Allies Voice

Allies Voice: Dangerous Diabetes Investments

2009-06-17T22:02:00Z

Last week CNBC reported from the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions. They consulted with the author of the Diabetic Investor Newsletter, David Kliff. David Kliff, according to his website has Type 2 diabetes, and is insulin using. David seemed to tout the genius of the product Byetta and the new week-long injection as an investment worth making. From a business perspective it’s genius! What’s my point? An insulin-pump wearing person with diabetes might think twice before promoting a drug that lasts for a week – especially if the possible side effects might be necrotizing pancreatitis. Call me a whistle-blower but the word necrotizing is defined as: to undergo necrosis or death of a tissue. Good call, Dave! What’s your next pick to kill off the pancreas?

David Kliff Diabetic Investor Newsletter:
http://www.diabeticinvestor.com/index.php?UID=2009061720560524.186.214.60

American Diabetes Association 69th Scientific Sessions (2009)

http://professional.diabetes.org/Congress_Display.aspx?TYP=9&CID=57909

Byetta causing necrotizing pancreatitis

http://www.xagena.it/news/medicinenews_net_news/f0cf02f00e9e36bff626386a006be59a.html

Allies Voice: How to Love Someone with Diabetes?

2009-06-16T00:51:00Z

The Dalai Lama said when we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace. So I embark on a journey of self discovery to find my inner happiness and peace while I countdown to my transplant. What have I found? I think I know why I’ve avoided love at all costs. Let’s revisit my blog about the emotional rollercoaster one rides with diabetes. Quite a trip. For those who are in love with someone who has diabetes or someone with diabetes who loves a Saint – what can you say for those of us in search of such sainthood?

The reality of people with diabetes and the people who love them seems to be a nonissue. People are defined by opportunities, even the ones they miss. Diabetes can be a difficult circumstance but it is not a defining opportunity. When the forces of nature can be countered with extraordinary acts of kindness it ias at that moment that we can yield the opportunity for inner happiness and peace. Some might say the extraordinary acts of kindness may trump the most evil forces in the universe. I believe it.

Long story short – I don’t have a love story, yet. I have been giving this a lot of thought and my fears are coming to light. Knowing is half the battle. The other half is a quote from Edward Munch, and it warms my heart. “Without fear and illness, I could never have accomplished all I have.” A forward-looking statement, but I’ll carry that quote for years to come.

Allies Voice: Type I diabetes + 24 years 0% C-peptide = Kidney Transplant

2009-06-10T21:51:00Z

Please forgive me for the hiatus in blogs. I wanted to formally announce to my readers and viewership that I have decided o go through with the kidney transplant.

I am fortunate (and remarkably blessed) to have a living donor that is a genetic match. Hopefully this will reduce the chance of my body rejecting the kidney.

As for the future of Allies Voice it is alive and strong. Allies Voice is scheduled to launch the magazine edition in July 2009/ I will keep all of you informed hereas well as those subscribed through YouTube.

The magazine edition of Allies Voice will continue to address diabetes with a focus on empowering, enlightening and encouraging people to make informed health decisions. Same as it ever was – but now with more influence from people like you!

Always,
Allie

Allies Voice: Get Paid for your Comments on Google Diabetes News Alerts

2009-05-03T05:31:00Z

It’s time diabetes started paying rent!

For those of us with vested interest in diabetes news – let’s raise the stakes. Diabetes news is important. However it’s no secret that much of the diabetes news is polished pharmaceutical marketing. How can we even the playing field?

Your comments on the diabetes news could be as valuable and vital and the news itself! More important is the fact you can win cash for your valuable comments in 3 easy steps:

Step 1) Subscribe to win at http://www.alliesresearch.com/subscribe.html

Ste[ 2) Sign up for Google diabetes news alerts. http://www.google.com/alerts

Step 3) Comment on the news headlines at http://www.alliesvoice.com.

If your comment is chosen for the print publication of Allies Voice you will be notified and receive a cash payment.

Allies Voice: Tips to Avoid Swine Flu

2009-04-28T23:25:00Z

When the flu season rolls around medical professionals are out in droves recruiting diabetes patients, left, right and center to get their flu vaccine. However here we are in the tail end of April and we are faced with a new challenge of an unorthodox strain of the flu. Lest we not encounter an accidental contamination of the swine flu. This blog is meant to provide you some tips on how to protect you ourselves from the uninvited germs of the swine flu. Praise be the manners our parents worked so hard to instill.

