I’ve followed diabetes mostly because it usually leads to kidney failure. And, that has been one of my prime interests for nigh 55 years now. And, if we can preclude this escalation, the quality of life one can have is pretty reasonable. Given that there are some 30 million folks with diabetes, that means there are a slew of folks who can also find themselves subject to kidney failure.
(I’ve even worked on an idea to keep that [kidney failure] from happening. I just can’t figure out how to market it so those that need it most can get the therapy.)
Part of the reason that diabetes leads to kidney failure is the fact that controlling diabetes is a full-time job. Which is why getting the patient some computerized tools would be useful. Because the proper insulin dosage, when it needs to be administered, how what we eat changes what we need, etc are the variables to be examined.
And, these variables can’t be fed into a simple equation to yield the necessary therapy. Because of the various interactions- including exercise, sleep, and eating patterns- that change a given result each and every time. So maintain the proper blood sugar is pretty much a hit or miss enterprise. Which is too bad, since diabetes medical costs are about $ 180 billion- not including some $ 70 billion more from disability and work loss issues.
At least now, patients no longer have to monitor their urine sugar levels. Because we have glucose meters- and folks can self administer insulin via injection or pump. (I reported on these devices some 5 years ago– as the non-invasive units were first coming on board.)
But, we still don’t have an artificial pancreas- a device that could monitor blood sugar and deliver insulin. Or, the fact that our government continues to stem cell research, so we can’y truly develop a living pancreas replacement.
Those 30 million Americans- and those same numbers who don’t reside in the US- can’t afford to wait much longer
By the way- if you have diabetes- or are “pre-diabetic”, you should check out the ketogenic diet.
Diabetes Patients Need IT | http://t.co/sXl55J1F4U via @Adjuvancy
I totally agree with you, Roy… every single word. No other disease make people think 24 hours like diabetes do. Once a person comes to know he or she has diabetes, there goes the warning bell! Then the only thing that person has in mind is “diabetes” and how to overcome it. I have seen cases like this.
A very interesting post… indeed!
Thanks, Sangeeta
Sangeeta Sinha recently posted..Weight Loss Management: Some Vital Questions
Thanks for your visit Sangeeta!
And, you are absolutely correct in how this affects people’s thinking.