Tag Archives: insulin

Diabetes Cure for Mice in Toronto

Scientists in Toronto have managed to relieve diabetes in mice… starting with a relatively common food item. Researchers took a look at the similarities between diabetes and multiple sclerosis — a disease of the central nervous system. The pancreas (where insulin is produced) has “islets” that produce insulin that help the body process food and manage blood sugar. However, the researchers saw a large number of pain neurons around these islets. Using the idea that diabetes may be linked to the presence of these pain neurons, researchers injected capsaicin (the thing that makes hot peppers hot) into nerve cells near … Continue reading →

Insulin Pumps: The Basics

Insulin pumps — devices that can mimic the insulin delivery of a normal, healthy pancreas — were developed in the late 1970s. An insulin pump delivers insulin under the skin in two different doses: a low background dose given every few minutes to fulfill the body’s general insulin needs and a larger dose given to deal with meals and snacks. The pump holds a reservoir of insulin and uses a needle or a plastic infusion catheter to deliver the insulin. The needle or catheter needs to be replaced every few days. Why use an insulin pump? Diabetics who use an … Continue reading →

For Parents of Diabetic Kids: What is Hypoglycemic Unawareness?

My son Garrett had a frightening experience in a class at school one day. Suddenly he was having difficulty writing. He had a hard time remembering how to spell simple words, and started to feel strange. Dizzily, he walked to the front of the classroom and approached the teacher. He opened his mouth to speak, but couldn’t remember how. He stood in front of the teacher trying to say something, anything, but the words wouldn’t come. Finally a look of understanding crossed the teacher’s face. “You’re a diabetic, aren’t you?” she asked, and quickly led him to the cafeteria, where … Continue reading →

“I Forgot I Had Diabetes!”

We were sitting around in our favorite gourmet burger spot, enjoying a celebration for my son who just turned twelve. Everyone had decided what size cheeseburger they wanted, how they wanted it cooked, and what kind of cheese would be grilled with the meat. We tried to keep an eye on the smaller members of the family, who had run over to the arcade, while my husband and I and our older children chatted about random stuff. Our pager buzzed, and the food was ready. Everyone hopped up to the counter and dressed their burgers, then eagerly sat down to … Continue reading →

Being “The Blood Sugar Police.” A Job I Didn’t Apply For

The title of “Mom” comes with many responsibilities. “Blood Sugar Police” was one I hadn’t planned on. It was one of those jobs I wish I could have politely turned down, but no. I was drafted into the position, like it or not, when my young son was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at age seven. Job Training I received my training at the Children’s Hospital of San Diego, where I learned to jab oranges with a syringe and measure blood sugar levels. (See my blog, “Oranges and Ball Machines: My Training In Caring for My Son’s Diabetes.”) I’ll be honest … Continue reading →