The Center for Disease Control has been vigilant about raising awareness of the possibility of the swine flu outbreak. Don't be misled by the naming of the illness. So far authorities are unable to trace the flu strain back to pigs. In fact, their best guess of the epicenter for this outbreak is somewhere in Mexico. Tijuana, marijuana, tequila and now swine flu. Yay.

The fact that you may have diabetes is a disadvantage. Protect yourself from any unnecessary germs by following the guidelines listed below:

Wash your hands. Frequent hand washing with soap, warm water and disposable paper towels is best. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is useful when you do not have access to soap, water and towels, although not as effective.
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the inside of your elbow. Throw tissues away and wash your hands. Staying home when sick also helps to keep the illness from spreading.
Don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth. This decreases the chance that you will get the flu virus or other germs into your body, or that you will pass the flu to others.
Clean surfaces that are touched often. Clean things that are touched often, such as door or refrigerator handles, computer key boards/mouse phones and water faucets.
Avoid contact with people who are sick. Avoid unnecessary contact like holding, kissing or sharing food, dishes and cups with anyone who has a cold or the flu. People with young children, weak immune system or a chronic illness should avoid large crowds, if possible. If you get sick, stay home from school or work and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.

I hope this brief safety vlog helps to reduce the number of people affected by this unforeseen outbreak.

For more "Allies Voice" visit:

"Allies Voice" http://www.alliesvoice.com
YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/AllieBeatty
MyDiabetesCentra.com at http://www.healthcentral.com/diabetes/

Allies Voice: Diabetes Chatter is on the Rise

2009-04-23T22:54:00Z

Recent efforts to voice the controversial issues on diabetes are being heard. Now "Allies Voice" will be available on MyDiabetesCentral.com. MyDiabetesCentral.com is owned by The Health Central Network (THCN) and deals with matters of diabetes. While "Allies Voice" will continue to exist - we will now have the opportunity to reach thousands more people everyday on MyDiabetesCentral.com.

Thank you to all who have been onboard since I began blogging on AOL's TheDiabetesBlog.com. The journey for understanding, better treatment choices and safer medicine has only just begun. You are all essential in making our voices heard and our needs met. Thank you!

Please subscribe here on AlliesVoice.com and on YouTube. For more interaction join me on TuDiabetes.com and MyDiabetesCentral.com.

Allies Voice: Stem cells, taxes and Mega Millions

2009-04-15T21:57:00Z

The unimaginable feat of knocking-out the immune system to replenish working beta cells of Type 1 diabetics was proven successful, thanks to the research team led by Dr. Richard Burt in South America. What a country.

The findings were presented in Washington yesterday and are also published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. People with newly onset Type I diabetes, between the ages of 13 and 31, showed to remain insulin-free for an average of 31 months after the procedure. The procedure entailed transplanting bone-marrow stem cells to replenish beta cells.

Beta cells make insulin and help the body to maintain normal blood glucose. Autoimmune diabetes (Type I diabetes) continuously destroys beta cells and glucose levels can rise to near lethal levels. The belief of many is that stem cells hold future treatment options and cures for conditions like heart disease, diabetes, cancer and many other ailments.

Click to read the full story: http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/diabetes/2009/04/15/health-buzz-stem-cell-transplants-for-type-1-diabetes-and-other-health-news.html

_{Not one of my better videos. News is news, folks. It had to go out STAT. I’ll "doll" up next time}

To support the companies making the world safer for over 250 million people with diabetes, please contribute $5 per month at:www.alliesresearch.com/subscribe.html" target=_new> http://www.alliesresearch.com/subscribe.html

Allies Voice: Pirates, Navy SEALs and Brown Fat BOOM

2009-04-13T21:33:00Z

In the last week (aside from the heroic rescue of Captain Philips on Easter Sunday) all the rage has been about the brown fat. Apparently three studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine acknowledge that we have good fat and bad fat. The bad fat is white adipose tissue while the good fat is brown. Without getting racy - what’s the difference?

When we’re born we all have a certain amount of brown fat. It exists mostly around our spinal region and the function is to keep us warm. As we grow - the white fat accumulation seems to outpace the growth of brown fat in some individuals. The studies report that overweight individuals have more white fat than leaner individuals. What does this have to do with obesity?

The advantage to brown fat and metabolic rates is the fact that brown fat acts as little ‘space heaters’ in the body – burning energy to keep the homeostatic temperatures on par. White fat serves the same function on the body. However the means by which the white fat warms is as lazy as it looks – it just sits there.

