Diabetic Live

The Controversy Of Pre-Testing: Many primary care physicians have suggested that patients 45 years of age and older receive Type 2 diabetic screenings every three years so the disease can be treated more effectively in its earliest stages.

However, a 2008 report from Annals of Internal Medicine indicates a diabetic screening may not be needed. This report suggests detecting hypertension may be a much better indicator of the presence of diabetes. According to that report, “The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) revised guidelines recommend[ing] that doctors screen for type 2 diabetes only in adults with sustained high blood pressure above 135 over 80 millimeters mercury (mm Hg).”

The scientific community may be at odds over the effective early diagnosis for diabetes. Many physicians still support regular diabetic screenings, but this newer information is based on additional studies. The report stated, “Intensive lifestyle modification in persons with pre-diabetes delays the progression to full-blown diabetes, but whether treatment alters final health outcomes could not be determined from the studies reviewed.”

What this research tends to suggest is that early treatment of diabetes or even pre-diabetes may have some positive effect it may not significantly alter the final progression of the disease. The role suggested is one of monitoring blood pressure as an indicator of the potential presence of diabetes. This would reduce the diabetic testing of many individuals and may reduce health care costs until such time as diabetes has been diagnosed using the more streamlined blood pressure testing as a pre-test for the disease.

Dr. Susan L. Norris told Reuters Health, “Aggressive lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce the incidence of diabetes, but it is not clear whether the diagnosis of pre-diabetes confers any particular health benefit over and above what one might expect if all obese patients were counseled to pursue these lifestyle changes.”

Norris seems to suggest that individuals should pursue positive lifestyle choices even without a diagnosis of pre-diabetes. If individuals committed to health goals that included a balanced diet, physical exercise and stress reduction they would already be pushing the potential of diabetes further away.

Perhaps the point of this report is that wise choices over a long period of time can result in a better health picture overall. The potential reduction in testing would likely result in significant health savings for patients and allow simple blood pressure checks to alert health care providers to the potential onset of diabetes. Admittedly blood pressure checks can be self administered at many pharmacies and are routine checks when visiting your doctor.

Included in their report the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force stated,  “Screening for type 2 diabetes provides few benefits.” As previously stated their singular exception was for those suffering with hypertension.

There is also the potential that excessive focus on the disease might result in excessive patient stress regarding its potential impact. The end result may be a low cost and low stress method of monitoring the potential without making it a proverbial dragon to be faced with fear and trembling.

The American Diabetes Association indicates 7.4% of Americans have diabetes. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force seems to be indicating it may not be necessary to subject the other 92.6% to regular tests.

While some may argue the validity of testing this does provide room for discussion with your doctor when you have questions about the potential for diabetes.

What Is Gestational Diabetes: Many have heard the term “Gestational Diabetes”, but have never really been sure what it was. The word gestational has to do with pregnancy while the word diabetes in this case refers to insulin levels that are not sufficient to manage blood glucose. Unlike Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes this type generally goes away following delivery.

The development of this condition during pregnancy appears to be influenced significantly by hormone release typical in pregnancy. Women who develop gestational diabetes will typically do so in the final trimester of pregnancy.

The American Diabetics Association (ADA) indicates there are about, “135,000 cases of gestational diabetes in the United States each year.”

Normally glucose is used by the body to create energy, but in the case of gestational diabetes insulin does not provide the support the body needs for the conversion process. This deficit results in a condition called hypoglycemia. What this essentially means is your body has more glucose than it needs and struggles to either use or eliminate it without the aid of sufficient insulin.

It is important to know that diabetes during pregnancy requires managed care just like Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Without proper care and attention the mother could unintentionally be placing their unborn child at risk.

Two Scenarios

Tanya is six months pregnant. Her doctor just informed her that she has gestational diabetes. A managed care plan was offered and Tanya took advantage of the proactive steps needed to protect herself and her child. With proper care Tanya delivered a beautiful and healthy baby and is on the road to personal recovery.

