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March 2006 |
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Really got to start worrying about our waists! |
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It’s official - our waist measurement is now much more important than our total body weight in determining the risk of developing diabetes and subsequent diabetes complications. This was one of the clear messages coming from the Diabetes UK Annual Professional Conference held in Birmingham last week. Those of us with larger waist measurements are at much greater risk of heart disease. Men should aim to have a waist circumference less than 102 cm or 40 inches and women should aim to be less than 88 cm or 35 inches. Measure your own waist circumference and see for yourself. Also look out – tape measures are coming to a diabetes clinic near you! |
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Inhaled insulin (Exubera ®) is imminent. |
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The news is out. Inhaled insulin (to be known as Exubera) is to be launched in the UK on the 1 st May 2006. Exubera delivers insulin in dry form through an aerosol spray to the lung. The device to be used is shown in the photograph. The principle underlying inhaled insulin is that the large surface area of the lung (about the size of a tennis court) enables the relatively large insulin molecules to cross from the lung and hence into the blood stream. After inhalation, a relatively small amount of the dose inhaled is available for absorption (approximately 15%), but given a sufficient inhaled dose, this is clinically effective. The onset of action is similar to that of fast- |
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acting insulins like NovoRapid or Humalog. Exubera will best suit people on multiple daily injections, who are having problems with injections. Exubera will be used instead of fast-acting insulin. You will still need to take your background or basal insulin by injection. Exubera will not be availible for people with asthma, those who smoke, or for people with lung disease. The effects of long-term use on lung function is not clear. We will keep you informed regarding developments. |
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Aged 18 -35 years and fancy a challenge? |
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Challenge 2006 is organised by Diabetes UK and is planned for August 18-21 in Garrison, Co. Fermanagh and is aimed at bringing together young people living with diabetes for a fun-packed weekend. This event has been running since 1999 and has been a real success. Lots of outdoor activities – but you do not have to be an expert to give it a go. The weekend is free but you are encouraged to get some sponsorship (around £100) to offset the costs. Go on – give it a go!
If interested give Diabetes UK a call on 028 9066 6646 or e-mail n.ireland@diabetes.org.uk .
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How was it for you? Ever had a bad experience while in hospital? |
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For some time now you have told us how awful it can be managing your diabetes when you have been admitted to hospital. The food is different, your routine is upset, no one seems to listen, your insulin is taken away and some of the staff appear to know little about diabetes – overall it can be a frightening and upsetting experience. In Northern Ireland we are trying to improve the situation.
A number of sensible, clear and achievable recommendations have been put forward to improve the situa- |
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tion in Northern Ireland hospitals. A copy of the report will be available soon and we will publish it on diabetesulster.com. We would be keen to hear your views. Use the feedback form to let us know what you think!!
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North Down forms a new Diabetes UK Voluntary Group |
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Do you live in the North Down area? Have you been diagnosed with diabetes? Do you have a relative with diabetes? Do you want to find out more about diabetes? If the answer is yes then here is some good news. Diabetes UK Northern Ireland has helped a number of folks with diabetes along with their family and friends to set up a North Down Diabetes Voluntary Group. Anyone interested in finding out more about the new group should contact the Volunteer Development Facilitator at Diabetes UK Northern Ireland. Telephone 028 9066 6646 or e-mail: n.ireland@diabetes.org.uk. There is always room for one more volunteer!
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News Archive
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