Product:

Insight Insulin Pump

Manufacturer:

Accu-Chek

If you’re considering going for a handset operated pump then the Accu-Chek Insight is a strong option.

Handset operated pumps have the advantage of allowing you to deliver boluses and change other settings without needing to take the pump itself out.

The Accu-Chek Insight’s handset is an improvement over the handset of Roche’s previous pump, the

Accu-Chek Combo

, as the Insight’s handset is a sleeker, easier to read touchscreen and closer in appearance to a smartphone.

Note that the touchscreen is not yet up to the standard of a modern smartphone but it’s certainly a good step in the right direction.

Key features

• Touch screen, colour handset
• Handset also serves as integrated blood glucose meter
• Basal rates as small as 0.02 units per hour
• 5 different basal profiles can be set
• Bolus increments from 0.05 units
• Rechargeable handset
• Easy to fill reservoir

Disadvantages

One disadvantage that may be felt by people that are used to having a large insulin reservoir is that the Accu-Chek Insight has a 200 unit reservoir capacity and is therefore smaller than the reservoir capacity of the Accu-Chek Combo, which was 315 units.

As with the Combo before, the Insight does not feature direct integration with a CGM system.

Basal and bolus doses

As well as allowing very small increments of basal rates, the Accu-Chek Insight also allows you to set up to 5 different basal profiles. Up to 24 basal rates can be set over a 24 hour period.

Note that a basal rate is the number of units of insulin per hour that the pump delivers whilst a basal profile is the complete set of basal rates over a 24 hour period.

Bolus doses are also available in very small increments of 0.05 units and the types of bolus doses available include a standard bolus, quick bolus, extended bolus and multiwave bolus.

Reservoir

Whilst the 200 units reservoir for the Accu-Chek Insight is smaller than it was for the Combo, there is some good news in that Roche have made refilling the reservoir easier than before.

If you’re happy with refilling the reservoir with 160 units then you have the option of using new NovoRapid PumpCart cartridges which makes refilling the reservoir easier than ever before.

If you’re happier sacrificing a little of the ease for the benefit of a larger reservoir, then the Insight still provides an advance to make the reservoir filling a little easier through the use of an automated cartridge filler which helps minimise the chance of bubbles in the reservoir.

Accu-Chek Insight Flex infusion set

The Accu-Chek Insight is compatible with the Insight Flex infusion set which makes use of the AccuChek LinkAssist Plus insertion that helps ensure infusion sets are easier, less fiddly and safer.

Technical specifications

• Basal rate increments: 0.02 to 25 units per hour
• Basal profiles: Up to 5
• Basal rates per profile: 1 to 24
• Bolus doses: 0.05 to 25 units
• Reservoir size: 200 units
• Water protection: IPX 8 – Protected against effects of temporary immersion in water for 60 minutes at up to 1.3 m depth

Dimensions

• Pump (with adapter): 84 x 52 x 19 mm
• Pump (without adapter): 72 x 52 x 16 mm
• Handset: 105 x 52 x 19 mm

Weight

• Pump: 115g (with batteries, full cartridge and infusion set)
• Handset: 110g

Batteries

• Pump: One 1.5-volt AAA alkaline (LR03) or lithium (FR06) battery or One
• Handset: 1 custom lithium-ion rechargeable battery

Battery life:

• Pump (alkaline batteries): 5 days with Bluetooth off
• Pump (lithium batteries): 14 days with Bluetooth off
• Handset: 3 days (under standard usage)

Operating conditions for pump

• Temperature: 5°C to 37°C (41°F to 99°F)
• Humidity: 20% to 90%
• Air pressure: 50 to 106 kPA (500 to 1060 mbar)
• Blood glucose test strips: Accu-Chek Aviva test strips

Roche Insulin Pump Careline:

• UK: 0800 731 22 91
• Ireland: 1 800 882 351

Reflexa® Diabetic Socks can help you prevent complications of diabetic foot.
Reflexa® socks are proven to address the following diabetic foot health issues:

