The Horrible Hoarding

So this is the confessions of a part time hoarder. By that I mean, I never meant to become one in the first place. It all started off after I made a move to a different state. Going from having a larger space, to a smaller space, and the onset of mental illness.
I at the age of 26 began to go down a downward spiral and declining health. At 27 I was placed in the hospital for undiagnosed Diabetes and Diabetic complications. After my stay in the hospital, I moved to Washington. In doing so it exacerbated my mental health and caused me to withdraw. Living with family who didn't understand me and still to this day do very little to understand me or my illnesses, caused serious depressive issues and bipolar mood swings. 3 people living in a small 2 bedroom home was a crowding issue to begin with. Forcing someone who had an almost 300 sq ft room to a room that was less than 30 sq ft with all the accoutrements of the previous room, begins the building blocks for that downward descent.

At the time of writing this blog post, I am soon to be 36 as of March 16th. I am working toward getting right with me. For well over 7 years, I allowed my home to be a reflection of the inner turmoil that was my mental state. I had begun asking for help as the state of the house and my world was to much for me to bare and it was just to much for me to do on my own. So after having reached out to countless people and organizations and being declined, I gave up. In the summer of 2016 I took a trip "home" to go see my mom. While I was there my sister, her boyfriend, and my niece came through my house and made it 60% better. When I got home, I had a new bedroom set up, and my kitchen was clean, and my living room for partially done. I spent 4 weeks, day in and day out doing the rest of my house. My living room alone took me 2 days moving at a pace that wasn't to much for me. The I turned my attentions to my dining room. That room took me 4 days to accomplish.
Meanwhile the rest of the house began to decline due to use and lack of upkeep. Because my living room, dining room, and kitchen all connect, it seemed that one became the holder of things for the other. So it was like cleaning 3 rooms at the same time. It very much seemed at times like there was this vicious cycle of out weighing ratio of dirty to clean. Eventually I was able to tackle my dining room, living room, and my kitchen (however, it is a constant struggle of upkeep as it is the room I use the most.) Then I began turning my focus to my bathroom. It is coming along, however since it is the 3rd most used room in my house, and one that i seem to always "store" stuff in, it is a work in progress that will eventually get completed.

Mind you, I have revamped it from the state that it was in. But there is still much that needs to be fixed in there. I need to repair a sink, and get a new shower enclosure. All things that I will eventually have to tell my landlord about. But I also need him to replace my washer and dryer. Of which my wash room needs cleaning as well. However, I have done a significant amount of cleaning in there already, I just need to get some of the old clothing that I can no longer wear, out of there and then call him in. The biggest most pain in the ass project is going to be my bathroom, as he is in his late 70's mid 80's, it means that what would take a younger person only a day to complete, will take him probably a week or so to fix. During this time my water will have to be shut off and I will have to be put up in a hotel per Washington state law. I also have 2 cats, in which I will have to home with me in whatever place im at for the time that he is in my house. All of this is hopeful that he doesn't serve me with an eviction notice for the amount of repairs that need to be made.

So right now I am taking a break from working on my old bedroom and the bullfuckery therein. Having no transportation to go to the county landfill makes it very hard to get significant amounts of work done. But this too shall pass, albeit like a kidney stone, it shall pass. I will try to post after pictures of the room i'm currently working on. Please do not think less of me, I am doing my best to change 7yrs of depression and the effects of mental illness.

 

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Finding creative outlets

I have been doing a lot of art lately. Mainly painting. I took up painting when I was in college and found that I really love doing so, although Im not really that "good" at it. Typically when Im depressed or in one of my manic bipolar moods it really seems to help, if I throw on some music and just paint my emotions. Does that mean the piece im doing is all dark and emo? No, it just means that im angry, or sad and put paint to brush, to canvas, and what transpires is whatever comes out.

I am one of those people who dont typically plan out a piece. I let the canvas and the painting tell me what im doing. What that means is if I sit down to do a landscape, then something like an impressionistic or abstract thing will come out instead. I have taken to looking at inspirations before doing a painting. That has been fun and interesting. Because I look at what the original artist has done, and then try to improve or add my own flare to the piece. Some of the questions I get asked, other than what inspires me to paint, is what music do I listen to? Well that

is kinda hard to describe. My playlist has everything from Gospel to Mega Death. So one moment it will be hardcore Gangster Rap and then it will transition into Bach or something like that. Though a good majority of it is R&B.

