Category Archives: Diabetes

Recent reports linking COVID-19 to new and existing diabetes cases seemvalid, but local doctors say much more information and research is needed before drawing any conclusions as to why.

Doctors are finding that COVID-19 is affecting diabetics differently and it is suspected the virus might be triggering new cases.

"There seems to be multiple levels of connection," said Dr. Michael Davidson, an endocrinologist at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital. "It is interesting, but so far it is a poorly understood relationship. Does it cause new cases? People are talking about this heavily at the Endocrinology Society. "

"There is some truth to this," said Dr. David Itkin, an infectious disease specialist at Portsmouth Regional Hospital. "There are two types of diabetes and there is less evidence to link COVID to one of those types."

Two and through: MaineHealth's vaccine site in Sanford makes battling COVID quick and easy

Type 1, commonly called juvenile onset diabetes because it tends to manifest at a young agebut can occur at any time, does not seem to have strong links to COVID-19 cases.

"Type 1 is when there is an inadequate or no production of insulin in the body," Itkin said. "Insulin must be provided to treat and control glucose levels. The COVID virus does not attack the pancreas, where insulin production takes place. Autoantibodies (against the self) might be produced."

Type 2 diabetes is an insulin resistant disease, where the body produces insulin, but it is not used well, also resulting in elevated glucose levels, said Itkin.

"The effects of type 2 diabetes from COVID is more apparent," said Itkin. "We should note, however, that this is not a phenomenon of just COVID. Other infectious and non-infectious conditions can impact a Type 2 diabetic. Even heart attacks or trauma can have an effect. It is uncommon, but it can happen."

State of the City:Portsmouth mayor sees 'light at the end of the tunnel' after COVID

Davidson said it is recognized that people who have diabetes are at risk for more severe cases of COVID-19.

"The virus seems to induce metabolic complications in a diabetic patient," he said. "They are at risk for conditions like ketoacidosis,hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. They seem to require more critical care. But a lot of people presenting with acute COVID have high blood pressure."

Another theory is that the new cases might be temporary, similar to gestational diabetes some women experience in pregnancy.

"It's not the same exactly," said Davidson. "Pregnant women can show insulin resistance while the placenta is making hormones. After pregnancy, mostreturn to normal. Still they have a higher risk of developing diabetes in the future. Will the COVID cases have the same risk? We just don't know yet. We do not know the ramifications."

Dr. Gretchen Volpe, an infectious disease doctor at York Hospital, said concerns have been raised about people coming in with new diabetes cases when they come in with COVID-19.

More: Sen. Hassan visits Epping High to see federal COVID relief dollars in action

"Can it be caused by COVID?" she said. "We just do not know yet. We did create a registry to try and learn the answers. Could it be like gestational diabetes? We are trying to figure out if there is a real correlation."

One of the more common treatments forhospitalized COVID-19 patients, steroids, couldbe the cause of what seems to be happening, said Itkin.

"It is known that steroids can elevate glucose levels," he said. "So, that might be the tipping point."

Volpe agreed that steroids and some other treatments can cause high glucose levels, mimicking diabetes.

Davidson said there is a registry being formed in the UK on the diabetes cases.

"They are identifying nuances and reporting on them, looking for trends," hesaid. "They are looking at how frequently this happens, what are the features presented and whether the cases more closely resemble Type 1 or Type 2 disease."

For now, Davidson said this is something clinicians need to be aware of, so when a patient with diabetes comes in with COVID-19, they can know how to best manage diabetic patients'treatmentand look for new cases.

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Doctors unsure why but say the COVID-19 virus appears to have links to diabetes - Foster's Daily Democrat

ARLINGTON, Va., May 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study released today by the American Diabetes Association in partnership with dQ&A,finds that growing numbers of people with diabetes have not only been forced to put off needed medical care since the outbreak of COVID-19, but that alarming numbers are struggling to manage their blood glucose levels.

Key survey results found:

While an increase in diabetes complications puts the diabetes community at a heightened long-term risk, poor glycemic control also leaves people with diabetes especially vulnerable to adverse COVID-19 outcomes should they catch the coronavirus in the near term.

