit we need to encourage new members. Other patients, our friends, our family members and healthcare professionals are all welcome. There is an invite page on the site. (The link is here).  It explains how you can send an invite card to the contacts in your e-mail address book.

 

http://mydiabetessocialnetwork.ning.com/main/invitation/new

 

Best wishes and we look forward to seeing you on www.mydiabetes.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The temptation of chocolate

During Lent the Christian tradition is to give something up. This year I’ve given up chocolate. So far so good but it’s getting difficult. I heard that it takes 30 days to establish a habit.  By the time we get to Easter 40 days will have passed and hopefully, for me, so will the temptation of chocolate.

One of the churches in Modena Italy has asked it’s congregation to give up texting on Fridays. The church seems to think that technology has got a hold of its congregation and that giving up texting on Fridays will act as a reminder to the members of the church to rid themselves of the temptations of wealth and material goods. Maybe the Diabetes community could give up television and electronic gadgets once a week and spend the time getting some of that exercise the Diabetes educators constantly remind us all about.

As spring approaches should we take the opportunity to spend a little less time with our televisions and electronic gadgets and get out doors and enjoy the sights, sound and smells of nature a little bit more?

Amanda’s Photographs on our  site www.mydiabetes.com always remind me of how beautiful the outdoors is. http://mydiabetessocialnetwork.ning.com/profile/Amanda28

How are you and your diabetes getting on this week?  Here is the link to our forum where you can share your story. http://mydiabetessocialnetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/how-are-you-and-your-diabetes

Have a great week

Will chocolate tax help with the diabetes epidemic?

I wonder if the Idea of a tax on unhealthy food or "chocolate tax" might help with the diabetes epidemic that is facing the western world.  I've not yet decided however the prospect of McDonald's, Burger King and Waffle House being closed down would not cause me too many sleepless nights.

Courtesy of the BBC www.bbc.co.uk  12 March 2009

Scottish GPs have voted against a proposal for chocolate to be taxed in the same way as alcohol and cigarettes to tackle increasing levels of obesity.

Dr David Walker, a GP in Lanarkshire, warned that chocolate had lost its status as a "treat" and had become a harmful addiction for some people.

However, his motion calling for a tax on chocolate was defeated by two votes at a BMA conference in Clydebank.

He said he was "disappointed" but glad his suggestion had provoked debate.

People have been lulled into a false sense of security about chocolate  Dr David Walker

Speaking after the vote, Dr Walker, who is also a trained food scientist and nutritionist, said: "A little of what you fancy may do you some good, but as nearly one in four people in Scotland are obese a lack of physical activity, an unhealthy diet and larger portion sizes are clearly taking their toll on the health of Scotland.

"Chocolate has lost its status as a special treat and I think that if we charged a tax on it then, over a number of years, we could restore that status."

He had earlier told the BBC news website that obesity was a "mushrooming" problem, and Scotland risked heading the same way as the United States.

He added: "There is an explosion of obesity and the related medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes. I see chocolate as a major player in this, and I think a tax on products containing chocolate could make a real difference."

Dr Walker said that a 225g bag of chocolate sweets contained almost 1,200 calories - almost half the recommended daily calorie intake for a man - and could be eaten incredibly quickly.

I suppose the good doctor has a point but a life without chocolate?

He warned that many people were consuming this amount of chocolate on a daily basis, as well as their normal meals, and were unaware of the harm it was doing.

He said: "There is lots of negative publicity about other fast food and junk food but chocolate is sneaking under the radar.

"People have been lulled into a false sense of security about chocolate.

"I had one patient recently who said to me she thought chocolate was good for you. People are being brainwashed into believing this."

Under Dr Walker's proposal, presented at the annual conference of Scottish Local Medical Committees, revenue raised from taxing chocolate products would be used by the NHS to deal with the health problems caused by obesity.

He also argued that the extra money raised could be spent on increasing and improving sports facilities.

FROM THE TODAY PROGRAMME More from Today programme

Dr Walker said: "After eating a bag of chocolate sweets you would have to walk continuously for three hours to burn off the calories consumed.

