LETTER FROM THE CHAIR

Welcome everyone to the September Newsletter, which means that Autumn is well on the way, it seems incredible that the Summer has gone so quickly, but there it is and we have the cosy winter nights to look forward to.

I am sure you will have noticed that we have made some changes to the Newsletter of late and I hope you approve of them; comments would be appreciated if you feel it appropriate. In addition if there is anything you would like published then please do not hesitate to submit it and if appropriate this can be arranged. My contact details are on the front of the programme and at the foot of this page.

One of the things we have done is to add the carbohydrate values to the recipes, which we hope you will find useful. The other thing we have done is to report on the meetings held at Good Hope in the hope that it will encourage more of you to come to them.

The new programme for next year is enclosed and I hope it will tempt some you to come and see us. Many thanks to Joy Mitchell and her husband David for all their hard work, we know it is not an easy job and are most grateful to them for their dedication.

I hope you have all had a good summer and have stayed healthy and happy.

Iris Farley
Chair

BROWN RICE
LOWERS RISK OF DIABETES

Switching from white rice to brown rice could greatly reduce your chances of developing diabetes a study has found.

Whole grain rice raises the body’s blood sugar levels far less dramatically than white rice which is little more than starch, according to the researches at the Harvard School of Public Health.

Their study, believed to be the first of its kind, found that replacing 50 g (1.8 oz) or a third of a serving of white rice per day with brown rice would cut the risk of type 2 diabetes by 16%.

A switch to whole unrefined grains should be recommended from a public health point of view, the scientists added.

About 2.3 million people in the UK have type 2 diabetes. It is feared this will rise to 4 million by 2025.

Eating five or more servings (150g) of white rice per week led to a 17% higher risk of diabetes compared with one or fewer servings per month the study also found.

Taken from the Daily Mail

WHAT IS A FRUCTOSAMINE TEST?

A fructosamine blood test shows average blood glucoselevels over 2 – 3 weeks. It measures glucose molecules stuck to proteins in the blood. These proteins circulate in the blood for 14 – 21 days, which is why the test gives a picture of how much glucose has been in the blood for that amount of time.

Some people have a fructosamine test instead of an HbA1c test. This is because if your red blood cells are affected by anaemia or you have abnormal red cells such as sickle cell or thalassaemia, the HbA1c test will not be accurate. A fructosamine test may sometimes be used during pregnancy, too, as it allows the effectiveness of changes to treatment to be monitored after a couple of weeks, rather than waiting months for the next HbA1c test.

There is no standard reference range available for this test. Each laboratory report will be based on the patient’s age, gender, sample population and test method.

Taken from June issue of Balance

NEWS TIT-BITS

(BBC 29/06/2011)
NHS faces 'diabetes time bomb'
The health service could be on the brink of a "diabetes time bomb" according to an audit of patients in England and Wales. It warned that many of the patients were young or middle aged and could require "substantial hospital care in a matter of years". Diabetes UK said the findings highlighted the need for urgent action. The report also found nearly half of patients were not getting all of the appropriate checks.

(Reuters 08/03/2011)
People with diabetes are urged to always wash their hands before testing their blood sugar. But if that is not possible, using the "second drop" of blood may be OK, a new study suggests. The researchers had people with diabetes test their blood sugar under various conditions. Overall, the study found, clean hands are still key. But if soap and water are not available, it's usually "acceptable" to use the second drop after wiping away the first (except after handling fruit).

(Patient Information Forum 03/02/2011)
Diabetes UK has worked with RNID to produce information in British Sign Language (BSL) for the people with diabetes in the Deaf community. They have produced videos entitled "Understanding diabetes" and the "Diabetes and the body". For Diabetes UK, this has been a long-awaited resource.

(BBC 24/01/2011)
One reason why people with diabetes can suffer more damage during strokes has been discovered by US scientists. The study on rats, published in Nature Medicine, found a protein which increased bleeding when blood sugar levels are high. Elevated sugar levels have been linked to at least one in ten strokes. Diabetes UK said the big test was whether the research would lead to clinical benefits for people with high sugar levels.

FREDDIE’S STORY

Most of you will know Sara Bradford who has been a member of Diabetes committee for many years, the above picture is Sara’s dog Freddie an adorable miniature Schnauzer.

