Type I diabetes is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes. This form of diabetes is mainly found in children. The primary problem in all forms of diabetes, regardless if it is Type I or Type II is that the glucose (sugar) levels of the body are too high.

In a healthy person, the beta cells in the pancreas produce a hormone called insulin in response to sugar in the blood. The sugar gets there through the food and drinks we consume. Normally, the insulin helps to move the sugar from the bloodstream and into the cells of the body where it can be used for cellular processes. The insulin triggers gates located in the membranes of the cells to open, allowing the sugar to flow in.

A person with Type I diabetes can not make enough or any insulin. This produces the abnormally high levels of glucose in the bloodstream seen in these patients.

The question begs to be asked, "Why doesn't the body produce insulin?" In Type I diabetes the culprit is the immune system. Something, whether it be genetic or environmental is still not clear, triggers the immune system to malfunction. Instead of viewing the beta cells of the pancreas as "self", the immune system sees the beta cells as foreign invaders. Doing what it's supposed to do, which is attack and destroy invading cells, the immune system in error attacks the beta cells.

Even though other beta cells can be produced by the pancreas, the speed at which the immune system attacks and destroys is too fast for the pancreas to keep up. Over time the amount of insulin produced in response to sugar in the blood is diminished.

The result is high blood sugar. Insulin shots can control the disease, however, there are currently treatments being studied which may actually stop the immune system from attacking itself which would bring about a natural halt to the problem.

What sank the “Unsinkable Ship” the Titanic was not the tip of the iceberg, but the lurking 90% percent of the iceberg hidden under the surface. In the movie you see the captain steer the ship clear of the block of ice on top of the water, but underneath not known to the captain, crew or passengers, the razor sharp ice was splitting the steel bottom of the vessel like a stick of melted butter. Only after it was too late that the damage was known to all. Only a handful survived!

If you do not do something quickly, Diabetes is going to get you the same way the ice berg sank the unsinkable Titanic. The scary part of Diabetes is you can not see it. It doesn’t neccessarily hang on you out in the open. Yes, you have excess weight on you, but the damage is being done down under. Sure you may realize it, but it may be too late. So instead of a gigantic ice cube slicing through you, you get a free trip to the surgeon’s room only to come out, one limb less than your trip in. Sounds morbid, doesn’t it? But, this is reality. If you do not see the iceberg coming you’re going to slowly drown.

Diabetes is a silent killer. The way things are going; survivors are going to be only the ones looking of a lifeboat now. Do not be fooled. You are not exempt from this happening to you. You are not an unsinkable ship! Your lifeboat only comes in the form of exercise and eating right. You think health care is scary now, wait a few years and see the life boats coming in with the wounded, frozen and emotionally drained. But, there is hope for you; here is what you do;

• Realize you’re not protected from diabetes, take preventive measures.

• Just start being active; get moving, increase your circulation.

• Control your complex carbohydrate intake, especially at night.

• Cut out or down on the soft drinks.

• Join a support group or get a workout partner to walk with.

• Get your blood checked often for diabetes.

• Check your body-fat levels: 30 percent of more equals obesity.

• By the sugar busters book, read it and start doing it.

So you’ve learned that you’ve got diabetes. Well after the initial shock, you’re stuck with dealing with the lifestyle changes that come with your diagnosis. When you go into the situation knowing that this isn’t the end but only the beginning of a new phase in your life it gives you a better perspective on life. Gone are the days of feeling like garbage and not knowing the genesis of the problem. Oftentimes, folks feel a sense of relief when they finally realize what the problem is. The stress of uncertainty lifts and the realization sets in that their life is now on a straight path. Well sort of..

Of course your new lifestyle will demand a few changes. First and foremost your doctor should have put you on a new diet. Depending on whether or not you have Type I or Type 2 diabetes you might even have to take insulin shots, ouch!! Relax, things are going to get only better now that your health is being managed correctly.