• By wearing Reflexa® socks, you can achieve better,
  
  faster blood circulation
  
  in your feet
• 
  Pain
  
  and
  
  swelling
  
  in your feet can be
  
  relieved
  
• With increased oxygen levels, your
  
  tissues
  
  and nerves can be kept healthy
• Your tissues can regenerate faster, which promotes
  
  better wound healing
  
• Your feet can be
  
  warmer
  
  with the help of thermoregulation
• Reflexa® socks pamper feet with a
  
  non-binding
  
  grip
  
  
  and a
  
  flat toe seam
  

Reflexa® socks can help you

prevent

diabetic foot symptoms, especially those resulting directly from slow blood circulation.

Why all these effects?

Reflexa® has all the above-mentioned characteristics thanks to state-of-the-art production and a material called

Celliant

Microscopic

particles

are

incorporated into the yarn of the sock

Celliant cannot be washed away, because it is integrated into the material. These small particles return kinetic energy to the body and thus increase oxygen levels and blood flow in the body.

This causes numerous positive reactions in the body:

• Increased oxygen levels in the body
• Faster wound healing
• Improved quality of sleep
• Pain reduction
• Better regulation of body temperature
• Faster regeneration after sport activities

Numerous studies confirming these claims can be seen on the Reflexa® socks web page.

Recommended by Professionals

Reflexa® diabetic socks are supported

or recognised by:

• The American Podiatric Medial Association
• The expert jury at the European diabetological symposium in Poland, which awarded Reflexa® first prize in the medical device category
• Many customers across Europe and the USA
• London Medical diabetes clinic

Order Reflexa® online

Reflexa® socks come in standard and thin versions, each available in two colours: Natural and Black.

You can choose between sizes:

• 
  Small:
  
  (2.5 – 5)
• 
  Medium:
  
  (5.5 – 8)
• 
  Large:
  
  (8.5 – 12)

Pay with Visa, MasterCard/EuroCard, Bank wire transfer over a secure HTTPS connection or through the Paypal site. Your online payment is completely safe.

Shipping costs

Delivery time for the UK is 4 to 8 days. with the costs as follows:

• 1 – 3 pairs:
  
  €5
  
• 4 or more:
  
  €7
  
• Purchases over €199 get
  
  FREE
  
  shipping

Desang kitbags

are designed to make having diabetes easier by keeping everything you need to control the condition safe and in one place.

Product:

Desang Kit Bag

Manufacturer:

Desang

Buy the Classic Kit Bag

There are 3 Desang kitbags available, starting from only £19.99 and cost £4.95 postage and packaging.

• Read a product guide to Desang’s latest product – the
  
  Desang Diary

Keeping it tidy

Desang kitbags make a perfect companion for keeping your necessary tools tidy. What’s more,

Diabetes.co.uk users can get 10% off

their purchase of a Desang kitbag.

• Read product guides to the latest kitbags:
  
  Desang Pen Pack Kitbag
  and
  
  Desang Bottle Bank Kitbag

Desang kitbag types

• The
  
  Slim
  
  fits all blood testing kit plus one insulin pe, spare needles and cartridges, diary and pen. Enough for all-day management, if you have your long-acting insulin when you’re at home.
• The
  
  Classic
  
  (which is the best-seller) fits all blood testing kit, two insulin pens, spare needles and cartridges, diary and pe, and has some spare space too. Enough to last all day and overnight, or for a long-weekend.
• The
  
  Roll-up
  
  fits all the above but has enough space to pack in enough extra supplies to last for a holiday.