Are you wondering how to build some more of this beneficial brown fat? Save money and turn down the heat in your house. That was one suggestion I heard an expert offer on FOX news. What about exercise? Consider the ancient wisdom of yoga and attempt the bridge pose. Fair warning – ask your doctor before unrolling your mat and assuming the position.

The idea that medicine might exist some day to build the brown fat is intriguing. Would the pill lower the body temperature to encourage the fat growth or would the pill spontaneously provoke fat growth and hope it’s the brown kind?

SUBSCRIBE to support Making the World Safer for People with Diabetes and investments in companies supporting the mission of “Allies Voice”. If you have the means to do so – please www.alliesresearch.com/subscribe.html“target=”_new”>contribute $5 per month to help companies bring safer, cost effective, and complication reducing treatments to people with diabetes.

Gratuitous PLUG – I LOVE OUR Military Special Operations!!!

Allies Voice: The $5 a month Diabetes Revolution

2009-04-11T20:49:00Z

The chore of managing diabetes is suppressive and life-altering for millions. The looming threat of complications and the possibility of an early death are commonplace when it comes to a diabetes diagnosis. Who are the companies that can mitigate the fears people with diabetes encounter every day of their lives?

Allies Voice is starting a movement to support the companies that are making the world safer for people with diabetes. The companies committed to making life with diabetes safer, less costly, and more effective in preventing the complications of the disease are receiving coverage and support from Allies Voice Newsletter.

Allies Voice Newsletter will report on diabetes news and research. Each issue will include a question to ask your doctor that may lead to better diabetes treatment options for you. Those of us living with diabetes deserve to have reassurance that companies care about our wellbeing. Allies Voice is committed to helping these companies succeed.

Allies Voice is asking people who have the means to do so - to contribute $5 a month for a subscription to Allies Voice Newsletter. If you can – please help make the world safer for people with diabetes. Please link below to subscribe.

Allies Voice: What is a better insulin for Diabetes?

2009-04-02T18:13:00Z

Barbara Davis Centers for Childhood Diabetes published a study that found autoimmune diabetes is an allergic reaction to the insulin your body procures. This results in autoreactive T-cells attacking the beta cells reducing insulin and C-peptide production. If you were a parent of a child with a newly diagnosed insulin-dependent diabetes or an adult with LADA would you choose to treat an allergy to human insulin with a ‘faster acting’ rDMA synthetic human analogue? A safer, cost effective, complication-reducing insulin choice is on its way…

In 1999, Barbara Davis Centers for Childhood Diabetes researched the effects of BCG on newly onset Type I diabetes. The research did not show any mitigation of the autoimmune attack on the beta cells with the treatment of BCG. However, the study chose to use rDNA synthetic human insulin. Why would this matter?

Research from 2008 found the www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov>endogenous nsulin may be the trigger to some forms of autoimmune diabetes. With this information I am riddled as to why the research done in 1999 was not cross referenced with the findings from 2008 to test if highly purified beef or pork insulin would mitigate the autoimmune response leading to diabetes?

I emailed Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes and explained the fly in their ointment. My suggestion was to conduct the 1999 study with the findings from the 2008 study. The title would sound something like Effects of highly purified beef or pork insulin in preserving beta cell function.

I can’t distinguish if the response from Barbara Davis was cordial condescension or funded ignorance. The associate professor of pediatrics and medicine conceded “with very few individuals on animal insulins at present, we will not get much data from these efforts in that regard, but will be able to compare to older although less complete data sets."

My point, exactly. With very few people on animal insulin – you’re missing a wealth of information that may resolve the problems of cost, complications and curtailing the autoimmune attack on beta cells. After all – the graduating class of 50 year Lilly for Lifers still have residual C-peptide.Why not press rewind and run this study with a solution – not a problem?

Allies Voice: BCG and Noncompliant Patients

2009-03-27T03:07:00Z

In 1982, Eli Lilly began selling recombinant human synthetic insulin (rDNA). At the time this was an unexplored surprise to many doctors and their patients. Animal insulin was used for decades and there wasn't a lynch mob out to change things. However doctors, patients and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) were unaware of the long-term affects of the rDNA insulin. Today, 27 years later, many doctors have not seen remarkable improvements in their patients control with DNA analogues. In fact nowadays many doctors refer to their patients as ‘noncompliant’. To what do we owe this dubious distinction?

