Esteemed diabetes specialist and family victims of shocking crime
Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Daily News
Endocrinologist William Petit Jr. and his family were the victims of an utterly shocking crime on Monday. Two men entered the family home in Cheshire, Connecticut, assaulted the family and forced a woman, probably Petit's wife, to drive to an ATM and withdraw money. The burglars later set fire to the house and fled, leaving the family still inside. Dr. Petit survived the ordeal. His wife and two daughters were killed.Dr. Petit (50) is a prominent diabetes researcher. He is medical director at the Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain. The hospital is a Joslin Diabetes Center Affiliate institution. Dr. Petit is also president of the Hartford County Medical Association. He was elected to the American Diabetes Association's Hall of Merit in 1994.
The two men suspected of committing this terrible act were arrested as they left the scene, and they were arraigned Tuesday. Both men have extensive criminal records. The attack has sent the small community of Cheshire (just north of New Haven) reeling. Read more in this report from Forbes. Even those opposed to the death penalty may wish that an exception be made for these two. They have committed a crime that can only be described as monstrous.
High association between hepatitis C and type 2
Filed under: Type 2, Childhood, Adult Onset, Research
A recent study by researchers in Taiwan revealed hepatitis C virus (HCV) raises the risk of type 2 diabetes. Hepatitis C is a blood-borne, infectious viral disease that messes with the liver -- capable of causing inflammation, scarring and even liver cancer.
4,958 non-diabetics aged 40 or older were followed for seven years. At the start of the study, 3,486 were seronegative (no antibodies in the blood), 812 were anti-HCV+ (positive to hepatitis C virus antibodies), 116 had HBV/HCV coinfection (HBV is hepatitis B virus), and 544 were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg+). The hepatitis B surface antigen is a protein antigen produced by hepatitis B, and the earliest indicator of acute hepatitis B.
474 participants developed diabetes over the next seven years. After established risk factors were adjusted for, the incidence of diabetes was 70 percent higher for participants with HCV infection. HBV/HCV coinfection and anti-HCV+ alone participants had nearly the same risk, which shows HCV increases diabetes risk while HBV does not. For younger, overweight anti-HCV+ participants, the risk was even higher. Stay away from those deep fried twinkies with chocolate syrup and powdered sugar!
Study authors note regular diabetes screenings are important for anti-HCV+ people, and should be started at a younger age, especially if overweight or with additional risk factors for the disease. Read more in Medscape. The study was published in the July 15 American Journal of Epidemiology.
Hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver transplant in the United States.
Gladys Knight supports type 2 diabetes research and prevention in memory of mother
Filed under: Type 2, Adult Onset
My soul is inspired whenever I discover a celebrity advocate for diabetics. The famous R&B performer, Gladys Knight, has been singing the praises of type 2 diabetes prevention for years.
Her mother, Elizabeth Knight, passed away 10 years ago from type 2 complications. In her honor and all those living with type 2 diabetes, Gladys Knight and family established the Elizabeth Knight Fund through the American Diabetes Association (ADA) to support peer-reviewed diabetes research and awareness programs in communities nationwide. Ms. Knight also collaborated with the ADA on a cookbook of diabetic recipes, At Home With Gladys Knight, initially released in 2001.
The Knight family believes education is critical to living a long and healthy life with type 2. Their mother's legacy lives on in the hearts of diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetics alike, thanks to the good works of the Elizabeth Knight Fund.
Diabetes on the rise in Native American population
Filed under: Type 2, Daily News
Which ethnic group is at the greatest risk for developing diabetes? If you answered Native American Indians, you are correct.
Over the past fifteen years, the number of cases of diabetes in American Indian and Alaskan Native teens aged 15 to 19 has risen by 128 percent. On top of that, the disease increased by 77 percent in American Indians and Alaskan Natives who were younger than fifteen during the same time frames. As for adults -- the current rate of diabetes in this population is at 60 percent. Feel free to read that again. That's a rise by 128 percent in 15 to 19-year-olds, 77 percent in kids under 15, and a current rate of 60 perecent of adults living with diabetes. In a word: Staggering. In two words: Freakin' Staggering. In seventeen words: So freakin' staggering that I had to make sure that the data was correct -- and it was.
