New developments in diabetes management presented at meeting

by Bonnie Whitehead

LISTOWEL

Chairman George Van Ankum welcomed 35 people to a diabetes information meeting held Sept. 6 at the Knox Presbyterian Church in Listowel.

Guest speaker Dr. Nadira Husein of Waterloo is the lead endocrinologist for the LIHN and assistant professor at Western and McMaster Universities. She led a lively interactive discussion concerning insulin pumps, food diaries, A1C levels, high and low blood glucose readings, liver concerns, pancreatitis, painful legs, advocacy, and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).

Insulin pumps are fully funded by the government for people with Type 1 Diabetes who need insulin to survive, not Type 2 diabetics who may require insulin. The pump dispenses a continuous flow of rapid acting insulin that helps flatten out and prevent high and low blood glucose levels. A continuous glucose monitoring pump can be attached for six days to read, relay, and determine patterns of insulin levels.

It is a common belief that food diaries help people consider better food choices and be more accountable for their food intake. Eating poorly can lead to obesity. Dr. Husein suggested testing blood sugars in the middle of the night to see if the liver is functioning well. There are nerve tests to determine the extent of neuropathy. Dr. Husein keeps a crystal ball, regal crown, and magic wand in her office to remind her and her patients that she has no magical skills. She can’t read minds and needs her patients to ask questions to clarify concerns and address complications. No news does not necessarily mean good news, she notes.

Marg Stevens thanked Dr. Husein for the good advice shared in an entertaining and informative manner.

Donna Appavoo, a student at the University of Waterloo is studying the accessibility of food in rural areas from the Bruce Penisula to Point Pelee. She invited everyone to fill out a survey to help her gain a perspective across southwestern Ontario.

George Van Ankum invited everyone to look over the literature display set out by Theresa Johnston and to join him for the last meeting of the season to be held at the Knox United Church in Clifford where Nancy Raymond of Baden will discuss five decades of her journey with Type 1 Diabetes.

Reports were given regarding membership, assistance programs, grocery receipt programs, and the soup and sandwich luncheon to be held at the Legion in Harriston to kick off the annual residential campaign.

This meeting was sponsored by the North Perth - North Wellington Branch of the Canadian Diabetes Association. Volunteers can be reached at 94 B Elora St. S. in Harriston, at 519-338-3181 or npnw@diabetes.ca

September 21, 2012