My other favorite thing to do is take pictures. Again it was a passion I found in College. I dont have a super expensive camera. The two camera's that I use are my Samsung Galaxy S5, and my GE 500X. The Samsung is a 8mpx and the GE is a 16mpx. Now when Im actually going out on a photoshoot, I like to take my GE, as there are a lot of features and functions that my phone just doesnt have. The one thing that my cam has that my phone doesnt is Image Stabilization. I really miss that feature on my phone as I have to take 3 pictures to get one, many times.

So these are just a few things that I have been doing to try and manage my depression and what have you over the holidays. What kinds of things do you do, and what do you find works the best for yourself?

 

 

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The Health Benefits of Diabetic Socks for Men and Women

Proper foot care is important for people suffering from diabetes. This disease can cause foot problems that can lead to amputation of the foot or leg. It is essential that people with diabetes wash and check their feet daily, choose proper shoes, wear diabetic socks and go for regular foot examinations to avoid any serious complications.

There are primarily two health issues that can cause foot problems in diabetic patients. Nerve damage is one common health problem often experienced by diabetics. High blood glucose level over time can lead to impaired nerves in the toes and feet. As a result, the sensations of the person are impaired, putting the patient at risk of various foot injuries.

Poor blood circulation is another common health issue experienced by diabetics. Due to high standing blood sugar levels, blood vessels are damaged, reducing blood flow to the foot. As a result, any cut or wound formed on the leg will not heal quickly. Since a diabetic may not feel any foot injuries due to neuropathy, they will be in bigger trouble when proper medical attention is not taken immediately.

One of the best products that help diabetics keep their feet safe and healthy is diabetic socks. Diabetic socks for men and women are designed especially for people suffering diabetes. Wearing these socks can help diabetics reduce swelling in their ankles and feet. In addition, they can help protect feet from sensitivity and relieve pain from sensitive ankles, feet, and lower limbs. Moreover, since these socks have little or no elasticity, wearing them does not restrict blood circulation to the feet, thereby encouraging quick healing. Another great feature is that these socks are designed to draw moisture away from the feet and are more breathable. This helps prevent foot infections.

Really anyone can wear these hosiery. Pregnant women, athletes, and those with poor circulation can also benefit from wearing diabetic socks. In fact, the synthetic makeup of diabetic socks has more moisture wicking capabilities than most athletic socks. Generally, socks are made of 100% cotton. Although cotton socks help absorb moisture, socks made of synthetic fibers help wick moisture away from the skin, making the skin dry and less prone to infections, blisters, and foot odor. Apart from keeping moisture away, wearing diabetic socks with padded cushion soles can help the feet absorb shock from the impact of exercise.

One of the most common problem women experience during pregnancy is swollen feet. This is caused by increased blood volume and weight gain. Swollen feet can often make pregnant women even more uncomfortable than they already are. To prevent discomfort in feet and legs, it is important that pregnant women wear proper socks. Opting to wear diabetic socks during pregnancy can be a good option because they have extra wide tops that stretch out a lot more than normal socks.

Poor blood circulation can be caused due to various factors. Common causes include lack of exercise, smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or certain thyroid or nerve conditions. Lack of proper blood circulation in the feet can often lead to swollen, cold, numb, tired feet. Wearing diabetic socks is an effective way to relieve these symptoms and promote circulation.

Improper foot care during diabetes can lead to serious health complications. To maintain good foot health and protect your feet from chronic edema, foot pain, swelling or injury, wear diabetic socks for men and women. Even non-diabetics can benefit from the improved blood flow from these socks. Your feet will thank you for it.

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Glooko and Diasend Join Forces!

Yesterday (9/13/16) Glooko announced that they were merging with Diasend, which will make them a powerhouse in the Diabetic community. If you have followed this blog for any length of time, you will know that I was in on the ground floor beta testing for Glooko. So for someone like me this is the most amazing news, having watched this company over the last 3 or 4 years evolve to such a point that they can acquire another company is mind boggling to me.

Now if you are not sure about what Glooko or Diasend is, they are reporting tools for collecting data about your diabetes management. With Glooko in the past, you could upload your meter to the program and it gave you comprehensive information and graphical charts that you could then share or print out. Diasend has been the industry standard for health care.

They provided you with a location to upload your information from things like CGM's (Continuous Glucose Monitors) to insulin pumps and even glucose meters.
Each of the two companies being pioneer's in their industries. This now means that people across the globe will have the best support in monitoring and recording their information and sharing it with their health care professionals.