A program that has established diabetes treatment and prevention programs is slated to expire some time next year. Given these statistics, this does not bode well for the members of this minority group. Meeting before the Senate Indian Affairs Committee this past Thursday, Indian Health Service head Charles Grim spoke of the importance of renewing this program.
For more information, follow this link: http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/americanindian/
Super Bowl Diabetes Sighting
Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Adult Onset, Lifestyle, Events, Products, Support
Yes sports fans -- diabetes did make a cameo at the Super Bowl. Did you see her?
The notorious commercials-- costing several million a pop- livened up the intensity of the game. The K-fed commercial had a reputation a long time ago - and passed it, with flying colors! The commercial of diabetic interest was paid for by King Pharmaceuticals. It featured a man dressed as a heart, being chased by different factors that can wear and tear on your little pumper. Of course, the role of "diabetes" was portrayed wonderfully by a woman. Hell hath no fury, people. And the message?
The ad is promoting an educational site that King Pharmaceuticals has partnered with the American Heart Association to launch. The site is named beatyourrisk.com. The chief commercial officer for King Pharmaceuticals said, "The purpose of the ad is to raise awareness for the Web site to any extent possible and educate people that they are at serious risk. This is not toenail fungus. People can die." So true! And after you finish cleaning up the remains of the potato chips, wings, and beer - check out the site and rejoice in preventative education!
Dietary patterns linked to type 2 diabetes risk
Filed under: Type 2, Adult Onset, Diet, Research
For those of you who have lived the dietary gospel -- no meats and fatty foods and eating lots of greens and cooked vegetables -- guess what! It appears you've reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to study findings published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.
The study examined of 36,787 adults who provided dietary information over 4-years. At the beginning of the trial no adults had type 2 diabetes, but at the commencement of the study 365 new cases of type 2 diabetes were diagnosed. The researchers defined 4 eating patterns: a Mediterranean diet, a salad and vegetable diet, a diet of mostly meats and fatty fried foods, and a diet of many different fruits.
The Mediterranean pattern was associated with country of birth but not with diabetes. There was an inverse association observed between the Salad and Vegetable pattern and diabetes. The Meat pattern was positively associated with diabetes. No association was observed between the Fruit pattern and diabetes risk. The results of this study show a positive outcome for people who favor a diet high in salad and cooked vegetables. Those who eat a diet comprised mostly of meat and fried foods might find it helpful to avoid the onset of type 2 diabetes if they switched to foods with a lower fat saturation and more fiber assimilation.
"World Guy" rolls giant rubber globe 416 miles for diabetes
Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Fundraisers, Support, Personalities
Hmm, another "walking for diabetes" fundraiser in the news. But, what's this? Here's a guy walking with a giant inflatable rubber globe. Novel, huh? Check out the picture at right.Erik Bendl, aka "World Guy," is walking 416 miles from his home in Louisville, Kentucky, all the way to Pittsburgh. The plan is to raise money for the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Just as important, Bendl hopes to raise awareness about the condition. Every step of the way, Bendl is rolling his eight-foot-tall globe too. Bendl got the globe from a summer camp, whose staff had no use for it.
Bendl is the son of the late Kentucky state Rep. Gerta Bendl, who suffered from diabetes. Bendl was inspired to do something not only because of his mom's experience, but also by watching lots of other friends deal with the condition. He's encountering lots of good support along the way in the form of conversation, kind words, and meals. "I'm almost brought to tears by people's kindness," he told the Cincinnati Post.
Bendl and the rubber globe are accompanied by Bendl's faithful dog, Nice, who is probably thinking "this is the longest walk pops has ever taken me on!"
Click here to visit Erik Bendl's MySpace blog. He also has a website where supporters are invited to send in a donation for the ADA. Want to talk to the man himself? Go ahead and give him a buzz at (502) 408-5772.
At-home test kit screens for diabetes risk
Filed under: Type 2, Childhood, Adult Onset, Research
No vials of blood. No visit to a doctor's office. Check out your risk for diabetes and heart disease from the comfort of your own home. Sorry phlebotomists!