Kelly heard that gestational diabetes takes care of itself following pregnancy so she didn’t think it was important to modify her personal care plan. After all, she only had three months left before the baby was due. How much harm could happen in three months?

What’s Going on Inside?

Your baby is connected to you via the umbilical cord. When you have high blood glucose so does your baby. When your body is working overtime to manufacture insulin so is your baby’s. When your child can’t produce enough insulin to take care of the flood of blood glucose it will store that glucose as fat. The end result is a chubby baby that may have long-term trouble getting rid of their baby fat and may experience respiratory issues following delivery.

The ADA indicates, “Babies with excess insulin become children who are at risk for obesity and adults who are at risk for type 2 diabetes.”

By working with a primary care physician during pregnancy to manage your blood glucose you are offering improved health to your unborn child.

Long-term Results

By working with your health care provider to manage your blood glucose and then continuing positive lifestyle changes following pregnancy you can give your child a healthy start while minimizing the real potential of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. This is true for both you and your child. This is why gestational diabetes should not be viewed as only a temporary problem that will go away after pregnancy. It is a condition that essentially places a billboard in your life asking for personal change.

Virtually all health care providers will suggest a three-prong approach to successful long-term management.

1. Effective personal weight management.
2. A plan for regular physical activity
3. Informed choice and discipline in food selection.

Estimates indicate gestational diabetes will affect 3-8% of the population. Your physician will generally check for this condition prior to your third trimester.

Chronic Pancreatitis: Excellent physical condition is everyone’s golden dream. However, some conditions hinder the realization of this dream. Chronic pancreatitis is one such condition. Constant inflammation of the pancreas leads to irreparable corrosion of the pancreatic structure and function.

Characteristics of Chronic pancreatitis
To adequately comprehend the complication, it is important to examine various aspects of the condition. It is vital to understand as to what according to the experts are the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis. How this condition is diagnosed, and what are its causes and treatments?

Chronic pancreatitis is characterized by persistent and sporadic abdominal pains. This is due to poor absorption of fats in the food that you eat. Considerable weight loss may also be observed in patients. Nevertheless, patients show these symptoms differently with some appearing really sick, while others do not appear unhealthy at all. Some patients may have pains after taking high fat and protein meals.

Doctors diagnose chronic pancreatitis based on your symptoms or history of acute pancreatitis, heat-ups, or excessive alcohol use. Tests on pancreatic structure and function are done to establish any malfunction. Blood tests are less useful in diagnosing chronic pancreatitis. However, they may indicate high level of glucose in the blood. The high levels of glucose imply that your pancreas might not be in a position to produce enough insulin to regulate sugar levels in the body.

The highest percentage of chronic pancreatitis in adults is caused by alcohol abuse. Most patients have had a history of long time alcohol consumption. However, a few cases of chronic pancreatitis are inherited, while others have no known cause. The unknown causes are referred to as of idiopathic origin. Chronic steroid and anti-inflammatory use may be another cause but it is less frequent. In children, cystic fibrosis is the most common cause of chronic pancreatitis. In other parts of the world like tropical regions, acute protein and energy malnutrition is a widespread cause of chronic pancreatitis.

Management of Chronic Pancreatitis
Management of chronic pancreatitis ranges from medical measures to therapeutic endoscopies and surgery. Therapeutic endoscopy means performing a treatment inside your intestine using special instruments that go through the scope. One effective preventive treatment is that as a patient you should avoid alcohol. This applies to all chronic pancreatitis patients with no regard to underlying causes of the complication.

Avoiding alcohol makes management easy and averts worsening of the situation. Treatment is directed towards the underlying cause and focused to rest the pancreas and intestine so as to relieve painful heat- ups. This can be done with the patient receiving only intravenous fluids instead of solid oral foods.

However, all these might not adequately address severe abdominal pains. High doses of analgesics therefore become necessary to ease the pain. Chronic pancreatitis may lead to diabetes which can be treated by long term insulin therapy.

