Inclusion of materials in this publication is for information only and does not imply endorsement by the Diabetes Action Network of the NFB.
Volunteers Needed
Not enough studies have focused on the unique needs of women
with type 1 diabetes. More needs to be learned about the relationship between
the menstrual cycle and blood glucose levels, and between diabetes and premenstrual
syndrome (PMS). The University of Pennsylvania is seeking volunteers, generally
healthy women diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, who have regular menstrual cycles,
no plans to become pregnant while enrolled in the study, use a reliable form
of birth control, have no serious hypoglycemia problems, and no history of psychiatric
treatment.
Participants in one study will fill out a questionnaire, keep a diary of blood
glucose results, have a free screening physical exam and intravenous glucose
tolerance test, and spend two nights at the General Clinical Research Center
at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital. This test pays $200.
For women with both diabetes and PMS, the second study requires: Daily completion of menstrual cycle questionnaire and glucose diary for seven months; taking a new drug treatment for PMS, or a placebo; and four overnight stays at University of Pennsylvania Hospital. This test pays $500. Note: Although these studies are open to any women who meet the qualifications, there are no funds to transport folks to Philadelphia, so the ideal candidate already lives in the Philly area.
For information, contact: Kimberly Trout, RN, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104; telephone: (215) 898-6733.
Free Diabetes Literature
The National Federation of the Blind maintains an extensive literature collection,
with free materials on many subjects available in a variety of formats. Twenty-three
articles on aspects of diabetes, all previously published in the Voice,
have been assembled into a single volume, available in large print and four-track
audiocassette, titled: “Diabetes Action Network Articles.” Both
formats are free of charge. To order, or to request a complete NFB literature
catalog, contact: NFB Materials Center, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230;
telephone: (410) 659-9314. You may also order by e-mail: [email protected].
The Materials Center is open 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., EST, weekdays.
Diabetic Foot Information on Tape
Podiatrist Kenneth B. Rehm, DPM, limits his practice to the diabetic foot, and he has a great deal of useful information to impart. On July 6, 2002, he addressed the Diabetes Action Network’s annual meeting, and we recorded his speech. Titled: “Diabetes, Neuropathy, and The Feet,” it is now available, on normal-speed audiocassette, for $2 per copy, from: National Federation of the Blind, Materials Center, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230; telephone: (410) 659-9314; Web site: www.nfb.org
Diabetes Supplies
American Diabetic Supply, Inc., will ship your diabetes supplies to your door. They handle all insurance claims and provide free delivery. Folks with Medicare and/or private insurance (no HMOs) may receive supplies at no further cost. For information, contact: American Diabetic Supply, Inc., 400 S. Atlantic Ave., Suite 108, Ormond Beach, FL 32176; telephone: 1-800-453-9033.
Bibles for the Blind
We have been asked to announce: If you are at least legally blind (documentation required), you may purchase a copy of the Theophilos Audio Bible, for $29.95 (USA). Not an audiocassette, this works through your computer’s screen-reading software. The company recommends you use JAWS. For information, contact Audio-Bible, www.audio-bible.com, or telephone: 1-888-262-9977.
Hear Your Computer
Computer programs and operating systems are constantly improving. If you are blind, and use a screen reader, a program that speaks the screen content to you, so you can work without sight, is it keeping pace? GW Micro, maker of the Window Eyes series of screen reading software, announces Window-Eyes Professional, an up-to-date program designed to take full advantage of the newest generation of Windows’ capabilities. For information, contact: GW Micro, in Fort Wayne, Indiana; telephone: (260) 489-3671; fax: (260) 489-2608; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: www.gwmicro.com
Relief
Many diabetics suffer from dry feet. It "goes with the
territory." They hurt, they itch, they dry out and crack, and you need
to do something about it. Sometimes neuropathy, nerve inflammation, in your
feet can really drive you 'round the bend. But Steuart Laboratories offers help.
Steuart's Foot Cream, with Melalenca Oil, is excellent for dry diabetic feet.
Steuart's CNS Liposomes offers relief from neuropathy; also good for back, muscle,
and joint pain. Prices (2-oz. jar): $9.25 plus shipping for the Foot Cream;
$19.80 for the CNS Liposomes. Contact: Steuart Laboratories, PO Box 535, Mabel,
MN 55954; telephone: 1-800-210-9665; Web site: www.steuartlabs.com.
Easy Diabetic Cookbook
If you want to prepare healthy diabetic meals, but find most
cookbooks just too complicated, you need Linda Coffee and Emily Cale's The
Diabetic 4 Ingredient Cookbook. There are over 200 recipes, in all food
categories, with complete nutritional and exchange information, each one using
four ingredients. The book costs $9.95 (+$2.95 shipping), from: Coffee and Cale,
PO Box 2121, Kerrville, TX 78029; telephone: 1-800-757-0838.