Home Access Health Corporation already markets at-home testing for HIV, Hepatitis C and Instant Cholesterol. They now offer at-home kits that can screen for diabetes and heart disease. Home Access devised a laboratory algorithm (patent pending) that can accurately test a tiny sample of dried blood. A solution within the collection device separates red blood cells from blood serum, allowing the lab techs to apply the algorithm to provide results which correlate to traditional testing performed by commercial labs. Cool.
Just order the kit, provide a few drops of blood and pop the sample in snail mail. For the Cardiometabolic Risk Panel, results are provided on a full lipid panel and hemoglobin A1c. The Diabetes Risk Test offers results on hemoglobin A1c. Home Access also has a toll-free call center with counselors available to educate people about their test results. Considering the lack of one-on-one time spent with doctors these days, this is an important piece of the process.
These products sound like the real deal. Home Access has partnered with the American Diabetes Association to co-brand the test kits to reach a wider audience at risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The kits will be sold in stores in 2008 and available for direct internet purchase later this year. Right now, the products are offered through employer-sponsored programs, health fairs or with a physician's order by calling 800-448-8378 or visiting Home Access Health Corporation's website. Photo by Psycho Crow at Flickr.
Wild ride: dirt bikers' 24 Hour Torture Test
Filed under: Type 1, Fundraisers
A wild ride to raise funds took place recently in California. Joshua (Josh) Summey's team of motocross riders rode their machines in the 2007 Dirt Rider 24 Hour Torture Test. The team's supporters pledged donations for the American Diabetes Association for every mile the riders completed. And they covered a lot of miles: 277 to be exact. The idea was for the riders to do their bit to fight Type 1 diabetes - Josh Summey is himself diabetic. Backers for the team were Moto XXX and Honda, along with Race Tech suspension and Akrapovic exhausts. The event was organized by Summey's team and Dirt Rider magazine.Josh rode in the contest along with three buddies on a track which was in great condition due to heavy rains in the days leading up to the contest. Apart from some slipping and sliding, it was an excellent time, say the riders. Said team member Barry Summey (no relation), "Even if it was only $1.00 [raised] it will benefit more kids through the exposure that are trying to overcome this obstacle in pursuit of their dreams, whether it be related to motorcycles or not. They can see proof that it can be done and also help them lean how to take care of themselves through Josh's experiences."
Dirt Rider is planning a feature on Josh Summey and how he deals with diabetes. It will appear in an upcoming issue. Stay tuned for that.
According to Dirt Rider magazine, it's not too late for dirt bike fans or anyone else to donate to a good cause. Just call 1-888-342-2383 ext. 7511 or est. 7455 or ext. 7503. Or send a check to the American Diabetes Association. See Dirt Rider's website for further details on how to donate, as well as photos of the guys at the track.
[RESEARCH] Adherence to Mediterranean diet and risk of developing diabetes: prospective cohort study
Objective To assess the relation between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and the incidence of diabetes among initially healthy participants.
Design Prospective cohort study with estimates of relative risk adjusted for sex, age, years of university education, total energy intake, body mass index, physical activity, sedentary habits, smoking, family history of diabetes, and personal history of hypertension.
Setting Spanish university department.
Participants 13 380 Spanish university graduates without diabetes at baseline followed up for a median of 4.4 years.
Main outcome measures Dietary habits assessed at baseline with a validated 136 item food frequency questionnaire and scored on a nine point index. New cases of diabetes confirmed through medical reports and an additional detailed questionnaire posted to those who self reported a new diagnosis of diabetes by a doctor during follow-up. Confirmed cases of type 2 diabetes.
Results Participants who adhered closely to a Mediterranean diet had a lower risk of diabetes. The incidence rate ratios adjusted for sex and age were 0.41 (95% confidence interval 0.19 to 0.87) for those with moderate adherence (score 3-6) and 0.17 (0.04 to 0.75) for those with the highest adherence (score 7-9) compared with those with low adherence (score <3). In the fully adjusted analyses the results were similar. A two point increase in the score was associated with a 35% relative reduction in the risk of diabetes (incidence rate ratio 0.65, 0.44 to 0.95), with a significant inverse linear trend (P=0.04) in the multivariate analysis.
Conclusion Adherence to a Mediterranean diet is associated with a reduced risk of diabetes.