Freddie joined our very exclusive club a couple of months ago and became diabetic!!!! He now has to have an insulin injection every morning, he is so good he stands there and allows Sara to inject him without any fuss at all. We feel sure he knows that the medication is making him feel better.

However when a urine sample is needed this is something of a challenge and to see Sara chasing him around the garden with a receptacle at the ready is a sight worth seeing!!!!

Many people have said that they are surprised that a dog can become diabetic, but this is silly of course they can, they have the same organs as human beings and are vulnerable to the same malfunctions.

Freddie has lost weight but seems to be enjoying life much more, he is full of energy and we feel sure is feeling much happier than before he was treated.

He is of course missing the treats he used to get and now is unable to have but he seems to have accepted this and is delighted when he does get a biscuit on the odd occasion.

REPORT ON RECENT MEETINGS

STAFFORDSHIRE MILLENIUM EMBROIDERIES

On Monday 11th July Mrs Sheila Everitt M.B.E. came to our open meeting to talk to us about the embroideries she has produced for the millennium.

The picture above shows Mrs Everitt with the two embroideries she brought to the meeting with her which are obviously of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.

However the ‘Staffordshire Millenium Embroideries’ depict the story of the millennium in Staffordshire from the beginning in the year 1000 to the year 2000.

This work is on show at Lichfield Heritage Centre, Market Square, Lichfield and is well worth a visit.

The above is just one of the recent talks of which was extremely interesting with more to come each month. Why not join us.

BARIATRIC BOOST

A report from the National Bariatric Surgery Registry (NBSR) has found that Bariatric surgery could be used as an alternative and cost effective treatment to prevent a number of obesity related health problems, including type 2 diabetes.

Published in April, it looks at data from 8,710 operations carried out in the NHS and private sector. Information from 86 hospitals showed that a quarter of clinically obese patients had type 2 diabetes by the time they reached surgery and almost two thirds had three or more associated conditions.

The audit showed that 85.5% of people who had type 2 diabetes prior to surgery had seen an improvement in their condition after a 2 year period.

Professor Sir George Alberti who is Diabetes UK Chairman and has just been appointed Chairman of Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (effective from 1st December 2011) said ‘Diabetes UK recommends people who are clinically obese should try to lose weight through diet and lifestyle changes.

However we agree that bariatric surgery should be used as an alternative treatment to help people lose weight if all other attempts have been unsuccessful and their diabetes remains poorly controlled.

Bariatric surgery is not a cure for Type 2 diabetes although it can result in a lengthy remission’.

Taken from June 2011 edition of Balance Magazine

HbA1c CHANGE DELAYED

The change of reported HbA1c from percentage (%) units to millimoles per MOL (mmol/mol) on st June has been postponed until 1st October 2011 over concerns that the new measurement numbers are still note widely used or understood.

Taken from June issue of Balance

RIGHTING THE WRONGS
The International Diabetes Federation (IBF) has launched the first Charter that sets out the basic rights of more than 300 million people living with diabetes.

The International Charter of Rights and Responsibilities of People with Diabetes isa to be used as a powerful campaigning tool to counteract the discrimination and stigma millions of people with diabetes still face, largelky due to ignorance and misconceptions surrounding the condition. In many parts of the world, this promotes a culture of secrecy that can create barriers to services, employment and even marriage, and may stop people with diabetes playing an active role in society.

Sir Michael Hirst, President elect IDF said ‘the Charter is a gold standards to which governments and organisations should aspire’.

For more information see:
http://www.idf.org/idf-charter-promotes-rights-people-diabetes

HBa1C AS EASY AS 1,2,3

The HbA1c blood test indicaqtes your blood glucose levels for the previous 2 – 3 months. It measures the level of glycated haemoglobin (known as HbA1c or haemoglobin A1c) in the blood which is formed when glucose sticks to haemoglobin in red blood cells. The more glucose in your blood the higher the reported HbA1c level.

The test is an effective means of checking your long term diabetes control, as blood glucose levels can vary throughout the day and from day to day. Red blood cells live for around 8 – 12 weeks before being replaced so the test is usually carried out every 2 – 6 months by your GP or diabetes health care team.

How is HbA1c reported?

The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) has agreed a new reference measurement method for HbA1c after discussion with diabetes groups worldwide. This will make comparing HbA1c results from different laboratories and from research trials around the world much easier.