"It is simply not enough to say people should get more exercise. They also need to moderate their chocolate intake and this tax would help them do that."

But representatives from the food and drinks manufacturing industry dismissed Dr Walker's suggestion.

Julian Hunt, of the Food and Drink Federation, said: "Introducing regressive taxes on the foods that consumers love would result only in lighter wallets, not smaller waists - particularly as we already have to pay VAT on all our chocolate purchases.

"While good for grabbing headlines, there is no evidence to suggest that such 'fat taxes' would actually work in reality.

"Indeed, when the BMA debated a similar motion in 2003 its members voted against such an idea on the grounds that such a taxation policy would have no effect on obesity, would hit lower income groups hardest and would be a bureaucratic nightmare."

Making your “atmosphere” the right one.

Question: Why is there life on earth and no life on the moon?

Answer: Because of the atmosphere on earth.

Human life needs a specific atmosphere to support it including nitrogen, oxygen, traces of argon and carbon dioxide with some water vapor. We have that kind of atmosphere here on Earth and the moon doesn’t.

We often take the earth’s atmosphere for granted and only really pay attention to it at times of severe weather conditions or natural disasters like hurricanes, droughts and bush fires. Most of the time we go about our day to day lives breathing in the oxygen and drinking the water without giving it too much thought.

Occasionally we may think about the greenhouse effect or global warming.

The Diabetes Atmosphere

Managing our own health and our own lives requires an “atmosphere” too. We need to make and create the kind of surroundings around ourselves the support and encourage each of us much in the same way that oxygen and water help to sustain life on our planet.

Our diabetes “atmosphere” includes the choices we make, the food we eat, the exercise we can take, the advice from our medical professionals, medication where required, our friends, our neighbors, our family members and our community.

We often take our own “atmosphere” for granted and as spring starts this seems like a good opportunity to have a look at the things around us and pay attention to our own diabetes “atmosphere”.

One way may be to talk about the good choices we are making at the moment. For example the changes in diet that we have made so far, the care that we are taking with looking after our feet or even our increasing knowledge of diabetes. Spend a little time appreciating these things because like the oxygen in the air we may sometimes take the good choices and changes we have made for granted. At the same time we might want to think about getting to grips with the things that we have not yet addressed. For example can we move away from choosing those fizzy drinks or the temptation to choose to ignore some of the advice from the nurse educator?

I’m sure that you have many many ideas about your own diabetes “atmosphere” and I look forward to learning all about them.

The purpose of mydiabetes is for patients, family members, friends and healthcare professionals to support and encourage each other along the diabetes journey and to add a little to the “atmosphere”.

Please continue to write about your own experiences, share your stories, swap ideas and pass on the http://www.mydiabetes.com/ details to anybody who you think may be interested.

Members are the "atmosphere" of mydiabetes.com and it was brilliant to learn that this week 20 more members joined our community.

Diabetes Drugs Given Too Soon?

here is an article published on the BBC.co.uk web site today. Interesting for the members of www.mydiabetes.com is the reference to the support of behavioral change amongst the diabetic population.

Diabetes drugs given 'too soon'

One in three people with type 2 diabetes are given medication too soon, instead of being urged to eat better and do more exercise, a study suggests.

A study of 650 people in south west England found 36% were put on tablets within a month of being diagnosed, a Diabetes UK conference heard.

Yet UK guidelines recommend patients should first try to make lifestyle changes to control the condition.

The Royal College of GPs agreed diet and exercise should come first.

More than 400 people a day are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the UK.

“ When people are diagnosed, they're ready to make a lot of changes but if you give them a tablet, you're saying it is not their lifestyle that is the problem ” 
Dr Rob Andrew

It is often associated with obesity, and attempts in recent years to screen people for the disease has increased the number of people being diagnosed.

In the latest study, researchers found that in many patients lifestyle management was not given a chance, despite being widely recognised as being the initial first "treatment".

