Emily Sullivan Diabetes Coach

25Nov/10Off

November is Diabetes Eye Disease Month

ADA-Step-Out-Walk-101113-88
ada diabetes

Image by fwisneski
The ADA had signs through out the walk for each of the teams. My peanut was very excited when she found her sign. The red hats are passed out to the red striders, walkers with diabetes.

November is Diabetes Eye Disease Month
Ada — Nearly 23 million Americans are affected by diabetes, and of these people, nearly one-third, or almost 6 million, are unaware that they have the disease. Undiagnosed, diabetes can result in vision impairment, a frequent complication of both Type -1 and Type-2 diabetes, and blindness.
Read more on Ada Evening News

ADA systematic review provides nutrition practice guidelines to support people with diabetes
Proper nutrition therapy is essential for the successful management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes and registered dietitians (RDs) can play a key role as part of the health care team.
Read more on News-Medical-Net

24Nov/10Off

November Marks National Diabetes Month – WMGT

We spoke with two ladies who are cooking up ways for us to combat obesity. Renowned cook book author Nancy Hughes and Certified Diabetes educator Esther Garcia talked to us about a new cookbook that has gained applause from the American Diabetes Association Nancy's latest cookbook is called "The Heart Smart Diabetes Kitchen."

Facts and information on National Diabetes Month
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14Nov/10Off

BCH provides tips for American Diabetes Month

BCH provides tips for American Diabetes Month
Diabetes is a disease in which the body has a shortage of insulin, a decreased ability to use insulin, or both. Insulin, a hormone, is important because it allows glucose (sugar) to enter our cells and be converted to energy. When diabetes is not controlled, glucose and fats remain in our blood and, over time, damage vital organs. Diabetes affects more than 23 million people (7.8 percent of the ...
Read more on Boone News Republican

World Diabetes Day
 MANILA, Philippines – On Sunday we observe World Diabetes Day. The observance coincides with the birth anniversary of Sir Frederick Banting, the Canadian medical scientist who was one of the co-discoverers of insulin, a life-saving treatment for diabetes patients.  
Read more on Manila Bulletin

5Nov/10Off

Diabetes Awareness Month

A few nice diabetes glucose images I found:

Diabetes Awareness Month
diabetes glucose

Image by .:[ Melissa ]:.
© Melissa Padilla

This graphic was hand drawn by me, with my mouse, using PSP [Paint Shop Pro]. Anyone is free to download and use this graphic to display on your page or whatever. If you do use this graphic, PLEASE link back to either this Flickr page or my country graphics site: http://majesticcountry.com, so that others can find them too.

Thank you.

CGM Needle
diabetes glucose

Image by sarainsanfran
Diabetes is all about needles, but this sucker is huge!

This is the needle that is used for insertion of the continuous glucose monitor, and it hurts more than doing my infusion sets for the pump. Yet another reason why I am not likely to pay for a CGM anytime soon.

50g dextrose glucose tolerance beverage
diabetes glucose

Image by cafemama
if you've been pregnant, you know.

2Oct/10Off

A Month Back in Dao

Some cool gestational diabetes images:

A Month Back in Dao
gestational diabetes

Image by Derek & Sarah Grant
After almost a month of no email, we are happy to be in communication with the "outside world" once again. We arrived back in Dao
January 23rd, after a little over a month in town getting medical care for Sarah. It seems her kidney infection has cleared up, and
she is doing her best to manage this glucose intolerance with a gestational diabetes diet.

When we arrived in Dao, we were very happy to see all our friends again and to hear that no one was too sick while we were away and
they had a great Christmas celebration.

Unfortunately, there were 2 people who were sick when we arrived who needed medical attention. One was a little 1 1/2 year old boy
named Bedoompiyaa. He seemed to have some sort of lung infection so we started him on penicillin injections. For 7 days, Derek gave
these injections to him. They were super painful (I, Sarah, know cause I had to get them for my kidney infection! They hurt!) but
this little guy hung in there and despite the pain still greets Derek every time he sees him with "Epo nemomee!" (hello my friend!)
The picture above is of Derek giving him his first injection. His mother, Wadamena, is holding him. His father, Apius, is watching.

The other friend that was sick, is named Wusimpa. He cut his leg with a machete just below the knee and it got so infected that he
was unable to walk, or even move his knee joint. Derek has been back and forth many times, to see him and treat this infection with
antibiotics. He still hasn't seen much improvement. Please pray that if it is The Lord's will, that He would heal Wusimpa's knee.
For a Dao person to not be able to hike is very difficult and significantly reduces their quality and span of life.

Thank you for your prayers for us! We are very happy to be back in Dao. Although, looking forward to our up and coming furlough in
April. We can be reached by email again, so feel free to drop us a note!

David just born
gestational diabetes

Image by jessicafm
6lb 5.6oz. Not bad... certainly the gestational diabetes diet and insulin regimen paid off!

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18Sep/10Off

November is National Diabetes Month

November is National Diabetes Month

It’s estimated that 23.6 million people in the US have diabetes.  17.9 million Americans have been diagnosed with the disease and another 5.7 million are unaware that they are diabetics.  November is National Diabetes month.  The American Diabetes Association has a national movement this month to Stop Diabetes. In recognition of this, The Aging Suite will be discussing issues that affect older individuals with diabetes.  Diabetes impacts the entire body including a person’s sensation and vision.  While having diabetes can impact someone’s ability to age in place, it doesn’t have to stop it.

Type I Diabetes:

Insulin is a hormone needed to change carbohydrates and other foods into energy.  When someone has diabetes, their body doesn’t produce or correctly use insulin.

It’s estimated that 5-10% of the US population has Type I Diabetes.  Type I Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body does not produce insulin.

Symptoms of type I diabetes can include:

Blurred vision Fatigue Weight loss Extreme Hunger Increased thirst and urination

Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Type II Diabetes is a chronic condition and the most common form of diabetes.  It occurs when there is an excess of sugar in the bloodstream and the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas doesn’t produce sufficient amounts of insulin to maintain a normal glucose level.  Diabetes can impact all of the body’s organs.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can include:

Weight loss Excessive thirst and urination Blurred vision Fatigue Frequent infections and/or slow healing sores

Having a family history of the disease, excessive body weight, and inactivity increases the likelihood of getting the disease.  Also, American Indians, Asian Americans, African Americans and Hispanics, have a higher incidence of the disease as do adults over the age of 45.

According to the American Diabetes Association:

There is a greater risk for stroke among people with Diabetes, as much as 2 to 4 times higher Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness for adults ages 20-74 Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure Diabetes can result in  nerve damage The incidence of amputations is 10 times greater for individuals with diabetes than for non diabetics Its estimated that  one-third of people with diabetes have severe periodontal disease Having diabetes makes you more susceptible to other illnesses

People with diabetes may face challenges to aging in place, but they can still do so successfully and safely.    Visit the The Aging Suite in future weeks as we talk more about diabetes and share tips and technology that can benefit anyone with diabetes.

Sources: The American Diabetes Association and MayoClinic.com

The Aging Suite is a website created by JW, an Occupational Therapist (OT) and Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) with over 10 years experience in various settings including sub acute, acute care, skilled nursing facilities, and home health. JW has a passion for helping older adults remain functional and safe in their homes for as long as they are able. JW’s interest in helping individuals live at home safely and independently inspired the creation of The Aging Suite website.