FOOD FOR THOUGHT
We invite blurbs and tidbit articles for inclusion in this column. Materials received may be edited and used as space permits. Products and services included in this column are for information only and do not imply endorsement by the Diabetes Action Network of the NFB.
NEW RESEARCH
Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is pursuing research into the connection between improper amounts of the hormone amylin and insulin insufficiency or oversupply. Preliminary findings suggest that individuals with deficient insulin secretion also appear to have deficient amylin secretion. The company's research also suggests that individuals with insulin resistance may have an oversupply of amylin.
This line of inquiry is tantalizing. Tests are underway to determine whether amylin replacement therapy can be of assistance to individuals with insulin-insufficient (type 1) diabetes, and whether amylin-blockers might lessen insulin resistance in cases of type 2 diabetes. European test results have not been promising, but research continues. Not enough is known yet about this hormone.
It may be several years before final results are in. Stay tuned to VOICE OF THE DIABETIC for further developments, or contact: Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 9373 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, Ca 92121; internet address: http://www.amylin.com
FLU SHOTS
If you have diabetes, should you get a flu shot? The Centers for Disease Control considers diabetics one of its "target populations," most likely to be harmed by the flu, most needing "a dose of prevention." A serious case of the flu can put anyone on their back for a week or two, but it can also cause real problems with your blood sugar control. It is hard to self-manage your diabetes when you're really sick. Your sugars can go way up, and you don't need this complication. Prevention is the best cure—talk to your doctor, and get that flu shot.
TO OUR READERS
To hold down costs, both the VOICE and many of our divisional mailings are sent via "bulk mail." When we have your current address, this works very well, but when we don't, the Post Office throws it away, or returns it to us with a hefty "postage due" attached. They do NOT automatically forward bulk mail!
If you move, please let us know promptly. If the VOICE doesn't follow you to your new address, we may not have your new address. Don't miss a single issue.
THE PARROT
David received a parrot for his birthday. This parrot was fully-grown, with a bad attitude and terrible vocabulary. Every other word was an expletive. Those that weren't expletives were, to say the least, rude.
David tried hard to change the bird's attitude. He was constantly saying polite words and playing soft music; he did anything he could think of. Nothing worked. When he yelled at the bird, the bird got worse. If he shook the bird, the bird got madder and ruder. Finally in a moment of desperation, David put the parrot in the freezer. For a few moments he heard the bird squawking, kicking and screaming and then suddenly, there was quiet.
David was frightened that he might have actually hurt the bird and quickly opened the freezer door. The parrot calmly stepped out onto David's extended arm and said: "I'm sorry that I might have offended you with my language and actions, so I ask for your forgiveness. I will endeavor to correct my behavior."
David was astounded at the bird's change in attitude and was about to ask what had changed him when the parrot continued, "May I ask what the chicken did to offend you?"
HEAR YE, HEAR YE, A RAFFLE
The Diabetes Action Network of the National Federation of the Blind reaches out and provides support and information to thousands of people. Because it costs to operate this valuable network and to produce the VOICE OF THE DIABETIC, we must generate funds to help cover these expenses. Our Diabetes Action Network has elected to hold a raffle, which will be coordinated by our division treasurer, Bruce Peters.
THE GRAND PRIZE WILL BE $500! The winning ticket will be drawn, and the winner's name announced, on July 5, 1999, at the banquet held during the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind.
Raffle tickets cost $1 each, or a book of six may be purchased for $5. Tickets may be purchased from state representatives of our Diabetes Action Network or by contacting the VOICE Editorial Office, 811 Cherry Street, Suite 309, Columbia, MO 65201; telephone: (573) 875-8911. Anyone interested in selling tickets should also contact the VOICE Editorial Office. Tickets are available now! Names of persons who sell 50 tickets or more will be announced in the VOICE.
Please make checks payable to the National Federation of the Blind. Money and sold raffle ticket stubs must be mailed to the VOICE office no later than June 10, 1998, or they can be personally delivered to Raffle Chairman Bruce Peters, at this year's NFB convention in Atlanta, Georgia. This raffle is open to anyone age 18 or older, and the holder of the lucky raffle ticket need not be present to win. Each ticket sold is a donation, helping keep our Diabetes Action Network moving forward.
GLUCOPHAGE OR GLUCOTROL?
Names can be confusing. Glucophage is another name for Metformin, an oral medication for type 2 diabetes, that works to moderate sugar release from the liver. Glucotrol is one of the many sulfonylureas, mainstay oral medications that stimulate production of pancreatic insulin. The only thing they have in common is that they both are used to treat type 2 diabetes.