Benefits of a Desang kitbag

• 
  Safe:
  
  The kitbags give protection to the kit being carried, including the blood test machines and insulin injection pens, which are life-essentials for people with diabetes.
• 
  Easy:
  
  Everything in one place makes it a whole lot easier to find bits, do a blood test or an injectio, and keep going with your life, thereby reducing the stress of having a high-maintenance condition.
• 
  Discreet:
  
  The kitbags are designed to look like an organiser, and not a medical box of tricks. That means they can be used without drawing attention and fit easily into briefcases, handbags and satchels.
• 
  Control:
  
  Having blood test and injection equipment handy, means that diabetes management is easier, leading to better diabetic control.
• 
  Confidence:
  
  The knowledge that everything is in one place, easy to access, safe and isn’t going to attract attention gives back confidence to people with diabetes. And as their diabetic control improves, that too will boost their confidence.
• 
  Freedom:
  
  We all lead increasingly busy lives. A kitbag containing everything you need to look after the condition enables greater flexibility and freedom in the way you choose to live your life and will reduce the worry and stress of living with a serious, but manageable, condition.

Designed by a diabetic (

me!

) these address the problem that insulin-injecting or insulin pumping diabetics encounter having to carry around blood test kit (pot of sensors, lancing device, spares of both of these and the machine itself, pen and diary if you fancy), along with insulin pe, needles and cartridges (and spares of these as well). The idea is to stick all your kit in a specially designed diabetic kitbag.

There are three Desang kitbag models to choose from (the Slim, the Classic and the Roll-up) with two more coming early in 2010 (the Pen Pack and the Bottle Bank). They come in leather, microfibre and plastic in black, tan or blue. So there should be a kitbag to fit everyone”s needs. Once you fill it up you can rest assured that you”ve got everything on hand that you need to look after your diabetes.

They are smart and non-medical looking, and are of great benefit for anyone travelling as you can fill up your kitbag and keep it in your hand luggage when in transit ” it makes getting through customs at airports a little easier with everything related to your diabetes in one safe place.

Each Desang diabetes kitbag purchaser should allow 21 days for delivery.

Product:

Cellnovo Insulin Pump

Manufacturer:

Cellnovo

The Cellnovo insulin pump is the

first insulin pump

to be released in the UK with touch-screen controls.

It is a versatile pump, thanks to its small size, able to be worn as patch or to be used as a tethered pump with tubing.

Cellnovo are a British company and their innovative pump has benefited from development by a Chief Science Officer who has previously worked for NASA in Houston.

Key features

• Can be worn as either a patch pump or a tethered pump
• Wireless touch-screen remote handset
• Handset acts as a
  
  blood glucose monitor
  
• On board food database application
• Bolus calculator
• Activity monitor on the pump
• Data can be wirelessly exported to computer, laptop or tablet
• Rechargeable battery

Patch pump or tethered

The Cellnovo

insulin pump system

is small and light weight and can be worn either as a patch pump or as a tethered pump.

When worn as a patch pump, you can do away with tubing. In this case, both the cannula and the pump are held onto the skin with adhesive.

In some cases, you may wish to use tubing, such as to choose an

infusion site

away from you wish to wear the pump. When worn as a tethered pump, you can use either long tubing or very short tubing.

The pump can also be disconnected and reconnected at any time, whether worn as a patch or tethered pump.

Touch-screen remote handset

The Cellnovo is the first insulin pump to be released in the UK that takes advantage of touch-screen technology. This allows the handset to not only look great but to be very intuitive to use as well.

The remote handset has a number of uses:

• 
  Control delivery of insulin
  
• 
  Take blood glucose levels as a blood glucose monitor
  
• 
  Calculate boluses with the on board food application
  
• Log important data

Another advantage of the touch-screen is that you can easily type notes into the pump as well as adding new foods to the food database.

Easy analysis of data

One of the key advantages of the Cellnovo system is that a wide range of data can be logged, viewed and analysed together.

The remote handset can log and display a wide range of data including:

• 
  Insulin delivery
  
• Blood glucose results
• 
  Carbohydrate intake
  
• Physical activity

In terms of logging physical activity, the Cellnovo pump features a tiny sensor which is able to

track and record movement

and send this data wirelessly to the remote handset.

