LETTER FROM THE CHAIR

Here we are then in Spring 2010 looking forward to a happy and healthy Summer for all of us.

We hope those of you who do not attend our Winter meetings will feel moved to join us during the Summer, remember we meet every 2nd Monday of each month, with the exception of August, at the Partnership Learning Centre at Good Hope Hospital at 7.30pm. I am aware that I do tend to harp on this subject but it would be so great to see more of you at the meeting. The speakers are entertaining in addition to being informative and I am sure you would gain so much from attending as we always have time for a chat both before and after the meetings and generally help each other if there are problems and also find it enjoyable to talk to others living with the same condition. Stand by for more ‘harping’ in future Newsletters.

I am sure you will be as surprised as I was to find that it is six years this month since the first Newsletter was issued, I hope you are still enjoying it and say again if anyone has anything they would like to publish then please let me know and I will be delighted to oblige.

In the meantime keep well and happy.
Iris Farley
Chair/Secretary

NO DECISION ON FREE PRESCRIPTION PLANS FOR PEOPLE WITH LONG TERM CONDITIONS

The Government recently announced that the decision on reviewing prescription charge  exemptions  in England will not be made before the spending review due in the autumn.

In September 2008 Gordon Brown announced plans to extend prescription charge exemption to all people with long-term conditions in England over the next few years. The Brown government commissioned a review by Professor Ian Gilmore, president of the Royal College of Physicians, to make recommendations as to how this commitment could be implemented. The Gilmore Review, published recently, sets out an approach to reforming the existing system.

Stella Valerkou, Senior Policy Officer at Diabetes UK, said: “Diabetes UK welcomes the review recommendation that people with long-term conditions should receive free prescriptions. The review recommends a broad definition of long-term conditions including those who are likely to have a long-term health condition that will persist for at least six months and where there is a need for continuing management, although this does not have to be limited to management with medication. This has the potential to include people with Type 2 diabetes treated with lifestyle modification alone who do not currently receive free prescriptions.*

“We also welcome the recommendation for phasing in free prescriptions, which would mean people with diabetes already exempt from prescription charges, and those newly diagnosed with a condition already exempt, would continue to receive free prescriptions. We ask Andrew Lansley to outline how he plans to act on the review.”

*People with diabetes whose blood glucose levels are treated with a form of medication are currently exempt from prescription charges.

Taken from the Latest News on Diabetes on the Internet

HAVING MUM OVER FOR DINNER

You don't even have to be a mother to enjoy this one...

Ben invited his mother over for dinner. During the course of the meal, Ben's mother couldn't help but notice how beautiful Ben's roommate, Jennifer, was. Ben's Mom had long been suspicious of the platonic relationship between Ben and Jennifer, and this had only made her more curious.

Over the course of the evening, while watching the two interact, she started to wonder if there was more between Ben and Jennifer than met the eye. Reading his mom's thoughts, Ben volunteered, 'I know what you must be thinking, but I assure you Jennifer and I are just roommates.'

About a week later, Jennifer came to Ben saying, 'Ever since your mother came to dinner, I've been unable to find the beautiful silver gravy ladle. You don't suppose she took it, do you?' Ben said, 'Well, I doubt it, but I'll send her an e-mail just to be sure. So he sat down and wrote:

Dear Mom,

I'm not saying that you 'did' take the gravy ladle from the house, I'm not saying that you 'did not' take the gravy ladle. But the fact remains that one has been missing ever since you were here for dinner.
Love, Ben

Several days later, Ben received an email back from his mother that read:

Dear Son,

I'm not saying that you 'do' sleep with Jennifer, I'm not saying that you 'do not' sleep with Jennifer. But the fact remains that if Jennifer is sleeping in her own bed, she would have found the gravy ladle by now.

Love, Mom

LESSON OF THE DAY -
NEVER LIE TO YOUR MOTHER!!

THE WALK IN THE PARK 2010

First of all, and most importantly, a big thanks to all those people who kindly took part in this event; not least the Deputy Lord Mayor Michael Wilkes and his wife who attended to officially open the event, they are a delightful couple who are very interested in Diabetes and appreciated the need for research into the condition.

Although the day was not exactly warm! it stayed dry and everyone had a good time, in addition to raising money for research into the condition we all live with.

