NEWSLETTER
MY
Fall 2010 Volume 33
Getting Activated Dr. Edelman’s Corner
INSIDE The Artificial Pancreas Project Page 3
Vitamin D
What You Don’t Know About the Sunshine Vitamin Page 4
What You Should Eat When Dining Out Page 6
What is Your A1c Telling You? Page 7
Going the Distance for Diabetes Awareness Page 8
I
have never met a person with diabetes who does not want to live a long and healthy life. However, people with diabetes who do not have perfect glucose control are often labeled as “non-compliant.” I see this all too often in the hospital among the medical students, residents, endocrine fellows, dietitians, CDEs and other faculty and staff. Once a person with diabetes is labeled as non-compliant in their medical record, healthcare professionals who read the record in preparation for a visit have already developed a preconceived notion that this person does not follow the rules. It is a common situation that is pervasive among healthcare professionals and has been proven difficult to change. So why is it that many people with diabetes have high A1c values? The reasons are diverse, ranging from emotional and physical barriers to uninformed caregivers. Frequently, there is limited
access to the best therapies currently available. Of the many variables that influence glucose control and the eventual development of diabetes complications, the “activation” of the person living with diabetes to take a more dedicated role in his or her care is the most critical. Activation basically means that the PWD has been educated, motivated and empowered to take control of their diabetes with a positive attitude. As we spoke about in our previous newsletter, Extreme Diabetes Makeover Getting Activated (continued on page 2)