From 1st October 2011 the measurements will be shown in millimoles per mol (mmol/mol) instead of percentage (%). For the past 2 years HbA1 cresults have been ‘dual reported’, but as of October they will be shown only in mmol/mol.

What is the HbA1c target range?

These targets are agreed between you and your diabetes health care team. If your agreed target

HbA1c was 6.5% the eq1uivaloent new target is 48mmol/mol, if it was 7.5% it will become 58mmol/mol. The higher number does not mean that there is more glucose in your blood. It is just a different way of expressing the same thing. Don’t worry about the new numbers – you will get used to them as you use them more often.

How can people aim for an HbA1c in target range?
There is no change to how you go about achieving your target HbA1c. The same advice applies:

• Eat a healthy balanced diet
• Try to maintain a healthy weight
• Be as physically active as possible
  

BELOW WE SHOW THE Hba1c CONVERTER
CHART

DON’T WORRY ABOUT THE NEW NUMBERS YOU WILL GET USED TO THEM
Taken from June issue of Balance

HOW DIABETES UK HELPS YOU

Diabetes UK Careline

All the money raised during Diabetes week will be used to expand the Diabetes UK Careline – a vital service providing information and emotional support to anyone whose life is affected by Diabetes. The careline s staffed by trained counsellors who have knowledge of diabetes and the time to talk things through. All calls are confidential. You can call the careline on 0845 120 2960 or (020 7424 1000 for reception who can transfer your call), Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, or email careline@diabetes.org.uk

Taken from June edition of Balance

UNEXPECTED TYPE 2 CAUSE

Research has suggested that Type 2 diabetes commonly thought of as a metabolic condition may have more in common with Type 1 diabetes in which the body’s immune cells attack its own tissues.

The dtudy published in Nature Medicine in April could lead to new treatments that target the immune system instead of trying to control blood glucose levels.

Researchers from Stanford University and the University of Toronto have previously speculated that different types of immune cells can cause inflammation in fat tissue. In mice fed a high fat, high calorie diet for instance they found that rapidly growing fat cells exceeded their blood supply and began to die, triggering an inflammatory immune response. The researchers believed that this information made it harder for the remaining fat cells to respond to insulin, eventually leading to insulin resistance throughout the body.

To test this theory the scientists studied the effect of blocking this immune response in diabetes-prone mice fed a high fat, high calorie diet. Using an antibody called anti-CD20, which destroys specific cells of the immune system, they were able to stop Type 2 diabetes from developing in these mice and restore their blood glucose levels to normal.

The human equivalent of anti-CD20, rituximab (trade names Rituxan and MabThera), is already approved in the USA as a treatment for some auto-immune conditions and cancers, but more research is needed to see if it will work against diabetes in humans. One drawback is that rather than targeting only the diabetes causing cells the anti-CD20 antibodies dampen the immune system as a whole, which could be dangerous.

Taken from June edition of Balance

RECIPE CORNER

CRISPY ALMOND BAKED FISH

TOTAL CHO= 16g approx
if divided into 4 servings = 4g CHO EACH
or 0.4 CP EACH

½ cup soft fresh breadcrumbs
1/3 cup sliced blanched almonds
½ tsp dried tarragon or basil leaves
½ tsp rated orange or lemon zest
1 lb fish fillets, such as sole, haddock
or turbot
Freshly ground black pepper
Lemon wedges

1. In a food processor combine bread crumbs, almonds, tarragon and orange zest. Process using on/off turns until almonds are finely chopped.
2. Wrap fish in paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Arrange fillets on a baking sheet in single layer. Season with pepper. Sprinkle the crumb mixture over fish and pat lightly.
3. Bake in a preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until fish flakes when tested with a fork. (The time depends on the thickness of the fish, increase time accordingly).
4. Serve with lemon wedges and seasonal vegetables.

DESSERT

STRAWBERRY RHUBARB COBBLER

TOTAL CHO= 360g approx
if divided into 8 servings = 45g CHO EACH
or 4.5 CP's EACH

4 cups chopped fresh rhubarb
2 cups sliced strawberries
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp cornflour
1 tsp` grated orange zest

Biscuit topping

1 cup SR flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ tsp salt
¼ cup cold butter cut into pieces
½ cup low fat milk
1 tsp Vanilla essence

1. Place rhubarb and strawberries in baking dish. In a small bowl combine sugar, cornflour and orange zest and sprinkle over fruit and gently toss.
2. Bake in preheated oven 400ºF/ 200ºC for 20 – 25 minutes (increase to 30 minutes if using frozen fruit) until and bubbles appear around the edges
3. Biscuit topping – in a bowl combine flour sugar and salt cut in butter to make coarse crumbs, combine milk and vanilla and stir into ingredients to make a soft sticky dough.
4. Using a large spoon drop 8 separate spoonfuls of dough onto hot fruit
5 Bake in preheated oven for 20 – 30 minutes until golden.

