Includes artwork: Fruits and vegetables with picnic supplies
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Diabetes Action Network of the NFB.
Not long ago, Novo Nordisk A/S, the Danish parent of U.S. insulin manufacturer Novo Nordisk Inc., sponsored a study of the relationship between attitudes toward diabetes and the quality of diabetes self-care. Christened the "Diabetes, Attitudes, Wishes, Needs" (DAWN) Study, the project attempted to move past the test tube and the glucose monitor, toward an understanding of the social context within which health care is delivered and consumed. The study interviewed more than 5000 diabetics, in 13 different countries, along with more than 2000 primary care physicians, more than 500 diabetes specialists, and more than 1100 nurses.
We know what diabetes is. We can define it, in a test-tube sort of way, and we can diagnose it. But, recognizing that living with diabetes is about coping, communication, and self management, the latest laboratory research findings may be a bit less relevant than the quality of the doctor-patient relationship.
If you develop a condition (such as diabetes) that imposes restrictions in diet and physical activity, and requires a significant time and energy investment in self-care, your attitudes toward yourself and your condition will affect the way you proceed. The DAWN Study was the first attempt to quantify those attitudes, on a truly grand scale. And it just happened to confirm what we at Voice of the Diabetic have been telling you all along, about the importance of positive attitude to good diabetes self-management.
Sadly, there are a lot of folks out there who believe that, no matter what they do, diabetes complications are up to the Almighty, not to the quality and consistency of their self-management. There are many others who, as we have written, believe that complications happen "to others," that they, personally, are immune. "It'll never happen to me!" they insist.
We know better. Living with diabetes, so much of your success is up to you. The DAWN study quantified what we already knew - that the best long-term treatment for diabetes is education, and that we as a people are in desperate need of more of it.
This year, at our National Federation of the Blind annual convention in Louisville, Kentucky, NFB president Dr. Marc Maurer gave the Banquet Address, titled "Leadership and the Matrix of Power". This address is available, free of charge, in large print and audiocassette, or downloadable (in "RealAudio" format), from the NFB Web site: www.nfb.org. This speech, and others by President Maurer (and much more!), are available from the National Federation of the Blind Materials Center, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230; telephone: 410-659-9314, open 8:00 to 5 pm. EST, weekdays.
Enrico Benedetti, MD, and Cristiana Rastellini, MD, are pancreas transplant directors at the University of Illinois in Chicago. As of this time, their department is choosing 42 patients for free Edmonton-style islet transplants. For information, contact: University of Illinois, Department of Surgery, Attn: Enrico Benedetti, MD, 840 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612; telephone: 312-413-3483.
LXN Corporation, makers of the InCharge glucose monitor and the Duet system, is closing its doors. Users of the InCharge meter should call 1-888-270-5365, to arrange for a free replacement meter (LifeScan has offered, as free replacements, the OneTouch Ultra or SureStep). All InCharge test strips are being discontinued.
The Duet system meter offered both a glucose test and a test for fructosamine - but research has shown that the fructosamine test strips may give inaccurately high results unless stored at or above 86°F - even though the package instructions say otherwise.
LXN Corp will offer a refund for every DUET system meter purchased in the last 12 months and returned to them. Contact The National Notification Center: 1-800-668-4391. They will send you the appropriate packaging and labels to return your meter. But do it promptly; the free recall offer expires November 15, 2002.
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson went on a camping trip. After a good meal and a bottle of wine they were exhausted and went to sleep.
Some hours later, Holmes awoke and nudged his faithful friend. "Watson, look up and tell me what you see."
Watson replied, "I see millions and millions of stars."
"What does that tell you?"
Watson pondered for a minute. "Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo. Timewise, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three. Theologically, I can see that the Lord is all powerful and that we are but insignificant specks of dust. Meteorologically, I suspect we'll have a beautiful day tomorrow. What does it tell you?"
Holmes was silent for a moment, then spoke? "Watson, you idiot, some rascal has stolen our tent!"
We have been asked to announce: If you've had diabetes 20 years or more, and have experienced complications, you might wish to participate in an informal survey. The investigator, a veteran diabetic, is trying to gauge the impact on people's lives of diabetic complications. If you'd like to participate, contact: Debbie Fredericks; telephone: (618) 452-4849; e-mail: [email protected]
There are electronic discussion groups, "listservs," for almost any topic you can imagine, including diabetes. If you have e-mail and web access, you can find dozens. Some are "professional;" many are for people with the condition, or specific ramifications. Many are in other languages, like Spanish, Swedish, or Dutch. Diabetes writer Rick Mendosa has prepared a 37-page catalog of many of these lists, and posted it on his Web site: www.mendosa.com
Voice of the Diabetic is offered in two formats: standard print, and 15/16 IPS audiocassette ("talking book" speed). Anyone who is currently receiving the Voice in print and having difficulty reading it, may receive it on cassette at no charge. Voice tapes require the special tape player available free to the legally blind from Regional Libraries for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, which can be obtained by telephoning the National Library Service at: 1-800-424-8567.
Periodically we receive requests for the Voice in Braille or large print. It is not available in either of those formats at this time. View the Voice on the World Wide Web at: www.nfb.org/voice.htm
If you have diabetes, are a family member or friend of a diabetic, or a health professional with an interest in diabetes, we invite you to submit an article for publication in the Voice of the Diabetic.
Our philosophy regarding diabetes is positive. Do you have an inspiring, enlightening story? We, the Diabetes Action Network of the National Federation of the Blind, seek to show people they are not alone, and do have options, regardless of diabetic complications. If you have experienced ramifications, others, who may be facing the same side-effects, could benefit from what you have to say.
Perhaps you have not experienced complications--your unique insight, coping strategies, and lifestyle can still inspire others. Are you a relative, a friend, or a health professional? More than 315,000 Voice readers could benefit from your story.
For information and article submission guidelines, contact: Voice of the Diabetic, 1412 I-70 Drive, Suite C, Columbia, MO 65203; telephone: (573) 875-8911.