Below are some of the photographs taken on the day:

AN INVITATION FROM
NORTH BIRMINGHAM CYCLING CLUB

The North Birmingham Cycling Club are having a Barn Dance come Social evening to raise money for Diabetes UK.

The date is:
Saturday, 30th October 2010

At:
The Collingwood Centre, Collingwood Drive, Pheasey, Great Barr, Birmingham, B43 7NF

Time: 7.30 - 11 p.m.

Tickets: £5.00 per person

BRING YOUR OWN FOOD AND DRINK!

Raffle prizes to be won.

Please contact
Mary Evans, 0121 308 1306

SCHOOLBOY DONATES BOOK PROFITS TO DIABETES UK

Eight-year-old schoolboy Max Woodward is donating the profits from his online book, 'The Time Machine' to Diabetes UK because his sister has the condition and the whole family raises money for the charity.

Max says he is a real bookworm who has loved stories all his life, and has wanted to write a book for a long time. When he was set a homework task at school to write about a time machine, he decided to write lots more chapters and turn it into an online book. His teacher doesn’t even know about it yet!

The Time Machine

The book is about an orphaned boy called Colin who invents a time machine and uses it to go back in time to stop his parents being involved in an accident.

Max’s book is available to read, for free, online. All Max asks is that, if you have enjoyed the book, you make a donation to show your appreciation. He has already raised over £100.

Raising money for Diabetes UK

All of the profits are being donated to Diabetes UK. Max’s sister Gabrielle has Type 1 diabetes, and the family is involved with fundraising for the Diabetes UK voluntary group in High Wycombe.

Max says, "I think diabetes is not very nice; it is very hard for Gabrielle, but she copes very well. It is hard for Mum and Dad: they have to remind her to wash her hands to do her prick test, do her injections and record her results. Then we have to deal with her hypos. I am getting good at knowing when she is having a hypo and I go and tell Mum and Dad. My sister Ellen helps her at school and her friends really help too."

‘The Time Machine’ has been read by people as far afield as New York and Saudi Arabia, and future instalments of Colin’s adventures with the time machine are planned.

You can read the book  on the Myebook site, and donations are being collected on the  Virgin Money Giving site.

'THE ESSENTIAL DIABETES COOKBOOK'

POETRY CORNER

LOVE IS ALL
There is magic in your eyes
Such zest as you walk
You drive me out of my mind
With that candid talk
One look from your eyes and I lose my way
I always end up here
I don’t know what to say
Hold my hand my darling
Before I go insane
It is not every day
That I feel this pain
I would rather be in your arms
Then any place I know
I may end up with nothing
It is a chance I take I know
Will you say my name just once
That is all I ask
Without love in this world
This is my task

J S Sidhu

MOMENTS
Wasted moments are a wasted life
Life is made up of moments
Take care my friend
A word spoken at the wrong moment
Can ruin a precious relationship
You can wait for a lifetime
You may never regain that lost moment

And yet a word spoken at the right moment
Can heal a broken heart
A man can gain the Kingdom of Heaven
If he waits for the right moment
Nothing is more pleasurable than the loving moment
Take care of each moment they all are precious

J S Sidhu

AND FINALLY – FROM THE MOUTHS OF BABES

PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE WORDING AND SPELLING. IT COMES FROM A CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL TEST..

CHILDREN WERE ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS. THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS ABOUT THE BIBLE WERE WRITTEN BY CHILDREN. THEY HAVE NOT BEEN RETOUCHED OR CORRECTED. INCORRECT SPELLING HAS BEEN LEFT IN.

Try to imagine a Nun sitting at her desk grading these papers, all the while trying to keep a straight face and maintain her composure!

• Adam and Eve were created from an apple tree . Noah's wife was Joan of ark. Noah built and ark and the animals came on in pears.
• Lots wife was a pillar of salt during the day, but a ball of fire during the night.
• The Jews were a proud people and throughout history they had trouble with unsympathetic genitals.
• Moses led the Jews to the red sea where they made unleavened bread which is bread without any ingredients.
• The Egyptians were all drowned in the dessert. Afterwards, Moses went up to mount Cyanide to get the ten commandments
• The first commandments was when Eve told Adam to eat the apple.
• The seventh commandment is thou shalt not admit adultery.
• The greatest miricle in the bible is when Joshua told his son to stand still and he obeyed him.
• David was a Hebrew king who was skilled at playing the liar. He fought the Finkelsteins, a race of people who lived in biblical times.