A ‘noncompliant’ patient is one who does not willfully control or simply cannot control their diabetes with the medicine provided. Perhaps the way their body reacts to the insulin is more punishment than remedy. I've often heard from patients say that they take 40 units or more, several times a day to no avail. It sounds like their body is rejecting the insulin they inject plus the insulin their body was making. This generation of genetically modified insulin analogues is not based on science. These 'drugs' are science fiction. Diabetes occurs because the body perceives the threat of hypoglycemia. These drugs not only exacerbate the condition causing diabetes by flying under the radar of the body - but they also destroy the beta that are functioning forcing a person with functioning beta cells to develop insulin-dependent diabetes. Not fair!

Medicine is supposed to be a remedy for an ailment. If the ailment is high blood sugar – the medicine should restore normal glycemia. However the funny and often ignored fact is that most insulins nowadays cause hypoglycemia in an unforeseen fashion. Hypoglycemia happens fast and often without proper body responses to warn the danger is lurking. The reason this happens is the warning signs of hypoglycemia are blunted by synthetic human insulin

Don’t believe me based on my emphatic blog. I’m a believer in facts and numbers. The facts and number don’t lie. The number of deaths due to hypoglycemic unawareness has risen over 300% since the introduction of rDNA synthetic human insulins. The ‘dead in bed’ syndrome has risen. The number of lethal car accidents has risen. The number of diabetes complications is no better (if not worse) than it was during the age of animal insulin. So why is the choice of a safer, less expensive, complication mitigating insulin no longer available?

Wouldn’t insulin that warns of imminent hypoglycemic reactions be a safer choice for the treatment of diabetes? Wouldn’t insulin that is absorbed at a rate the body can handle be a safer choice for the treatment of diabetes? Wouldn’t insulin that lessens the autoimmune attack on beta cells be a better choice for the treatment of diabetes? Here’s a clue: any insulin that preservers the C-peptide of the body wards off diabetes complications, Type 1 and Type 2

I think YES for the aforementioned questions. I wonder why Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk or Sanofi-aventis don’t make that insulin. Diabetes might be safer. Who doesn’t want that?

Diabetes is a business to them. If they keep this choice out of the marketplace – you’ll never have the chance to make that choice over their genetically modified, diabetes aggravating, analogue insulin

If your preference is a matter of purity – I don’t blame you. Let’s talk numbers again. Animal insulin is 99% pure. The impurities are pancreatic peptides that actually aid in protecting against diabetes complications. See the mention of C-peptide above.

All genetically modified analogues are 97% pure. The 3% of impurities derive from the byproducts of yeast and e.Coli. I don’t know about you – but I’d be choosing the C-peptide of a cow or pig [pancreas before I choose the refuse of yeast or e.Coli. Don’t you want the opportunity to make that choice?

Diabetes complications were significantly less in the age of slow and sure animal insulin. Now people with diabetes are offered one choice: Hobson’s choice. Hodbon’s choice is the proverbial ‘take it or leave it’. We are settling for the development of diabetes complications after 10 years of living with diabetes. Regardless of being a ‘gold star’ or a ‘noncompliant’ patient - signs of retinopathy, neuropathy, kidney disease, sexual dysfunction start rearing their head. Who deserves to live like that? Nobody in my book.

I’ve been on hiatus while my broken toe healed. And to the dismay of the insulin analogue ‘cartel’ – it did heal! I’m vlogging and taking names. Stay tuned for a press release about the return of safer, cost-effective, diabetes complication-mitigating animal insulin.

It’s not about business to me – it’s personal.

Are you considered a 'noncompliant' diabetic?

News:

The Nathan/Faustman human trials to cure Type 1 (autoimmune) diabetes with BCG may be in jeopardy. NPR news reports thatTB is growing increasingly resistant to the drugs that are now available to treat it, and the epidemic shows few signs of slowing in countries where HIV contributes to TB's spread. This puts an increased imperative on scientists to find better ways to control the disease, including by vaccine.

News about the possible wrench in plans for the Nathan/Faustman trials, click here

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Allies Voice: Foot in Mouth Safety Tips

2009-02-09T23:55:00Z

Forever have we been advised to be mindful of diabetic feet. This vlog is no different - in fact, it's an example of why you need to watch your feet like you'd mind your business. They're just as important and likely as hard-working as the rest of us (if not more!)

