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Antibodies Associated with Insulin Resistance Raise Hope of a Diabetes Vaccine

April 28, 2011 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Diabetes Medication, Diabetes Research and News 
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Doctors and researchers have known for a while that excess weight, diet and lack of exercise can all be contributing factors in the development of type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Unlike type 1 diabetes, which is known as an immune disease, type 2 diabetes is generally considered a metabolic disorder, and is attributed to poor lifestyle choices. A new study shifts some of the responsibility for the development of their condition away from the patients by shedding light on other possible influences.

For this study, the results of which were published in Nature Medicine, researchers tested blood samples of 32 obese people, and found that the half who had insulin resistance had antibodies that were not present in the half who were obese but not insulin resistant.  This suggests that type 2 diabetes may be an immune disorder, and that there is a possibility of developing a vaccine for the condition. Read the full article

Juvenile Diabetes: How to Talk to Your Child about a Diabetes Diagnosis

April 11, 2011 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Diabetes in Children, Insulin Injections 
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insulin injection

Photo: Sura Nualpradid

Finding out that your child needs insulin injections can be shocking and terrifying. It is easy to go into panic mode and think about all the worst case scenarios, but it is important to stay calm, especially in front of your child. Children take their cues from the adults around them, and if your child sees you panicking about his illness he will likely panic too. Acknowledge that this is scary for him, and that things are going to change, but let him know with your voice and your actions that it will be okay and that you will be there to help him every step of the way.

Stay Calm
Once you have a diabetes diagnosis for your child you will want to sit down and talk to him and help him understand what is going on. Nurses and doctors may explain certain things to him at his appointment or at the hospital, but he will likely be overwhelmed by everything that is going on and will need to have things explained again. There are a few important things to remember when having this conversation, but above all else show your child that you love and support him.
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Six Simple Tips for Parents of Children with Diabetes

April 5, 2011 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Diabetes in Children 
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boy playing

Photo credit: photostock

Juvenile diabetes can make it difficult for a child to live a “normal” life. With diabetes medication, insulin injections, diet restrictions, and all the symptoms that can accompany diabetes, it may feel like your kid’s life is ruined, but there are some simple things you can do to make his life easier.

1. Snacks: setting a no-snack rule is likely going to backfire, so encourage healthy but tasty snacks. Try low fat crackers with peanut butter, apple slices with low fat cheese, or fruit smoothies with berries and milk. Make an effort to combine grains, proteins, fruits and vegetables at every meal, and talk to your kid about the importance of controlling blood glucose levels. He should be able to make healthy food decisions when you are not there to guide him, so help him learn. Read the full article

Diabetes in Children: Adjusting to Life with Juvenile Diabetes

March 29, 2011 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Diabetes in Children 
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Photo: krisph

It’s hard enough to cope with parenting an adolescent, and if you throw juvenile diabetes into the mix it may feel impossible. Educate yourself; make a plan with your diabetes team, and keep the lines of communication open between you and your child, and you can go back to disagreeing about things like dating and borrowing the car.

Signs and Symptoms

Because of the changes your child will experience with puberty, the signs and symptoms of diabetes in children may be difficult to recognize, so regular check-ups are important. Type 1 diabetes usually shows up at 10 to 12 years of age in girls and around 12 to 14 years of age in boys, but may present earlier or later. Some of the symptoms of juvenile diabetes are: Read the full article

Adjusting to Life With Childhood Diabetes

March 14, 2011 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Diabetes in Children 
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Photo: binababy12

It’s hard enough to cope with parenting an adolescent, and if you throw juvenile diabetes into the mix it may feel impossible. Educate yourself, make a plan with your diabetes team, and keep lines of communication open between you and your child, and you can go back to disagreeing about things like dating and borrowing the car.

Signs and Symptoms

Because of the changes your child will experience with puberty, the signs and symptoms may be difficult to recognize, so regular check-ups are important. Type 1 diabetes usually shows up at 10 to 12 years of age in girls and around 12 to 14 years of age in boys, but may present earlier or later. Some of the symptoms of diabetes in children are:  Read the full article

Giving Your Cat Insulin Injections

March 14, 2011 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Diabetes in Dogs and Cats, Insulin Delivery 
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cat in gardenIf you have experience with feline diabetes you know how hard it can be to watch your furry family member suffer through weakness, vet appointments, diet changes and, possibly the most challenging of all, insulin injections. Knowledge of proper cat insulin injection techniques can make your life and your cat’s life easier. If you have any questions or concerns talk to your vet.

Prepare the Insulin

  • Start by filling the insulin syringe slightly more than your cat’s dose
  • Tap the insulin syringe to remove air bubbles
  • Slowly push the plunger until you have the correct dosage of insulin in the syringe

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Travelling with Diabetes

February 15, 2011 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: It's Complicated 
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Photo credit: capetan

Diabetes control can be a trial, even when you are in a familiar location with all of your supplies at hand. Going to a foreign country, or even city, adds extra complications and can be daunting. With the proper planning, however, travel can be enjoyable and relaxing.
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Lantus versus Levemir

February 2, 2011 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Diabetes Medication, Insulin Injections, Long Acting Insulin 
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insulin syringe

Photo credit: zeathiel

Choosing a long-acting insulin can be daunting, especially since both Lantus (insulin glargine) and Levemir (insulin detemir) are similar in many respects. There are a few key differences that will help you and your doctor make the decision about which insulin to use.

Both Lantus and Levemir are injected subcutaneously, either with a syringe or insulin pen, and both can be used with fast-acting insulin at meal times to aid with diabetes control. Neither forms of long-acting insulin should be diluted, or mixed with other insulin products. Lantus and Levemir have a 1:1 ratio, but will be accepted by the body differently from patient to patient; any changes to diabetes medication and dosage should always be discussed with a doctor.


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