POETRY CORNER

Lonely Heart

Oh lonely heart
Let not the world get you down
Rise above yourself
Wipe those tears away
World’s a lonely place
When there is no one to admire you
Embrace the wind of change
Autumn will never follow you
Don’t let the snow burn your eyes
Don’t let the sun freeze you
Those days are at an end
No one was only you
Look forward not back
Your past will haunt you
Throw caution to the wind
Thoughts will imprison you

Nobody said life was easy
Good times soon pass
All yours have flown away
None return to water your grass

Life is a clever bitch It takes all you have
Youth, looks, even the strength in your knees
Lonely you sit
None you have

Finally you wonder what life is worth
You are the life
There is a lonely grave mark saying
Not what but who you are.

Fly away you helpless soul
Take me to unite with them
None have made it to heaven
Wise every one of them

J S Sidhu

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING ELSE...

SUPPORT NEEDED

Both Dr Pam Mundy and Malcolm Mundy, her husband, have raised funds for many years for Diabetes UK (Sutton Coldfield branch). Now Malcolm (pictured above) intends to take part in the three sponsored runs detailed on the above picture.

Malcolm has Type 1 diabetes but is fit and active and enjoys life to the full, I think you will agree that the above picture illustrates this very clearly.

So we come to the object of this article WE NEED YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT.

Please please if you are able to do so make a donation (however small) to reward Malcolm’s magnificent efforts on our behalf.

Donations can be made either to the website shown on the picture or alternatively if you would prefer you can send donations to me and I will pass them onto Malcolm.

I am sure most of you are aware of my contact details but just in case you are not donations can be sent to my address at 165 Chingford Road, Kingstanding, Birmingham B44 0BL.

Please be as generous as you can, remember all donations to Sutton Coldfield Group help all diabetics in the area whether they are members of our group or not. We make many donations to the Diabetic Department at Good Hope in addition to local GP surgeries and this helps everyone from children to pensioners.

SO PLEASE DIG DEEP AND MAKE A DONATION IF AT ALL POSSIBLE.

Many thanks to you all in anticipation of your generosity.

Iris Farley
Chair

AND FINALLY...

THIS IS HAPPENING RIGHT HERE IN OUR OWN COUNTRY! We Must Stop This Immediately!

Have you noticed that stairs are getting steeper. Groceries are heavier.

And, everything is farther away. Yesterday I walked to the corner and I was dumbfounded to discover how long our street had become!

And, you know, people are less considerate now, especially the young ones. They speak in whispers all the time! If you ask them to speak up they just keep repeating themselves, endlessly mouthing the same silent message until they're red in the face! What do the think I am a lip reader?

I also think they are much younger than I was at the same age. On the other hand, people my own age are so much older than I am. I ran into an old friend the other day and she has aged so much that she didn't even recognise me.

I got to thinking about the poor dear while I was combing my hair this morning, and in doing so, I glanced at my own reflection well, REALLY NOW - even mirrors are not made the way they used to be!

Another thing, everyone drives so fast these days! You're risking life and limb if you happen to pull onto the road in front of them. All I can say is, their brakes must wear out awfully fast, the way I see them screech and swerve in my rear view mirror.

Clothing manufacturers are less civilized these days. Why else would they suddenly start labelling a size 10 or 12 dress as 18 or 20? Do they think no one notices? The people who make bathroom scales are pulling the same prank. Do they think I actually 'believe' the number I see on that dial? HA! I would never let myself weigh that much! Just who do these people think they're fooling?

I'd like to call up someone in authority to report what's going on -- but the telephone company is in on the conspiracy too: they've printed the phone books in such small type that no one could ever find a number in there!

All I can do is pass along this warning:

WE ARE UNDER ATTACK!

Unless something drastic happens, pretty soon everyone will have to suffer these awful indignities.