As has been established, chronic pancreatitis is a complication of the pancreas. This creates insufficient absorption of fat in your diet. The major cause of the complication is alcohol abuse. The outstanding symptom is constant abdominal pains while treatment ranges from medical measures to surgery and use of herbs. All these when put into proper use will enhance your health and avoid chronic pancreatitis. However, preventive measures remain the best way to avert the complication.

Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) is a fasting plasma glucose level less than seven mmol/l with a 2-hour oral tolerance test of glucose, at a value of between seven point eight and eleven point one mmol/l. This condition is usually characterized by insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, and is usually considered as a stage in the development of diabetes mellitus (type two).

Also, you can define it as a condition of fasting glucose being between six point one to six point nine mmol/l. It is a pre-diabetic stage of dyglycemia that is associated with heightened risk of cardiovascular pathology and insulin resistance. The most consistent predictor of the condition’s progression to diabetes is baseline plasma glucose. This condition is also known to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Investigation of Impaired Glucose Tolerance
In the UK, studies shown that the prevalence rate of impaired glucose tolerance of people between the ages of 35 to 65 is 17 percent. In the United States, between ten and fifteen percent of adults are known to suffer from this condition. But who is most at risk? Risk factors that lead to the development of the disorder include obesity, hypertension, and first degree diabetes. Also, certain ethnic groups such as Asians and people of afro-Caribbean origin are known to be greatly susceptible to this condition.

Between twenty and fifty percent of people suffering from impaired glucose tolerance will end up with (type two) diabetes within a period of ten years of diagnosis. Presently this condition is not clearly associated with such microvascular complications as neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy.

With impaired glucose tolerance, you usually become asymptomatic. You may have symptoms similar to those of cardiovascular disease sometimes with mild conditions of hyperglycemia. This disease is associated with hypertension, raised serum cholesterol levels, abnormal heart findings, angina, stroke, and arteriosclerosis as well.

During investigation of the condition, you are subjected to an overnight fast that lasts between eight and fourteen hours at which time smoking is not allowed. The patient, depending on age, is then given anhydrous glucose dissolved in water. Fear blood tests? Blood sugar levels are tested before the test is conducted and thirty minutes successively after the test up to a total of two hours.

Early diagnosis and treatment of impaired glucose tolerance has shown to favorably reduce by 58% possibility of its worsening to diabetes. It is recommended that people who have suffered from the condition must go for annual screening to prevent worsening health conditions.

Management of Impaired Glucose Tolerance
Management of impaired glucose tolerance includes use of drugs and changing the patient’s lifestyle. Non-drug measures have been known to go a long way in management of the condition if combined with use of drugs. Such lifestyle intervention measures include increasing your physical activity, increasing dietary fiber intake, reducing intake saturated fats and sugar, and weight reduction for overweight people.

Treatment of the condition using drugs is equally important. One way of treatment involves reversal of iatrogenic causative factors of glucose intolerance that are drug related. Agents such as ACE inhibitors, thiazolidiones and angiotensin receptor antagonists have also been used to prevent worsening of the condition.

To improve glucose uptake, oxidation, and regulation; your doctor may opt to use carnitine temporarily as long as your glucose level is maintained within the norm. Use of acarbose and metformin has also been established to reduce chances of the condition developing into type-II diabetes.

It is a sure fact that prevention is better than cure. You can prevent the disease by eating healthy diets that consist of high fiber, lots of vegetables and fruits, and low fat. Avoiding alcohol abuse and maintaining regular physical activity will go a long way in preventing the disease.

Resistin – Hormone Related To Obesity And Type 2 Diabetes: Nowadays, obesity and diabetic conditions have become popular medical topics of discussion in many circles. There have been various debates over what really is the cause of these two medical conditions. Type II diabetes, an epidemic in industrialized countries, has for a long time been associated with obesity.