Dr. Robert Gabbay, ADA Chief Scientific and Medical Officer, said, "Over the past year, we've witnessed a grossly disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on the health and safety of Americans living with diabetes.As a community, and as a nation, we must work to bring more resourcesfrom expanded access to diabetes technology and telemedicine to expanded programs for healthy food and beveragesto the 34 million Americans who have diabetes.We must also acknowledge and address the systemic barriers that prevent many people with diabetes from staying safe and healthy, through the end of this pandemic and beyond."

The results of this survey were compiled from a national online poll of 5,645 people with diabetes between March 4th, 2021, and March 16th, 2021, with margins of error of +/- 2% percent.

About the American Diabetes Association

Every day, more than 4,000 people are newly diagnosed with diabetes in America. More than 122 million Americans have diabetes or prediabetes and are striving to manage their lives while living with the disease. The ADA is the nation's leading voluntary health organization fighting to bend the curve on the diabetes epidemic and helping people living with diabetes thrive. For 80 years, the ADA has been driving discovery and research to treat, manage and prevent diabetes, while working relentlessly for a cure. We help people with diabetes thrive by fighting for their rights and developing programs, advocacy, and education designed to improve their quality of life. Diabetes has brought us together, what we do next will make us Connected for Life. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at diabetes.orgor call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383). Join the fight with us on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Twitter (@AmDiabetesAssn), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn).

About dQ&A The Diabetes Research Company

dQ&A is a social enterprise that's committed to making life better for people with diabetes. We harness patient voices to help develop better tools and policies for people with diabetes and improve health outcomes. For over ten years, we have been tracking the experiences and opinions of people with diabetes in the United States, Canada and Europe. We are trusted by patients because of our independence and commitment to them. Our team has decades of experience in quantitative and qualitative research and a deep knowledge of diabetes. Many of our own lives have been touched by diabetes, so we have a personal stake in our work. To learn more and to see research highlights, you can visit us atd-qa.comand follow us on LinkedIn (dQ&A - The Diabetes Research Company), Facebook (@dQandA) and Twitter (@dQAresearch).

Contacts: Daisy Diaz, 703-253-4807

press@diabetes.org

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SOURCE American Diabetes Association

Original post:
COVID Fears Kept One in Five People With Diabetes Away From the Doctor During Pandemic - Johnson City Press (subscription)

Results of a qualitative study of persons living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their families showed cost considerations for diabetes technology uptake extend outside of finances and include time, cost to society, morality, and interpersonal relationships.

Findings, published in Diabetic Medicine, ultimately illustrate a broad consensus on how cost is experienced by stakeholder groups, while authors noted this knowledge can help clinicians and researchers promote equitable device uptake and anticipate barriers.

Although diabetes technology is associated with improved T1D outcomes and cost is a modifiable barrier to its use, little is known about the nuances of cost considerations among this population, researchers wrote.

With increasing government approval of algorithms that allow for automated insulin delivery as well as the increased adoption of do-it-yourself hybrid closed-loop algorithms, it is important to understand barriers in adoption of these technologies in order to facilitate equitable uptake across all persons with T1D, they said.

Research has also shown there is a differential uptake of diabetes technology among youth from lower socioeconomic status families, while racial disparities in insulin pump use among children have persisted over the past 15 years, independent of socioeconomic status.

As clinicians often misidentify or over identify barriers to diabetes technology use, researchers set out to analyze qualitative data better understand cost as a barrier in all of its forms as described by 4 stakeholder groups: youth, parents, adults and partners.

Investigators analyzed all sections of the INSPIRE study (a mixed-methods evaluation of patients with T1D conducted in the United States and United Kingdom) that were previously coded and related to cost. Because the dataset with cost-related codes was anonymous, demographic data were not available for the current analysis. In the broader INSPIRE study, adults were between ages 18 and 77 while 92% were non-Hispanic White. Youth were between ages 9 and 21.

Topic themes were identified and stratified in accordance with the Social Ecological Model (SEM), a theoretical framework which accounts for interplay between individual, relationship, community and societal factors on behavior.