Diabetic neuropathy is no joke and should not be the excuse for you to start performing self foot exams. Let it be known that I have not been a "gold star" diabetic for the last 23 year of life with diabetes. Yes I have peripheral neuropathy. Yes I have retinopathy, Yes I have kidney disease. However all the whistles-and-bells aside - I have comes to grips with the emotional underpinnings of diabetes. Regardless of how I feel about the disease itself - the responsibilities of my everyday diabetes treatment routine trump my otherwise indifferent behavior.

And to this end of caretaking obligations - I present to you the FootPhysicians.com Diabetes Foot Care Guildelines. Take a moment to review and hopefully it won't be a waste of your time. Conscious efforts to take good care of your feet is the least you can do for them - for all they do for you!

nspect your feet daily. Check for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or nail problems. Use a magnifying hand mirror to look at the bottom of your feet. Call your doctor if you notice anything. (If your eyesight is poor, have someone else do it for you.)
Wash your feet in lukewarm (not hot!) water. Keep your feet clean by washing them daily. But only use lukewarm water-the temperature you'd use on a newborn baby. Be gentle when bathing your feet. Wash them using a soft washcloth or sponge. Dry by blotting or patting-and make sure to carefully dry between the toes.
Moisturize your feet-but not between your toes. Use a moisturizer daily to keep dry skin from itching or cracking. But DON'T moisturize between the toes-this could encourage a fungal infection.
Cut nails carefully-and straight across. Also, file the edges. Don't cut them too short, since this could lead to ingrown toenails.
Never trim corns or calluses. No "bathroom surgery"-let your doctor do the job.
Wear clean, dry socks. Change them daily.
Avoid the wrong type of socks. Avoid tight elastic bands (they reduce circulation). Don't wear thick or bulky socks (they can fit poorly and irritate the skin).
Wear socks to bed. If your feet get cold at night, wear socks. NEVER use a heating pad or hot water bottle.
Shake out your shoes and inspect the inside before wearing. Remember, you may not feel a pebble-so always shake out your shoes before putting them on.
Keep your feet warm and dry. Don't get your feet wet in snow or rain. Wear warm socks and shoes in winter.
Never walk barefoot. Not even at home! You could step on something and get a scratch or cut.
Take care of your diabetes. Keep your blood sugar levels under control.
Don't smoke. Smoking restricts blood flow in your feet.
Get periodic foot exams. See your foot and ankle surgeon on a regular basis for an examination to help prevent the foot complications of diabetes.

Allies Voice: Are You High?

2009-01-31T23:10:00Z

The dubious distinction of diabetes often accuses one of running high. However this blog graciously touches on the 'other' high numbers we come to know all too well - our blood pressure. The beloved cuff we all know and loathe has become a secondary reminder to the other elevated blood level. Diabetes is a gateway disease. Hypertension is one of the silent bottom-feeders. Good news is that there are many different ways to control it. In fact may people use more than one drug of choice. What's your winning cocktail?

More than a quarter of the world's adult population (totaling one billion) have it.. By 'it' we are referring to hypertension - or a blood pressure above 140/90. Even closer to home is the fact that 1 in 2 people with diabetes will develop high blood pressure. Too much sugar and too much pressure? Something's got to give.

I'm sure you've heard this before - but I'd be negligent if I didn't say my piece. Left untreated, high blood pressure can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. In fact, a person with diabetes and high blood pressure is 4 times as likely to develop heart disease than someone who does not have either of the conditions. About 73 percent of adults with diabetes use a prescription medications for hypertension.

Some of the most common types of medications for hypertension are: diuretics, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, alpha blockers, and many other combination therapies. The most important part is to find one (or a few) that work best for you.

However you get 'er done - the object of treating blood pressure is to get it down to 120/80. The higher number is the systolic pressure, It refers to the pressure inside the artery when the heart contracts and is pumping the blood through the body. The lower number is the diastolic pressure. It refers to the pressure inside the artery when the heart is at rest and is filling with blood.

Obviously we're trying to maneuver a very slippery slope here. I've tried at least 5 different hypertensive drugs in the last 6 months. I'm finally resolving a routine between three: clonidine, tekturna and cartia xt. No promises. No guarantees. I'm aiming for 'target' numbers and the least amount of side effects.

I know I'm not in this hypertensive boat alone. The best of the best living with diabetes have their day with high glucose, high pressure, and high expectations. What's your hypertension tamer of choice? I heard coconut juice can pull the numbers down, too. I didn't say it had to be an Rx. Wouldn't that be the life? Start the day off with a sugar-free piña colada.