Analyse at home or with your doctor

To analyse the data in more detail, the data can be sent wirelessly to your computer, laptop or tablet, allowing you to view graphs and charts in detail with Cellnovo’s secure mobile

diabetes management

portal.

In addition,

your health team can also be given access to see your results

and help with diabetes management decisions with all the data they need to hand.

Rechargeable battery

The Cellnovo pump is also kind to the environment as batteries can be simply recharged. To make this all the more simple, you are provided with two different pumps so that one pump can be worn whilst the other is recharged.

Cellnovo support

Cellnovo can be contacted for product support or for information on what the system has to offer on: 0203 058 1250

Product:

MiniMed 640G (models MMT-1512 and MMT-1712)

Manufacturer:

Medtronic

Medtronic’s MiniMed 640G marks another step forward for insulin pump technology as it features the SmartGuard algorithm which uses CGM data to predict and prevent hypos.

The MiniMed 640G also marks the first of Medtronic’s insulin pumps to feature a colour screen.

As with other Medtronic pumps, the 640G is available as two different models, the MMT-1512, which has a smaller 180 unit reservoir and the MMT-1712, which is about 1 cm taller but allows for a 300 unit reservoir.

Features

• SmartGuard – can predict and prevent most hypos
• Integration with Enlite II CGM sensors
• Integrated with Contour NEXT Link 2.4 blood glucose meter
• 8 basal patterns
• 180 unit and 300 unit reservoirs available
• Colour screen –with light adjusting display
• Designed for easy use by both left-handed and right-handed people

In addition to its colour screen, the 640G also makes navigating around menus easier than on Medtronic’s previous pumps, meaning less button presses needed to operate certain functions and change settings.

Disadvantages

The 640G has integration with the Bayer Contour NEXT Link 2.4 blood glucose meter, which allows you to send bolus dose instructions to the pump. However, the 640G does not provide the same level of control by remote provided by other manufacturers.

The 640G is a little larger than Medtronic’s Paradigm Veo pump.

SmartGuard

The main technology leap made by the 640G is its SmartGuard feature. Medtronic’s previous insulin pump, the Paradigm Veo, had a low glucose suspend feature which meant, that when used with an Enlite CGM sensor, the pump would cease delivering insulin if blood sugar levels became low and therefore helped to reduce the chances of a severe hypo occurring.

SmartGuard takes this a step further as the software is able to predict when hypos are likely to occur and therefore cease insulin delivery to prevent hypos even before they take place.

When the 640G was tested in clinics in the PILGRIM study, results showed that the SmartGuard system was able to prevent hypos 80% of the time.

It should be noted that it is still rare for CGM sensors to be provided on prescription on the NHS, however, the 640G boasts a number of other strengths as well.

Basal rates

The MiniMed 640G offers a lot of flexibility with basal rates. You can program up to 48 different basal rates per 24 hours and up to 8 different basal patterns, which is 2 more than was available on the Paradigm Veo.

Different basal patterns allow you to easily switch to a different set of pre-set basal rates which is useful for dealing with different daily schedules.

Reservoir size

A number of pump manufacturers have sacrificed reservoir size in the interests of reducing the size of their pumps. The MiniMed 640G gives the option of having either a 180 units reservoir or a 300 unit reservoir. The larger reservoir will be useful for those that get through more than 180 units between each infusion set change.

Which transmitter works with the pump?

Do not use the MiniLink transmitter (MMT-7703) with the MiniMed 640G insulin
pump as this device does not communicate with this insulin pump

• Guardian 2 Link transmitter (MMT-7731)
• Enlite glucose sensor (MMT-7008)
• CareLink USB (MMT-7306) – used to upload system data to the diabetes management software using a USB port on your computer.