A total of 5 thematic levels of cost were identified: policy, organizational, insurance, interpersonal and individual. Responses also showed equitable diabetes technology access was an important policy-level theme. Additional findings included:

We report that monetary and non-monetary cost considerations were important in automated insulin delivery uptake for all 4 stakeholder groups, spanning the individual, their family and society at large, authors wrote.

By incorporating discussions about guilt around T1D cost, time spent with payers, and insurance-related barriers during clinical encounters, providers may help decrease the psychosocial burden of the disease.

The secondary nature of the analysis marks a limitation to the study. As participants were mostly non-Hispanic White, the potential for sampling bias exists and findings may not be generalizable.

Cost plays a role in contributing to disease management stress and logistics as well as one's attitude and uptake of technological advances in diabetes care, researchers concluded. Knowledge of these conditions is one strategy to bridge disparities in automated insulin delivery uptake for persons living with T1D and their families, they said.

Reference

Addala A, Suttiratana SC, Wong JJ, et al. Cost considerations for adoption of diabetes technology are pervasive: a qualitative study of persons living with type 1 diabetes and their families. Diabet Med. published online April 1, 2021. doi:10.1111/dme.14575

More:
Understanding Cost Considerations Around Diabetes Technology in the T1D Community - AJMC.com Managed Markets Network

In 2013, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 15. I was rushed to the hospital with blood sugars of 38.8 mmol/s or 700 mg/dl. I began insulin treatment straight away and the first meal I received was toast, followed by breaded chicken and potatoes.

My blood sugars spiked after each meal.

Feeling worried, I asked my endo about this, and she said it was normal for a person with diabetes to spike after meals. The advice I received was You can eat whatever you want as long as you take insulin for it. There is no such thing as a diabetic diet.

For the next four years, I tried my hardest to achieve steady blood sugars following the UK Eatwell Plate guidelines, aka a high carbohydrate diet. Being told I could carry on eating whatever I wanted at diagnosis was the only bit of normality I could grasp onto. But, after years of carb counting and working with my diabetes care team, I still couldnt consistently achieve steady blood sugars. My A1c results came back as abnormal but expected. Every day was a rollercoaster, which also meant a rollercoaster of emotions. I was constantly tired, emotional and exhausted.

I knew there had to be a better way to manage this disease.

After a particularly rubbish day with my diabetes back in 2017, I began researching online. I came across a perfect CGM graph on social media with the caption I got 99 problems but blood sugar control aint one. I was amazed and wondered how it had been achieved. Luckily, the image was tagged #lowcarb.

Small amounts of carbs = small amounts of insulin = small chance of error/fluctuation.

After hours spent reading books, researching online and looking at other type 1s for guidance and inspiration, I tried eating low carb for a week and was absolutely blown away by my results. On my first day my blood sugars stayed between 4-7 mmol/l. I went from taking on average 60 units of insulin a day down to just 26 units.

Mentally and physically, I felt stronger. I was able to exercise without dropping low. Three whole weeks went by without going hypo or hyper. I was no longer experiencing energy crashes throughout the day. Gone were the cravings for carbs and sugar. I was still able to eat delicious food I just swapped regular flour for almond flour, sugar for sweetener and so forth. There are so many amazing recipes online that you can practically make anything low carb.

For the first time in my life, I felt in control of my diabetes, instead of the other way around. I realized that although many factors can affect our blood sugar, there is no escaping the fact that carbohydrates have the greatest impact.

My family and friends could see a difference in me too, and I remember a friend telling me, You look so much happier.

Three years on, I still follow a low carb lifestyle and my most recent HbA1c result was 4.6%, well within the non-diabetic range. Many doctors are astonished by my results and often tell me they have never seen a type 1 with blood sugar control like mine.

What I find incredible is that if I hadnt come across the CGM graph on social media, I might still be living with rollercoaster blood sugars. The one question I had back then and still have to this day is Why wasnt I told about this earlier?