Full Service Diabetes Supplier
DS Medical Supply is a full-service supplier with a catalog of more than 55,000 items, dealing with diabetes, its complications, and many other medical supplies, delivered to your home. Diabetes products range from glucose monitors by Bayer and LifeScan, and the AccuChek VoiceMate talking glucose monitor, strips, lancets and other supplies, to diabetic orthotics/foot care items, and much more. They accept Medicare, private insurance, some HMOs, and, in most states, direct or crossover Medicaid. Contact: DS Medical, 2105 Newport Place, Suite 600, Lawrenceville, GA 30043-5561; telephone: 1-800-722-2604, Web site: www.dsmedical.com
Help Your Feet
If you have had diabetes for any length of time, you probably
have sore, dry feet. They're painful, and the cracking and dryness can lead
to serious infections. You need to inspect your feet every day, but what else
can you do? You can keep them moist, with a quality foot cream. Give them some
TLC -- TLC with Peanut Oil, available from podiatrist Dr. William Tenney. Price:
$10.70 per 8-oz container (plus $3.95 S&H). Contact: Dr. William Tenney,
The Foot Center, 6440 SOM Center Road, Solon, OG 44139; telephone: 1-440-248-3374.
Diabetic Food Exchange List
The "ADA Meal Planning Exchange List for Diabetics" is now available in Braille (74 pages) and on 4-track audiocassette.
This publication, the result of a joint effort of the American Diabetes Association and the American Dietetic Association, reflects the current emphasis on total carbohydrate intake, rather than restricting specific sugar types. Users find its orientation simple, and its meal plans flexible. Although it is only one of several ways to manage diabetic food intake, the “Exchange List” has been proven to work reliably and well, and will continue to play a pivotal role.
To purchase, make tax deductible checks payable to: National Federation of the Blind. Cost: Braille $10, cassette $2. Order from: National Federation of the Blind, Materials Center, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230; telephone: (410) 659-9314.
Consider LANTUS Insulin
Lantus (Insulin Glargine rDNA), from Aventis Pharmaceuticals, is very different from the “rapid acting” insulin types you hear so much about today. How is this insulin different? Lantus is a very slow insulin. The company describes it as a “long-acting basal insulin ... providing a relatively constant profile with no pronounced peak, and a glucose-lowering effect for over 24 hours.” Company literature states Lantus is for once-a-day administration, at bedtime, to treat adult patients with type 2 or type 1 diabetes, who require “basal” insulin.
Lantus is a recombinant DNA insulin analog specifically formulated
to provide a long, flat response. Because of its special formulation, Lantus
cannot be mixed in a syringe with any other insulin; so if you wished to take
it with Regular, Humalog, or Novolog, you’d have to take two injections.
Lantus insulin is available now. To find out more, contact: Aventis Pharmaceuticals;
telephone: 1-866-452-6887; Web site: http://www.lantus.com.
Diabetes Supplies
Do you get tired of having to "shop around" for your various diabetes items? "Go to this place for these; to that place for those..." Do something about it. Check out diabetesstore.com, the leading online source for discount diabetes products. Contact them by telephone: 1-800-891-9399; or Web site: www.diabetesstore.com
Elections Coming Up
by Ed Bryant
At this year's national convention in Louisville, Kentucky, elections will be held to fill our Diabetes Action Network divisional board positions. These are one-year terms, running from July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004. Positions to be filled are: President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and three Board Members. If you are interested in a board position, or know someone who you think would do a good job, then contact me, Diabetes Action Network President Ed Bryant. Yes, hard work and dedication are prerequisites for board positions -- but one must lead by good example.
This year is a bit different. I am not going to run for Diabetes Action Network President again -- it is time for some new blood at the top. I will continue as Editor of Voice of the Diabetic, and I hope to serve on the DAN Board (and no, I am not "retiring").
Regarding my replacement as President of the Diabetes Action Network of the National Federation of the Blind, I make the following recommendation: I would like to see Paul Price, from Valley Center, California, elected to replace me. Our entire DAN Board concurs.
I have worked with Paul for a number of years, and found him
talented, dedicated, and a committed Federationist. He currently serves as President
of the NFB of California's Diabetes Action Network, as a Board Member of the
NFB of California, as first VP of his local NFB chapter, and as a national Board
member of our Diabetes Action Network.