RECIPE CORNER

FISH BAKE

3 filleted Mackerel
½ pt skimmed milk
salt & pepper
1 dssp chopped parsley
1 clove garlic – crushed
1 tblsp vegetable oil
2 tblsp wholemeal flour
5 oz onions chopped
1 tblsp low fat margarine
4 oz green beans
1 tblsp wholemeal breadcrumbs

• Season fish and poach in milk with parsley and garlic for 15 – 20 minutes. Drain reserving the fish milk. Heat oil, add flour and cook for 3 minutes.
• Remove from the heat, gradually stir in fish milk. Bring to the boil, stirring all the time and cook for a further 2 0 3 minutes.
• Fry onion in margarine until transparent. Add green beans and cook for approximately 10 minutes.
• Roughly flake the fish and add to sauce with onions and beans.
• Pour into a casserole dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and bake at No 6/200ºC/400ºF for 10 minutes or until brown.
• Serve with a jacket potato and side salad.

RHUBARB CRUMBLE

1 lb prepared rhubarb
Liquid sweetener to taste

Crumble

2 oz low fat margarine
4 oz wholemeal flour
1 oz cornflakes

• Place rhubarb in an ovenproof dish add sweetener. Rub fat into the flour until it resembles fine breadcrumbs, then mix in the cornflakes.
• Sprinkle the crumble on the rhubarb. Bake at No 5/190ºC/375ºF for 40 minutes or until golden brown.
• Serve with a little Crème Fraiche
  

• Solomon, one of Davids sons, had 300 wives and 700 porcupines.
• When Mary heard she was the mother of Jesus, she sang the magna carta.
• Jesus enunciated the golden rule, which says to do unto others before they do one to you. He also explained a man doth not live by sweat alone.
• The people who followed the lord were called the 12 decibels.
• The epistels were the wives of the apostles.
• One of the oppossums was St. Matthew who was also a taximan.
• St. Paul cavorted to christianity, he preached holy acrimony which is another name for marraige.
• Christians have only one spouse. This is called monotony

I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THESE

AS MUCH AS I DID!

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LETTER FROM THE CHAIR

Here we are at the beginning of another New Year with lots of plans for 2010 including an excellent programme of speakers to inform and entertain you at our monthly meetings.

The winter has been long and cold I feel sure you will agree so let us hope that the summer will be a good one and that we can all take advantage of some sunshine to get out and about. I hope some of you will find the time to join us in our monthly meetings, which are always enjoyable, you will be made very welcome.

I detail below the speakers for the next few months:

12th April – Magistrates in the Community – Sue Ellis JP
10th May – AGM followed by Diabetes and weight loss management – Ann-Marie Field – Dietician
14th June – Accu-Check meters and pens – Cheryl Wade
Saturday 19th June – Sponsored Walk in Newhall Country Park
12th July – This speaker is to be confirmed
13th September – Increased risks of Hypoglycaemia – Dr John Milles – Good Hope Hospital
The New Programme for 2010/2011 will be sent out with the September Newsletter.
Iris Farley
Chair/Secretary

FROZEN SHOULDER AND DIABETES

There are many ways that diabetes can affect the muscles and joints. Sugar sticks to the collagen in cells and affects its ability to function. Diabetes can damage blood vessels and a poor blood supply results in scarring and damage in the body's elastic tissues.

We know that some diabetic patients can have problems with changes in the gristle of their hands - and in men, the penis. Most experts think that frozen shoulder in diabetics arises for the same reasons

Diabetes is known to affect the shoulder in several ways. Frozen shoulder seems to be the commonest - with up to 20% of diabetic patients developing it at some time or other.

Calcium spots in the tendons and muscle around the shoulder are also seen more commonly in diabetic patients - this probably relates to the fact that high blood sugars can impair blood flow through small vessels. Tendons are particularly vulnerable to this and respond by depositing calcium. These calcium deposits can sometimes be painless but often cause severe discomfort or limited movement. They usually show up on x-rays.