In the UK, a lower carb lifestyle is not even presented as an option for people with type 1 diabetes and is actively discouraged by many diabetes charities. I am fighting to change this. I joined the Instagram diabetes community last year to share my journey with low carb and to raise awareness. I still get emotional each time I get a message from someone saying low carb has changed their life or their childs life.

For many of us, low carb is not just about food, its about life. It enables us to live long, happy and healthy lives without our diabetes getting in the way, now or in the future.

Low carb truly is the closest thing to feeling like a non-diabetic.

And thats the reason I still eat this way three years on.

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The Hashtag that Changed My Life with Type 1 Diabetes: #LowCarb - A Sweet Life

Diabetes: Fruits are loaded with natural sugar that may not affect your blood sugar levels

Diabetics are often advised to choose a healthy diet and lifestyle to control blood sugar levels. If left uncontrolled, diabetes may affect different organs of the body. Diet plays a significant role in controlling blood sugars. Many believe that diabetics cannot eat fruits. Firstly, diabetics can eat fruits in moderation as these contain natural sugar which is not harmful to your body. On the other hand, there are studies which highlight that eating certain fruits can help in controlling blood sugar levels. During the winter season, one of the commonly available fruits is guava. Many love eating guava and it is loaded with several health benefits. But then the question arises that is guava healthy for diabetics? Can it help control blood sugar levels? How many guavas can diabetics eat in a day? We have got all these questions covered in this article. Keep reading to know how diabetics can safely enjoy this winter fruit.

According to research published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, adding guava without peel to your diet can help improve blood pressure, blood sugars and serum lipid parameters. Further studies are being conducted to elaborate the relations.

Also read:These Leaves Can Lower Your Blood Sugar Levels Effectively; Learn How To Use Them

Bhakti Samant who is a chief dietician at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital comments, "Yes, someone with diabetes can eat guava. It does contain free sugars but has a low glycemic index which makes it a diabetes-friendly fruit. According to the study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research guava fruit without the peel is more effective in lowering the blood sugars than with the peel. Hence, a diabetic person should consume it without the peel."

Diabetes diet: Guavas without peel may help lower blood sugars, says studyPhoto Credit: iStock

"Ideally, the quantity can be decided by a dietician based on an individual's needs. One guava without the peel can be safely consumed by a diabetic in between the meal timings along with some nuts," she further adds.

Also read:Control Your Blood Sugar Levels With Kala Chana; What Is The Right Time To Eat And How

Diabetes can eat fruits in moderation to maintain healthy blood sugarsPhoto Credit: iStock

This winter delight can offer you some amazing health benefits. Guava can help you boost digestion, promote heart health and may support weight loss. It is also loaded with vitamin C that can give a boost to your immunity.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

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Diabetes: Add The Goodness Of Guava To Your Winter Diet To Manage Blood Sugar Levels - NDTV

Abstract and Introduction Abstract

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has quickly spread, infecting and claiming the lives of many as healthcare professionals around the globe work tirelessly to treat patients who become infected. According to the American Diabetes Association, at this time, there are insufficient data to show if those with diabetes are more likely to become infected with COVID-19; however, those with diabetes have worse outcomes, such as higher rates of serious complications. This article discusses proposed mechanisms associated with increased risk of negative COVID-19 outcomes in patients with diabetes, comorbidities, and management of diabetes in patients with COVID-19.

Coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It was first identified in Wuhan, China in 2019 and rapidly spread across the world such that it was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020.[1]

Since then, it has infected more than 5 million people in the United States, and the death toll continues to rise to more than 219,000 at the time of publication.[2] U.S. states that initially emerged as epicenters for COVID-19 were able to decrease community transmission with shelter-in-place orders, mandatory masks, and social distancing measures. COVID-19 can rapidly spread from person to person, through respiratory droplets produced through breathing, singing, talking, coughing, or sneezing. COVID-19 continues to be spread in the community in multiple states, prompting reversal of reopening plans.[3] According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), at this time, there are insufficient data to show if those with diabetes are more likely to become infected with COVID-19; however, those with diabetes have worse outcomes, such as higher rates of serious complications.[4]