Allies Voice: Stem Cell Serendipity

2009-01-24T01:58:00Z

Is the FDA marching to the beat of a new drummer? It appears President Obama is already influencing change and some might agree - not a moment too soon. The first trial for stem cell treatment in humans has been approved by the FDA. Will this change lead to more hope in the treatment of diabetes?

Geron Corporation, based in California, has been developing first-in-class therapies for cancer and chronic degenerative diseases, including spinal cord injury, heart failure and diabetes. Geron is the world leader in the development of human embryonic stem cell-based therapeutics. As of Friday, January 23, 2009 - they have received FDA clearance to begin the world's first human clinical trial of a human embryonic stem cell-based therapy for acute spinal cord injury.

Embryonic stem cell research continues to buzz the crowds into heated debate. The Wall Stree Journal Health Blog has reported the first ever stem cell trial in humans. This trial will test if injecting embryonic stem cells into the spine will repair otherwise irreparable spinal cord injuries. The hope is that the embryonic stem cells repair the myelin of nerve cells. If this works it would be a godsend for a vast array of other conditions - including but not limited to those suffering with peripheral neuropathies, heart conditions, and cancer.

However, even more promising is the idea that stem cells can cultivate into new islets and restore normal blood glucose levels in diabetes. Dr. Burt was able to cure diabetes for 13 young diabetics in Brazil.

The possibilities on the frontiers of medical innovation are surfacing with a cornucopia of promise. For the first time in many years - I don't feel like the progress of diabetes treatment is stuck in a holding pattern. I think the new president is reshaping the future NOW.

What is your position on stem cells? Does stem cell research hold the answer to the puzzling issues in medicine?

Your comments on this blog may appear in the first printed edition of "Allies Voice" in March 2009. To share your voice about the issues relating to diabetes - please subscribe and comment at Allies Voice or on YouTube

Allies Voice: Heal the FDA?!?

2009-01-11T22:15:00Z

The FDA is built upon a foundation one might call a 'checkered past'. In response to a heavy load of adverse events reported from diabetes drugs hurried through the approval process - the FDA has announced intentions to raise the bar on new drug applications. The day has finally arrived but the masses are not so sure this is what they want. Apparently there is a belief that this will inhibit the speedy approval of new drugs. Well, if a drug was dangerous - wouldn't you want to know before taking it? What is the problem?

FDA Wants New Diabetes Drugs Tested for Heart Risks. Is that so bad?

The FDA released a statement about a "boxed" warning appearing on antidiabetes drugs like Avandia and Actos. Apparently these drugs were associated with a higher risk for heart failure. A litany of adverse event reports shook a few higher ups at the FDA. As a result, the new drug applications for diabetes treatments will have to pass another tier of standards proving they do not adversely affect the cardiac risk. What's the problem?

I don't see the problem, actually. I think this is a good step and great notion on behalf of the Food and Drug Administration trying to do something about double-knotting the loose strings. However other D-bloggers seem to think this is going to pour honey in the land luge pipe approval system Big Pharma has slipped through. The FDA notified me yesterday they over 100 new drug applications awaiting approvals. Is it so wrong to cautiously consider the cardiovascular risk along with the diabetes reward?

Okay, as a D-blogger, it's my responsibility to put this out there for you to review. You may choose to sign it (or not). If you access the petition online there is also a text box where you are invited to leave your comments. Historically I've been the first to criticize the FDA for dragging their feet and forgetting job #1 being to protect the patient. It appears they're trying to do something to change their prior conduct. I'd like to give them the benefit of the doubt. Before I go rolling up the newspaper and slapping it in my hand (like I'm house training a puppy) - I'd like to see how the FDA behaves in light of their new pursuit of diabetes trust.

What is your interpretation of the petition? WIll this have any effect on the

Allies Voice: IMPORTANT!!! Do you have DIABETES COMPLICATIONS?

2008-12-31T00:26:00Z

Do you have insulin-dependent diabetes? Do you have diabetes complications? If you answered 'yes' to those questions - the following information is going to shock you.

Insulin analogues are lacking a protective peptide that that comes in natural insulin. Beta cells make something called proinsulin. Proinsulin folds into two pieces: insulin (that lowers blood glucose) and c-peptide (that fixesthe damaging effects of blood glucose fluctuations). This explains why people who do not have diabetes do not have diabetes complications. They have C-peptide!

