Diabetes Pharmacist : Diabetes Pharmacist Blog : Focus Express Mail Pharmacy : Insulin Pumps, Diabetes Supplies and Information

 Focus Express Mail Pharmacy donated $25,000 and was a major sponsor at four walks benefitting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) of Philadelphia and South Jersey in the Fall of 2008. These “Walks for the Cure” took place in Parvin State Park, Salem County, NJ on 10/5/08, Cooper River Park in Pennsauken, NJ on 10/19/08, and the Philadelphia Art Museum in Philadelphia, Pa. and the Bucks County Community College in Newtown, Pa., both on 10/26/08. These annual events attract thousands of people to raise monies to support research efforts in finding a cure for diabetes and its complications. “It is an honor for all of us at Focus Pharmacy to provide our continued support to the diabetes community to raise awareness for juvenile diabetes and research," said Joel Shpigel, R.Ph./CEO.

 Left to Right) Focus Express Mail Pharmacy’s Joel Shpigel, R.Ph., CEO / Co-Founder, Robin Berger Special Events Manager South Jersey Chapter JDRF, Stephen T. Blocher Executive Director South Jersey Chapter JDRF, Ellen Rubesin Executive Director Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter JDRF, Nick Braccia, President / Co-Founder of Focus Express Mail Pharmacy and Rae London, Vice President of Customer Relations of Focus Express Mail Pharmacy.

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Did you know that when you tie your shoes or when you get dressed or when you sleep, the different changes in the position of your insulin pump, relative to its infusion set, is significantly changing the expected rates of insulin being delivered to your body?

Researcher and lead investigator Howard Zisser, MD, Director of Clinical Research and Diabetes Technology at the Sansum Diabetes Research Institute in Santa Barbara, CA. found that raising or lowering a conventional insulin pump, to the full extent of its tubing, can significantly affect the accuracy of insulin delivery, especially at low basal infusion rates. "This is particularly important for children, for whom low basal rates are often used," Dr. Zisser noted.

He added, "Insulin pump therapy allows for precise control of insulin delivery for patients with type 1 diabetes. However, in this study, we saw that a conventional pump's insulin delivery rate can fluctuate significantly due to changes in the pump's height relative to its infusion set and the end of the tubing. This can increase blood glucose variability, which previous research has shown to be a risk factor for the progression of complications of diabetes,"

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 There are many unpublicized "side effects" to the worsening economy . The lost jobs, plant closings, high food prices, decreasing 401k's, and store bankruptcies are bringing to light horror stories about how people are now cutting back on their medications & supplies as well as doctor visits because they can't afford them.

People are cutting their glucose testing strips in half lengthwise to get two tests instead of one. This totally prevents any possibilty of accuracy. And, because these patients are not getting a true picture of their blood glucose level, they are opening themselves up to the severe complications of diabetes and possible hospital stays.

They're taking their diabetes or heart or blood pressure medications every OTHER day instead of every day, or cutting them in half  or  sometimes skipping them entirely.And they're doing this without consulting their pharmacist or physician.

And, what's more, people who are receiving NEW prescriptions are not getting them filled because they flat out cannot afford to get them filled.

Most of these people are those who have no insurance for their medications and supplies but  suprisingly, those with high co-pays are also cutting back.

Before you do anything drastic like this:

• Ask your doctor for samples of the medication(s) that you need.
• Call around for prices and use generic medications wherever possible .
• Check out the pharmacies that have 30 days of medication for only $4.00. Maybe your medication is on that list.
• See which pharmacies( mostly in supermarkets) are offering FREE antibiotic prescriptions and which antibiotics are on that list.
• Check with the manufacturers of your medications to see if you qualify for deeply discounted prices. Income and insurance are factors.
• Contact the Partnership for Prescription Assistance at 888-477-2669 or www.pparx.org
• Check out www.FreeMedicineFoundation.com
• Above all, consult with your doctor and pharmacist FIRST. They will be able to help you!

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