It is known that older adults and those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and obesity are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 requiring hospitalization.[5] With a long incubation time reported to be up to 24 days and both symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers able to transmit the disease, COVID-19 has proven to be highly infectious.[6]

At this time, there is no effective cure for COVID-19. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.[7]

A multitude of medications to treat COVID-19 patients have been and continue to be studied in clinical trials around the world. Some medications include remdesivir, lopinavir plus ritonavir, tocilizumab, anakinra, as well as convalescent plasma therapy. Most patients receive supportive care, and those who become severely ill may require mechanical ventilation.[6]

Link:
The Effect of COVID-19 on Patients With Diabetes - Medscape

So many people have diabetesabout 1.5 million are diagnosed in the United States each year, and nearly 1 in 10 Americans have ityou'd think it'd be easy to spot. But although the condition is relatively common, many people go undiagnosed because the early symptoms can be vague, easily overlooked at first, or confused with other conditions.

Here from Eat This, Not That! Health are the first signals your body might send when you develop diabetes. Read on, and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus.

A very common early sign of diabetes, increased thirst happens because diabetes causes sugar (glucose) to build up in the bloodstream. Normally, the kidneys process glucose, but when they become overwhelmed, the excess glucose is flushed out with your urine. Water from other body tissues is pulled along with it, leaving you dehydrated and craving fluids to replace what you've lost.

The Rx: Experts such as Harvard Medical School advise drinking four to six cups of water per day. If you're hydrating adequately but you've noticed an uptick in thirst, talk with your doctor.

In early diabetes, the body will increase urine production, attempting to flush out that excess blood sugar, and you might find yourself having to go more often. "It's important to know what is normal for your body," says Leigh Tracy, RD, LDN, CDE, a registered dietitian and diabetes program coordinator at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. "The average individual urinates between seven and eight times per day, but for some, up to 10 times per day is normal."

The Rx: "If you are urinating more than your norm, and especially if you are waking up multiple times in the middle of the night to urinate, speak with your primary care physician right away," says Tracy.

Diabetes causes blood glucose to rise uncontrollably. At the same time, it prevents cells from using glucose for energy. That lack of energy can make you hungry.

Story continues

The Rx: "If you notice you're constantly hungry even though you have just eaten regular meals and snacks during the day, you should speak with your doctor," says Tracy.

RELATED: 7 Tips You Must Follow to Avoid COVID, Say Doctors

Because diabetes elevates blood sugar at the same time it prevents the body from using it for energy, that can make you fatigued. Frequent urination can also disrupt your sleep.

The Rx: There's a difference between tiredness and fatigue. Normal tiredness gets better after rest. But if you still feel worn out despite getting an adequate amount of sleep, it's worth discussing with your doctor.

According to the Mayo Clinic, high levels of blood glucose pull fluid from your tissues, including the lenses of your eyes. This can affect your ability to focus and cause blurry vision. Diabetes can also cause new blood vessels to form in the retinas, damaging established vessels. If those changes progress untreated, they can lead to vision loss.

The Rx: If you're experiencing any signs of diabetes such as blurred vision, it's important to see your doctor ASAP, and regularly if you're diagnosed. "Diabetes is a progressive disease, even in patients with excellent lifestyles," says Sarah Rettinger, MD, an endocrinologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California.

Diabetes can make skin injuries, such as cuts and bruises, slower to heal. High blood sugar can stiffen blood vessels, slowing blood flow and preventing oxygen and nutrients from getting to cuts and bruises to heal them. Diabetes can also impair the immune system, slowing the body's natural repair processes.

The Rx: If you notice that cuts or bruises aren't healing as quickly as they have in the past, see your healthcare provider.

RELATED: Unhealthiest Habits on the Planet, According to Doctors

Losing weight without any changes in diet or exercise may sound great, but it's the definition of too good to be true: It can signify a serious health condition such as hyperthyroidism, cancer or diabetes. When diabetics lose glucose through frequent urination, they also lose calories. Diabetes may also keep cells from absorbing glucose from food for energy, and the body may begin to burn its fat stores as fuel instead. Both can result in weight loss.