Slow healing and impaired nerve function are also common in diabetic patients and contribute to the fact that the pain takes longer to settle than it does in other, non diabetic, patients.

Diabetic patients are much more likely to have problems with their shoulders than others. Insulin dependant diabetics are particularly at risk - with some studies showing that they are six times more likely to have these problems than the rest of the population.

About type 2 diabetes, diabetes news headlines & diabetes type 2 symptoms

Why don't we talk about saturated fat and cholesterol & diabetes insipidus as one of the sicknesses that is seen to be affecting ,all over the planet is that of diabetes. The overall topic relating to the pancreas is a very large one & diabetes symptoms is one of the major subjects that we see that increasing amounts of, searching for. The information shows that one of the main forms of the ailment is linked to type 2 diabetes & diabetes school training, women’s health & diabetes type 2 symptoms in general.

In relation to prevent diabetes problems, women’s health & diabetes mellitus treatment is a issue that has to be taken into account by those affected by the disease as we see that this type of the ailment is affecting many. When considering with diabetes school training, diabetes news headlines & diabetes insipidus - the data also show that numbers of diabetics are too heavy and therefore as a consequence low fat diet recipes is another topic that has to be considered. For sure – keeping our weight in check is one of the main things that we can all do to protect ourselves from getting this particular illness.

It is when , are faced with diabetes school training, women’s health & diabetes type2 symptoms and their families having to deal with having diabetes that they go on to comprehend as much as they can about the disease. This means having to deal with various topics such as type 2 diabetes, diabetes news headlines & diabetes type2 symptoms. This serves to help us to be able to deal with what we must in order to make sure that we live as normal and comfortable an existence as possible. It is the strength of our health that serves as the foundation of our existence. As we continue to reside in a world that is suffering from a bad monetary situation – we see that the resultant stress is causing many of us having to deal with diabetes school training, diabetes news headlines & diabetes insipidus and the more research that is done in the various universities that citizens having to deal with blood sugar, diabetes news headlines & diabetes type2 symptoms will welcome. As always the health information in this post should be treated as advice and not medical instruction.

WALK IN THE PARK

I know that every year we tell you about the ‘Walk in the Park (incidentally now called ‘Walk the Extra Mile’ which does not mean the walk is longer it is just that HQ could not resist changing the name!)

Last year we changed the venue from Sutton Park to New Hall Country Park, which is an extremely pleasant Park and very user friendly. Also last year Andrew Mitchell the MP for the area opened our walk and we are hoping to find someone equally prestigious to do the honours this year.

The event takes place on SATURDAY 19TH JUNE AT 2.00PM - we thought that you might prefer an afternoon event to the usual evening event. However last year we were very short of walkers and sincerely hope for more this year.

Please please consider coming along to join us, if you are unable to walk come and have a cup of tea with us and cheer the walkers on, it is a happy occasion usually enjoyed by all.

Remember the monies raised goes to research into the condition which ultimately will benefit us all.

The whole event takes about 1 ½ hours so please consider coming along to show us your support you will be made very welcome.

I will look forward to seeing you at NEWHALL COUNTRY PARK in Walmley.

Iris Farley
Chair/Secretary

Moderation recommended for diabetes

Researchers have suggested that a moderate approach appears to the best solution to controlling blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes, as lowering it too far can be as dangerous as keeping it too high.

In a study published in The Lancet, the group from Cardiff University say diabetics should be kept on a course of oral drugs which increase the body's sensitivity to insulin for as long as possible - combined with diet and exercise - as this may be the safest way of controlling blood sugar.

The scientists also found sufferers who used insulin to get blood sugar levels down were 50% more likely to die during the study period as those who used a combination of oral drugs such as metformin and sulphonylurea, but this may be because those patients who need insulin tend to be older and sicker to start with.
Craig Currie, who led the study, said: "Conventionally, doctors have always been told to drive down blood sugar levels as low as possible. It will come as a major surprise to many that taking people down too far appears to be quite risky."
Copyright © Press Association 2010

Saturated fat & diabetes

Let’s talk about saturated fat & diabetes type2 symptoms as one of the sicknesses that is seen to be affecting, all over the world is that of blood sugar related. The generic topic relating to the pancreas is a very big one & diabetes symptoms is one of the main subjects that we see that more and more, looking for. The information shows that one of the main types of the ailment is related to type 2 diabetes & type 2 diabetes, diabetes news headlines & diabetes type2 symptoms in general.