I have only just started using Diasend since being placed on a pump 4 months ago. I like some of their features, but I still held true to Glooko.

Now that they have merged it means that I no longer have to switch between the two programs when im updating my patient file with my Diabetes doctor, and educator.

In an announcement that came via e-mail Glooko made the announcement:

"We are excited to announce our merger with Diasend, to accelerate our mission to make diabetes management easier! As a combined entity, we unite under the Glooko name and serve 4000 diabetes clinics in 23 countries across 15 languages, impacting tens of millions of people with diabetes. The joint platform downloads data from more than 160 different devices - including glucose meters, insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and activity trackers, in total covering over 95% of diabetes devices used worldwide."

Here is the write up on their site Click Here
Here is the write up on their blog Click Here
Here is the Press Release                Click Here

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Take Control Of Diabetes With A Plant-Based Diet

If you've been diagnosed with type II diabetes or told you are at risk of developing the disease, it's time to take action. You can do a lot to retain control over your lifestyle and minimize the impact diabetes is going to have. Switching to a diet that is entirely or mostly plant-based will do you a lot of good.

Working With Your Doctor

While taking the initiative and educating yourself about positive diabetes-related dietary changes is a great step, don't try and solve your problems alone. Consult with your doctor about the best way to alter your diet and stay healthy. It's possible to slow the progression of diabetes significantly and even minimize your need for medication, but getting professional medical guidance is vital.

Changes Involved In A Plant-Based Diet

In order to make it sustainable, you need to make your shift away from meats and towards vegetables a gradual process. You will also want to pay greater attention to your carbohydrate intake, avoiding foods with a high glycemic index. These are basically processed grains (white bread, cereals), potatoes, and a few notable fruits like watermelons and pineapples. Low glycemic index carbs, which include dark whole grains, pasta, beans, and most starchy vegetables are much better.

Beans and other high-protein vegetables are going to be very important to replace the nutrients you are giving up by ditching meat. You should also be on the lookout for high-fiber foods. These have multiple benefits for treating diabetes (see below). If you are looking for a general rule of thumb, try volumetrics. This will point you towards foods that are filling but low in calories. Just read nutrition labels and look for foods whose serving sizes in grams exceed their calorie counts. A cup of raw carrots, for instance, weighs about 100 grams but contains only 50 calories.

Why Plant-Based Diets Work

When you minimize the amount of meat in your diet, you are cutting way back on saturated fats, which are known to be one of the biggest problem ingredients for diabetics and those at risk of diabetes. By reducing your saturated fat intake (as well as your intake of all fats), you will reduce your overall caloric intake. Over time, this will both bring your weight down and improve your insulin sensitivity.

The great news is that once you become physically habituated to eating a mainly or entirely vegetarian diet, your body's insulin regulation processes become more efficient. You are less sensitive to blood sugar swings caused by carbohydrates and you can start enjoying safe carbohydrates (those with a low glycemic index) pretty much at will. Even carbs with a high glycemic index are okay in limited amounts.

Advantages Compared To Other Diet Modification Plans

Dietary changes are virtually impossible to avoid if you want to adapt your lifestyle to cope with diabetes. Opting to use a plant-based diet has some significant advantages. For one thing, unlike other plans, going vegetarian does not require strict portion control. For another, the overall boost in fiber you will get from switching to plant-based foods will do a better job of filling you up than other diabetes-friendly diets. This makes one of the hardest parts of the process - reducing your calorie intake - a lot easier.

This overview is really just an introduction to the idea of a diabetes-friendly plant-based diet. Keep educating yourself to uncover more useful information and to collect additional details. Don't forget to work with your doctor. By paying attention to professional advice and committing yourself to a healthier diet you can keep your diabetes under strict control.

Martyn Williams is a record-holding extreme explorer, author and successful entrepreneur. He is a yoga teacher and practices natural and Ayurveda healing. To learn more, check out his site, Haritaki.org.

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Glooko Rolling out new Bluetooth Connected Device

Glooko has been on the cutting edge of Diabetic technology since day one. They have set the bar and now others are frantically trying to follow in their blazing foot steps.
Recently Glooko sent me their MeterSync Blue, which is a meter connecting device that allows you to upload your meter readings via Bluetooth.

Having worked with Glooko in the Past I was excited to be able to test out the MeterSync Blue. I opened up my Glooko App and began syncing my meter.



As you can see from my glucose results my sugars run high. But I was really impressed with how quickly it synced. I have used the other cables that Glooko had come out with, but really like the fact that all you have to do is plug in your meter, push the button on the MeterSync Blue and all your info goes directly to your phone or Android/iOS device.