One of the most unmistakable characteristics of Type II diabetes, or adult on-set diabetes, is target-tissue insulin resistance, which is triggered by the body’s fat cells. However, until a few years ago, it was not clear which fat cell protein was responsible for this.

Discovery of Resistin
In 2001, a group of researchers led by Dr Mitchell A. Lazar from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, discovered a hormone that links obesity to Type II diabetes. They called the hormone, resistin, which stands for “resistance to insulin.” The hormone was first found in lab mice, but was later found to exist in the human body as well.

Scientists argue that this newly discovered hormone explains how obesity exposes people to the threat of the diet-induced Type II diabetes. Dr. Lazar and his team first carried out some tests in mice to find out what fat cells were responsible for insulin resistance. They treated cultured fat cells with glitazones which is the recommended treatment for Type II diabetes.

In doing so, they identified a new hormone that was expressed only in adipose tissue, or adipocytes, of obese rodents, where it was produced in plenty. The production of this hormone was found to be suppressed when the mice were treated with glitazones. They named this hormone resistin.

Resistin and Type II Diabetes
Resistin is a unique signaling molecule, or messenger RNA, which prompts tissue resistance to insulin. This greatly hampers the subsequent and all important glucose uptake triggered by insulin. Thus, obesity may result in your elevated levels of resistin, which, in turn, results in insulin resistance and Type II diabetes.

Further research has linked resistin to other physiological systems such as inflammation and energy homeostasis. Inflammation is the first inborn immune response to infection. Resistin increases transcriptional events leading to an increased expression of several pro-inflammatory chemicals in the body.

There certainly is medication that is used to combat this hormone for those who suffer from Type II obesity. However, this is not to say that the condition is curable, but it can be regulated using different anti-resistin antibodies.

Glitazones are the most recommended class of medication designed to reverse the basic problem of resistance to insulin in Type II diabetes. Administration of these anti-bodies has been known to improve blood sugar and insulin action in diet-induced obesity cases. Their greatest effect on the blood glucose occurs after eating.

The drugs reverse insulin resistance in your body by improving the sensitivity of insulin receptors in muscle, liver, and fat cells. This helps your body use insulin better. It also helps keep your liver from overproducing glucose. Also, it is known to lower blood sugar levels about 15%, while at the same time lowering insulin levels by 20%. In addition to improving insulin sensitivity, glitazones may even decrease cardiac risks.

Medical researchers are busy trying to find a drug that will be suitable enough to block the effects of resistin, but unfortunately, it will still not offer a once and for all cure for obesity. However, if you stand by the adage “prevention is better that cure,” it will not hurt to keep yourself healthy and to stay away from foods that might lead to obesity. You will save a lot of money, and yourself if you just keep it healthy.

Can Science Reprogram Your Pancreas: Your pancreas is a very versatile organ. It provides both endocrine and exocrine function.

The endocrine function of the body allows hormones to be released to all other areas of the body. For instance your thyroid is part of the endocrine system and regulates the rate at which your body will burn energy.

The pancreas secretes hormones such as glucagon, which is used to regulate how fast your body burns carbohydrates. Glucagons essentially instruct your liver to convert glycogen into blood sugars that your body can use as fuel.

The pancreas can also send out instructions via the hormone known as insulin. This function is the opposite of glucagons. In essence insulin tells the cells in your body to take glycogen into their membranes for storage effectively removing excess blood sugar (glucose) from the blood stream.

Glucagons and insulin have to work together to correctly adapt the blood stream to the metabolic needs it may face at any given moment.

The pancreas also secretes somatostatin, which is used by the body to regulate hormone-induced growth. And finally pancreatic polypeptide is released to regulate all functions of the pancrease.

Pancreatic activity also comes in the form of exocrine functions. That simply means that apart from hormonal duties the pancreas is called upon to release enzymes that are efficiently used to aid in proper digestion.

For the diabetic the pancreas is an essential part of the body’s natural defense against this disease. It appears the glucagons are readily able to signal the release of blood sugar, but the body becomes resistant to the signal of insulin to do its job effectively.