The Rx: If you're shedding pounds without trying, see your doctor and ask if you should be tested for diabetes.

Diabetes can lead to a kind of nerve damage called neuropathy, which can cause tingling or numbness in your extremities like hands or feet. This is dangerous because numbness can make cuts or injuries easier to overlook, and because diabetes can cause wounds to heal more slowly, complications can result.

The Rx: Be aware of what's going on with your body, and if you're experiencing any unusual pain, numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, see a healthcare provider without delay.

RELATED: Simple Ways to Avoid a Heart Attack, According to Doctors

"People often have no symptoms of diabetes," says Kristine Arthur, MD, an internist at MemorialCare Medical Group in Irvine, California. "Sometimes they may notice weight gain, persistent hunger and increased fatigue associated with high insulin levels, but these symptoms can be present in other conditions, so it is important to have blood tests done to find out what is the cause."

The Rx: Have your HgbA1c (sometimes called "A1c") levels checked with a blood test every year during your routine checkup.

And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don't miss these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.

See more here:
Early Signs You Have Diabetes, According to Doctors - Yahoo Lifestyle

This article was originally published here

Eur Heart J Qual Care Clin Outcomes. 2020 Dec 22:qcaa095. doi: 10.1093/ehjqcco/qcaa095. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on outcomes of lower extremity revascularization (LER) for peripheral artery disease (PAD) is uncertain. We characterized associations between DM and post-procedural outcomes in PAD patients undergoing LER.

METHODS: Adults undergoing surgical or endovascular LER were identified from the 2014 Nationwide Readmissions Database. DM was defined by ICD-9 diagnosis codes and sub-classified based on the presence or absence of complications (poor glycemic control or end-organ damage). Major adverse cardiovascular and limb events (MACLE) were defined as the composite of death, myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke, or major limb amputation during the index hospitalization for LER. For survivors, all-cause 6-month hospital readmission was determined.

RESULTS: Among 39,441 patients with PAD hospitalized for LER, 50.8% had DM. The composite of MACLE after LER was not different in patients with and without DM after covariate adjustment, but patients with DM were more likely to require major limb amputation (5.5% vs. 3.2%, p < 0.001; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.22, 95% CI 1.03-1.44) and hospital readmission (59.2% vs. 41.3%, p < 0.001; aOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.34-1.55). Of 20,039 patients with DM hospitalized for LER, 55.7% had DM with complications. These patients were more likely to have MACLE after LER (11.1% vs. 5.2%, p < 0.001; aOR 1.56 95% CI 1.28-1.89) and require hospital readmission (61.1% vs. 47.2%, p < 0.001; aOR 1.41 95% CI 1.27-1.57) than patients with uncomplicated DM.

CONCLUSIONS: DM is present in 50% of patients undergoing LER for PAD and is an independent risk factor for major limb amputation and 6-month hospital readmission.

PMID:33351089 | DOI:10.1093/ehjqcco/qcaa095

Originally posted here:
Diabetes Mellitus And Outcomes Of Lower Extremity Revascularization For Peripheral Artery Disease - DocWire News

Now, an 18-year-old freshman at Concordia College, Danika always has sugar and water with her, and wears an insulin pump to keep her alive. She needs to continuously monitor the pump all day.

"I check it a couple of times an hour, and every time I eat, Danika said. Its scary that something could go wrong if Im not careful. Its always in the back of my mind, I could die if I dont manage it.

On top of all that, even after insurance, the insulin is extremely expensive and costs thousands of dollars.

Its a huge financial strain, said Danelle Johnson, Danikas mother. We have cut back our family spending. Were funneling all our money to keep her alive.

Many people with diabetes have died in the U.S. because of the enormous cost of insulin. They couldnt afford the cost of the medication and they dangerously chose to ration it. Those were fatal mistakes.

There is price gouging taking place by the pharmaceutical companies. A $1,300 monthly supply of insulin in the U.S. only costs about $100 in Canada or Mexico. Alec Smith, 26, of Minneapolis, had to pay $1,300 a month in out of pocket costs for his insulin. Because he couldn't afford the exorbitant costs, Alec started rationing his insulin. Less than one month later, Alecs body was found alone in his apartment.