Your new diet will consist of many foods with lower carbohydrates, which can of course be a hassle if you are addicted to savories. Sure, there’s a downside, but your quality of life should go up immeasurably. A lower carb diet doesn’t exclude all of the things that you have come to love, just cautiously watching your diet will help. Moderation and constant inventory of what you are eating is essential to helping you maintain a healthy diet. After you’ve had to deal with the disease for awhile you’ll be a whiz at maintaining yourself. Foods that are high in protein such as meats and nuts will be your friends since the carbohydrate levels are very low. This isn’t to say that you should go on a “no carb” diet, management and moderation is the key.

All in all you should be in constant contact with your physician & nutritionist while you are still in the beginning phase of the disease. They’ll give you a great beginning and be there for you as you transition into your new life.

It’s estimated that in the US, over 18 million people over the age of 20 have diabetes. If you happen to have been diagnosed with diabetes, make sure you’re getting all the right diabetes treatment supplies. Also check to make sure that your glucose levels are within the accepted guidelines. Take any other additional steps your physician has advised – but most of all, go out and live your life because your diabetes IS manageable!

People over the age of 45 and those who are considered obese are especially risk prone for this potentially fatal disease. Some of the potential health problems that may result are: partial to complete blindness, kidney disease, hypoglycemia and certain sexual and urological problems. These include erectile dysfunction in men.

Even though these are serious concerns and should be carefully watched for, diabetes is in fact quite manageable, especially with some of the tools we currently have to work with. For example, blood sugar monitoring devices can accurately check your blood glucose levels in a matter of seconds.

Check your levels at least daily. Depending on your particular diagnosis, you might need insulin shots to manage your blood chemistry effectively. These shots may be required several times a day. Also, be sure to have a glucogen emergency kit on hand at all times for your diabetes treatment. This is an important element that should be part of your diabetes supplies kit.

Even though diabetes is manageable, don’t make the mistake of thinking that it isn’t a serious condition that doesn’t require daily attention. It is and it does. Be sure to always keep on hand all of the supplies necessary for proper monitoring and treatment. Like the glucagons kit I just mentioned. Speaking of which, all of the medical supplies you need are available online and can be delivered to your home as needed.

A diabetes diagnosis means that you will probably live with the condition for the rest of your life. But it doesn’t mean the end of your life. Far from it. Millions of people live very full and complete lives despite the condition’s very real potential to bring about serious consequences to one’s well being.

And if you’re worrying that your diabetes diagnosis means that you’ll automatically be going in and out of the doctor’s office every other day – don’t. With self-discipline, a good understanding of the disease and effective diabetes treatment and monitoring techniques, diabetes becomes a very manageable condition.

Type 1 diabetes was formerly known as juvenile diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Type 1 diabetes matures quickly and symptoms are very visible.

This type of diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system destroys pancreatic cells. These cells are the insulin producing cells. This type of diabetes affects mostly children and young adults. Risk factors for type1 diabetes include autoimmune, genetics, and environmental factors.

Many clinical studies have shown that an option for type 1 diabetes treatment is the pancreas transplantation. For some patients, surgeons can restore the function of the pancreas with an islet cell transplant.

The most important benefit of pancreas transplantation is freedom from dependence on insulin. Although this is significant, this is not recommended treatment for diabetes unless there is a need for a kidney transplant as well.

On the other hand, pancreas transplants still remains problematic in that the immune system still can attack new pancreas cells. Some people who have transplants do find that the transplanted pancreas is attacked and the insulin-producing cells are killed off after operation.

At this time, pancreas transplants do not always provide permanent cures, and people who have transplants must take anti-rejection medication and immune-system suppressing drugs.

Many research teams are still working on this immune system problem that seems to be the root cause of type 1 diabetes (sometimes called auto-immune diabetes).

This is main reason that pancreas transplants are still only being studied experimentally and are not considered currently to be an automatic cure for all patients with type 1 diabetes.