Many times the release of insulin is impaired, especially in Type 1 diabetics making insulin injections or pumps a regular part of the diabetic’s life.

Research in 2008 by Harvard University suggests that it may be possible to turn on dormant pancreatic cells to take on the function of insulin production.

Most cell-based research in recent years has focused on stem cells, but the study headed by Doug Melton bypasses some of the controversy surrounding stem cell research by simply finding ways to enlist existing, but dormant cells into service.

Researchers are calling the process “direct reporgramming”. The premise behind the study is that every cell has the body’s DNA. If it could be reprogrammed to act as a cell designed for insulin production this could eleviate much of the problems associated with diabetes. The study has proven effective in mice who suffer with Type 1 diabetes.

In Type 1 diabetes the body attacks the beta cells that manufactire insulin. This process could reprogram new cells to take over the role of insulin production.

In their study, Harvard researchers saw beta cells transform and begin take on the role of insulin producers within ten days of reprogramming.

The potential of this finding provides hope for patients with diabetes, but it also has strong applications for use in treating other diseases. While studies on stem cells will likely continue, this new approach seems to suggest damaged cells in almost any situation could be replaced by cells that have been reprogrammed for new use.

It may still be a few years before this process is available to the public, but the preliminary findings provide encouragement that may likely expand beyond diabetic research.

Diabetic Shoes Can Provide Comfort And Joy: In past decades a doctor might look at a patient’s foot and say, “Buy a good pair of shoes and everything will be all right.”

There were times when the doctor’s advice didn’t quite go far enough, but when it comes to diabetes the good doctor may have been right. If you have diabetes the shoes you wear are extremely important.

We all want shoes that fit well and are comfortable, but for the diabetic there is a potent medical reason for a good fit and comfort. You see, as diabetes progresses, peripheral neuropathy may disallow the patient from recognizing when damage may be done to their feet. As nerves in the feet are damaged they mask pain. The patient may not often do a self-inspection on their feet while infection may be setting in. This damage can result in foot ulcers, but it can also lead to gangrene and potential amputation.

When diabetic shoes are used there is an improved chance that damage will not occur. Manufacturers have developed these shoes to provide practical comfort. You will not find diabetic high heel shoes or shoes with pointed toes. These can cause both pressure and intense rubbing on toes that often result in damage.

It can be exceptionally difficult for the diabetic to manage healing in their feet primarily due to poor circulation.

Wider and deeper than comparable shoes this type of footwear works to cradle the diabetic foot in comfort that can add additional mobility to everyday life. What’s more, private insurance or Medicare may cover the cost for these shoes.

Information About Diabetes indicates proper footwear for diabetics should include the following.

 

• Diabetic Shoes need to have a breathable construction – sandals and fabric shoes are good for this.
• Deep and wide designs that allow room for custom pedorthic insoles.
• Designs with no interior seams (or covered seams) to prevent rubbing injuries.
• Diabetic Shoes need a roomy “toe box” to prevent pinching or squeezing of the toes.
• Elastic or easily adjustable fit, to prevent the diabetic shoe from sliding around on the feet.

The soft shoe materials used in the construction of diabetic footwear remain an important function because it is friction that typically leads to foot ulcers. These shoes avoid friction. Inserts within the shoe are designed to provide relief for various foot deformities that might be problematic for the long-term care of the diabetic foot.

While many well-stocked shoe stores may feature diabetic shoes your physician may suggest the purchase of custom made shoes that are designed specifically for your foot requirements. Again, in many cases this is treated as a prescription and may be covered under your health care plan.

Advances in design can allow your diabetic shoes to remain tastefully elegant while maintaining the best possible care for your feet. On the other hand the managed care of diabetes is much more important than impressing others. Expect comfort in your diabetic shoes. You will likely be impressed by the quality and selection of this type of shoe allowing a choice you can not only live with, but also show off.