People who use insulin analogues to treat diabetes do not have this very important piece of insulin. C-peptide should be available as a treatment for diabetes - like insulin. Nobody deserves diabetes complications. Nobody with diabetes can have perfect blood glucose control. It is absurd to believe that diabetes complications result from inability to perfectly control blood glucose. Diabetes inherently increases the guilt we feel. Please do not allow this guilt to continue. How can we make this right?

We must have c-peptide as part of therapy for insulin-dependent diabetes. If you are unsure of the benefits c-peptide can offer - please see the scientific paper that explains the benefits of c-peptide. If you have any of the complications associated with diabetes - please realize these might have been avoided if c-peptide was included in your treatment. For this reason - I am including directions on how to right this wrong.

Please file an FDA adverse drug report against your insulin. In your report - please state that the lack of c-peptide in your insulin product has caused your complication (retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, vascular dysfunction, hypertension, etc.).

Call the FDA's toll-free information line 1-888-INFO-FDA ( 1-888-463-6332 )
Press 2, followed by 1 for information, then:
For drug products, select 3

Easy peasy

When the reports roll in, that will get the attention of the FDA.

A very wise person once told me - if you want fire trucks on the scene, set a fire!

Match, please.

Allies Voice: Economic downturn forces competitive upswing

2008-11-18T22:18:00Z

Amidst the downturn in the economy and layoffs - how can Big Pharma protect what they didn't bring to fruition? Career scientists are bailing-out to start bringing to life the drugs Big Pharma denied entry to the market. It seems Big Pharma balked at many pitches and now the researchers are throwing them to private investors. This sounds like the makings of a truly competitive drug market. A couple of research scientists tapped out of Pfizer to bet the odds they have the makings of a better type 2 drug. A gang of investors is betting millions they can taste the returns. How's that for a storyline?

The hypothesized drug supposedly treats type 2 diabetes without the side effects of current drugs. The new company will take the drug from NDA (FDA vernacular for 'new drug application') through the clinical trials.

Jerry Colca, co-founder of Kalamazoo-based Metabolic Solutions Development said, "we realized if we didn't do it, it wasn't going to get done,". Making a claim of that caliber is downright aggressive. Heads up, Big Pharma. Sounds like David knows the weakness in Goliath. It's nothing personal - it's just business.

I'm laughing inside at the 'just desserts' Big Pharma is having to stomach. It seems the bad taste left in the mouths of career scientists (treated unfairly or just not appreciated) isn't palatable. Perhaps Big Pharma didn't realize how many 'smart cookies' took it on the chin in these hard times. Can you blame them for lacing up their Nikes and hitting the ground running?

The reality of this new trend alludes to the hunch that smaller enterprises are more efficient and motivated to handle research and development at a more aggressive pace. Time is money and these little fledgling pharmaceutical companies are poised to start printing.

Colca, a contrarian scientist at heart, while working for Pfizer continued on the mission set forth by his employer to develop the same type of drug every Big Pharma was obsessed with creating. It never felt right to him. Alas he continues slaving for 'the man' and kept his dream drug for another day.

Colca was involved in his fair share of research on the drug Actos. He was also forthright about the risks of congestive heart failure, weight gain, fluid retention and other maladies of the drug. Seems the Big Pharma 'big stepping' the drug to market in high gear was not hearing it.

A man after my own heart - Colca did not lay his ambitions to rest. When the going got tough - the tough got going. And so the story goes: Local Lab has diabetes drug that could be a blockbuster!. I'd be lying if I didn't say I'd like to see Big Pharma break a sweat for once. They fell asleep behind the wheel long ago. It's time for a rude awakening.

Allies Voice: Test it. Fix it. Easier said than done.

2008-11-15T21:46:00Z

Diabetes is a sweetheart of unknowns. Blood glucose has been the shining star of knowns in diabetes treatment. Maybe that's why diabetics cling to blood glucose with artificial confidence. We think "I see a number and I can 'fix' it". Can you? There are no rules in life and that holds true for diabetes. However the Warwick Medical School in the UK has raised the stakes on the long-standing practice of preventing diabetes complications with blood glucose alone. The research has questioned if monitoring blood thiamine levels will improve the prognosis for diabetic patients. So why is this so difficult in the United States? Apparently our standard requisition lab sheets do not even have the option to test blood thiamine. Furthermore - US doctors may be uninformed of the potential importance of blood thiamine levels. How can you effectively prevent a problem if you're not fully aware of how to resolve it?

Take a minute to review the Warwick Medical School Thiamine and Diabetes Study.