Diabetes affects the manner in which the body handles digested carbohydrates. If neglected, diabetes can cause serious health complications, ranging from blindness to kidney failure.

Approximately 8% of the population in the United States has diabetes. This means that approximately 16 million people have been diagnosed with the disease, based only on national statistics. The American Diabetes Association estimates that diabetes accounts for 178,000 deaths, 54,000 amputees, and 12,000-24,000 cases of blindness annually. Blindness is 25 times more common among diabetic patients compared to nondiabetics. It is proposed that by the year 2010, diabetes will exceed both heart disease and cancer as the leading cause of death through its many complications.

Diabetics have a high level of blood glucose. The blood sugar level is regulated by insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, which releases it in response to food consumption. Insulin causes the cells of the body to take in glucose from the blood. The glucose is used as fuel for cellular functions.

Diagnostic standards for diabetes have been fasting plasma glucose levels greater than 140 mg/dL on two occasions and plasma glucose greater than 200 mg/dL following a 75-gram glucose load. More recently, the American Diabetes Association lowered the criteria for a diabetes diagnosis to fasting plasma glucose levels equal to or greater than 126 mg/dL. Fasting plasma levels outside the normal limit require additional tests, usually by repeating the fasting plasma glucose test and (if indicated) giving the patient an oral glucose tolerance test.

The symptoms of diabetes include excessive urination, excessive thirst and hunger, sudden weight loss, blurred vision, delay in healing of wounds, dry and itchy skin, repeated infections, fatigue and headache. These symptoms, while suggestive of diabetes, may be due to other reasons also.

There are two different types of diabetes.

Type I Diabetes (juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes): The cause of type I diabetes is caused by pancreatic inability to produce insulin. It is responsible for 5-10% of cases of diabetes. The pancreatic Islet of Langerhans cells, which secrete the hormone, are destroyed by the body's own immune system, probably because it mistakes them for a virus. Viral infections are thought to be the trigger that sets off this auto-immune disease. It is more common in caucasians and runs in families.

If untreated, death occurs within a few months of the onset of juvenile diabetes, as the cells of the body starve because they no longer receive the hormonal prompt to take in glucose. While most Type I diabetics are young (hence the term Juvenile Diabetes), the condition can develop at any age. Autoimmune diabetes can be definitely diagnosed by a blood test which shows the presence of anti-insulin/anti-islet-cell antibodies.

Type II Diabetes (non insulin dependent diabetes or adult onset diabetes): This diabetes is a result of body tissues becoming resistant to insulin. It accounts for 90-95% of cases. Often the pancreas is producing more than average amounts of insulin, but the cells of the body have become unresponsive to its effect due to the chronically high level of the hormone. Eventually the pancreas may exhaust its over-active secretion of the hormone, and insulin levels fall to below normal.

A tendency towards Type II diabetes is hereditary, but it is unlikely to develop in normal-weight individuals eating a low- or moderate-carbohydrate diet. Obese, sedentary individuals who eat poor-quality diets based on refined starch, which constantly activates pancreatic insulin secretion, are prone to develop insulin resistance. Native peoples such as North American Indians whose traditional diets did not include refined starch until its recent introduction by Europeans have extremely high rates of diabetes, up to 5 times the rate of caucasians. Blacks and hispanics are also at higher risk. Though Type II diabetes is not fatal within a matter of months, it can lead to health complications over several years and cause severe disability and premature death. As with Type I diabetes, the condition is found primarily in one age group, in this case people over 40 (which is why it is often termed Adult Onset); however, with the rise in childhood and teenage obesity, it is appearing in children as well.

