Includes picture of dancing fruits and vegetables.
We invite blurbs and tidbit articles for inclusion in this column. Materials received may be edited and used as space permits. Products and services included in this column are for information only and do not imply endorsement by the Diabetes Action Network of the NFB.
Oral Insulin Update
On June 2, 2003, Generex Biotechnologt Corp. announced it is commencing "Phase 2B" clinical tests of its Oralin oral insulin spray. These large, long-term tests will evaluate the efficacy of Oralin in type 1 and insulin-using type 2 diabetics, at various clinic sites across the United States.
This is a beginning. The Phase 2 clinicals must be successfully completed, and then Phase 3 must do the same, before the Food and Drug Administration will consider approval. It will be a few years; stay tuned.
Diabetes and Heart Attack
It is known that having diabetes increases your risk of cardiac events, like heart attack. Some heart attacks are asymptomatic, they're not painful, and may come as a complete surprise when detected by the doctor. For some time, it has been believed that being diabetic increased one's risk of asymptomatic heart attack.
A recently-completed study suggests that may not be the case. Dr. Patrick McNulty, of the Pennsylvania State College of Medicine, Principal Investigator of this study, said his data showed about 25 percent of heart attacks experienced by both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals were pain-free, even though potentially life-threatening--and that's dangerous, because people don't seek treatment when they don't know anything's happened to them.
Conclusion: Diabetics have many more heart attacks than non-diabetics, but the same percentage of these events will be asymptomatic--only the total number of events will be higher. Talk to your doctor about what you can do for a healthy heart, and get those regular check-ups, whether you "feel something" or not.
Important Notice
Insulin manufacturer Eli Lilly is discontinuing its animal-source Lente insulin, Iletin2-Pork. The company announces the last vials of this formulation will expire in March 2004--but "less than 500 users in the U.S. and Canada will be affected." These consumers will need to switch to another insulin formulation, and should first discuss such changes with their doctor.
Lilly states it has "no plans at this time to discontinue its other Iletin2-Pork formulations, of Regular or NPH insulin." For more information, contact Lilly Customer Service: 1-800-545-5979, or the Lilly Diabetes Answer Center: 1-888-885-4559.
Voice Formats
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. Note: Attempting to play Voice tapes (or any other tapes in NLS format) on a conventional music-speed tape player will yield incomprehensible "chipmunk sounds."
The Voice is also available by e-mail, distributed quarterly. Go to: www.nfbcal.org/listserv-signup.html to sign up.
Periodically we receive requests for the Voice in Braille or large print. It is not available in either of those formats at this time.
All a subscriber needs to do, to switch from standard print to tape, or to receive both formats, free of charge, is contact us at the Voice of the Diabetic Editorial Office.
The Chi Machine
We have been asked to announce: "Complimentary therapies" are procedures an individual might choose to adopt alongside (not instead of) regular medical treatment. Two, closely related, are massage and exercise. Japanese researchers have developed a machine said to aid both. The Chi Machine, an electric "aerobic exerciser," is said to provide aerobic/exercise benefits equal to those of brisk walking.
The Chi Machine is priced at $480.00. For more information, or a 14-day free trial, contact: Rob Webster; telephone: 1-800-548-2527; e-mail: [email protected].
Simlyn Update
Last issue (Voice of the Diabetic, Vol. 18, No. 2, April 2003), we reviewed how Simlyn, an analog of the hormone Amylin, might help insulin-dependent diabetics achieve better blood sugar control. The road from "possible breakthrough" to FDA approval is long and arduous - and many "promising" medications fall by the wayside.
On May 27, 2003, Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., from La Jolla, California, announced its recently-completed clinical test showed its diabetes drug Simlyn met federal regulators' expectations for glucose control. Test participants who took both Simlyn and insulin were also able to lose weight--and those using insulin only are far more prone to gain weight.
Amylin says they hope to have Simlyn approved by the end of the year.
Articles Needed
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 322,231 Voice readers could benefit from your story.
For information and article submission guidelines, contact: Voice of the Diabetic, 1412 I-70 Drive SW, Suite C, Columbia, MO 65203; telephone: (573) 875-8911.
The VOICE OF THE DIABETIC is a quarterly magazine published by the Diabetes Action Network of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) for anyone interested in diabetes, especially diabetics who are blind or are losing vision. An outreach publication, it emphasizes good diabetes control, diet, and independence.
Members of the NFB Diabetes Action Network
enjoy priority services and unique benefits such as a continuous free subscription
to the VOICE, automatic access to committees
covering all aspects of diabetes, free counseling concerning all facets of
blindness and diabetes, as well as access to diabetics who have experienced
complications. The VOICE is free to any
interested person upon request. Each subscription costs the Diabetes Action
Network approximately $20 per year. To help defray publication expenses, members
are invited, and nonmembers are encouraged, to cover the subscription cost.
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