Talking about diabetes insipidus, women’s health diabetes mellitus treatment is a issue that has to be considered by those sufferers of the disease as we see that this type of the sickness is affecting many. When considering with type 2 diabetes, diabetes news headlines & diabetes insipidus – the data also show that numbers of diabetics are too heavy and therefore as a result low fat diet recipes is another subject that has to be considered. In essence – keeping our weight under control is one of the main things that we can all do to shield ourselves from contracting this particular sickness.

It is when citizens are faced with diabetes school training, diabetes news headlines & diabetes insipidus and their families having to deal with contracting diabetes that they go on to understand as much as they can relating to the disease. This means having to deal with various subjects such as type 2 diabetes, women’s health & diabetes type2 symptoms. This serves to help us to be able to deal with what we must in order to make sure that we live as normal and comfortable an existence as possible. When it comes down to it – it is the level of our well being that serves as the foundation of our existence. As we continue to reside in a world that is suffering from a bad monetary situation – we see that the resultant stress is leaving many of us having to deal with diabetes school training, diabetes news headlines & diabetes type 2 symptoms and the more research that is done in the various research institutes that citizens having to deal with common diabetes mistakes, women’s health & diabetes insipidus will welcome. As always the health information in this post should be treated as advice and not medical instruction.

Diabetes drug approved for NHS use

• A once-daily diabetes treatment, which controls the condition in overweight type 2 sufferers, has been approved for limited use on the NHS.
  Liraglutide, otherwise known as Victoza, has been available in the UK since July 2009, but has only just gained approval from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) following investigations into whether it is a clinically and cost-effective option for sufferers.
• NICE said a 1.2 mg injection of liraglutide could be given with two anti-diabetic tablets to obese patients with type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the condition in the UK.
• Further investigations have been called for by NICE to determine whether the drug could be used with only one anti-diabetic, opening the door for its widespread availability on the NHS.
  Liraglutide is the latest GLP-1 drug that stimulates the release of insulin only when blood glucose levels become too high in patients.
• As well as lowering glucose levels accordingly, it also suppresses appetite among users.
  The drug's maker, Danish pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk, said it would be in touch with NICE later in the year concerning final guidance for liraglutide.
  Copyright © Press Association 201NICE

POETRY CORNER

Friendship
You are the true friend I never had
You make me want to raise above myself
You give me encouragement I never had
You make me do what I thought I never could
Here I am writing and I am not so sure I should
But when I look into your eyes
The words just fit right in
I am not a poet it is just a feeling I have
When I am with you all I want I have
You praise me, you comfort me
You are everything a poet needs

J S Sidhu

Why
Why do people of the world hate themselves so much
Every moment man’s young are killed – why?
So much pain in human heart
Mother’s tears are never dried – why?
Man’s hard work is lost forever when his young ones die
Father’s who never became sons maybe man’s race will end – why?
Predator’s domination of his prey maybe where man’s attitude will take him
I am not so sure of man’s dominating nature
He would rather see himself dead – why?
So so much pain a Mother’s tears never dry

J S Sidhu

Greeting
Well hello young lady
You really look great
I am not picking on you
I think it is down to fate
Now give me a big smile
Be happy as you can be
Let us live for today my darling
And tomorrow let us wait and see
You could my belle of the ball
If you will accept my heart my all

J S Sidhu

I hope you enjoy these poems you have 3 for the price of 1 this time.

RECIPE CORNER

NUTTY PILAF

8 oz brown rice
1 large onion
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 chicken stock cube
1 ¼ pt water
2 oz mushrooms
4 oz green or red peppers sliced
salt & pepper
2 oz flaked almonds

• Dice onion, fry with rice in oil for 5 minutes.
• Dissolve stock cube in water and add to rice.
• Slice mushrooms and pepper and stir into the rice moisture.
• Bring to the boil, season well. Reduce the heat and simmer covered for 30 minutes (If the liquid boils away add a little more water).
• Add almonds and cook for a further 25 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
• Serve hot with chicken pieces and a crispy green side salad.