If neglected, diabetes can lead to life-threatening complications such as kidney damage (nephropathy), heart disease, nerve damage (neuropathy), retinal damage and blindness(retinopathy), and hypoglycemia (drastic reduction in glucose levels). Diabetes damages blood vessels, especially smaller end-arteries, leading to severe and premature atherosclerosis. Diabetics are prone to foot problems because neuropathy, which affects approximately 10% of patients, causes their feet to lose sensation. Foot injuries, common in day-to-day living, go unnoticed, and these injuries do not heal because of poor circulation through the small arteries in the foot. Gangrene and subsequent amputation of toes or feet is the consequence for many elderly patients with poorly-controlled diabetes. Usually these sequelae appear earlier in Type I than Type II diabetes, because Type II patients have some of their own insulin production left to buffer changes in blood sugar levels.

Type I diabetes is a serious disease and there is no permanent cure for it. However, the symptoms can be controlled by strict dietary monitering and insulin injections. Implanted pumps which release insulin immediately in response to changes in blood glucose are in the testing stages.

In theory, since it caused by diet, Type II diabetes should be preventable and manageable by dietary changes alone, but in practice many diabetics (and many obese people without diabetes) find it personally impossible to lose weight or adhere to a healthy diet. Therefore they are frequently treated with drugs which restore the body's response to insulin, and in some cases injections of insulin.

Simple Testing Over and Over

* simple and easy testing. Simple single-function buttons are easy-to-use and easy to understand

* No more having to use individual test strips. You have One easy-to-load autodisc which includes 10 individual test strip.

* No coding required

* Glucometer has a comfortable shape. Fits right in the palm of your hand. Glucose blood sugar machine is stable for table-top testing

* Get accurate results fast.

* You need just a very small blood drop because the test strip automatically draws the blood right on the strip - that's what Bayer calls the "Sip-in Sampling"®

* Saves information up to 100 tests

* You can download the meter's information with your computer using the Ascensia Winglucofacts Diabetes Management Software for simple and flexible diabetes data management

* Ascensia Glucometers has been cleared for multiple site testing. You have more choice and flexibility about where you prefer to test.

* You can test on your finger, forearm, palm, abdomen or thigh -- it's up to you. However, make sure you talk to your healthcare professional first to make sure that alternate site testing is right for you.

* Simple to use lancet device.

Pros and Cons of Ascensia Breeze Glucose Monitor

Pros:

**Simple to use because you don't have to change the strips everytime you want to test your blood sugar

**Simple to use lancet device.

**With a pull forward and push back method to release the strip it is an easy way to release the strip.

**Only needs a tiny drop of blood.

Cons:

**If you want to do alternative testing, you have to call Bayer and they will send you a special lancing device so you can use alternative testing. You do have to pay like a $4.95 S&H fee. Or they include a $25 coupon you can take to your pharmcacy to get the special lancing device. And that's if the pharmacy has it available.

** That means once you have your blood glucose machine, you can't start testing on alternative sites until you have the special lancing device.

**To open the machine at the top can be confusing initially and a little difficult if you have arthritis. Though most patients do get the hang of it after a few times.

**The pull and push back method to release the strip again may have some arthritis patients having some difficulty but most patients are able to do this in a few tries.

Overall, this is a great glucomenter. If it weren't that you have to call Bayer to get the special lancing device, I would rate this machine a 9. But because of this factor, again, like the Accucheck Compact, this glucometer would be rated an 8.

Either machine, the Accucheck Compack and the Ascencia Breeze both are high tech glucose meter that really do help the diabetes perform simpler blood sugar results and feel both of these are the best glucometers on the market now.

Here is the pdf for the instruction for the Ascensia Breeze. By the way, Bayer makes the Ascensia Breeze. Definitely shocked me when I started using this glucose machine on my patients.

Now you can reduce the pain and inconvenience of testing. Unlike conventional lancing systems, the ACCU-CHEK Multiclix lancet device is the only 1 with a six-lancet drum. That means you can have the least amount of painful testing with less hassle and improved safety.