Gastrointestinal Surgery and a Diabetic Cure: Significant research by Dr. Francesco Rubino of New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center indicates that a surgical procedure in the gastrointestinal tract may effectively reverse diabetes.

This information was originally revealed in the spring of 2008 with a spotlight on what is typically called lapband surgery. This surgical procedure is typically suggested for individuals who are excessively obese. Dramatic weight loss is generally thought to be the reason for the reversal in diabetic symptoms. Is it possible something else is at work in this medical reversal of fortunes?

The surgical procedure Dr. Rubino has studied is a gastric bypass operation that effectively circumvents the duodenum and jejunum of the upper small intestine. In a Science Daily report, Rubino is quotes as saying, “When we bypass the duodenum and jejunum, we are bypassing what may be the source of the problem.”

Gastric bypasses have been performed on diabetic individuals in a variety of weight classes and in each instance it appears blood glucose levels were altered significantly.

While the primary focus of research has been to regulate blood sugar levels Rubino’s study opted to review the source of blood glucose regulation and reverse diabetic abnormalities.

The study seems to indicate this surgery is not a good idea for those who do not suffer from diabetic symptoms.

So, why is the surgery a possible cure for diabetes? Rubino believes the upper small intestine becomes dysfunctional in diabetics and sends wrong signals promoting the release of hormones the counter the effects of the body’s naturally produced insulin. Rubino explains this battle, “”In healthy patients, a correct balance between incretin and anti-incretin factors maintains normal excursions of sugar levels in the bloodstream. In some individuals, the duodenum and jejunum may be producing too much of this anti-incretin, thereby reducing insulin secretion and blocking the action of insulin, ultimately resulting in Type 2 diabetes.”

In essence the good doctor seems to be saying that when you bypass the upper small intestine in a diabetic you effectively remove the production and distribution of hormones that render insulin less effective. When the insulin no longer is at war with the anti-incretin the body resumes the normal cycle of insulin production resulting in proper blood sugar regulation.

Further, this means that the pancreas can resume normal function by creating a typical amount of insulin without trying to make more than it was designed to produce.

The findings of this study allow Dr. Rubino to conjecture, “The lesson we have learned with diabetes surgery is that diabetes is not always a chronic and relentless disease, where the only possible treatment goal is just the control of hyperglycemia and minimization of the risk of complications. This is a major shift in the way we consider treatment goals for diabetes. It is unprecedented in the history of the disease.”

As of this writing surgery is not an option most primary care physicians offer. They may not even be aware of existing research into the role of the upper small intestine in diabetes. Rubino hopes that one day this surgical option will allow those who suffer from diabetes to experience complete remission in their disease.

Three Diseases That Can Lead to Diabetes: Is it possible to receive a diagnosis indicating the presence of diabetes and have it only provide half the story? Yes, and this article is dedicated to a few of the most conspicuous diabetic contributors.

The first is a disease is known as Hemochromatosis and acts in almost every way like diabetes. The problem is if this disease is treated only as diabetes it address a few symptoms without treating the actual problem. The truth is when Hemochromatosis is treated correctly many diabetic symptoms are eliminated with proper care.

This disease generally affects joins, heart, liver and pancreas, which is why it can appear to fit the mold of diabetes. The problem is there is no subtle shift in symptoms for those who have this disease. Hemochromatosis seems to attack rapidly. Since this disease attacks the organ the sooner you can get accurate treatment the better.

If Hemochromatosis is the root cause of your problem you may reverse some of the diabetic issues you encounter by treating the originating disease.

The primary culprit for Hemochromatosis is a toxic buildup of iron in your body cells. While your body needs this mineral, too much of it can be the causal agent for this disease.

Chronic Pancreatitis is another disease that can appear to be diabetes simply because the disease affects the pancreas in much the same way diabetes can.

