Diabetes treatments continue to advance at a steady pace. It may feel like a snails pace for those of us stuck in the daily grind, but good things are indeed happening.
This week we'd like to highlight two recent studies that show genuine promise for people with diabetes.
Limiting or Curing Diabetes Retinopathy
Researchers have uncovered the mechanism that causes cell death in a high glucose environment. More importantly, they have found a method for stopping the cell death. Treatments based on this finding may reduce retinopathy - or possibly cure it altogether!
Improving Blood Sugars with an "Artifical Pancreas"
A study funded by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) found that wearing an artificial pancreas overnight improved blood sugars in adolescents. An artificial pancreas uses a continuous glucose monitor to adjust insulin delivery settings on a pump automatically. Although we are a long way from a reliable, automated, 24-hour insulin delivery system, this is an important first step.
We all hope that a real cure is on the horizon. But even if it's not, we can take comfort in the steady drip-drip-drip in advances that make our lives better.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Alcohol - What Diabetes Should Know
Alcohol not only impacts your judgement, but also keeps your liver busy and increases your chance of low blood sugars. Diet knowledge is important for diabetic, here are three important tips for avoiding disaster while enjoying a drink.
1. Test Often. If you are going to have a drink and don't know how your body will react, test regularly to ensure that you are staying in your optimal blood glucose range.
2. Watch Liquid Carbs. Many alcoholic beverages are high in carbs. You may want to count your carb before drinking, also try low carb options like vodka and soda or dry red wines.
3. Beware of Trailing Hypos. Alcohol increases your risk of hypos for many hours after you stop drinking. If you find this happening, be sure to have a snack with carbs when you drink, especially if you will be going to bed soon.
1. Test Often. If you are going to have a drink and don't know how your body will react, test regularly to ensure that you are staying in your optimal blood glucose range.
2. Watch Liquid Carbs. Many alcoholic beverages are high in carbs. You may want to count your carb before drinking, also try low carb options like vodka and soda or dry red wines.
3. Beware of Trailing Hypos. Alcohol increases your risk of hypos for many hours after you stop drinking. If you find this happening, be sure to have a snack with carbs when you drink, especially if you will be going to bed soon.
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