Posts Tagged ‘Diabetes’
October 7th, 2011 | 
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Update September 26:
The TSA has updated their webpage on medications for Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions,
You may bring all prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including KY jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes.
Additonal items you may bring include:
- Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition;
- Life-support and life-sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs;
- Items used to augment the body for medical or cosmetic reasons such as mastectomy products, prosthetic breasts, bras or shells containing gels, saline solution, or other liquids; and,
- Gels or frozen liquids needed to cool disability or medically related items used by persons with disabilities or medical conditions.
You are not limited in the amount or volume of these items you may bring in your carry-on baggage. BUT if the medically necessary items exceed 3 ounces or are not contained in a one-quart, zip-top plastic bag, you MUST declare to one of our Security Officers at the checkpoint for further inspection.
Update August 17, 5:30AM Eastern Time:
Maybe I missed it, or maybe it’s new, but the TSA does discuss something vaguely called “associated supplies” and “related supplies” at its undated webpage Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions:
To prevent your medication, associated supplies or fragile medical materials for contamination or damage, we will ask you to display, handle, and repack your own medication and associated supplies during visual inspection. Any medication and/or associated supplies that we can’t clear visually will be X-rayed. If you refuse, you will not be permitted to carry your medications and related supplies into the sterile area.
This may well be the loophole allowing PWD to carry syringes, meters, and cooling containers through security checkpoints to carry onto airplanes.
My advice:
- Print out the entire TSA page (CLICK HERE)
- Circle the paragraph mentioned above.
- Ask your physician or diabetes educator to put a note on office letterhead stationary and sign it, verifying that you have diabetes and require these supplies (insulin, Byetta, Symlin, pills, syringes, meters, strips, cooling containers). Be sure that the “associated supplies” are clearly identified as such!
- Bring the letter as well as your supplies and be prepared for some warm smiles from the overworked TSA employees!
Update August 16, 7AM Eastern Time:
TSA has revised the exception list again. Now medical prostethics are okay, but still no mention of cooling devices for insulin, Byetta, and other medications:
Gel-filled bras and similar prostethics worn for medical reasons
Update August 14, 7:30PM Eastern Time:
TSA fixed the exception list.
Exceptions: Baby formula and breast milk if a baby or small child is traveling; prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket; up to 8 oz. of liquid or gel low blood sugar treatment and up to 4 oz. of non-prescription liquid medications.
Update August 14, 7AM Eastern Time:
As of August 13, the TSA has loosened its restrictions somewhat, and now lists restrictions as
Exceptions: Baby formula and breast milk if a baby or small child is traveling; prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket; up to 8 oz of liquid or gel insulin and up to 4 oz. of non-prescription liquid medications.
Although this says “liquid or gel insulin”, there is no such thing as “gel insulin” and many news reports identified the gel as the gooey sugar products that some PWD use to treat hypoglycemia.
They also have a nice summary page called Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions.
August 12:
After the recent terrorism threat about exploding liquid bombs on airplanes, there’s been a lot of concern about the TSA’s new restrictions on carry-ons. As of this morning (August 12), the TSA website states:
Q: Will there be any exceptions to the banned liquids?
A: The following items are permitted to be carried aboard the aircraft:
- Passengers traveling with infants may bring baby formula.
- Prescription medicine that matches the passenger’s name.
- Essential non-prescription medicines such as insulin are permitted.
It’s such a specialized topic that I’m opening a new Discussion Forum to address this topic. Here are some potential solutions that have been suggested:
- Traveling forum, entry 767: I emphatically do not suggest putting Byetta in checked luggage, not even in the thermos. There is no way to be sure that you’ll get your luggage at the same time you arrive. I have had my luggage lost so many times.
- Byetta forum, entry 3752: It appears that you can bring your Byetta to the airport check-in line in any disposable carrier you want, then hand off the carrier to a friend who’s not flying, and that you can plan to have someone meet you at the arrival area and have another one ready to go. Or you can do a last-minute switch, moving your carrier into your checked luggage. But also keep close track of how long your Byetta is out of refrigeration, and carry extra prescriptions so that you can buy more whereever you land (remembering of course that Byetta is available in only a few countries, so that’s probably not possible if you’re flying internationally).
- Byetta forum, entry 3753: Suggestion from a frequent flyer: ice baggie pen on way to airport, pitch bag at door. Drinks are available after check-in while you’re waiting for flight, get ice from vender to keep pen cool, pitch before boarding plane. Get ice from attendant during flight.
Since the rules have now been in effect for a few days, perhaps some of our readers have flown, and can report what happened. If you have flown, please indicate if it was a flight totally within the United States or which countries were involved.
Bill the diabetesdoc
wwq@diabetesmonitor.com
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Diabetes is becoming a major problem in the world and it is growing which is forcing the diabetes community to make some quick judgements:
- Prevent diabetes from ever occuring.