Paul has had a busy life. He joined the Navy at age 17, served (during Vietnam)
for 14 years, married, and had three children. When he left the navy, he went
to the Palomar observatory, where he was an "instrumentation specialist,"
helping to keep the 200-inch telescope working. He designed an automatic tracking
system for the telescope, while he was there.
After 2.5 years, Paul moved on to Devcon Systems, as an engineering technician,
and then as a principal engineer. When Devcon "downsized," ten years
later, he lost his job, but was promptly rehired as a "consultant."
He went on to Berg Systems for another two years. And now, with all his Federation
responsibilities, you can hardly call him "retired."
Did You Use Rezulin?
Some diabetics who used the now-banned medication Rezulin experienced complications from the drug. If you used this medication, or were a caregiver for someone who did, you might want to find out more about your legal options. Contact: Dean Spurlock, Attorney, 5601 Bridge Street, Fort Worth, TX 76112; telephone: 1-888-822-3745.
Safe Medication Newsletter
It is not just the responsibility of the doctor, the nurse, or the pharmacist, to see that you, the patient, receive the correct medications. You are also involved, and you need to learn as much as you can, to help guard yourself from dosage errors. This is of course an education issue, and now you have some help. The Institute For Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), an independent watchdog organization, announces a new internet newsletter, not for the pharmacist (their usual clientele), but for the consumer. They’re absolutely right; preventing medication errors isn’t just a job for health professionals any longer. To sign up, or to learn more about the ISMP, contact: Institute for Safe Medication Practices, 1800 Byberry Road, Suite 810, Huntington Valley, PA 19006; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: www.ismp.org
Diabetic Supplies Online
Pharmacist Bryan Luna, R.Ph., offers diabetes supplies, including glucose monitors, online at www.diabeticsupplies.com. This convenient website is simply laid out, and can be accessed in large print, too. For those without the internet, telephone: 1-877-787-7543. They will file your Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance forms. Free product catalog; 30-day money-back guarantee.
One More Reason To Stop Smoking
As if the capillary damage, vasoconstriction, and blood pressure
rise smoking causes were not enough, it has emerged that Age-related Macular
Degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness among the elderly, is three
times as frequent among tobacco-smokers as nonsmokers. Eye surgeon Ivan Suner,
MD, studied and researched 400 AMD patients in Miami, Florida, and there laid
the groundwork for the new findings that link AMD blindness to tobacco-smoking.
His results add a new cause to the list of "traditional" causes of
AMD: Family genetics, fair complexion, blue or green eyes, poor diet, and bad
blood vessels. The USA’s 22.5 million cases of AMD, previously called
“Senile” Macular Degeneration, afflict the population in the 55_85
year age range. Few smokers live past age 85 because of much earlier smoking-related
deaths from heart disease, strokes, cancers, and diabetes complications.
“Forty percent with Wet AMD (blood in macula) still smoke,” said
Dr. Suner. “Children and young adults should now be warned by eye doctors
and other MDs that tobacco-smoking is known to cause severe reading and driving
blindness."
Miracle Foot Repair
The healing power of Aloe Vera has been known for centuries. Many generations have found relief from burns and dry skin. Now you can bring this power to bear on your diabetic feet, and find relief from the itching and cracking, with Miracle Foot Repair. Guaranteed. Available at Walgreens, or from: Ontel Direct, Dept. VOD, 21 Law Drive, Fairfield, NJ 07004; Web site: www.ontelproducts.com
Elephant Stew
Cut one elephant into small bite size pieces. This should take about two months. Add enough gravy to cover. Season to taste. Cook about four weeks at 465 degrees. This will serve 3,800 people. If more are expected, two rabbits may be added. Do this only if absolutely necessary since most people do not like hare in their stew. Note: Diabetic Exchanges unavailable...
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 320,097 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.
Medicare Reference Code Change
Medicare has very specific “code specifications” for the various medical devices it will fund. For proper reimbursement, you need to use the correct number. There have always been two such “reference codes” for glucose monitors: EO607 for conventional glucose monitors, and EO609 for talking blood glucose meters, or talk boxes for existing meters. This second number has been changed. For purchase of a talking glucose monitor, or voice synthesizer for a glucose monitor, the correct specification is now E2100. Don’t use EO609 anymore.
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.
Donations are gladly accepted and appreciated. Contributions are not only tax deductible but are needed to keep the VOICE and the Diabetes Action Network moving forward to help people with all aspects of diabetes.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.
To begin receiving the VOICE, please check one
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are encouraged to pay the institutional rate of $20/one year; $35/two years;
$50/three years.)
Send the VOICE in (check one):
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Voice of the Diabetic
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Telephone: (573) 875-8911
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E-mail: [email protected]
Please make all checks payable to: NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND