April 30, 2013

Lilly / Disney Translate Coco to 18 Countries

Quick post to share that the Disney / Lilly partnership to help kids with type 1 Diabetes with the Coco  books is expanding to 17 languages and 18 countries. Great news for young T1D kids around the would. One of the points of feed back that Lilly heard consistently at previous social media summits was that kids around the would could benefit from the and other books in this program.

From their press release:
http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem.asp?ID=59182#middle


Indianapolis, Ind. -- Lilly Diabetes today announced the global expansion of its innovative collaboration with Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW), which expands the program internationally based on the success of the initiative in the U.S., which began in 2011. The goal of the program is to bring thoughtful educational resources to families of children with diabetes, including a series of custom books co-created by Lilly Diabetes and DPW for children of various ages and stages of life who are living with type 1 diabetes. The books, available through diabetes healthcare professionals, will initially be translated and available in 18 countries. 
"Lilly Diabetes' objective is to bring safety, health, comfort and a bit of magic to children  worldwide," said Andrew Hodge, vice president, International, Lilly Diabetes. "We saw the positive impact our collaboration with Disney Publishing Worldwide had on families living with type 1 diabetes in the U.S. over the last two years, and we are excited to expand our reach globally."

April 26, 2013

New Hormone Linked to Insulin Production (yeah mice are involved)

Harvard Stem Cell Institute researchers have identified a hormone that is thought to stimulate beta cell production. Yes the research is in mice so lot of cautions are in order.  (I have been know to say in frustration that I think you can spit on a NOD Mouse in a lab and cure it.)

The researchers talk primarily about T2D but say there is possible hope increasing beta cell production in early T1D too.

Here is a link and a video from the Harvard Gazette article on the research:
http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2013/04/potential-diabetes-breakthrough/ 

April 20, 2013

I Pledge to respect & support diabetics of every type.

Scott Strange offers a pledge and petition I am happy to join.

The diabetes community can not be significant in the eyes of others is we divide our own community and in doing so conquer ourselves.


Diabetics & Caregivers Worldwide: Pledge to respect & support diabetics of every type


To have empathy, no matter the type.
To advocate for those with this condition, whatever the type. To pledge to educate about diabetes, regardless of the type.
To correct misinformation and stereotypes that are so common in society and the media.
To recognize the hurt that misinformation and stereotypes cause people everyday. Hurt that is both emotional and physical.
People, who for what ever reason are affected by these stereotypes on a daily basis. People who just happen to live next door, who just happen to come to your family picnics, who happen to be among those you care for. People you've never met, people with families and loved ones.
People who happen to have diabetes.
We're people.
People just like you.
No matter the type.


April 18, 2013

Arizona Safe at School Legislation Signed

Good news for families of CWDs in Arizona. Safe at school legislation has passed and signed.

From the American Diabetes Association:


ADA Celebrates Another Safe at School Victory with Passage of AZ H.B. 2042 
Diabetes Advocates across Arizona joined in celebration after Governor Jan Brewer signed House Bill 2042, ADA’s Safe at School legislation into law last week. 
This bill will make a huge difference in children’s lives. HB 2042 allows school staff members to volunteer to be trained to give insulin; amends existing statute to add nurses to the list of health providers who can train school personnel to administer glucagon; and allows children who are mature enough to self-manage their diabetes to do so at school and school sponsored activities. These commonsense changes in state law will make school safer – and the future brighter – for kids with diabetes. 
The Association extends special thanks to our dedicated sponsor, Representative Heather Carter, who has been a tireless champion for HB 2042 and to Governor Jan Brewer for signing HB 2042 into law.  The Association also thanks all the legislators who voted for HB 2042—the bill received only three “no” votes during the entire legislative process.  

April 17, 2013

Abbott Recall of FreeStyle lnsulinx Blood Glucose Meters


From the FDA: 

Abbott Initiates Voluntary Recall of FreeStyle lnsulinx Blood Glucose Meters in the United States  
Abbott today announced it is initiating a voluntary recall of FreeStyle lnsulinx Blood Glucose Meters in the United States. The company has determined that at extremely high blood glucose levels of 1024 mg/dL and above, the FreeStyle lnsulinx Meter will display and store in memory an incorrect test result that is 1024 mg/dL below the measured result.For detailed information pertaining to this Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts message, please click the link at the beginning of this bulletin.

Free e-Patient Dave!

No he isn't in jail.


He has a book promotion and you can get his book free if you act now.


From Dave's Site:




Book promotion: Awesome deals on Let Patients Help, this week only!

This week only – through Saturday, April 20:

1. Free e-book download!

There’s an amazing self-publishing site called Smashwords that gives me total control over distribution of my e-book editions.
Through Saturday, get it FREE on Smashwords!  Not an excerpt – the whole book!  In Kindle format, or ePub (for Apple iBook and others), PDF, and a slew of other formats!
  • Click here and SCROLL DOWN to the download list (“available ebook reading formats”).
  • Questions? See their support FAQ. If that fails, write to support@epatientdave.com and we’ll do our best to help.

2. 50% off on the print edition!

Also through Saturday, get the print edition on CreateSpaceat HALF PRICE! At checkout, copy & paste this discount code LMQ6RVTF in the “apply discount” box.
Note: CreateSpace lets me set my own price and discounts, but they do not have overnight delivery. Right now it’s showing delivery in a week or so, depending on shipping speed. For quick delivery (at list price), use Amazon:

3. Live on Amazon!

The print edition is now live on Amazon – available for overnight delivery! List price is $8 – no discounts – Amazon doesn’t let me do that.
  • Print edition here
  • Kindle edition coming soon (but not free here – Amazon doesn’t allow that. For free (this week), see above.)

Review it please!

Like it?  PLEASE post a review on the Amazon page!
And tell friends. This promotion is ONLY THROUGH SATURDAY.  I want 8 million downloads of the free ebook. Do it. :-)
Let patients help!

Wego is giving Away Scotts Book.


This just hit my email:

WEGO Health is proud to announce the recent publication of Scott Benner's first book - Life is Short, Laundry is Eternal: Confessions of a Stay-at-Home Dad.  Scott is the 2011 winner of the WEGO Health Activist Advocating for Another Award and an engaged member of the WEGO Health network.  In honor of Scott's accomplishment, WEGO Health is giving away three copies of the book to members of our community.Entering the giveaway is easy:
  1. Head over to the WEGO Health Facebook Page and like our page
  1. Answer our Question of the Day for Scott
  1. Enter today (the contest closes tomorrow evening)
Whether you are a D-mom/dad, Diabetes patient, or simply an engaged Health Activist, we think you'll love Scott Benner's new book: Life is Short, Laundry is EternalCheers!


... or just buy a copy. 

April 16, 2013

Animas Vibe into FDA

J&J earning call is online at Seeking Alpha and for those curious about the Animas Vibe insulin pump coming to the US there was this comment:

And recently, our diabetes care business submitted a premarket approval application for the FDA for the Animas Vibe insulin pump and continuous glucose monitoring system. This next generation insulin pump incorporates Animas' color screen and waterproof technology and a Dexcom G4 Platinum sensor, which enables people with diabetes to make more informed decisions to help control their disease.

Join A Study: Driving Safely With Type 1 Diabetes


Sharing a message I received from Glu: 

Join A Study: Driving Safely With Type 1 Diabetes
Research has shown that a few people with Type 1 diabetes are at an increased risk for having traffic accidents due to low blood sugars. Possibly, we can help the diabetes community.
 Researchers at the University of Virginia are conducting a study evaluating internet tools designed to:  
  • Anonymously assess risk for ALL drivers with Type 1 diabetes of being in an accident and
  • Potentially help reduce the chance of high-risk drivers being in a future collision  
The study is strictly confidential and the data collected will not be shared with any other person or agency. The study is done in your own home at your own convenience (no visits to clinics). Participants may earn up to $270 in internet gift cards.
For more information, please visit www.diabetesdriving.com.
IRB-HSR# 15360

I am Proud to be Associated with Bob.

Bob Pedersen, that is.

Stand up guy.

Maybe more so, if that is possible,  for the courage he shows sharing his post on association.


April 15, 2013

JDRF Kit to Support Adults with Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes


New York, NY, April 15, 2013 – JDRF announced today that it has created a new resource for adults newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The Adult Type 1 Pak is a sling-style bag that will include important resources and information to educate, support, and inspire adults newly diagnosed with T1D, age 16 and above. In collaboration with JDRF’s generous sponsors—Bayer Healthcare, Medtronic, and Novo Nordisk—the kit is now available through local JDRF chapters, and is free of charge.
Adult Type 1 Pak Contents
Adult Type 1 Pak Contents
The Adult Type 1 Pak was created as a part of an effort to ensure that all individuals newly diagnosed with T1D receive the information and support necessary to adjust to life with the disease. JDRF has found the Bag of Hope to be extremely beneficial to families of newly-diagnosed children with T1D, and is hopeful that the Adult Type 1 Pak will be just as valuable to newly-diagnosed adults. Each year in the United States alone, more than 15,000 children and 15,000 adults are diagnosed with T1D, and JDRF continues to work to expand its efforts to better support people of all ages, and at all stages of life with the disease.

April 13, 2013

The Truth Behind 'Rents

I have the privilege of hosting DSMA Live 'Rents with Lorraine every other Monday. What isn't well know is that while we are hundreds of miles apart, we typically are in a Google hangout when we host the show. Here is a sign I held up to the camera one night.


In a few weeks, for the first time ever, we will both be in the same place doing the show together. Join us for special episode SUNDAY April 28, 9:00 PM eastern. Our guests? Each other.  And - may some special cameo appearances.

Join us.



I may not even need signs but I'll have a dry marker board just incase. ;)

April 9, 2013

The Bionic Woman. An Inside Peek at and AP Trial

I love finding and sharing a good piece in the DOC. Here is one, well five. The real life experience of being in an AP trial. Anna Floreen shares her recent chaperoned real world experience with an artificial pancreas system. Real wold meaning she was out and about and chaperoned meaning a nurse with teh study was stalking her as she was out and about.

Here are her posts at Glu:
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5

April 8, 2013

Diabetes by any other name would still be as sweet.



Living in a family with two T1D teens and a being T2D myself means a I have front row seat to diabetes differences. No two people with diabetes have exactly the same set of struggles. Unfortunatly there is often a desire to use diabetes differences as surrogate for virtue. 

That isn’t how it works.

I get parents of kids with Type 1, who feel frustration.  I have suggested renaming Type 1, I don't need the D-Day Details I only Need Carb Counts for your Menu and Does Anyone Have a Ouija Board so we can Figure Out Why the Insurance Doesn't Know What is Up With the CGM Because Parents Never Get to Sleepabetes.” This kind of frustration can lead some to less facetiously wanting to rename Type 1 so that their kids don’t get treated like they did something to deserve the chronic condition they have.

Some say, ‘Type 1 is different’ and our kids shouldn’t be stigmatized by association with Type 2. Well, yes, everyone diabetes is different and what works for one Type 1 child may not work for another. Certainly the self care process for Type 1, with daily injections starting the day of diagnosis can be viewed intense right out of the gate. No child with Type 1 is responsible for the genetics that increased their likelihood of getting it and no they shouldn’t be stigmatized by ignorance. 

Much of that holds true for Type 2 as well. No two cases of Type 2 are exactly the same and yes the initial treatment may variy from Type 1 and certainly varies from individual to individual, none the less it is often traumatic. Still, nobody with Type 2 is responsible for the genetics that increase or decrease their likelihood of getting it. Some already disadvantaged ethnic groups are at significantly higher risk for Type 2. Nobody with any type of diabetes should be stigmatized by ignorance and blamed for it. 

I am not jumping on board to the idea of re branding type 1, beyond being careful to be clearer going forward about the type of diabetes I am writing about. I do not wish to react to ignorance and stereotyping of a few without the recognition of the of larger ignorance and stereotyping that is rampant with all diabetes. That ignorance is at the core of all diabetes stigma. I want to avoid promoting false stereotypes and ignorant assumptions about all diabetes including Type 2, particularly for already inappropriately stigmatized populations.  

The most significant thing I have learned from diabetes is to honor others’ struggles without offering a simplistic solutions. In my view the solution to ignorance and stigma is education and empathy, for all people with diabetes. 

That certainly isn’t simple. 





April 5, 2013

Animas 2020 Recall

From the FDA: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm346788.htm?source=govdelivery


Animas Corporation 2020 Insulin Infusion Pump: Class I Recall - False Alarm or Warning Sound 

[Posted 04/05/2013]
AUDIENCE: Risk Manager, Patient 
ISSUE: Animas identified a component issue affecting Animas 2020 Infusion Insulin Pumps manufactured from March 1, 2012 to November 30, 2012. The component issue may trigger the pumps to sound a false alarm or warning related to one of the following: 
  • “Loss of prime”
  • “Occlusion”
  • “No Cartridge detected” 
If you receive any of these alarms, the pump may prompt you to complete the rewind, load and prime sequence to clear this alarm. Failure to follow the pump’s safety instructions and disconnect your infusion set from your body before the “rewind, load and prime” steps can lead to unintended delivery of insulin, placing you in danger of potential serious health risks, such as hypoglycemia. 
The Animas 2020 Insulin Pump also has a software limitation that will impact the ability of the pump to function past December 31, 2015. After this date, the pump will no linger deliver insulin and will generate a “Call Service Alarm.” 
BACKGROUND: The Animas 2020 Insulin Pumps are used to deliver insulin directly into your blood for the treatment of diabetes. 
RECOMMENDATION: Customers with the device should contact Animas’ Product Fulfillment Center at 877-280-2339 between the hours of 6 a.m. and 12 a.m. EST to schedule shipment of your free replacement pump. Customers with technical questions or who want to report a concern should contact Customer Technical Support Center at 866-793-5253 
Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:
  • Download form
  •  or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178

[04/05/2013 - Recall Notice - FDA]

April 2, 2013

Medtronic Safety Information

From Medtronic:

http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/support/product-updates


IMPORTANT MEDICAL DEVICE SAFETY INFORMATION
Date 4-1-2013 
Download important safety information for Paradigm® pumps Download > 
At Medtronic, we are committed to continuing to improve our products and services to enable people to manage diabetes. We recently sent a letter to notify U.S. Paradigm users and their healthcare professionals of two potential issues relating to Paradigm insulin pumps. 
We are informing our customers of the potential for a loose drive support cap. In rare cases, the cap may stick out from the side of the insulin pump as a result of impact(s) with a hard surface. The letter also reminds our customers of the existing User Guide instructions that exposure to water can damage the insulin pump's internal electronics.