About eight states, including Minnesota, have passed legislation to provide financial assistance to diabetes patients. Now, its North Dakotas turn. The idea is to put a monthly cap on the cost of insulin and related supplies. The insurance companies would pay the difference. State Sen. Tim Mathern, D-Fargo, is proposing such a bill.

This legislation is necessary because each child or person with diabetes should have access to quality health care no matter their preconditions or financial ability, Mathern said. The problem is some families are unable to pay for treatment that their child needs, and as such, the life and death options are less than other children.

It is time for the North Dakota Legislature to pass this bill.

These people didnt decide to get diabetes, Mathern said. It gets down to each persons intrinsic worth.

The legislation is necessary because people are losing their lives because of the greed of the people in the supply chain, Danelle said. Theyre charging way more than it costs and people are dying. We have to find a solution. Its heartbreaking.

There are many diabetes patients in North Dakota, such as Danika Johnson. Its vital that we help them.

Its unfair to have something that we need to be so expensive. I wont be able to afford it, Danika said. It is life or death.

Shaw is a former WDAY TV reporter and former KVRR TV news director. Email jimshawtv@gmail.com.

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Shaw: ND should act now to reduce insulin costs - Grand Forks Herald

Flaxseeds are beneficial for diabetics.

Highlights

'Good things come in small packages'. This holds absolutely true for alsi (or flax seeds). The tiny seeds are big on nutritional value. They are packed with various nutrients, especially Omega 3 fatty acids and soluble fibres, making them an excellent food for diabetes diet as well as weight loss diet. 'Healing Foods' by DK Publishing House says, "Flaxseeds contain soluble mucilaginous (gum-like) fibres that have the ability to reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol in the blood, and regulate blood sugar level. Flaxseeds are also a good source of energy, so they keep you full and active."

Health experts suggest consuming a handful of raw flaxseeds every day. If you are not able to convince yourself to have them straight from the box, try this very popular winter-special food of alsi ladoo. This healthy dessert has been prepared for ages in Indian households as winter staple for good immunity, balanced blood sugar and controlled weight. Flaxseeds are combined with other healthy dry fruits and made into yummy desserts that you can gorge on, guilt-free.

(Also Read:11 Best Ladoo Recipes You Can Try At Home)

Promoted

Flaxseeds are rich in soluble fibres.Photo Credit: iStock

Alsi Ladoo I Flaxseeds Ladoo Recipe

Ingredients:

Flaxseed (alsi) - 1 cupWhole wheat flour (atta) - 1 cupSemolina flour (sooji) - 1/4 cupJaggery (gur) - Half cupGhee - 1/2 cupEdible Gum - 2 TbspCashew nuts - 5- 6Walnuts - 5-6Almonds - 5-6Raisins - 10-12Cardamom - 4, crushedRoasted Coconut powder - 2 tbsp

Method:

Step 1- Dry roast flax seeds on low flame. Grind it make powder when cooled down.

Step 2 - Chop all the dry fruits and roast them in some ghee in a pan. Keep aside.

Step 3 - In the same pan, heat some ghee and roast wheat flour and semolina flour. Add jaggery and crushed cardamoms and mix well till jaggery melts.

Step 4 - Take out the roasted flour and add some more ghee to the same pan. Fry edible gum in it. When the roasted gum is cooled down, crush it with the help of a rolling pin.

Step 5 - Combine all the ingredients together to make a dough-like mixture. Then make ladoos from the mixture and keep them aside till set.

Store alsi ladoo in an air-tight container for long life. Have one ladoo every day to please your sweet tooth and maintain good health during winter.

About Neha GroverLove for reading roused her writing instincts. Neha is guilty of having a deep-set fixation with anything caffeinated. When she is not pouring out her nest of thoughts onto the screen, you can see her reading while sipping on coffee.

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Flaxseeds (Alsi) Ladoo Is The Healthiest Dessert You Can Try For Diabetes And Weight Loss - NDTV Food