[caption id="attachment_3079" align="alignleft" width="140"] Original Android Glooko Sync[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3081" align="alignright" width="216"] New Glooko MeterSync Blue[/caption]

I am still not to thrilled about it being a 3 piece system like the Android version. I would have liked to see it be a more cohesive 2 piece system, that would closely resemble the iPhone sync cable system that is all one cord.

[caption id="attachment_3080" align="alignright" width="163"] iPhone Glooko Sync cable. Notice its all one piece.[/caption]

With it being a 3 piece system it seems like there is more room for you to lose some of the items you need in order to properly test. Another thing that you will notice between the MeterSync Blue and the original Android Sync cable is that they did away with the 3.5mm jack that you would have allowed you to plug the device directly into the meter and transmit that way. Had they kept the 3.5mm plug they could have just shipped the 2.5mm adapter that would have made it a 2 piece system and would save the company on production and shipping costs, and would have eliminated the need for the 3.5mm cord. However, that being said I must say that this is by far my most favorite of all the Glooko products. Being a fan of Bluetooth I love anything that can sync up using it.

My over all rating of the MeterSync Blue is 9.5 out of 10. Had they kept the 3.5mm plug and or made the additional 3.5mm cord part of the system and not a separate detachable I would have given it a 10. The MeterSync Blue is not yet available for purchase but you can click here  to be notified when it becomes available for public purchase.

 

 

 

 

 

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New smart contact lens could monitor glucose for diabetics

In the United States, the number of patients diagnosed with diabetes (both Type 1 and Type 2) has doubled over the last decade. Type 2 accounts for 90-95% of all diabetes diagnoses. Over eight percent of the U.S. population is believed to have diabetes, and of those with it, an estimated 27% do not even know it. Monitoring blood glucose levels is critically important and must be done multiple times a day, which can be painful and cumbersome. Google has just announced a prototype device that retrieves information about blood sugar directly from the eyeball, via a contact lens.

Typically, a small blood sample is taken from the fingertip using a combination of a lancet, strips, and a blood glucose meter. For those who have had diabetes for a long time or require more frequent testing, it can be hard to find a spot that will bleed easily. There are embedded blood glucose monitors, but they require a device to be taped to the skin or work on a belt and require outpatient surgery for replacement. Unfortunately, because properly monitoring blood sugar is such a large commitment, many people are not doing it right. Those who choose not to manage their disease properly are at a much greater risk of developing blindness, kidney failure, or having their lower extremities amputated.

Many researchers have been seeking alternative ways to monitor glucose without the use of blood, in order to make it easier for diabetics to stay on top of their sugar levels. Some newer noninvasive glucose tests include checking saliva, urine, or tears. Tears can provide an incredibly accurate measurement, but it is not always easy to get a sample. Google’s solution to using tears is minimally invasive and can provide constant monitoring of glucose levels.

A prototype soft contact lens has been outfitted with a micro-scale computer chip, sensor, and an antenna. Once every second, the sensor monitors the glucose levels in the tears and transmits the information to a wireless device, such as a smart phone. This information could also be sent directly to the person’s doctor. Future prototypes may also include a tiny LED which would immediately alert the wearer that sugar levels are either too low or too high and to take immediate action. The technology within the lens does not impact the field of vision and should not be much different than wearing traditional contact lenses.

Currently, scientists at Google are in talks with the FDA about taking this prototype to the next level. It will be years before the contact will be available for clinical use. Google is reaching out to potential partners in order to make this a feasible option for diabetics. This has the potential to revolutionize how millions of people with diabetes manage their disease and give them the best chance to protect their eyesight, limbs, and life.

- See more at: http://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/new-smart-contact-lens-could-monitor-glucose-diabetics#overlay-context=

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Nanoparticle Suspension and Ultrasound Deliver Insulin Without Regular Injections

 

Insulin injections are no fun for diabetics and they have to be taken as needed by the body, not by the patient’s personal schedule. This means if you have diabetes, you can’t just pre-inject yourself and go worry-free throughout the day. A nanotechnology developed at North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill may end all that thanks to a self-assembling network that can release insulin whenever the patient wants.

The system consists of poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles filled with insulin and coated with either negatively or positively charged substances. These stick to each other when mixed, so when injected into the body the solution remains together and when you want some insulin released, you simply hold an ultrasound transducer to the injection site and shake up the substance to release the insulin.

From NC State:

The researchers believe the technique works because the ultrasound waves excite microscopic gas bubbles in the tissue, temporarily disrupting Nano-network in the subcutaneous layer of the skin. That disruption pushes the nanoparticles apart, relaxing the electrostatic force being exerted on the insulin in the reservoir. This allows the insulin to begin entering the bloodstream – a process hastened by the effect of the ultrasound waves pushing on the insulin.

“We know this technique works, and we think this is how it works, but we are still trying to determine the precise details,” says Dr. Yun Jing, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at NC State and co-corresponding author of the paper.

When the ultrasound is removed, the electrostatic force reasserts itself and pulls the nanoparticles in the Nano-network back together. The nanoparticles then diffuse more insulin, refilling the reservoir.

Advanced Healthcare Materials: Ultrasound-Triggered Regulation of Blood Glucose Levels Using Injectable Nano-Network…

original article http://news.ncsu.edu/releases/wms-gu-ultrasound2013/

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iBGStar Blood Glucose Monitoring System

Recently I was granted the opportunity to demo the iBG Star Blood Glucose Monitoring System for iPod/iPhone.
When I first saw this I was really excited and couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. Having and loving my iPhone and iPod I thought what a great way to use them to help me monitor my glucose levels.

When it finally arrived, I tore into the box and opened the case and felt like a child at Christmas. I was happy to see how un-intrusive the device was. It wax no bigger than a pack of gum but very sleek. I quickly grabbed my iPhone and downloaded the app from the App Store.
At first, it took me a minute to get everything set up. I tend not to read instruction's right off the bat just to see how intuitive things are. So once I got it synced with the app everything was really straight forward after that.

I've been using the iBG Star now for about a week and a half. One of the things that I love about it is the fact that it’s a standalone meter all by itself. You do not need to have it hooked to your phone or other supported Apple device until your ready to sync the information.
When doing some more research on the iBG Star, I saw you could get phone cases that allows you to keep the monitor connected to the phone all the time, which is handy but you still have to carry the lancets, and test strips so why not just keep the whole thing together?

One thing that I did notice that has me a bit put off is that the iBG Star seems to be off  by sometimes up to 200 points. I have been using my Bayer Contour USB Glucose Monitor along with the iBG Star and at my highest reading both machines read differently. The iBG Star read 486 where my Contour USB read 268.
I did a control test and still found it to be off by 40-60 points, which I have been told by my Diabetes Educator that is to be expected, but that its nothing to really worry about. Well being someone who is on a sliding scale for his insulin injections that’s the difference between a little and a lot of insulin. But I imagine if I was using the iBG Star as my only meter then I wouldn’t worry to much.

Getting into the app itself, I must say is very clean and easy to navigate. You have some fun features like being able to change the background on the app, as well as tailoring it to your needs by inputting your highs and lows, as well as your insulin etc..
It also gives you a nice on screen display to let you know when you need to apply your blood sample and when the meter has been disconnected or connected.
I am one for super easy, intuitive, and visually appealing software. The iBG Star merges flawlessly with the iOS.

All in all I have to say I really do love the iBG Star. I really like the fact that you do not need to keep it connected to your phone all the time and that it is a stand alone reader. I also like the fact that you can get the app for your iPod and iPad as well. Making it fully intergraded into the Apple owners life. I do not like the fact that it is only Apple based. I would like to maybe see a future version of this released to Android just to be more inclusive and opening the market for new users. 

Another feature that I really like about iBG Star is that you have the ability to share your meter readings via email with your doctors. This provides them with detailed information that allows you to get instant results, especially if you are being monitored closely for other Diabetic complications.

All in all I would give the iBG Star 9/10 stars. The only reason I did not give it a full 10 is due to it being only for iOS and not more readily available to all devices. However, that being said. I find it being one of the better devices offered for Apple that is a stand alone machine.

^{Images borrowed from Google Images. I do not claim ownership to them.}

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Biomedtrics Ditto

Recently I had the chance to test out the new Biomedtrics Ditto. The Ditto is a Bluetooth device that allows you to sync your blood glucose meters to any Bluetooth enabled device such as a smart phone, tablet, or PC.
Along with the standalone device there is an app called MyDittoLife, which allows you to keep all of your testing records on it and share it with your medical provider by emailing it directly to them. And the app is also accompanied by a website that stores all of your testing information via the Cloud, allowing you to access your information where ever there is internet access.

With Ditto you have several connection options that allow you to connect to your meter. It comes standard with a 3.5mm Male to Male audio cord that allows you to plug your glucose meter into the Ditto, a 2.5mm to 3.5mm adapter for those smaller ports, and a USB charging cable. That’s right there are no batteries that you have to deal with, its charged by plugging into any USB 2.0 plug.
And because Ditto is Bluetooth compatible that means that you can wirelessly sync your meter to your phone or tablet/PC. I have a Samsung Galaxy S3 and when I connected  my meter to the Ditto and turned on Bluetooth Sync within the app, it automatically updated the app on my phone with my most current reading for the past 3 months. I was a little disappointed in that it did not download all my readings into the app, but was impressed with how simple it was, once I had the app setup to work with the meter that I was using.

The entire Ditto program is controlled through the app. You can make all your changes right from your tablet or smart phone. It is pretty intuitive for the most part, but if you are technologically stupid, you may struggle a bit with it. I would like to have seen the over all ease of use more KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) friendly for those who are not tech savvy.

One drawback that I did find with the Ditto was its limited number of supported glucose meters. However, many of the top name models such as Abbott, Bayer, ReliOn, and LifeScan (ie OneTouch) are supported. This is one feature that I would like to see expanded upon in future developments.

Another feature that I liked about Ditto was that you could choose which way you wanted to export your glucose data, you could have it done in PDF or CVS format. Personally I prefer PDF format because it is more universal.  The other thing that was nice was that it displays a bar graph after every reading allowing for you to see visually how your weeks highs and lows compared.

All in all I give this system a 7 out of 10 stars, based on the app and the lack of supported meters, and the fact that it is only currently offered for Android. I really do like that the system is stand alone and Bluetooth which gives it great functionality and room for future development. You can get yours from Amazon by clicking here, and downloading the app from the Google Play Store by clicking here.

UPDATE

11/7/13

After having used the app a bit more I have found that my last statement of Ditto not having uploaded all of my readings from the meter was not true.
The meter I was using only had readings from back in March of this year. It did not display in the app that any information had been downloaded, it just displayed that there was no data found. I have brought this to the attention of Biomedtrics, and they are looking into it.

I did find and have a chance to look at my graphs for the time period that I did have data for and found that like the picture above it was well detailed and accurate, and gave me a good visual on how my trends were. I am going to upgrade my original rating from a 7 to a 7.5 stars out of 10. Knowing now that all my data was downloaded makes it nicer (and would have probably saved me some hardships had I used a meter with more accurate testing dates than half a year ago) to work with. I still stand by the fact that the over all usefulness of the app and website could be more user friendly but for those techy people out there this shouldn’t be to big of an issue.

Also in my previous review I forgot to mention that there is a website that you can view your information on called www.mydittolife.com which from what I can see is an HTML version of the app, without the ability to really change much of the information on, but have been assured that the site is a work in progress. The Ditto is a great device and is worth using, I would recommend it to my more computer literate friends, over the ones who are struggling to come into the 21st century.

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Glooko is coming to Android and Google Play

So there is a product on the market called Glooko, which is a revolutionary new device that allows you to connect your Glucose meter to your iPhone and copy all of your test results over to your phone, thus allowing you to email them to your doctor.

 

Well back in 2011 – 2012 I was accepted to be a tester for this new product and wrote a series of articles about it. Since then they have made leaps and bounds with it. You see Glooko use to only be available to iPhone users.

However, I was again chosen to be a beta tester for their new Android App. I must say so far I'm a bit disappointed (so far) with the outcome of the Android version of Glooko. You see unlike the iPhone single sync cord version (left), the Android sync version (right) requires 2 parts. These parts are a square box that plugs into the earphone jack of your phone or mobile device and has a cord that plugs into that, then into your meter. The other thing about the Android version is that it is not powered by the phone or the tester. It requires a large button cell battery, and the unit must be manually turned on in order to begin the sync with your phone.

One thing that I did notice though, was the large database of supported glucose meters the new Android version has. When I tested the iPhone version back in 2011 they had very limited number of supported meters. They now have all the main name brands and a few off brand glucose meters supported. The other thing that I was pleased to see was that unlike the iPhone sync which needed a whole different attachment or meters that had IR (infrared) beaming abilities, it is now built into the Android version.

The other thing that has been improved is the app for both Android and iPhone. The new and improved app allows for better, smoother functioning, making it super simple for even the most tech challenged person to use.

All in all I give the Android Glooko reader 8 out of 10 stars. The only reason I’m scoring it at an 8 is because of the 2 piece system and the fact that it is battery operated and not self powered like its counterpart for the iPhone. Other than that, I am happy that they finally crossed over to the Android market. You can get your own Glooko setup for iPhone here. It is not fully available for Android consumers yet. But keep up to date with them via their Facebook Page, Website, or Twitter, so that you can be the first to know when the consumer version of Glooko for Android is released.

[UPDATE] 10/29/13

It seems as if I was a bit to harsh/hasty on the rating scale of 8 out of 10 stars. At first glance I was off put by the over all appearance of the sync cable being in 2 separate parts and being battery operated. However, it did not dawn on me that the unit having a built in IR might need the additional power that the phone would not be able to give and provide normal functioning battery life for the phone itself. And the fact that there are some meters on the market that are IR compatible that would be unnecessary to have a data cable that was constantly attached. So I am reevaluating it and giving it a 10 out of 10.

I am also pleased to know that your meter data is available across platforms. I was able to pull readings from my iPhone and see them on my Android. So this makes the device even more universal and friendly. That is why Im giving it 10 out of 10. I have also synced my other meters with the App with only a few finger swipes. Unlike other mobile Apps that boost their ‘ease’ of use features. With Glooko its 2 swipes and your new meter is ready to go.

Get your Glooko meter cable here http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F9K7BWQ
Get Glooko for Android here https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.glooko.logbook
Get Glooko for iPhone here https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/glooko-logbook-diabetes-take/id471942748?mt=8

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Brain Discovery Could Help Schizophrenics

English: MRI coronal view of the amygdala (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The discovery of brain impairment in mice may eventually lead to better therapies for people with schizophrenia and major depression.

Studying rodents that have a gene associated with mental illness, Michigan State University neuroscientist Alexander Johnson and colleagues found a link between a specific area of the prefrontal cortex, and learning and behavioral deficits.

While much work needs to be done, the discovery is a major step toward better understanding mental illness. While antipsychotic drugs can treat hallucinations related to schizophrenia, there essentially is no treatment for other symptoms such as lack of motivation or anhedonia, the inability to experience pleasure.

"This study may well suggest that if we start targeting these brain-behavior mechanisms in people with mental illness, it may help to alleviate some of the cognitive and motivational symptoms, which to date remain largely untreated with current drug therapies," said Johnson, MSU assistant professor of psychology.

The study is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Schizophrenia, a disabling brain disorder marked by paranoia and hearing voices that aren't there, affects some 2.4 million Americans and runs in families, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

The researchers conducted a series of experiments with two groups of mice -- those with the gene associated with mental illness and those without the gene (or the control group).

In one experiment, related to cognition, the mice were presented with tasty food when they responded on one side of a conditioning box. After repeated feedings, the food was switched to the other side of the box. The mice with the mental illness gene had a much more difficult time learning to adapt to the new side.

In another experiment, related to motivation, the mice had to respond an increasing number of times each time they wanted food. By the end of the three-hour session, all mice with the mental illness gene stopped responding for food, while half of the control group continued on.

Johnson said the deficiencies may suggest a problem in the prefrontal cortex area known as the orbitofrontal cortex, and that further research should target this area.

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Interspecies Transplant Works in First Step for New Diabetes Therapy

In the first step toward animal-to-human transplants of insulin-producing cells for people with type 1 diabetes, Northwestern Medicine® scientists have successfully transplanted islets, the cells that produce insulin, from one species to another. And the islets survived without immunosuppressive drugs.

Northwestern scientists developed a new method that prevented rejection of the islets, a huge problem in transplants between species, called xenotransplantation.

"This is the first time that an interspecies transplant of islet cells has been achieved for an indefinite period of time without the use of immunosuppressive drugs," said study co-senior author Stephen Miller. "It's a big step forward."

"Our ultimate goal is to be able to transplant pig islets into humans, but we have to take baby steps," said Xunrong Luo, M.D., also co-senior author of the study that will be published online July 12 in the journal Diabetes. "Pig islets produce insulin that controls blood sugar in humans."

Luo is an associate professor of nephrology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and medical director of the Human Islet Cell Transplantation Program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Miller is the Judy Gugenheim Research Professor of Microbiology-Immunology at Feinberg.

For people with hard-to-control type 1 diabetes, a transplant of insulin-producing islets from a deceased donor is one important way to control their chronic disease, in which their bodies do not produce insulin. However, there is a severe shortage of islet cells from deceased donors. Many patients on waiting lists don't receive the transplant or suffer damage to their heart, nerves, eyes and kidneys while they wait.

