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Scott King

Mar 1, 2000

It seems that each new issue of Diabetes Health is more exciting than the previous one.

In this issue, we profile two new meters, the AtLast and FreeStyle, that not only allow you to test on the forearm, but also require a smaller drop of blood. According to manufacturer surveys, people who give smaller drops of blood experience less pain. There is some controversy to this and our readers weigh in, but in my experience, I have discovered that the more blood I have to squeeze out the more it hurts. Especially for kids with their small fingers, giving less blood should be easier.

Required Reading

Also, the feature article, "It's a World of Type 2 Meds," is required reading for anyone who takes or is considering taking medications for type 2 diabetes. From soup to nuts, this article contains all the information you need, like minimum and maximum doses to which drugs work well with each other. Of particular interest is Stephen Setter's chart on page 32 which breaks down the various zones where a person with type 2 diabetes should consider taking different type 2 medications.

We also have a feature article, "Who Wants to be a Millionaire," which is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in investing in companies that manufacture products for people with diabetes.

Advocates for Ourselves

On page 20, we report on a study explaining the importance of good blood sugar control following a surgical procedure. I remember when my own mother went into the hospital for pneumonia and was given steroids which sent her BGs into the 350 mg/dl range. The doctor was very careful to bring them down, which took about three to four days. It just goes to show that we need to be advocates for ourselves when going into the hospital. Doctors may not always be up on the latest information.

One Step Closer to a Noninvasive Meter

Another research report on near-infrared spectroscopy is exciting because it was reported in the peer-reviewed medical journal Diabetes Care. Since we started publishing in 1991, we have been writing about noninvasive meters, like the DreamBeam analyzer, and have seen so many companies struggle to get this to work. This study only tested 12 subjects with BGs ranging from 50 to 115 mg/dl, but it is exciting news nonetheless.

A BIG Diabetes Success Story

A story that I am particularly happy to have this month is the one on Jay Leeuwenburg, who is an outstanding athlete in the NFL and a successful manager of his type 1 diabetes. Jay works hard at keeping his blood sugars and HbA1c low (testing almost 40 TIMES on game days) and has given so much back to the diabetes community. See our story on Jay in our "Check it Out" section at the end of the magazine.

Thanks for the Letters

I am always grateful for the wonderful, interesting, powerful and informative letters that we get and publish every month. In this issue, six of the 19 letters are from health care professionals. As you know, our readership is divided between people with diabetes and those who care for them. Both groups tell us that they are very interested in what we print, and we always value their input.

In Memory of Carol

I want to thank you for all of your prayers and letters in regards to my mother-in-law. Carol was called to her maker on February 13. She was surrounded by her loving family of four children and a sister who were there and held her hand all week.

Remember, if you want to send a free sample issue of DIABETES HEALTH to a family member or friend, mail us by using the bind-in card on page 38, or by calling 800-488-8468.

Categories: A1c Test, Blood Sugar, Diabetes, My Own Injection, Type 1 Issues, Type 2 Issues

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Mar 1, 2000

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