- Develop the cure to diabetes.
- Or take care of the people who have it in order to prevent complications.
All three approaches are actively being pursued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the CDC, or Center for Disease Control. The National Institutes of Health is involved especially in doing research of methods to cure both type 1 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes, but they are focusing on type 1 diabetes. The Center for Disease Control on the other hand, is focusing most of the programs that it runs on ensuring that all proven science is put into daily practice for those who are dealing with diabetes. The general idea is that if every piece of important research and science is made meaningful in the day-to-day lives of people who are dealing with diabetes, then the research is not wasted. These are the approaches for a cure that are currently being pursued:
• Pancreas transplant.
• Transplantation of Islet cells which produce insulin.
• Development of an artificial Pancreas.
• Genetic Manipulation, which will create pseudo islet cells by inserting the human insulin gene into fat or muscle cells which do not normally make their own insulin.
These approaches are still facing challenges, like preventing rejection by the immune system, finding enough adequate insulin cells, keeping transplanted cells alive, etc. Progress is being made fairly consistently however, in all of these areas.
Is insulin a cure for diabetes? No, insulin is not a cure for diabetes, and neither is injecting it. Insulin can allow a diabetic to survive, but many devastating consequences can be caused by the disease when the blood sugar level is crudely controlled. The insulin injections a diabetic takes cannot be as precisely or as continuously adjusted to maintain sugar levels that are safe, in the way that blood sugar and insulin levels match normally.
The diabetic can risk a dramatic injection of insulin when blood sugar levels are too low. These reactions can include loss of consciousness, confusion, coma and even possibly death if not handled properly. When the injected insulin is below the amount that is required, the diabetic’s blood sugar can rise to cause damage to the diabetic’s eyes, heart, nerves, kidneys and blood vessels. Insulin is not a cure for diabetes, because it does not restore the diabetic’s ability to adjust their production of insulin every minute, which is a normal part of living.
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When I was first diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 21, I had not given the first thought to living a healthy diabetic lifestyle. As far as I was concerned, a healthy lifestyle was reserved only for fitness junkies and overweight moms.
I didn’t know squat about the benefits and overall happiness a healthy lifestyle would lead to. I was perfectly content eating frozen pizza, smoking cigarettes, and binge drinking on a regular basis. After I was diagnosed with diabetes, I had a lengthy discussion with my doctor that resulted in an epiphany, “Everything I love is killing me!”
First, we’ll define what I mean by healthy lifestyle. When I asked the question, “What is a healthy lifestyle?†the common answer seemed to be, “Don’t smoke, don’t drink, eat only vegetables and protein, and make sure to exercise every day.”
My first thought was, “You can give that crap right back to the birds.” I was 21, loved to party, and absolutely chock full of testosterone.
The ideas, practices, and benefits a healthy lifestyle provided sounded great for managing my diabetes, but I sure didn’t like the idea of my social life falling off the face of the planet. Believing in the power of moderation, I made some compromises with my disease:
1. Smoking
I quit smoking cigarettes and only smoked cigars on special occasions such as bachelor parties, Super Bowls, or the birth of my first child. That last part was a joke. After many years of searching, special occasions are the only reason I can find to put nicotine or smoke of any kind in your body.
2. Drinking
For me, this was a big one. I’m not really the type of guy that likes to meet girls at church, and school was not really an option for me, but drinking was all my friends and I did. As a result, drinking alcohol (sadly enough) was a major component of my social life. From that day forward, I laid down some basic rules.
No liquor. Liquor causes severe instability in blood sugar levels, and will cause serious problems. I stick only to beer and wine with a maximum of three drinks. If you monitor your sugar regularly and eat beforehand, you should be able to enjoy a nice night out.
3. Eating
Of the areas available for improvement in my lifestyle, eating was the easiest for me to adapt and overcome. When I learned that protein had a minor effect on my sugar that was good news, any hamburger and steak-loving American would be happy to hear that, but the bad news was that French fries, baked potatoes, and (my favorite) sweet potatoes were off limits. That meant I had to learn to love vegetables.
From that point forward, I began cooking veggies with light butter and cayenne pepper. I know that sounds odd, but I like spicy food. As far as your diet is concerned, for the sake of your happiness, find your favorite spices and seasonings and begin experimenting with healthy foods.
4. Exercise
When it comes to exercising many people (including myself) do not follow through for long enough to see substantial results. Personally, I believe in living an active lifestyle instead of becoming a fitness and free-weight junkie. What worked for me? Basic exercises (lunges, squats, and crunches) in front of the television every morning followed by a 15 minute walk.
