Web Watch @ Your Library #74 - November 2009 - Other back Issues

DIABETES  

Diabetes affects almost 6 % of the world’s adult population. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), more than 285 million people around the globe currently live with diabetes … and this number is rapidly increasing. Millions more people have undiagnosed or borderline diabetes. The growth of diabetes is now considered an “epidemic”.

Diabetes is a serious disease which threatens the health and even the life of patients. At the least, diabetics face life-long demands on their lifestyle. They also face serious complications from the disease. And, while Type 1 Diabetes cannot be prevented, most Type 2 Diabetes cases canbe averted.

With the growing concern about the threat of this very serious disease, the IDF has declared November 14, 2009 to be International Diabetes Day, calling attention to diabetes and its many related complications, and providing global education about preventing and recognizing diabetes.

World Diabetes Day
The slogan of World Diabetes Day, November 14 2009, is “Understand diabetes and take control.” Taking control requires education, and the WDD web site provides a booklet on understanding and managing diabetes (click on “Materials”) plus information about diabetes risks and warning signs. Readers can also subscribe to a newsletter.

Atlas of Diabetes
The online Diabetes Atlas maps the global distribution of diabetes and profiles the disease in each country. It also offers a snapshot of the worldwide rate of diabetes in 20 years, when the number of people with diabetes is estimated at 435 million. What will be the global burden of this costly disease? According to United Nations Resolution 61/225, diabetes is recognized as an actual “threat” to economic progress as well to individual well-being.

The Canadian Diabetes Association
Exactly what is diabetes, and what causes it? What are the differences between the two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2? Click on “Diabetes and You” to find out the basics about diabetes. A diabetes dictionary and information about nutrition & diabetes and sports & diabetes are also accessible on this excellent web site.

Diabetes Basics
A handy summary of diabetes basics is provided on the University of Missouri, Human Environmental Sciences Extension.

Did You Know … that the Stratford Public Library has a number of cookbooks specifically for diabetics?  For example, try Sharon Zeiler’s 2011 “250 Essential Diabetes Recipes”, found at 641.56314 Two. 

“OnCall + Diabetes Centre”
How does insulin work, and how is it given to a diabetes patient?  What is hypoglycemia, and what are its symptoms?  Can diabetes affect one’s driving?  The ABC News’ website, “OnCall + Diabetes Centre”, offers answers to these and other questions about diabetes.

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Canada
Type 1 diabetes, the most serious type of this disease, cannot be prevented. An auto-immune disease, it begins when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. Type 1 diabetics are dependant on insulin for life, and cannot live without it. (Patients require, on average, 1460 insulin injections per year.) What is it like to live with Type 1 diabetes? What are the symptoms, and what are some helpful hints for Type 1 diabetics while at school, at work or while travelling?

Web Tip:
You can now sign-up to receive email reminders about your library items that are coming due or items that are overdue. Login to the new library catalogue at http://spl.bibliocommons.com and select Settings from the top of the page. Ensure that you have the email address field filled in on the Account page and then click on Reminders to customize the email reminders you want to receive. If you have any questions call the library and ask for Natasha.

Diabetes and the Flu
Some important flu (including the H1N1 flu) resources for diabetics are provided on the web site of the (U.S.) National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. For example, information on how diabetes affects a patient’s response to colds and the flu, how flu and colds should be managed by diabetics, and the use of antiviral drugs in preventing/treating these illnesses, is offered. Additional resources.

The Metabolic Syndrome
Much attention is now being devoted to a condition known as “metabolic syndrome”. People with metabolic syndrome have a five-fold greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and a three-fold greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease, than people without the syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is actually a combination of a number of risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, cholesterol and prediabetes. The syndrome is now regarded as a major global public health challenge.

Diabetes Stories
Read the inspiring stories of people of various ages who have diabetes. How did/do they cope with school, work, family and in social situations? Throughout the stories, readers will find optimism and hope. Stories from family members of diabetics and health professionals who treat those with diabetes, are also available. Children and teens may be interested in reading the story of a Type 1 diabetic, Erika.

For Teens: How Can I Help my Friend Who Has Diabetes?
Diabetes can be a difficult condition, perhaps especially for children and teens with Type 1 Diabetes. Adding to it, teen diabetics often say that they feel isolated and different from others. What is it reallylike for those with diabetes, and can others help? Learn the answers on this web site. To know more about diabetes itself, visit the Diabetes Center. Information about diabetes and sports, nutrition and recipes, and more is offered.

Diabetes Resources
Some helpful online publications are available from the National Diabetes Education Program (U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services).  Users can also find diabetes facts and search for diabetes topics.

Complications of Diabetes
Unfortunately, patients can experience a variety of diabetic complications, which are listed and explained in this online resource of the (U.S.) National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.