WPADE.org

By Annette R. Karnash, R.N., M.N.

Cinnamon may be more than a spice – it may have a role in preventing and combating diabetes. Cinnamon may be used as an insulin substitute in Type 2 diabetes according to studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Iowa State University and the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.

Cinnamon has insulin like activity and can potentate the activity of insulin. This could be important in treating those with Type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon has a bio-active component that they feel has the potential to prevent or overcome diabetes. The healthful effects of cinnamon on mice with diabetes are being studied. Other major diseases could possibly be helped by cinnamon. One prospect is cancer of the pancreas, in which abnormal amounts of insulin are produced in response to the cancer tumor, causing insulin resistance in the cells of the body. The cinnamon may help to overcome this resistance. It’s speculative, but exciting. It is also thought that insulin resistance may be involved in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

By Annette R. Karnash, R.N., M.N.

As members of WPADE, it is our responsibility to improve the quality of diabetes care and to promote accessible quality diabetes education for all those with diabetes and their families. Not only should we be more visible but we also need to improve the professional expertise of the Diabetes Educators. And each and every one of us can do this. We possess a wealth of knowledge and experience. We not only have the opportunity to teach the patient with diabetes but should take the time to share much of our collected information and experiences with one another as educators. We have learned what does and doesn’t work. You may have discovered a novel teaching opportunity or created a different teaching strategy. Perhaps you can suggest a specific cost reduction. This kind of information needs to be communicated to our peers so that together we can grow.

The Internet has become the biggest informational phenomena of the century. The Web is a vast collection of valuable resources that links millions globally, providing access to companies, libraries, universities and individuals. It provides interaction with colleagues and access to the latest research findings, local and national health care issues at the policy making level. However, not all information on the Web is accurate. Diabetes Educators need to be well informed when questions are asked of you about material on the Web.

Let’s raise the bar of awareness of ourselves and our colleagues by sharing ideas and experiences and tapping others. Tell use what you are doing or have done that might benefit others. A research project or whatever. This is the time to communicate and take advantage of opportunities not to be missed. Let’s work collaboratively to improve the quality of the education that we provide but also to enhance our own professional development. We want to hear from you.

The gradual loss of the body’s ability to control blood sugar that leads to diabetes, may damage an area of the brain important to memory. A study was conducted of individuals who had an impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), a blood sugar that remains high after eating, although not elevated enough for a diagnosis of diabetes.

Individuals with IGT often develop Type 2 diabetes. Their brain scans showed that hippocampus, important to creating new memories, to be smaller than average and they scored lower than average on standard memory tests. This possibly may be because in diabetes, brain cells are unable to obtain enough glucose to fulfill their normal activities. Consequently, levels in the blood remain high as cells “starve” for energy. Scientists fell that his may gradually harm the brain centers involved in memory.

Taken from the proceedings of the Natural Academy of Sciences, Feb.18 2003

By Annette R. Karnash, R.N., M.N.

Stories about the cost prohibitive nature of the many medications that older patients commonly take have high-lighted a problem that existed long before the expense of drugs was a hot topic. Many seniors simply do not follow directions when it comes to taking prescription drugs. The more medications they take, the more likely they will develop a compliance problem and the greater the potential danger in not complying. Ten percent of geriatric hospitalizations are due to the non-compliance of medications.

If an older person takes too much of a medication, it is more likely they will exhibit side effects of toxicity; and if they take too little of the medication, the illness gets worse.

A patient may be intentionally non-compliant because of the prohibitive cost of the medication; the side effects that they cause of the lack of symptoms present with some conditions. If a patient feels fine, they may feel they don’t have to take the medication. On the other hand the non-compliance may be unintentional if the patient is confused of doesn’t comprehend. Today’s patients are much more knowledgeable about health care and want to be made aware of options, benefits and risks associated with teach option and want to be involved in the decisions about treatment. Many patients reject the paternalistic model of patient-physician interactions. They want communication two ways.

Angela Hausman, a University of Texas marketing professor found that patient satisfaction correlates with compliance. The happier the patient is with his care, the more likely the compliance.

The errors associated with non-compliance can be identified and eliminated by having patients periodically “brown bag” their prescriptions, over the counter meds, and herbal and vitamin supplements. Directions must be reinforced and there needs to be more contact among them with their physicians, nurses and pharmacists. Patients need to have a sense of control over their treatment plans and this is possible if there is improved communication with the care givers.

Hello to all. I hope everyone has been enjoying their summer…otherwise known as the rainy season here in Pittsburgh. It’s hard to believe that fall is almost here and school is about to start. Here at WPADE, we’ve been working on the September conference in conjunction with UPMC. The program is titled: Diabetes Prevention and Care 2004. Intervene Now. We hope that you will be able to attend. This is a two day continuing education offering that is sure to provide you with new ideas and information on promoting quality care and education for your patients with diabetes. We are also working on a spring conference perhaps dealing with behavior change and/or women and diabetes. More details will follow. Hopefully, you were able to complete the continuing education questionnaire sent out in June. We were looking for feed back on your needs for future educational sessions. The results received will guide us in our planning.

The annual AADE conference was held in Indianapolis this year. It was chock full of great sessions, dynamic speakers, and fun evening events. Some of the highlights of the conference included general sessions on diabetes and heart disease prevention, America’s obesity crisis, health literacy and diabetes, and a look at diabetes from a public health perspective.

One of the other hot topics was the introduction to the AADE 7 Self-Care Behaviors. These 7 Self Care Behaviors were identified from the AADE Diabetes Outcomes Measurement Project and are the core of diabetes education and care. The self care behaviors serve as an educator’s guide in caring for patients with a chronic disease. Stay tuned for more information.

Finally, I am again asking for assistance and more participation from our members. Your board members volunteer their time (some of them for years) to continue the goals and ideals of WPADE. WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please see HOT TOPICS for more information.

Respectfully submitted,
Deb Kulbacki RN, MSN,CDE