BOARD MEMBERS
The Diabetes Action Network of the National Federation of the Blind.
President: Ed Bryant, Columbia, MO
First Vice President: Janet Lee, Cedar, MN
Second Vice President: Sandie Addy, Prescott Valley, AZ
Treasurer: Bruce Peters, Akron, OH
Secretary: Sally York, Castro Valley, CA
Board Member-At-Large: Gisela Distel, Albany, NY
Board Member-At-Large: Eric Woods, Denver, CO
NONCOMPLIANCE
When we get sick, we head for the doctor, and often, he or she prescribes some sort of medication. Whether pill, topical ointment, or injection, our medication comes with detailed instructions. We are told when to take our medications, and for how long. We are instructed to take our medicine with certain foods, and perhaps to avoid others. We are even warned what other medications to avoid. But are we listening?
The failure to follow medication instructions is called patient noncompliance. The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS), an association of pharmacists, has assembled figures on patient noncompliance, and they are bad! According to NACDS, people with diabetes misdose themselves, miss their medications, or take them incorrectly, between 40 and 50 percent of the time, a figure exceeded only by arthritis sufferers! Diabetes is serious business. The best medications will only work right if you take them on time, in the right amount, and as per your doctor's orders. Don't be one of those "noncompliant patients" the NACDS was talking about. If you have a medication question, ask your doctor or your pharmacist. Keep up your side of the bargain.
LOW VISION SUPPLIES
We have been asked to announce: Outa Sight Products offers a full range of household products for the blind and visually impaired. There are items for the kitchen, the table, the bathroom, cleaning equipment, for your dog, for your electronic equipment and more. Their 95-page catalog is available in large print, Braille, audiocassette, or computer floppy disk. For information, contact: Outa Sight Products, 269 S. Beverly Drive, Suite 321, Beverly Hills, CA 90212; telephone: 1-888-876-4733; fax: (818) 894-2905; website: http://www.outa-sight.com
ARTICLES NEEDED!
If you have diabetes, are a family member or friend of a diabetic, or a health professional with an interest in diabetes, we invite you to submit an article for publication in the VOICE OF THE DIABETIC.
Our philosophy regarding diabetes is positive. Do you have an inspiring, enlightening story? We, the Diabetes Action Network of the National Federation of the Blind, seek to show people they are not alone, and do have options, regardless of diabetic complications. If you have experienced ramifications, others, who may be facing the same side effects, could benefit from what you have to say.
Perhaps you have not experienced side effects? Your unique insight, coping strategies, and lifestyle can still inspire others. Are you a relative, a friend, or a health professional? More than 239,000 VOICE readers could benefit from your story.
For information and article submission guidelines, contact: Voice of the Diabetic, 811 Cherry St., Suite 309, Columbia, MO 65201; telephone: (573) 875-8911.
NFB SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Photo: portrait. Caption: Peggy Elliott
The National Federation of the Blind will award $88,000 in scholarships this year. Individual scholarship amounts range from $3,000 to $10,000, and the competition is open to any legally-blind individual who will be a full-time, post-secondary student in Fall 1999.
All 26 scholarships are merit-based, and most are unrestricted. Entries will be judged on the criteria of academic excellence, financial need, and service to the community. The committee making the award decisions will be composed of blind citizens with distinguished academic and community backgrounds from across the country.
The scholarship winners will be presented their awards in July, at the 1999 convention of the National Federation of the Blind, in Atlanta, Georgia. The NFB will also pay all expenses of scholarship winners to attend the convention.
The National Federation of the Blind is an organization dedicated to creating opportunity for all blind persons. With more than 50,000 members, it is the largest organization of blind citizens in existence, and it awards more scholarships to the blind than does any other group or organization. Recipients of Federation scholarships do not have to be members of the NFB.
Applications for the 1998 NFB Scholarship program must be received by March 31, 1999. Scholarship winners will be notified by June 1. We receive approximately 500 scholarship applications each year, so don't delay! Anyone interested may request as many application forms as needed from:
1. Mrs. Peggy Elliott, Chairman, National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Committee, 805 5th Avenue, Grinnell, IA 50112-1653; telephone: (515) 236-3366.
2. National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Committee, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230; telephone: (410) 659-9314.
3. All NFB state officers.
4. Financial Aid Offices of educational institutions.