Using islets from another species would provide wider access to transplants for humans and solve the problem. But concerns about controlling rejection of transplants from a different species have made that approach seem insurmountable until now.

In the new study, scientists persuaded the immune systems of mice to recognize rat islets as their own and not reject them. Notably, the method did not require the long-term use of drugs to suppress the immune system, which have serious side effects. The islets lived and produced insulin in the mice for at least 300 days, which is as long as scientists followed the mice.

While the barrier from rats to mice is probably lower than from pigs to humans, the study showed interspecies islet transplants are possible and without immunosuppressive drugs, Luo said.

In the study, the rat splenocytes, a type of white blood cell located in the spleen, were removed and treated with a chemical that caused their deaths. Next, the dead splenocytes were injected into the mice. The cells entered the spleen and liver and were mopped up by scavenger cells. The scavengers processed the splenocytes and presented fragments of them on their cell surface, triggering a reaction that told the T cells to accept the subsequently transplanted rat islets and not attack them.

But rejection was still a threat. A unique challenge of an interspecies transplant is controlling the B cells, immune cells that are major producers of antibodies. Initially, when scientists transplanted the rat islets into the mice, the mouse immune system started producing antibodies against the rat cells causing rejection.

To solve the problem, Luo realized she needed to kill off the B-cells at the same time she injected the donor islets into the mice. Thus, she gave the mice B-cell depleting antibodies -- already used in a clinical setting in human transplants. When the B-cells naturally returned after the transplant, they no longer attacked the rat islets.

"With this method, 100 percent of the islets survived indefinitely," Luo said. "Now we're trying to figure out why the B-cells are different when they come back."

The study lead author is Shusen Wang, formerly a postdoctoral student in Luo's lab.

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Undiagnosed Pre-Diabetes Highly Prevalent in Early Alzheimer's Disease Study

English: PET scan of a human brain with Alzheimer's disease (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When Georgetown University neurologist R. Scott Turner, MD, PhD, began enrolling people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease into a nationwide study last year, he expected to find only a handful of participants with undiagnosed glucose intolerance, as all the patients were already under a doctor's care and those with known diabetes were excluded. But Turner says he was "shocked" by how many study participants were found to have pre-diabetes -- a finding that is triggering important questions.

Turner's study examines resveratrol, a compound found in red grapes and red wine, to see if it might change glucose levels in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). Turner says resveratrol is thought to act on proteins in the brain in a way that mimics effects of a low-calorie diet.

"We know from animal studies that caloric restriction prevents diseases of aging such as diabetes and Alzheimer's," explains Turner, director of the Georgetown University Medical Center's Memory Disorders Program. "On the flip side of the coin, having diabetes increases one's risk of developing AD. So perhaps by improving glucose tolerance, we will prevent or delay both diabetes and Alzheimer's."

To join the resveratrol study, participants were first given a fasting glucose tolerance test to obtain a baseline level, and then retested two hours after eating. During digestion, the blood sugar level increases, but the pancreas produces insulin to lower it. A high sugar level after two hours reveals glucose intolerance (pre-diabetes) or diabetes if the level is very high.

"The number of people with glucose intolerance (pre-diabetes) was much higher than expected," says Turner. "I was surprised by how many people didn't know they were pre-diabetic, and these are individuals who already get the best medical care."

Five (4 percent) of 128 participants had impaired fasting glucose levels while three others (2 percent) had findings consistent with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Of the 125 subjects who completed the two-hour test, 38 (30 percent) demonstrated glucose intolerance while 16 (13 percent) had results consistent with diabetes. Thus, the overall prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes at two hours was 43 percent -- or almost half of the individuals recruited to the study.

Turner asks, "How does glucose intolerance or diabetes lead to AD? Does the inflammation associated with AD trigger glucose intolerance? Or do both events create a vicious cycle of Alzheimer's and glucose intolerance?"

Turner's study isn't designed to answer these questions, but it might provide important clues. Turner says while a glucose tolerance test is not typically ordered by neurologists, "this result suggests that perhaps we should test all our patients with early Alzheimer's. It's a simple, inexpensive study that reveals critical health information."

Turner will discuss his findings at the Alzheimer's Association International Congress in Boston on July 14.

The resveratrol study is sponsored by the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study through a grant from the National Institute on Aging. Turner reports no personal financial interests related to the study.

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