Technical specifications

Basal and bolus rate increments

• 0.025 units for basal amounts in the range of 0.025 to 0.975 units
• 0.05 units for basal amounts in the range of 1 to 9.95 units
• 0.1 units for basal amounts of 10.0 units or larger
• Max basal rate: 35 units per hour
• Max bolus: 75 units
• Basal patterns: Up to 8
• Basal rates per pattern: 1 to 48

Reservoir

• MMT-1512: 180 units
• MMT-1712: 300 units

Dimensions

• MMT-1512: 85 x 53 x 24 mm
• MMT-1712: 96 x 53 x 24 mm

Weight

• MMT-1512: 92 g
• MMT-1712: 96 g
• Battery: One 1.5 V AA lithium (FR6) battery or One 1.5 V AA alkaline (LR6) battery

Operating conditions

• Operating temperature: 5°C (41°F) to 40°C (104°F)
• Air pressure: 700 hPa to 1060 hPa (10.2 psi to 15.4 psi)
• Operating humidity: 20% to 95%
• Water protection: Protected against the effects of being
  underwater to a depth of up to 3.6 meters (12 feet) for up to 24 hours

Medtronic helpline

• UK: 01923 205167
• Ireland: 1 5111 400

Bolus dose increments

• 0.025 units for bolus amounts in the range of 0.025 to 0.975 units
• 0.05 units for bolus amounts larger than 0.975 units
• Max bolus: 75 units
• Bolus history: 24 bolus records

Reservoir

• MMT-554: 176 units
• MMT-754: 300 units

Dimensions

• MMT-554: 51 x 83 x 20 mm
• MMT-754: 51 x 94 x 21 mm

Weight

• MMT-554: 95g
• MMT-754: 102g

• Battery: One 1.5 V AAA alkaline battery (must be a new, unused battery)

Operating conditions

• Operating temperature: 3°C (37°F) to 40°C (104°F)
• Air pressure: 700 hPa to 1060 hPa (10.2 psi to 15.4 psi)
• Operating humidity: 20% to 95%

Medtronic helpline

• UK: 01923 205167
• Ireland: 1 5111 400

The founder of Diabetic Hampers saw that for people with diabetes, food could be viewed as a bit sinful and not a delight. The aim of the business is to show how much choice is out there, and how delicious healthy food can really be.

Diabetic Hampers started looking at interesting food brands that could help people with diabetes really appreciate eating. They loved going out and about, trying, testing, sampling, slurping, munching and mulling over a wide range of foods to source those especially good things for maximum scrumptiousness and serious delectation!

To pass Diabetic Hampers criteria, food not only had to be 100% satisfaction guaranteed, but it had to look good as well – a visual feast as a prelude to an edible one.

Maintaining a small range, they focus on sourcing great products from small UK companies with an emphasis on being organic, sugar-free, low GI and low carbohydrate.

All Diabetic Hampers products are checked by an independent nutritionist for their suitability for people with diabetes, alongside Diabetes UK ‘s nutritional guidelines. On the company website, full nutritional details can be found in the contents list of each hamper.

Diabetic Hampers offers this information as each diabetic person is individual and will know what is best for them.

Earlier this year, startups.co.uk voted DiabeticHampers.co.uk into their start-up 100 list for 2007-2008 and Giles Peters, the founder of the company, has won a national enterprise award for his work developing the company.

At Medical Shop, we provide a quick and easy way of ordering products to

help you manage your diabetes

Open 24/7. Shop whenever you want and in complete confidence.

Products include:

• 
  Glucotabs®
  
  – A fast acting dextrose tablet that comes in a strong refillable tube – no more pockets full of crumbled tablets. Available in two great-tasting flavours.
• 
  Gluco Juice
  
  – Gluco Juice is back and now available in
  
  NEW
  
  Berry Burst Flavour. Each 60ml contains 15g of fast acting carbohydrate.
• 
  Frio® Wallets
  
  –  Keep your insulin at a safe temperature even when you don’t have access to a fridge – simply add water!  Available in a choice of sizes and colours.
• 
  Sharps Bins
  
  – Small sharps bins for safe sharps disposal at home or away.
  
