Posted on August 26, 2011 by Joel Shpigel R.Ph.

Hurricane Preparation for People with Diabetes

 

 

Well, It seems that all of us here in the  Philly area are in the crosshairs of Hurricane Irene as it slowly moves up the east coast of the U.S. . Since this type of thing rarely happens to us here in the NorthEast, I thought it may be a good idea to mention some items on the FDA Hurricane Preparedness Checklist  that would be important to people with Diabetes. It is of utmost importance to read the entire list as well!

  1. Drugs Exposed to Water
  • For lifesaving drugs exposed to water, when replacements may not be readily available, if the container is contaminated but the contents appear unaffected –if the pills are dry—the pills may be used until a replacement can be obtained. However, if the pill is wet it is contaminated and should be discarded.
  • Other drug products (pills, oral liquids, drugs for injections, inhalers, skin medications)—even those in their original containers—should be discarded if they have come into contact with flood or contaminated water. In the ideal setting, capsules, tablets, and liquids in drug containers with screw-top caps, snap lids, or droppers, should be discarded if they are contaminated. In addition, medications that have been placed in any alternative storage containers should be discarded if they have come in contact with flood or contaminated water.

    2.  Insulin Storage and Switching Between Products in an Emergency

  • As a general rule, insulin loses its potency according to the temperature it is exposed to and length of that exposure. Under emergency conditions, you might still need to use insulin that has been stored above 86 °F. Such extreme temperatures may cause insulin to lose potency, which could result in loss of blood glucose control over time.
  • In any case, you should try to keep insulin as cool as possible. Try to keep insulin away from direct heat and out of direct sunlight, but if you are using ice, also avoid freezing the insulin.
  • When properly stored insulin becomes available, discard and replace the insulin vials that have been exposed to these extreme conditions.

  

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Posted on August 26, 2011 by Joel Shpigel R.Ph.

Discontinuation of ACCU-CHEK FlexLink Plus Infusion Sets

 

Roche Insulin Delivery Systems has announced today that it has discontinued the ACCU-CHEK FlexLink Plus infusion sets as well as the ACCU-CHEK LinkAssist Plus insertion device. An alternative replacement is the ACCU-CHEK UltraFlex infusion sets and the ACCU-CHEK LinkAssist insertion device.

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Posted on August 15, 2011 by Joel Shpigel R.Ph.

Red Meat Consumption Increases Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

 The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition recently published a study suggesting that eating as little as one serving a day of red meat increases your risk of type 2 diabetes. Taken from dietary surveys of more than 200,000 participants in the Harvard Nurses’ Health and the Health Professionals Follow-up studies,Dr. Frank Hu, a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health, said  "we found that one serving per day of processed meat like a hot dog or sausage was associated with a 50 percent increased risk of diabetes compared with people who ate processed meat less than once a month." (Unprocessed meats in the diet led to a 20 percent increased risk)

Dr. Hu suggested the following:

  • The high iron content of red meat can increase inflammatory chemicals, which can destroy insulin-producing beta cells.
  • The nitrates in processed meats may also be toxic to beta cells, which could explain why processed meats contributed even more to risk
  • Last, those who ate the most red meat also tended to eat fewer fruits and vegetables and were more likely to smoke and be obese.

Dr. Hu added that  the finding sends a clear message that Americans should be emphasizing more of a plant-based diet and looking for other sources of protein such as nuts, fish, low-fat dairy, and poultry.

 

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Posted on August 12, 2011 by Joel Shpigel R.Ph.

Prevent Diabetes With These Lifestyle Changes

 

 

 

As seen in the latest issue of UPDATE from Independence Blue Cross, here are 7 changes that you can make in your life  that may help prevent diabetes:

  1. Understand your risk factors. These include obesity, family history of diabetes, hypertension, a low HDL cholesterol level, being over the age of 45, etc
  2. Take a diagnosis of pre-diabetes seriously .
  3. Get at least 7 hours of sleep .
  4. Lose weight. This is THE most important lifestyle change to reduce your risk.
  5. Eat Right.
  6. Stay Active.
  7. Stop Smoking.

 

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