There are 11 depth settings so you can choose your comfort level for testing your blood sugar. There is a no side-to-side motion so there is less skin tearing, over 90% of users ranked it least painful.*

Self-Contained Lancet with Six-lancet Drums.

Now you don't even need to see or handle the lancets. Just put the six-lancet drum in and you are ready to go.

Personal comfort.

With the 11 dept settings on the Comfort Dial, you are able to adjust the lancet depth to match your skin type and obtain just enough blood for accurate testing.

Precise Lancet Movement.

The precise linear sliding motion decreases the lancet's side-to-side movement so there is no tearing of your skin, providing greater comfort.

Accurate Manufactured Lancets.

Careful manufacturing make sure that your lancets have not been bent or contain broken tips that can result in even more painful testing.

This is a breakthrough in testing your blood sugar using lancets. There is always a chance of pricking yourself when removing the lancet after testing your blood sugar. There is also a chance of pricking yourself when removing the little piece attached to the lancet before testing.

Now just place the lancet drum in your device and you are ready to test your blood sugar.

Removing the lancet drum is also safe. Now you don't have to worry about pricking your finger.

Finally glucose meter testing companies are looking out for the safety of the patient, especially Senior Citizens who vision has decreased due to the complications of Diabetes.

Accu-check is now on the top of my list for safety, convenience and simplicity of using their glucometers, especially the Accu-check Compact, and now their new six-drum lancet device.

So, after a miserable 10 hours of blood tests it’s confirmed you have hyperglycemia. Well now isn’t the time to sit back and get depressed. Look at the positive side, now you know why you’ve been tired and worn out for all of this time. Diagnosed in 1982 with hyperglycemia it was harder to maintain a steady blood sugar rate. These days with the advanced technology available for instantly checking blood sugar, the disease is easier to manage.

You can now pick up blood sugar monitors that give you instant notification of your blood sugar level. Back in that day it was impossible to monitor this vital information. Now you can cruise down to the nearest Wal-Mart and pick one up off of the shelves.

Sometimes the easiest way to monitor your blood sugar is to stop and reflect on how you are feeling at that particular moment and then check your blood. If you get to a point where you know where your levels are before checking you can recognize the patterns of behavior and adjust your life accordingly. Sure, it’s important to keep your monitor on you but after awhile you’ll automatically recognize the way that you’re feel and be prepared to take the appropriate action prior to getting that familiar sick feeling.

You need to get to a point in your life that you can recognize how you feel and adjust your diet accordingly, then you’ll have the disease whipped. The problem is it takes some “on the job” training to recognize the symptoms and how your body reacts to the amount of sugar in your blood. The only way to get to this point is to train yourself as to the warning signs of a dangerous low blood sugar level. This is not to replace the family doctor’s advice, just be observant of your own body.

We’re not accustomed to this type of behavior so it may take awhile, but don’t give up! Before long you’ll be managing yourself without the pain in your finger from testing your blood..

Oral diabetic medications that can cause low blood sugar or hypoglycemia

The following sulfonylurea medications for diabetes can cause hypoglycemia or low blood sugar as a side effect.

* Glipizide (Glucotrol)
* Glyburide (such as DiaBeta, Glynase, Micronase)
* Glimepiride (Amaryl)

Repaglinide (Prandin) and nateglinide (Starlix) are not sulfonylurea medications. However, they work in the same way and can also cause low blood sugar as a side effect.

You are unlikely to develop hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels if you are taking:

* Metformin (Glucophage)
* Acarbose (Precose)
* Rosiglitazone (Avandia)
* Pioglitazone (Actos)

Signs of Hypoglycemia:

**Cold sweat, faintness, dizziness
**Headache
**Pounding of heart, trembling, nervousness
**blurred vision
**Hunger
**Irritability
**Personality Change
**Not able to awaken

It is important to know if you oral diabetic medication has the side effect of low blood sugar because if you are going out or driving, you should test your blood sugar before you leave and make sure you take hard candy with you in your pocket or purse at all times. You should also have a supply of hard candy in your car at all times and not in the trunk of your car.