Complying with the guidelines I listed above, I’m still able to have a fun, active lifestyle while controlling my diabetes. Finally, I need to say that I’m not a doctor, just a guy with Type 1 Diabetes. The practices I listed worked for me to maintain the young-adult lifestyle that I wanted. You may be different, and understanding your own personality traits is critical to successful moderation and control of your diabetes.
Brandon C. Hall is an online business owner and Type 1 Diabetic who runs many websites. For the latest articles and news related to diabetes and the diabetic lifestyle visit: http://www.diabetic-resources.com
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Of course you know that eating right and exercising are good for you. But do you know that a healthy diet and regular physical activity are directly related to your ability to have normal sexual function? If you have diabetes, it’s even more important to pay close attention to your diet and exercise routine.
The benefits of exercise and healthy eating constantly reinforce each other.
First of all, good blood flow to the penis is essential for erections. High levels of cholesterol and fat in your bloodstream leave deposits in the walls of your blood vessels. This leads to atherosclerosis and contributes to high blood pressure, both of which can damage blood vessels and reduce blood flow. Exercise helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure. A diet low in fat and cholesterol also helps to prevent and reverse the buildup of fatty deposits in blood vessels.
Second, a high blood sugar level damages nerves as well as the blood vessels that are involved in getting an erection. A good diet and the right amount of exercise help keep your blood sugar level under control. Studies show that people who exercise are less likely to get diabetes, and people with diabetes who exercise have better control of their blood sugar levels. Exercise helps you use sugar more easily. That leaves less sugar in the blood.
Eating a diet low in calories — and burning calories through exercise helps you tone your body and lose weight. Studies have linked erectile dysfunction and being overweight. Many other studies have shown that exercise fights depression, which also has a major impact on sexual function. With a leaner, toned body and a better sense of well-being and self-esteem, you’re more likely to feel sexy and have normal erections.
But there’s a lot of confusing information out there. Maybe you’re wondering exactly what you should eat and what kind of exercise to choose.
Designing a Sexy Plate
For someone with diabetes, it’s important to have a meal plan approved by your doctor and a registered dietitian who is trained in diabetes nutrition.
In general, though, there are simple ways to make sure you’re eating the right things at each meal.
One good guideline to use is the food pyramid. It tells you how much of various foods should be in your diet. The things you should eat most are at the bottom and those that should be the least part of your diet are at the top. According to the food pyramid, every day you should eat:
* 2 cups of a variety of fruit
* 2.5 cups of richly colored vegetables
* 3 ounces of whole grains like whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, or brown rice
* Up to 3 ounces of refined grains like pasta, white rice, or white bread
* 3 servings of dairy foods (A serving = 1 cup of low-fat milk or yogurt, 1.5 ounces of cheese)
* 5 ounces of meat, fish, eggs, or legumes for protein
* 5 teaspoons of oils (including the oil found in nuts and fish)
* 130 to 295 discretionary calories such as sweets (about 1 cookie or cup of ice cream)
(*Note: These amounts are recommended for the average adult woman. Men can consume about one ounce more in each category.)
The diabetes “exchange” system is another way of figuring out how much of what foods to eat. An exchange list shows what portion size of a given food gives you the same amount of calories and nutrients. For example, one medium-sized peach is equivalent to 12 large cherries.
The American Diabetes Association’s “Rate Your Plate” guide is a different way to look at what you’re eating. Following this guide, you divide your plate into imaginary quarters. One-quarter should contain starches, like potatoes or rice. One-quarter should contain meat. One half should contain vegetables.
Work Out Your Workout
When it comes to exercise, you don’t have to follow any “fad” workouts. Just find a way to get your body moving and your heart rate up. Here is the recommendation of the CDC:
* 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week; or
* 20 minutes of vigorous exercise three days a week.
But what do “moderate” and “vigorous” actually mean? You can tell how intense the activity you’re doing is by measuring your heart rate while you’re doing it.
First, figure out what your maximum heart rate is. That’s the number 220 minus your age. If you’re 40, your max heart rate is 180.
To measure your heart rate while exercising, pause briefly to take your pulse. Place your middle and index fingers on the artery of your neck or wrist where you can feel your pulse. Using a watch with a second hand, count the number of pulses, or beats, in 60 seconds. That’s your heart rate. (If you’d rather take less time to do it, you can count the number of beats in 30 seconds and multiply by two.)
When you’re doing moderate exercise, your heart rate will be 50% to 70% of your maximum heart rate — which is based on a person’s age. If your max heart rate is 180, your goal for moderate exercise is to get your heart rate up to 90 to 126 beats per minute (bpm).
Here’s that equation:
220 – age = max heart rate
180 x .50 (50%) = 90 bpm
180 x .70 (70%) = 126 bpm
For vigorous exercise, figure it the same way, but instead of 50% to 70% of your max heart rate, the range is 70% to 85%.
180 x .70 (70%) = 126 bpm
180 x .85 (85%) = 153 bpm
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