Metformin is the first drug of choice, but more drugs can be added if that is not doing enough to control blood sugar levels.

The researchers found that 13% of participants were actually on two types of tablets within the first few weeks of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Lifestyle

Study author Dr Rob Andrew, a senior lecturer at the University of Bristol, said they had not expected the figures to be quite so high.

"There is quite clear guidance that says when you're first diagnosed, you should have the opportunity to concentrate on lifestyle then if that doesn't work the next stage is metformin.

"When people are diagnosed, they're ready to make a lot of changes but if you give them a tablet, you're saying it is not their lifestyle that is the problem."

He added that incentive payments to encourage GPs to reduce blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes, a lack of NHS resources for lifestyle support and a cultural attitude that people will not make the necessary changes are probably all to blame.

Simon O'Neill, from Diabetes UK, said they were concerned that in some cases medication seemed to be the first port of call.

"A healthy, balanced diet and doing physical activity should always be the foundation of good diabetes management.

"Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition - the longer a person has diabetes, the more likely they are to need tablets, and eventually insulin.

"Even if people are on tablets, medication should not simply replace diet and physical activity."

Professor Steve Field, chairman of the Royal College of GPs, said there was probably a case of jumping in too quickly with pills.

"It is a reminder for GPs and nurses managing newly diagnosed diabetes that lifestyle advice is the most important component."

He added that in some areas of the country there was a lack of resources for supporting behavioural changes.

Virus link to type 1 diabetes

Today published in  Diabetoliga and reported on the BBC 

A common virus may be the trigger for the development of many cases of diabetes, particularly in children, UK researchers have reported.

Signs of enteroviruses were found in pancreatic tissue from 60% of children with type 1 diabetes, but in hardly any children without the disease.

They also found that 40% of adults with type 2 diabetes had signs of the infection in insulin-producing cells.

The study published in Diabetologia raises the possibility of a vaccine.

Although genetics is known to play a fairly substantial role in a person's risk of developing diabetes, environmental factors must also be involved and the idea of a viral cause of diabetes has been considered for decades.

Diabetes Time Bomb for England

The Manchester Evening News published this article today about the diabetes "Time Bomb"  in Greater Manchester and the United Kingdom.

The true cause of diabetes is unknown however there are without doubt clear links between Type II diabetes, diet and our sedantary lifestyle.

Here is the article.

A RISING tide of obesity is fuelling an increase in the `time bomb' disease of diabetes.

More than 100,000 people in Greater Manchester have the condition and it is becoming much more common in younger people and even children.

Nationally, the number of newly-diagnosed people has jumped 63 per cent in one decade and experts warn that if the rise continues as predicted, the NHS will not be able to cope.

Dr Martin Gibson, of north west diabetes research network, said: "There is no such thing as `mild' diabetes, it is all very serious. It is crucial to work more on prevention, not just on cure.

"We need better information, better education and better planning to help children live healthier lifestyles, eat better and exercise more."

Experts found the number of men, women and children with Type 1 diabetes, which usually develops in childhood, and Type 2 diabetes, which is linked to obesity, rose dramatically between 1996 and 2005.

'Sad indictment'

In the six years between 1997 and 2003, the number of new cases leaped 74pc, and rose 63pc across the decade.

The figures were based on new and existing cases of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes recorded by more than 300 GP surgeries. Over the decade, 49,999 people who already had diabetes were registered, along with 42,642 newly-diagnosed.

Of the newly diagnosed, 1,256 had Type 1 diabetes - and 41,386 had Type 2.

In Bolton, 4.5pc of people have the disease, one of the 20 highest rates in the country. 

There are also high levels in Oldham, Rochdale and Wigan and all 10 Greater Manchester health trusts have higher levels than the national average, with 111,294 in total, figures show.

Douglas Smallwood, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said: "This is a sad indictment of the state of the nation's health - we know soaring rates of Type 2 diabetes are linked to the country's expanding waistline.

"It is imperative to raise awareness of the importance of a healthy, balanced diet and doing at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day if we want to defuse the diabetes time bomb."