LEMON FLAN

1 oz butter or margarine
1 tsp clear honey or treacle
1 oz ground almonds
2 oz wheatflakes

Filling

1 packet gelatine
2 tablespoons of water
2 eggs – separated
1 large lemon (rind and juice)
2 oz raisins
5 fl oz natural yoghurt
liquid sweetener to taste

• Melt fat and honey or treacle together, add almonds and wheatflakes.
• Press into a 7” flan ring or spring sided tin and leave in the fridge to harden.
• Dissolve gelatine in water over a gentle heat.
• Whilst the egg yolks with lemon rind until thick and pale in colour, carefully stir in the lemon juice, raisins, yoghurt and liquid sweetener together with the slightly cooled gelatine.
• When the lemon mixture is on the point of setting fold in the whisked egg whites.
• Pour into the prepared flan ring and leave to set in the fridge.
• Serve with a little Whipped Cream
  

Lower type 2 diabetes risk for women who breastfeed

According to diabetes news reports today, middle-aged and older women who breastfeed children face a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus, compared to those women that use a bottle to feed their babies. Breastfeeding has long been associated with a lower risk of developing diabetes .

The most recent Australian survey covered over 50,000 women who breastfed, never had children, or had children and never breastfed. The results concluded that those who breastfed their children for three months or more reported the lowest incidence of diabetes .

The risk of type 2 diabetes development was found to be similar for women with children compared to those who do not have children. However, each year of breastfeeding was associated with a 14 per cent lower risk of diabetes . This did not vary even when age, weight, history, exercise, education and income were considered.

A MESSAGE FROM DIABETES UK

We are interested to hear about your experience of diabetes services. You can have your say by either calling the 24 hour phone mailbox on 0845 122 8624 and leaving a brief message, or by emailing healthinformation@diabetes.org.uk. Please note that you will have a maximum of 3 minutes to record your message. All information will be strictly confidential. Calls will be charged at 4.2p per minut from BT landlines. Call charges from other providers and mobiles may vary.

For more information visit www.diabetes.org.uk/hot-topicshelpschange

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LETTER FROM THE CHAIR

May I begin by wishing everyone a very happy and healthy Christmas; it comes around so quickly but I feel sure we all enjoy it I know that I do and hope you all do too.

Our Christmas Party was a great success
enjoyed by all who attended with lots of good things to eat and a talk by a fascinating lady who talked to us about Tudor food and how the Tudors celebrated Christmas.

I appeal to you all to make an effort in the New Year to attend some of our open meetings, I am sure you would enjoy them and would most certainly be made very welcome.

In the meantime may I again wish you all

A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Iris Farley
Chair

FAT LOCATION LINKED TO HEART FUNCTION

Storing fat in particular locations around the body increases the risk of certain hear problems, according to researchers.

Boston University School of Medicine scientists found fat stored around the heart, aorta and inside the liver is associated with cardiovascular functions, such as slower cardiac pumping.

They said body mass index (BMI, the common measure for obesity, does not reliably predict how much fat is stored around these organs.

The study published online in Obesity compared the fat volumes in thin, healthy people with an average BMI of 22, to people with BMI of over 30 and high blood pressure or diabetes.

Using proton MR spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) BUSM researchers collected data an aortic compliance, cardiac function, intra-hepatic lipid content and pericardial and periaortic lipid volumes.

They also measured the subjects fasting plasma lipoproteins, free fatty acids, glucose and insulin, in a method they claim took less than an hour and could be adapted for future individual treatment.

Project leader James Hamilton said: ‘Our study found that fat collection around the heart, the aorta and within the liver is clearly associated with decreased heart functions and that an MRI can quickly and non-invasively measure fat volume in these areas’.

Copyright © Press Association 2009

NEW TYPE 2 TREATMENT

A new once daily injectable treatment Type 2 diabetes has been launched by pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk.

Liraglutide (also known as Victoza) can be taken any time of day, irrespective of meals, and helps to control Type 2 diabetes by stimulating the release of insulin when blood glucose levels are too high.