If you have the signs of low blood sugar, then you should take a piece of hard candy or juice first and then test your blood sugar.

Usually in 15 minutes taking 15-20 grams of Carbohydrate (CHO) will usually bring up your blood sugar to normal range. You can have a 4-6 ounce glass of juice, glucose tablets or 2-3 pieces of hard candy. Don’t overdo it because your blood sugar will then go sky high. If it doesn’t return within normal limits in 15 minutes, repeat the 15-20 grams of CHO and then check your blood sugar in 15 minutes.

Please check out the article, Driving, at http://www.diabetestestingcenter.com that goes into more detail about what foods raise your blood sugar, stabilizes your blood sugar and how and when you should test your blood sugar.

Stat Medical Hardware, Inc (SMD) was founded in 1988 and is a leader in developing and distributing innovative medical devices. Their emphasis is on lancets, lancing devices and clinical, capillary blood sampling devices.

The Stat-Let Auto Lancets are available in 5 different systems to accomodate your blood sampling necessity. They feature very simple one-step function, non-reuse safety feature. These lancet devices are indivually wrapped, and they are packaged in boxes of 100.

In our home care agency, we use these to test the blood sugar of many of our senior citizens who cannot do their own testing while they are on service with our agency. What's great about these lancets is that you do not have to place them in lancing pens. They are individually wrapped and ready to dispose of when you are finished with testing on your finger.

This type of lancet is innovative because sometimes when you are using a lancet pen device, it is difficult to manipulate. You have to be able to remove the top to the lancing device, place a lancet in the lancing pen, close the pen, make sure the pen is ready to use and then click on your finger to get a blood sample.

This may be difficult for seniors with arthritic problems or deformed fingers related to arthritis. Sometimes people do not want to be bothered with setting up the lancet pen--too much of a hassle.

The Stat-Let Auto Lancets make it easy to attain a blood sample from the finger.

There are 5 different models for different depths depending on whether you are testing on an adult, child or infant.

Auto Pediatric lancet 1.8mm Depth-26 gauge

Auto Comfort Lancet 1.8mm Depth-21 gauge

Auto Normal Lancet 2.4mm Depth-21 gauge

Auto Extra Lancet 3.0mm Depth-21 gauge

Auto Neonatal/Heelstick 1.2mm Depth-18 gauge

As you can see that the higher the mm, the deeper the lancing devices penetrates into the finger. If you have calloused fingers or you have difficulty in getting a good blood supply, you would want to go with the Auto Extra Lancet with the 3.0mm Depth-21 gauge.

There are different colors for each of the different lancets.

All you have to do is:

**Remove the protective cap

**Place the Stat-Let Auto lancet onto your test site.

**Push firmly against your test site and the needle is automatically released.

**After use dispose in suitable "sharps" container.

Now you can help make every test strip count as you can test right the very first time.

The wide-mouth strip quickly sucks on the tiny blood drop, helping 97% of diabetes fill the strip on the very first try. Since you only need a small drop of blood, you won’t have to keep retesting. The system also has over 150 automatic checks to detect and prevent unreliable results.

The ACCU-CHEK Multiclix lancet device is appears to be less painful among leading lancet devices. It also uses a pre-loaded six-lancet drum, saving you time and the need to handle individual lancets. This could help prevent accidental sticking to your finger or elsewhere

You can test from your fingertip, palm, forearm, upper arm, thigh, or calf.

Your test results appear in 5 seconds.

You do need to place a code plate in the machine everytime you open a new blood sugar strip container. But it is easy to place in the machine.

You only need a small blood sample — just 0.6 microliter.

The Accu-Check Aviva has a contoured, ergonomic design with easy-to-hold rubber grips.

You can save results.