• 
  Travel Pack –
  
  Three of our most popular diabetes travel items for just £15 (excluding VAT) A large Frio® Wallet, a tube of Glucotabs® and a 0.3 litre sharps bin.
  
  Save over £2!
  
• 
  Desang Kitbags
  
  – A smart, compact way to carry your diabetes kit.  From the outside, it looks like a filofax, and inside your diabetes kit remains safe and well organised when you’re on the move!
• 
  Unistik® 3 Safety Lancet –
  
  The only safety lancet available on prescription.  This comfortable, easy to use finger pricker is safe and convenient way to test your blood.
• 
  Merino®
  
  – Skincare products from New Zealand containing lanolin – a fantastic natural moisturiser.

We’ve got lots more!

We could never tell you all about each and every one of our products on just one page!

Do you need product advice?

At Medical Shop we know that sometimes people need advice about our products or would like a little more information or simply prefer to order over the phone.

Our

UK Based Customer Service Team

can be reached on:

• 
  Freephone:
  
  0800 731 6959
  
  Open Monday to Friday: 8.30am to 5.30pm

Title:

Stop Prediabetes Now

Publisher:

Wiley

Pages:

304

Price:

£8.99

Buy Stop Prediabetes Now

The title

Stop Prediabetes Now

may come across at first glance as something of a political call to arms, however, once you start to read the book you’ll see that the campaign is more on a one to one level from author to reader.

Some website reviews cite this as a useful book for

losing weight

Ultimately however, it is a book aimed at those on the verge of prediabetes who are seeking to make changes to their lifestyle.

A very direct assessment

Stop Prediabetes Now starts with an explanation of pre-diabetes and how it can develop and includes questionnaires to help assess whether you could be

pre-diabetic

Jack is very direct with the reader, but also very clear. Included as you go along are a number of case studies.

Explaining insulin levels

Some will be greatly taken in by the explanations about insulin levels but if this part is not for you, bear with it as the middle of the book provides some great guides get you on track.

Healthy eating and tailored recipes

Within the meat of the book there are guides towards healthy eating, tailored recipes,

cooking guides

and meal plans, and a comprehensive guide on nutritional

supplements

The chapters on how to shop and what to look for in a variety of restaurants are also well worth a read.

Title:

Diabetes – The Essential Guide

Publisher:

Need 2 Know (2009)

Pages:

132

Price:

£8.09

Click here to buy Diabetes – The Essential Guide

Diabetes – The Essential Guide provides extensive knowledge for someone with diabetes, their parents, carers, friends or colleagues. The book reflects the phenomenal rise in the number of people who are being diagnosed with the condition.

This guide can be used by the

newly diagnosed

, or someone who just wants to find out more about what a diagnosis of diabetes means.

It includes medical information about the condition and the types of medication available, and practical advice about how to manage it.

Information covering

pregnancy

, travelling and children with diabetes is also looked at in detail. The clear chapters and step-by-step approach allow the reader to locate and take in the information quickly.

The extensiveness of the guide enables anybody to pick up and begin reading, whatever their questions.

They can be confident that what they need to know is neatly slotted in to this handy reference book.

Early age diagnosis

Author

Sue Marshall

was diagnosed with

Type 1 diabetes

at the age of five. Now 41, she has lived with the condition for more than 35 years.

She says: “With some good advice, some understanding of what you’re eating and the effect it has on your blood sugars, as well as a healthy dose of discipline, you can find a balance between having a chronic condition and having a life.”

Sue is an expert on the range and purpose of current diabetes management equipment, which she says has “changed significantly in the last three decades since I was diagnosed”. The improved equipment goes hand-in-hand with improved medications and medical knowledge, much of which is connected with the role of diet and behaviour in diabetes management.