In addition, the makers claim Liraglutide aids weight loss by making you feel more full and delaying the rate at which your stomach empties. Studies have also shown that the drug can reduce blood pressure and improve the function of beta cells – the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas.

Cathy Moulton, Care Advisor at Diabetes UK, told Balance ‘Diabetes UK welcomes safe and effective treatments that given people with diabetes choice in how to best manage their condition. In addition to any prescribed medication, people with diabetes should eat a healthy, balanced diet and do regular physical activity. Good diabetes management reduces the risk of developing serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and amputation .

Taken from October edition of Balance.

NOMINATE DIABETES UK FOR YOUR CHARITY OF THE YEAR

More and more companies are selecting their charity of the year by asking their employees to nominate organisations and then vote on the shortlist. If the company you, your family or friends work for or operates a charity of the year scheme, please consider nominating Diabetes UK.

For further information:

Contact Diabetes UK Corporate Partnerships team on: 020 7424 1000 or email: partnershipenquiries@diabetes.org.uk

CRAB APPLES

In the last Newsletter I asked if anyone had any crab apples, which they did not want and a very kind gentleman telephoned me, he had four crab apple trees in his garden and no one was using the fruit. I duly went along with two friends and gathered lots and lots of crab apples which, after a little work, became lovely crab apple jelly. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the gentleman involved and I will be delivering a jar of crab apple jelly when I get the chance.

Iris Farley

STATINS MAY BENEFIT HEALTHY WOMEN

A study shows that women with normal cholesterol levels could still benefit by taking a statin.

Around 200,000 people a year die from the conditions of cardiovascular disease – that works out as one in three of all deaths in Britain.

But the research found that women taking the statin Crestor, also called rosuvastatin, could cut their risk of having a heart attach or stroke by 46%.

Dr Sarah Jarvis a GP and the Royal College of General Practitioners’ spokesman for women’s health said ‘Cardiovascular disease can be mistaken as an ‘old man’s’ disease, whilst unfortunately the evidence suggests that people are suffering such events younger and more women are at risk of developing this disease.

There has long been support for the wider use of statins in women, but we didn’t have the outcomes data to support these recommendations.

This data is extremely exciting as this level of risk reduction among women has never been seen before in a primary prevention station outcome trial.

This study was presented by the American heart Association in Florida.

Copyright © Press Association 2009.
Tuesday 17th November 2009

DO DAFNE ON LINE

DAFNE Online is a new website aimed at graduates from the Dose Adjustment For Normal Eating (DAFNE) course for people with Type 1. It features forums, and online blood glucose diary and carbohydrates portion lists.

Visit www.dafneonline.co.uk

CAFFEINE LINK TO DIABETES RISK

A prospective cohort study published in Diabetology demonstrates that coffee consumption may be associated with a reduction in the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Analysis of data from a cohort of 40,011 participants showed that consumption of at least three cups of coffee or tea (regardless of the levels of caffeine content) per day reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by approximately 42%.

These new findings are particularly important as:

• Type 2 diabetes is the most common of the two main types off diabetes and accounts for between 85 and 95% of all people with diabetes.
• There are currently over 2.5 million people with diabetes in the UK.

Dr Euan Paul, Executive Director of the British Coffee Association, commented ‘this study adds to the overwhelming weight of evidence which demonstrates that moderate coffee consumption of four to five cups per day is safe and may even confer certain health benefits such as reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke and, as shown in this study, may even reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

This study also builds on sound research in this area, which has demonstrated that coffee drinking may protect against the onset of type 2 diabetes. At this stage these results do need to be supported by further research to determine the mechanism of action before any possible implications for public health and clinical practice can be considered; however, the results are encouraging’.

Diabetologia
Tuesday 6th September 2009

SMOKERS URGED TO GET LUNG TEST
Some 3.7 million people in the UK are believed to have a condition that causes a persistent cough, chest infections and chest pain – but only 900,000 are currently diagnosed, the British Lung Foundation has said.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects many smokers and quitters and the foundation is urging these groups to get tested for it.

Dame Helena Shovelton, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation, said: ‘Symptoms such as breathlessness and a persistent cough are often ignored by smokers or ex smokers as signs of getting older, but they could be symptoms of COPD.