PS: I am sending this to you in a larger font size, because something has happened to my computer's fonts - they are smaller than they once were.

Back to top

LETTER FROM THE CHAIR

Welcome to the Summer edition of our Newsletter. I hope you are all having a good Summer and feeling fit and healthy. We are still continuing to work hard on your behalf arranging good speakers for the open meetings.

In May at the AGM we had James Shanley a Prison Governor who talked to us about life behind the Walls, a fascinating and enlightening subject which provoked a lively question and answer session, indeed all present were sorry when it ended.

We still endeavour to coax more of you to come to our meetings, as we continually report they are always most enjoyable and informative and of course it is always helpful to speak with other diabetics. Perhaps those of you who did not like the idea of coming out in the Winter will consider joining us during the Summer months, we would be delighted to see you and you would be made most welcome.

Enjoy your Summer

Iris Farley
Chair

DIABETES UK QUESTION TIME EVENT

Diabetes UK has jointly organised a Question Time event for people interested in debating diabetes issues.

The event took place last night at Portcullis House in Westminster, London, and was jointly organised by Diabetes UK, Novo Nordisk and C3 Healthcare. Around 100 people were in the audience, and Twitter followers were also invited to ask questions during a live feed.

The people on the panel were:

• Barbara Young, Chief Executive, Diabetes UK
• Adrian Sanders MP, Chair of APPG on Diabetes, Liberal Democrat MP for Torbay
• Valerie Vaz MP, member of Health Select Committee, Labour MP for Walsall
• Margot James MP, Conservative MP for Stourbridge
• Dr Brian Karet, RCGP and Diabetes UK clinical lead for diabetes
  

ALTHOUGH THE ARTICLE BELOW WAS ISSUED SOME 9 MONTHS AGO WE THOUGHT YOU MAY FIND IT OF INTEREST.

TV PROGRAMME UNHELPFUL IN DISPELLING DIABETES MYTHS

Diabetes UK is dismayed that ‘The Hospital’ programme broadcast yesterday on Channel 4 misrepresented people with diabetes and missed the opportunity to educate the viewing public about the many facets of living with the condition.

The charity is concerned that the programme failed to explain clearly the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and the focal 'blame' theme of the programme will lead to prejudice against young people with diabetes.

Ignorance
“Diabetes is a condition that is still shrouded in misconceptions and ignorance. This programme has not helped dispel these myths or prejudices," said Douglas Smallwood, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK.

“Sadly, we often hear of children who are bullied at school or people who have experienced discrimination because people believe they’ve brought their diabetes on themselves.

“This programme did show that diabetes is a serious condition and all people with diabetes need to be made aware of the devastating complications.

"However, being a teenager is difficult enough - but being a teenager with diabetes is even more difficult. Diabetes UK is disappointed that the programme failed to provide a balanced view of life with diabetes as many people with diabetes lead full and healthy lives.”

The Children’s Charter
Diabetes UK is gathering thousands of signatures on a petition to give more of a voice to children and young people with diabetes, and help highlight the needs of children, young people and their families.

There are 20,000 children under the age of 15 with Type 1 diabetes in the UK and it is estimated that a further 2,000 children are diagnosed every year.

METFORMIN

What is it?
Metformin is a medication that has been used to treat Type 2 Diabetes for more than 50 years. Some people with Type 1 Diabetes are now also being prescribed it, in addition to insulin, to overcome insulin resistance. It is available in tablet, liquid or powder form.
You may see Metformin called Glucophage (a brand name given by a manufacturer).

• Helps to stop the liver producing new glucose
• 
  Makes insulin carry glucose into muscle cells more effectively by making the insulin receptors more sensitive
• 
  Delays the absorption of glucose from the intestines into the bloodstream after eating.

Who is it suitable for?
Metformin is called the ‘first line’ medication for Type 2 Diabetes, as it is suitable for almost everyone with the condition. It is especially useful for people who are overweight as it helps aid weight loss. It is safe to use during pregnancy and does not cause hypos.

Metformin is not suitable for someone who has kidney problems, as the body would pass it out in the urine.

How is it taken?
To prevent tummy upsets when you first start taking Metformin, you would begin with a small dose and build up to the required amount over a couple of weeks. It should be taken with either the last mouthful of food or immediately after you have finished eating. The dose can be from 500mg to 3000mg (2000mg in the sustained release version, explained further on) and can be taken in divided doses, fitting in with your meals.
Other diabetic tablets can be taken alongside Metformin, and manufacturers are combining some of these tablets with metformin to reduce the number of actual tablets being taken.