• Sue is the creator of
  
  Desang
  
  – who provide
  
  Desang Kitbags
  
  and the
  
  Desang Diary
  

Title:

Joe’s Rough Guide to Diabetes

Publisher:

Joe’s Diabetes Ltd

Pages:

76

Price:

£8.00

Joe wrote the 1

^st

edition of the diabetes handbook,

Joe’s Rough Guide to Diabetes

in 2005, sponsored by Sanofi Aventis and were published by Wiley in 2006.

Type 1 diabetes

Joe Fraser was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in November 1999 when he was 13 years old. He had been on holiday with his family in France and constantly needed to pee on (what turns out to be) the lengthy car journey from Calais to Paris.

As he remembers, “When I got back from the trip I felt quite tired for a few days, but not bad enough to make me take time off school. As part of the trip we had brought back quite a few goodies (pastries, strange chocolate bars and Orangina), which I merrily tucked into after a long day at school. Later that night I paid the consequences for that binge, waking up between 6 and 8 times to pee. It was at this point I started to realise something was up.”

Readings off the scale

Joe went to see his GP the following day who took a glucose reading which was ‘off the scale’, and so Joe was referred directly to the local hospital.

“Following another blood test and about 10 hours waiting around, I was diagnosed as diabetic and had my first

insulin injection

,” says Joe. “I found the first couple of years of the condition quite tough. I never went wildly out of control (I wasn’t admitted to hospital due to diabetes until a once in a lifetime incident last year), but the constant measuring and injecting was very trying. I finally managed to control the disease properly by the time I was about 15 or 16 and moved on to the four-a-day injection routine. With the greater flexibility of this regime I learnt the importance of

carbohydrate counting

and matching my insulin dosage accurately.”

Diabetes direction

When Joe turned 18 he decided to write a book about how to achieve optimal control. The resulting book was

Joe’s Rough Guide to Diabetes, A Personal Guide to the Highs and Lows of

Blood Sugar


, which was published in 2006. Joe’s motivation was simple – “I would’ve found it incredibly helpful if I had such direction when I was diagnosed.”

Joe explains that “…by that point in my life I had really taken control of my diabetes and understood how different foods would affect me depending upon various factors such as the food’s

glycaemic index

, my level of activity, and the climate. I tried to make the booklet truly useful by being as comprehensive as possible.”

Joe’s Rough Guide – Second Edition

Last year Joe revised the book and the 2

^nd

Edition keeps the best bits of its predecessor but is significantly expanded with hints and tips scattered throughout the book, as well as a new section at the end bringing all the advice together –

how to work out how much insulin to take

The point of the booklet is to give readers enough information and advice to learn how to live as independently as possible for an insulin dependent diabetic.

Book summary

• 
  Introduction
  
  
  Where Joe explains why he wrote the booklet and sets out the issues involved in managing such a complex disease as Type 1 Diabetes.
• 
  So… you have Type 1 Diabetes
  
  
  A simple biological explanation of the disease with a description of the most common problems of control –
  
  hyperglycaemia
  
  and hypoglycaemia.
• 
  Day-to-day living
  
  
  A look at the practicalities of living with diabetes, from injections and testing techniques to forming a Routine, to dealing with
  
  hypos
  
  and hypers, to balancing insulin dosage and food intake.
• 
  Exercise
  
  
  How to handle the complications and benefits that exercise brings.
  Includes sections on losing weight, sex, and how to work out your
  insulin: exercise ratio.
• 
  Drugs
  
  
  This covers the effects of ‘mainstream’ drugs such as cigarettes and
  alcohol, on diabetes control including how to work out your insulin:
  alcohol ratio. It also touches on the effects of harder drugs such as
  cannabis
  , ecstasy and cocaine.
• 
  Travelling
  
  
  What to think about when going away, from how to prepare, what to take,
  and how to deal with new factors that effect control, such as heat and
  altitude. Includes a section on driving and diabetes.
• 
  Hospital, School and Work
  