**500-value memory. **7, 14 and 30-day averages.

Coming soon: You can download test results to your PC with ACCU-CHEK Compass software or the Diabetes Assistant program, their online log.

The glucometer measures 3.7″H x 2.0″W x 0.9″D; weighing 2.1 oz. with a battery.

I like the fact that this machine automatically comes with the six-drum lancet device. Prevents accidentally sticking yourself when placing a lancet in a lancet pen that normally come with other glucometers.

The comfort of holding the machine should be easy for anyone, including senior citizens.

This is a recently new glucometer which just shows how Roche Labs are really in the forefront of helping diabetes manage glucose testing in a much easier and simple way.

The Aviva does automatically come with the alternative site cap so when you receive your glucometer, you can test anywhere.

Because hypoglycemia can effect your driving performance (even modestly low blood sugar can do this), if you are at all prone to hypoglycemia, I personally would strongly recommend you check out your blood sugar level each time you are about to drive.

Prior to you putting the key in the ignition, test your blood sugar. There are some great glucometers out there, like the Accu-Check Compact with the Accu-Check Multi-clix lancet pen.

The Accu-Check Compact has a 17 strip drum inside so you don't have to take any extra strips with you. The Accu-Check Multi-clix lancet pen has a drum that automatically holds 6 lancets within the pen to use quickly and easily. Again, you won't have to bring any lancets separately with you. If your blood sugar is low, treat yourself to some juice or hard candy and don't drive until your blood sugar is back to normal. Usually 80 mg/dl and higher you should feel better. Then try and eat a small meal, like a low fat cheese and/or turkey sandwich.

Usually in 15 minutes taking 15-20 grams of Carbohydrate (CHO) will usually bring up your blood sugar to normal range. You can have a 4-6 ounce glass of juice, glucose tablets or 2-3 pieces of hard candy. Don't overdo it because your blood sugar will then go sky high. If it doesn't return within normal limits in 15 minutes, repeat the 15-20 grams of CHO and then check your blood sugar in 15 minutes.

Usually if your blood sugar is above 80 mg/dl, you should feel fine but sometimes going above 100 mg/dl, you'll feel better. You should always follow with a small meal that contains CHO, protein that contains a small amount of fat.

Always make sure you have something to eat right within reach in the car (not in the trunk!). I tell my father to put 2-3 peppermint candy right in his pocket and have a supply of hard candy or peppermint candy always stashed in his car.

It is best if you eat 6-8 small meals a day. This would include a CHO, protein food that contains a little fat included. Example would be a cheese sandwich that contains either 1 or 2 slices of bread, a cheese that is low fat or turkey low in fat but not fat free. The protein and fat does help to stablize your blood sugar over a period of time instead of a quick spike in your blood sugar and a quick drop in blood sugar like juice would do.

During your trip if you need to take an insulin injection or an oral blood sugar medication, then make sure you eat as prescibed with your medication, otherwise your blood sugar can go low. I will be writing about how insulin and certain oral blood sugar medications can make your sugar go low. Not all insulin, esp. Lantus, or oral diabetic medications make your blood sugar low.

Discussed in this article:
1) The Quiet Crisis Within Diabetes.
2) A Hidden Danger of Diabetes.
3) Are Physicians Aware Of This Danger?
4) Does Depression Cause Diabetes?
5) The Formation of Depression Post-Hypnotic Suggestions.
6) Summary
5) Next Issue Highlights.

The Quiet Crisis Within Diabetes

Depression is a 'quiet crisis' facing diabetics, their families and their health care providers. Financially and emotionally this crisis is exacting a terrible cost.

The purpose of this and following articles is to share important information about depression and how a hypnotist can responsibly and effectively help a diabetic with depression. This assistance will help to improve a diabetic's life by (a) reducing the suffering from this painful state of mind and being and (b) thus enhance their diabetes management skills which will therefore result in a state of enhanced health.