Metformin also comes in sustained (slow) release (SR) form, as a tablet only, which releases a steady dose of the medication throughout the day to help maintain good blood glucose control. The SR tablets should be taken once or twice a day with meals and should be swallowed hole, not chewed or sucked.

What are the side effects?
As with most medications, some people may experience side effects when taking Metformin. In the first stages of treatment these are: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, flatulence and loss of appetite. They usually wear off after a couple of weeks – speak to your GP if they don’t.

Other less common side effects are: a metallic taste in the mouth, reduced absorption of vitamin B12, build up of lactic acid in the blood, allergic skin reaction, general allergic reaction and liver function problems.

Anything else?
For people with Type 2 Diabetes: As Metformin does not cause hypos when used without any other Diabetes medicines, you may find that your doctor does not expect you to test your blood glucose levels at home and so will not prescribe test strips you get yourself a meter. However, if you are unwell or feel that your Diabetes control is not good, many doctors will prescribe test strips for short term use.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
It has been suggested that we have a question and answer section in this Newsletter, obviously questions about Diabetes! Who knows we may be able to help with any problems you are experiencing.

If you think this is a good idea please let me know, my telephone number and email address are at the foot of the first page and I would be delighted to hear from you.
Iris Farley

LICENCE CHANGE PROPOSALS

The Department of Transport (DT) has released a consultation document outlining proposed changes to amend driving licence standards that could affect people with diabetes who are treated with insulin.

The DT is consulting on proposals that will change standards for both Group 1 (holders or ordinary licences) and Group 2 drivers (heavy goods vehicle and public service vehicle licence holders) to align medical standards throughout Europe. Diabetes UK is concerned that the outcome may make fundamental changes to defining how drivers treated with insulin are assessed by the driving and vehicle licensing agency (DVLA).

The document proposes to tighten up the definition of ‘recurrent severe hypoglycaemia’, which may affect a significant proportion of Group 1 drivers when renewing their licences. The contents of the consultation are subject to UK legislation changes and open until 28th April 2011.

The document ‘Proposals to Amend Driving Licence Standards for Vision, Diabetes and Epilepsy Annex III to Directive n91/439/EEC’ is available to read at www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/consultations.aspx

TAILORED INFORMATION

Diabetes UK have released a free interactive CD Rom about Type 2 Diabetes tailored towards the South Asian community to help people better manage their Diabetes and improve their quality of life.

The CD includes an interactive animation, full voice over and sub titles, and information on what is Diabetes, diet, fasting and how to test blood for glucose levels.

The production of the CD Rom is kindly sponsored by Pharmaceutical company Lilly.

Diabetes UK has also worked with RNID to produce information in British Sign Language for people with Diabetes in the deaf community.

Clare Chilton, previously a presenter for BBC’s ‘See Hear’ helped to sign on the videos Understanding Diabetes and Diabetes and the Body.

Patient Interaction Education for the South Asian community (free +p&p, code 5672) is available to order on 0800 585 088 or at www.diabetes.org.uk/shop

POPULAR PUMPS?
An online guide for health care professionals (HCPs) could make insulin pump therapy more available.

The ‘How to Why to Guide for Insulin Pump Therapy’ from the NHS Technology Adoption Centre, aims to redress the inequalities that exist for the treatment of people with Type 1 Diabetes, and advises HCPs how to introduce insulin pump therapy into routine practice.

Stella Valerkou, Senior Policy Officer at Diabetes UK told Balance ‘Despite NICE guidance pump usage in the UK lags behind the USA and some European countries. We hope this guide will help reduce the ‘post code lottery’ of provision faced by people with Diabetes’.

The guide is available at www.howtowhyto.nhs.uk

INUIT FACE NEW THREAT OF DIABETES

Scientists in Canada have reported that the Inuit population in the country are not immune to the problems of obesity and type 2 diabetes as was previously thought, but that the changing climate and less traditional lifestyle and diet had taken away any protection they might have had.

The study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, found that the view that the Inuit of Canada, Alaska and Greenland did not have the challenges to their health from obesity and diabetes was wrong, as diabetes is at about the same level as that of the rest of the population.