‘COPD is a chronic, irreversible disease that can leave individuals unable to perform simple everyday tasks and dependent on oxygen’.

A survey of more than 400 people for the foundation found that 73% of those asked had not had a lung function test, but 21% said they had been experiencing COPD symptoms.

Some 8% said that had to stop and take a breath when they were walking on flat ground. Almost one in five (19%) said they felt breathless walking up a slight hill.

The British Lung Foundation is urging people to have a 10 minute lung function test, which is painless.

Copyright © Press Association 2009
British Lung Foundation

This was me when I started the Newsletter

Thinking about what to write

Half way through

Phew it is finished!!!!!!!

POETRY CORNER

LONELY HEART
As I sit alone but with myself
I look into water and myself
Those I have also belong to you
Very thought in my mind
Is thought of you
Hands that write these words
Could shame a man with a sharp sword
Embrace with your love and thought
Alone as I am
Not wanting is a thought
My heart pounds
When people speak your name
They praise you with kindness
What do they make of me
Why do I hunger now in my life
May I never love in my life
Why do tears fall from my eyes
My heart bleeds
But it is not goodbye
I know I will see you one day
The hope of a fool that is not yet said
As I close my eyes
You came to me
Together at last like it was meant to be.

J S Sidhu
25.6.08

RECIPE CORNER
As you are all going to be full of turkey soon I thought perhaps a vegetarian dish might appeal!!!!!

EGG & NUT CUTLETS

1 onion finely chopped
3 hard boiled eggs
2oz wholemeal breadcrumbs
1 tblsp fresh parsley (chopped)
1 tblsp wheatgerm
5oz mixed chopped nuts
salt and pepper

Coating
1 egg (beaten)
2oz wholemeal breadcrumbs
oil for frying

• Fry onion in a lightly greased pan until just soft.
• Chop eggs and mix with the breadcrumbs, parsley, wheatgerm, onion and nuts.
• Season well, bind with egg.
• Form into four cutlet shapes, dip in egg and coat with breadcrumbs.
• Rest for about 10 minutes in the fridge, fry in a little oil until crisp and golden brown and serve with a crunchy salad.

DESSERT
ORANGE DESSERT
2 large oranges
10 fluid oz orange yoghurt (2 small pots)
4oz nuts chopped and toasted

• Cut oranges in half, carefully remove the segments and place in a large bowl.
• Clean out each half to leave a hollow shell.
• Mix yoghurt with orange segments, add half the nuts and fill each shell with the mixture.
• Sprinkle the remaining nuts on top and serve with crème fraiche.

SIGNS IN ENGLISH FROM AROUND THE WORLD

In a Bangkok Temple :
It is forbidden to enter a woman, even a foreigner, if dressed as a man

Cocktail lounge in Norway
Ladies are requested not to have children in the bar

Doctor’s Office Rome
Specialist in women and other diseases

Airline ticket office in Copenhagen
We take your bags and send them in all directions

In a Nairobi Restaurant
Customers who find our waitresses rude ought to see the Manager

On the main road to Mombassa, leaving Nairobi
Take notice: when this sign is under water the road is impassable

On a poster at Kenya
You are an adult that cannot read? If so we can help you

A laundry in Rome
Ladies leave your clothes here and spend the afternoon having a good time

In a cemetery
Persons are prohibited from picking flowers from any but their own graves

Tokyo hotel’s rules and regulations
Guests are requested not to smoke or do other disgusting behaviours in bed

On the menu in a Swiss restaurant
Our wines leave you nothing to hope for

In a Tokyo bar
Special cocktails for ladies with nuts

Hotel in Yugoslavia
The flattening of underwear with pleasure is the job of the chambermaid

Hotel in Japan
You are invited to take advantage of the chambermaid

In the lobby of a Moscow Hotel across from a Russian Orthodox Monastery
You are welcome to visit the cemetery where famous Russian and Soviet composers, artists and writers are buried daily except Thursday

A sign posted in Germany’s Black Forest
It is strictly forbidden on our Black Forest Camping Site that people of different sex for instance men and women live together in one tent unless they are married with each other for this purpose

Hotel Zurich
Because of the impropriety of entertaining guests of the opposite sex in the bedroom, it is suggested that the lobby be used for this purpose

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