Bear in mind the importance of your contribution as a hypnotist. You can make an incredible difference because even a small reduction in a diabetic's long term blood sugar levels can result in a marked decrease in the likelihood of diabetic complications.

A Hidden Danger of Diabetes

A largely unknown hence, hidden danger of diabetes is that diabetics have twice the risk of non-diabetics for becoming depressed. Dr. Richard Surwit of Duke University states that: "Diabetes more than doubles the odds of suffering from depression at some point. One third of people with diabetes have been diagnosed with significant depression and 11 percent with major depression--twice the rate in the non-diabetic population (1)."

What is obvious and yet, not really obvious about the preceding statement is that being diagnosed with a major disease is traumatic. This, in and of itself, can lead to depression--never mind all the other contributing factors that are related to diabetes and depression.

For example, a contributing factor to depression in a diabetic can be their physiological state. As noted by Dr. Surwit, there is research indicating that high blood sugars cause biochemical changes in the brain that can lead to depression. (2)

Are Physician's Aware Of This Danger?

Physicians by and large, are extremely busy and the demands on them are greater than most can imagine. It is no wonder that many of them are simply not aware that their diabetic clients are two times more likely to suffer from depression. If they knew this, they would probably be more likely to refer their diabetic clients with poor blood sugar control to someone who could help.

When appropriate, a hypnotist can help in key ways because a hypnotist is trained to be a motivational coach and stress management consultant. One way a trained hypnotist can help a depressed person with diabetes will be explained later in this article. But first, let's look at an important question.

Does Depression Cause Diabetes?

This is an important question for many reasons. Probably one of the more compelling reasons to deeply consider this idea is because, if true to some degree, then it begs this question: Wouldn't the validity of this concept make the majority of treatment efforts inappropriate and/or ineffective to some degree? Consider the plight of many frustrated nurses and doctors who will attest that no matter what they do for their patients, nothing seems to work.

This statement is not meant to denigrate in any way the efforts of so many. It is meant to highlight the importance of timely consideration of the depression-diabetes connection before the cost for all concerned becomes not only debilitating, but also tragically unnecessary.

Consider this: Evidence, that will be discussed shortly, shows there is a strong connection between depression and diabetes. This is important because, unless diabetes treatment programs are sculpted to target a largely unaddressed cause and exacerbating feature of diabetes, many of those at risk will only become worse. Those at risk include person's with pre-diabetes as well as those with diabetes.

This pragmatic approach also prompts one to think about the idea that perhaps with re-targeted treatment methods, many of those with diabetes may actually experience a remission of symptoms. And, dwell on the idea of how many may be able to avoid developing diabetes.

Bear with me a moment while I explain. Untreated depression in those with diabetes is a personal tragedy for all family members but most especially children. I state this because children have no coping skills to handle the emotional burden of a depressed and diabetic parent.

Imagine being a child helplessly watching your mother (as in my case) being slowly, inexorably, taken apart emotionally and physically by the deadly combination of poorly controlled diabetes and untreated depression.

It is because of this searing pain that I am driven to reach whomever I can with my Diabetes Motivational Coaching TM training so that perhaps some little boy somewhere doesn't have to watch his mother go blind emotionally and physically.

I realize this may sound disingenuous or dramatic to some and I understand but I make no apologies because it is true. In fact, my feelings go far deeper than what I have communicated here. You see, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree and now that hypnosis has helped me to put my life on a previously undreamed of healthy course, my motivation is intensified because I think so many times: "What if my mother had been able to have access to these methods? How much better would her life be now?"

Now, to tie all this in to my point that perhaps an innovative approach can actually prevent diabetes: The challenge with current diabetic treatments is that no amount of chemical management (including anti-depressants as well as insulin, etc.) will ever ameliorate this significant cause of diabetes. (Depression) This is because these treatments do not address the root of the problem. Furthermore, no amount of medication given to one individual will ever prevent another from developing diabetes.