The onset of this disease is generally related to the prolonged use of alcohol, which inflames the pancreas and damages tissue. Because the disease is symptomatic of diabetes it is often treated as diabetes. Even if Chronic Pancreatitis is treated there may likely be cause to continue with secondary diabetic treatment.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is another disease that may exist in tandem with diabetes, but may need treatment beyond typical diabetic assistance. This disease exists when the symptomatic loss of pancreatic cells reduce the bodies ability to create certain digestive enzymes that aid in solid waste elimination and proper absorpotion of certain minerals.

It is believed that Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is actually the result of one of two additional diseases, Cystic Fybrosis and Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome.

The effective treatment of Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency may serve to reduce the severity of diabetic symptoms.

There are about a dozen known contributors to onset diabetes. Today you’ve met three. Diabetes isn’t always an end of the road diagnosis. It may only be symptoms of something else. Many times that ‘something else’ can be treated in a way that either reverses diabetes or minimizes its impact on your everyday life.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes it may be possible there are some underlying causes for the diagnosis. By learning more about the disease as well as contributing factors you may be able to help your health care provider determine what those causes might be. If you can address those key issues you can reduce or in some cases eliminate the symptoms most closely linked to diabetes.

Your primary health care provider can provide testing for Hemochromatosis Chronic Pancreatitis and Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. If you have questions or concerns you should talk with your doctor.

Using Diabetic Software For Better Results: Managed care for diabetes has gone high tech. Sure there are huge advancements in testing equipment, but perhaps the most noted tools are to be found in software for your home computer.

Many manufacturers have developed software to help you track and trend your blood glucose levels while allowing you to import other data and develop management plans. Some allow that data to be easily accessed by health care providers and pharmacists so action can be taken quickly to adjust your care. Other software manufacturers are more concerned with nutrition and exercise.

Let’s look at a few software products developed specifically for those living with diabetes.

ACCU-CHEK 360o Software
According to company data the Accu-Chek 360o offers the following…

1. Automatically detects your ACCU-CHEK meter or insulin pump.
2. One-click downloads of meter and insulin pump data.
3. Print, e-mail or fax from any page-easily send reports to your healthcare team.
4. View simple reports or manage comprehensive health information.
5. Create easy-to-read charts and graphs showing:

• Blood glucose
• Ketones
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol
• Weight
• Carbohydrates
• Exercise
• Kidney screenings

The fee to purchase this software product is around $50.

Bayer’s WinGLUCOFACTS™
Bayer’s WinGLUCOFACTS™ is another software product that allows:

• Easy download of test results into a computer and or in printable logbook form.
• Data analysis to review trends.
• Configurations for beginners and advanced users.

The software is available at no cost through download from the company website.

The Fitness Assistant
This software product differs from the first two because it is designed to key in on fitness and nutrition. Here’s a company listing of product benefits.

• Reach Your Goals. SMART Calorie Monitoring System dramatically boosts your chances of reaching your target weight on the target date
• Not Just A Calorie Counter. Fitness Assistant is not yet another calorie counter. It is a program that actually adapts to your metabolism and gives you precise calorie advice customized to your unique body and metabolism. Say goodbye to *average person* calorie estimations.
• Enjoy a Flexible Eating Lifestyle. Fitness Assistant does not use ineffective fixed calorie diet plans. You have the absolute freedom to eat more or less than the program tells you and it will automatically correct the calorie plan for the remainder of the goal period.
• Eat your Favorite Foods. You can have the body you want by eating your favorite foods. Fitness Assistant will simply correct the amounts you eat.
• Powerful Training Log. Log, track and organize your workouts. Count only the additional calories you burn exercising and subtract the calorie overlap with your usual activities.

You will likely discover several software solutions for use with specific brands of blood sugar testing equipment or insulin pumps.

There are also multiple online tracking services that may make sense for your need.

The primary idea behind the software releases is to assist you in tracking what may or may not be working within your current strategy and allow you to gain encouragement from positive gains in your managed care plan. This article isn’t an endorsement of any one product, but a platform from which you can explore the possibilities of using software in your managed care plan. For further choices use your favorite search engine and conduct a search for additional diabetic software titles.