The team examined data from a study of almost 2,600 Canadian Inuit, showing that 1.9 per cent of those under the age of 50 had diabetes, that 12.2 per cent of people aged 50 and over had the condition, and also that 35 per cent of the Inuit were obese, all results that were similar to the rest of the Canadian population.

Grace Egeland, lead author on the study, commented "Stories (that) the Inuit were protected against diabetes go way back in time, and particularly the 1970s."

She added "With westernisation and rapid changes in the Arctic, we're finding they're at basically the same risk as general Canadians."

MOTHER’S DIET – TYPE 2 LINK

Preliminary research in animals has suggested a poor diet during pregnancy may increase the risk of children developing Type 2 Diabetes in later life.

The study found that offspring of rats poorly fed during pregnancy had malfunctions in part of their DNA linked to insulin production, problems that worsened with age. However, further research is needed to investigate the exact effects of these DNA modifications on the development of Diabetes, and whether the same happens in humans. Advice to pregnant women or those considering pregnancy remains the same: to eat a healthy, balanced diet high in fruit and vegetables and low in fat, salt and added sugar.

The study was led by researchers from the University of Cambridge, and was published in the medical journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in March 2011.

SUTTON COLDFIELD ROTARY CLUB

I recently received a telephone call from the Sutton Coldfield Rotary Club advising me that Diabetes UK had been chosen as the President’s charity for the year and inviting me to attend a luncheon to receive the cheque and to talk to them about Diabetes and our group.

I invited Sara Bradford and Tom Wallbank to accompany me (to give me Dutch courage) and we duly turned up at the appointed time. We were warmly welcomed and served an extremely nice lunch. After lunch Sara and I delivered our little talk and were duly handed a cheque for £750, which we thought extremely generous.

REPORT ON RECENT MEETINGS
For those of you who are not able to attend the meetings we thought you might like to hear about some of the excellent speakers who have visited us recently.

11th April John Grayland – Birmingham Own Health
I am not sure how many of you are members of Birmingham Own Health, I personally am a member and find it very useful and to hear John Grayland speak about the plans they have for furtherance of the scheme was most interesting.

John explained the scheme whereby many people with chronic long term illnesses including Diabetes, Chronic Obstructive Airways Disease etc., are monitored by nursing staff who contact them by telephone on a monthly basis to find out how they are doing and whether they are experiencing any problems.

Patients are referred by their GPs although at the present time they are not accepting any new referrals.

9th May 11 James Shanley – Behind the Walls
I briefly mentioned this talk in my opening letter and would like to reiterate the excellence of this event. It showed us a world most of us have no knowledge of.

John Shanley is the Governor of Birmingham Prison and he told us a little about his job and among other things gave us an insight into how Diabetics are treated in prison.

He mentioned the various problems created by prisoners not taking their medication indeed in some cases exchanging it with other prisoners for cigarettes etc. Also the difficulties of monitoring for hypos when prisoners are locked up for long periods over night.

A thought provoking talk which led to a lengthy but lively discussion about the prison service in general.

The above are just two of the recent talks both of which were extremely interesting with more to come each month. Why not join us.

RECIPE CORNER

Chicken Cider Casserole

TOTAL CHO= 50g approx
if divided into 4 servings = 12g CHO EACH
or 1 CP's EACH

1 oz Onions – chopped
4 oz Mushrooms – sliced
2 oz wholemeal flour
2 oz low fat magarine
¾ pt chicken stock
¼ pt dry cider
salt and pepper

Fry onion and mushrooms in a little oil until soft, then place with the seasoned chicken portions in a casserole dish. Melt margarine, stir in flour and cook gently for 2 minutes. Remove pan from heat and very gradually add the stock and cider. Return to the heat and bring to the boil stirring all the time, then cook for a further 2 minutes. Pour over the chicken and cook in the oven for approximately 1 hour at No 4/180ºC/350ºF. The chicken is cooked when the juice runs clear when a knife is inserted into the thickest part.
Serve with brown rice or potatoes.

DESSERT

Cherry Meringue

TOTAL CHO= 186g approx
if divided into 4 servings = 46g CHO EACH
or 4.5 CP's EACH

250g / 9oz cherry compote
2 Müllerlight cherry yoghurts
2 egg whites
50g/2oz caster sugar
4 trifle sponges (90g)

Heat the oven to 180C/350F/gas 4. Spoon the cherry compote into an ovenproof dish. Crumble over the trifle sponges then spoon over the yoghurts. Whisk the egg whites until stiff, add the sugar and whisk again until stiff and glossy. Spoon onto the yoghurt, flicking it up to make small peaks. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until golden. Serve at once.