What are the roadblocks impeding important studies from reaching medical practitioners? It's really a situation of victims of circumstance. Exactly who are the victims? The powers that be decide what studies are worthy of publication. The FDA does not permit claims of 'treating' or 'curing' a condition with a dietary supplement. The pickle, you see, is that diabetes complications may be from a vitamin deficiency. In that case, the treatment would be to supplement the deficiency with a vitamin. Not a drug. The FDA reviews new drug applications from Big Pharmaceutical companies with the studies they provide. If research can only be presented to the FDA in the form of an application for a 'new drug' - is the research unbiased? If the FDA is taking advice from the fox - how does this protect our necks if we're the chickens? Maybe it does. Maybe it doesn't.

So if the FDA is not aware of the importance of thiamine deficiency in diabetes then your doctors may not be either. Not that it's fair - but this may be why the simple blood test for thiamine is not featured on a lab requisition sheet. The FDA is supposed to protect consumers. Can you be hurt by knowing if you are deficient in thiamine? I'm willing to bet the house you're likely to be hurt if you don't replenish the deficit if it exists.

Allies Voice: Revolutionary diabetes study underway

2008-11-07T17:20:00Z

Confirming the insanity of diabetes treatment, last week a study found the cost of diabetes drugs nearly doubled to $12.5 billion between 2001 and 2007. As the costs of diabetes treatments exploded - the average blood glucose reduced while the incidence of diabetes complications increased. If the object of treating diabetes is controlling complications - what's wrong with this picture? The Warwick Medical School in the UK discovered a profound deficit of thiamine leads to diabetes complications despite blood glucose control. Could this revolutionize diabetes treatment? At this rate - let's hope so!

According to the study, more expensive drugs have led to the explosive costs of treating diabetes. The FDA approves a diabetes drug based on evidence that it works better than a placebo. Good thing the FDA keeps such high standards. However these standards have continued to focus on blood glucose control as the godsend of avoiding diabetes complications. Based on the Center for Disease Control statistics - this could not be further from the truth. As blood glucose control has improved over the last 30 years - complication rates for retinopathy, kidney disease, nerve damage and cardiac events has increased.

This study confirms the cost of diabetes treatment is outrageous. This information is a direct reflection of the trend of diabetes. Higher costs, higher rate of complications and lower blood glucose levels does not sound good to anybody. Something doesn't add up. Are we part of the problem or part of the solution? Tip: the solution to diabetes cannot be patented, has already been approved by the FDA and your doctor has probably never accurately tested for it.

20 million plus people with diabetes and nobody's got 'insurance' from the expensive, ineffective and dangerous drugs on the market. Too bad every doctor, diabetic and researcher isn't screaming to have thiamine levels checked in ALL people with diabetes. A study recently completed at Warwick Medical School in the UK, confirms that both Type 1 and Type 2 have a nearly 75% thiamine deficit. It would be malpractice for a doctor to know of this deficit and NOT replenish it! The blood tests doctors traditionally use to evaluate thiamine levels test for enzyme markers of thiamine - not thiamine itself. This is why the 'trouble with thiamine' has gone on for so long.

Diabetes causes the kidneys to hyperfiltrate thiamine out of the blood. The body elevates the enzymes that provoke thiamine in response to this deficit. However the kidneys keep doing their thing and draining thiamine from the blood. When doctors send you to the lab to have your thiamine tested - they are testing for the enzymes. The implied test results would be your thiamine levels are 'ok' when, in fact, they are draining like a tub without a stopper. Could this justify the extortive costs of diabetes treatments? Perhaps we've been sinking too much money on drugs treating the wrong thing.

Now we have an effective, inexpensive and safe solution. What are we waiting for? Get your doctors to check your thiamine levels (not the enzyme blood test). With good information we can apply good solutions. Who wants in for this kind of effective, inexpensive and safe study? I do! Email for details.

Allies Voice: Vote '08 - Who's got yours?

2008-10-25T21:14:00Z

With approximately 10 days to Election ’08 millions of Americans are still undecided. You may be among several million votes ‘up for grabs’. I don’t judge – waiting for the other shoe to drop is a popular method in modern times. The element of surprise is a provocative tactic in war as well as an election. Your life, your livelihood, and your freedom of CHOICE will be decided on November 4, 2008. Each candidate has slowly revealed the core concepts of his plan. From the piecemeal of what’s on the table – who’s got the dish you want served? Speak now or forever hold your peace. The ‘undecided’ vote is waiting...