POETRY CORNER

Without

I am a man without a country
I am a lodger in every state
They curse my existence
I don’t know my own place
People point at me and call me names
If I cut myself do I not bleed the same
I know I am different
Every person is unique
How can I be the same
I speak a different language
My skin is not the same
Some people question my existence
To them it is a game
I don’t believe in wishes
I have been wishing for too long
God takes the side of the man with gold
Why am I wasting my time
What shall I be told
No sooner I close my eyes
They leave my body somewhere
They bury me in an unknown grave
I came and I went who is there to care.

J S Sidhu

PUZZLER

See if you can figure out what these seven words all have in common?

1. Banana
2. Dresser
3. Grammar
4. Potato
5. Revive
6. Uneven
7. Assess

You will kick yourself when you see the answer – look at the bottom of the June Newsletter– DON’T CHEAT!!!!!!!

AND NOW FOR A BIT OF FUN...

An old Jamaican man lived alone in the country. He wanted to dig his Yellow Yam and Sweet Potato Garden , but it was very hard work as the ground was hard. His only son, Vincent, who used to help him, was in prison. The old man wrote a letter to his son and described his predicament:

Dear Vincent,
I am feeling pretty badly because it looks like I won't be able to plant my Yellow Yam and Sweet Potato Garden this year. I'm just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot. I know if you were here my troubles would be over. I know you would be happy to dig the plot for me....Love, Dad

A few days later he received a letter from his son:

Dear Dad,Whatever you do don't dig up that garden. That's where I buried the bodies.Love, Vinnie

At 4 a.m. The next morning, CID agents and local police arrived and dug up the entire area without finding any bodies. They apologised to the old man and left. That same day the old man received another letter from his son:

Dear Dad,
Go ahead and plant the yams and potatoes now that the ground has been dug up. That's the best I can do under these circumstances.

JUST A FEW USELESS PIECES OF INFORMATION

A goldfish has a memory span of three seconds .
(Some days that's about what my memory span is.)
A 'jiffy' is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second.
A shark is the only fish that can blink with both eyes.
A snail can sleep for three years.
(So could I given the opportunity!)

Almonds are a member of the peach family.

An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.
(I know some people like that also . Actually I know A LOT of people like this!)

Babies are born without kneecaps.
They don't appear until the child reaches 2 to 6 years of age.
February 1865 is the only month in recorded history not to have a full moon.

If the population of China walked past you, 8 abreast, the line would never end because of the rate of reproduction.

Leonardo Da Vinci invented the scissors

Peanuts are one of the ingredients of dynamite!

Rubber bands last longer when refrigerated.

The average person's left hand does 56% of the typing.

The cruise liner, QE 2, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel that it burns.
The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket. (Good thing he did that.)
The winter of 1932 was so cold that Niagara Falls froze completely solid .

There are more chickens than people in the world.

I don’t know if any of the above are true but they are slightly amusing I hope you agree.

AND FINALLY...

In a zoo in California , a mother tiger gave birth to a rare set of triplet tiger cubs. Unfortunately,

Due to complications in the pregnancy, the cubs were born prematurely and due to their tiny size, they died shortly after birth.

The mother tiger after recovering from the delivery, suddenly started to decline in health, although physically she was fine. The vets felt that the loss of her litter had caused the tigress to fall into a depression.

The doctors decided that if the tigress could surrogate another mother's cubs, perhaps she would improve.

After checking with many other zoos across the country, the depressing news was that there were no tiger cubs of the right age to introduce to the mourning mother. The vets decided to try something that had never been tried in a zoo environment. Sometimes a mother of one species will take on the care of a different species. The only orphans' that could be found quickly, were a litter of weanling pigs. The zoo keepers and vets wrapped the piglets in tiger skin and placed the babies around the mother tiger... Would they become cubs or pork chops?

Take a look...you won't believe your eyes

Now, please tell me one more time ...
Why can't the rest of the world get along?

Puzzle answer: If you take the first letter of each word and add it to the end the word it will spell the same. Clever eh?????

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