  
  What to expect from visits to diabetic clinic, and advice on dealing
  with the pressures of school and work upon your diabetic control.
• 
  How to work out how much insulin to take
  
  
  A range of in-depth examples showing various insulin calculations worked
  out for different activities, such as exercise and drinking. Also
  includes example routines for normal living, weight loss, and illness.
• 
  Joe’s Small-in-one and why I made it
  
  
  A description of Joe’s carry case and why he thinks it’ll help you
  achieve a perfect balance of having a flexible lifestyle with good
  diabetic control.
• 
  Helpful Information
  
  
  This section has a range of Glycaemic Index and
  
  Carbohydrate
  
  tables,
  along with links to useful organisations.”

About the Author

Joe Fraser was born in 1986 and diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 1999. Since graduating from Exeter College, Oxford with a BA in English Language and Literature in 2008 he has been busy developing

Joe’s Small-in-one

He now divides his week between running his company, Joe’s Diabetes, and working for the social entrepreneur, Lord Mawson.

Title:

Diabetes Through The Looking Glass: Seeing Diabetes From Your Child’s Perspective

Publisher:

Class Publishing

ISBN:

9781859592090

Price:

£17.99

Buy Diabetes Through The Looking Glass

Having a child with diabetes can be difficult, and books such as this can be an essential way to understand the condition and help your child cope with being

newly diagnosed

Feelings of the child

From the first page onwards, the focus of the book is on the feelings of the child or adolescent, as well as the parents and siblings. There is no attempt to gloss over the reality of

diabetes management

, but the information in this book could make the impact much easier to bear.

Every chapter goes into specific detail from diagnosis to

diabetes complications

, providing explanations of the varying stages of diabetes and giving practical tips on how to manage the condition.

Each chapter leads the reader through physiology, background and treatment options, with the information expanded with case studies, drawings and handwritten text to emphasise real world feelings.

The author discussed each section as it comes to a close, offering further guidance to parents.

One of the strongest aspects of this book, and what makes it so addictive, are the views of parents and children who live with diabetes. The real ups and downs of the condition make engaging reading, and the practical, everyday issues make it invaluable.

Support and encouragement

This book provides support and encouragement when those affected by diabetes need it most.

One diabetes

healthcare professional

who reviewed the book, June James of the University Hospital of Leicester, commented: “I think it should be on the book shelf of all healthcare professionals caring for young people with diabetes.”

Title:

The First Year: Type 2 Diabetes

Publisher:

Marlowe & Co; 2nd edition (30 April 2007)

Pages:

384

Price:

£9.99

Buy The First Year – Type 2 Diabetes

The first year of

type 2 diabetes
is often the most daunting.

The days, weeks and months

following diagnosis
can be a perplexing and arduous period. The key to early treatment of diabetes is information – knowing the intricacies of the disease and even more importantly your own responses and idiosyncrasies.

• 
  Buy The First Year – Type 2 Diabetes

Comparisons between type 1 and type 2

Unlike type 1 diabetics, type 2 diabetics are often left to care entirely for themselves, as they develop the disease during adulthood. This Diabetes.co.uk book review could genuinely make all the difference for a newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic worrying about their condition. Like all good diabetic books, as well answering your questions, it makes it clear that you are not the only one.

The author of The First Year: Type 2 Diabetes, Gretchen Becker, has been diagnosed for over a decade now.

She has educated herself in every aspect of the condition, gathering resources and first-hand information along the way.

Patient experts

Becker defines the patient-expert, who understands her condition, and more importantly how to live with and fight it. In this book, Becker takes a step-by-step approach to the condition, breaking the different stages down day-by-day, week-by-week. Becker set out to make this diabetic book able to answer the questions that all newly diagnosed diabetics have, including those about social life, technology, confidence, and daily living.

A sympathetic, concise and highly recommended companion for newly diagnosed diabetics.

Title:

Blood Sugar 101

Publisher:

Technion Books

Pages:

200

Price:

£9.75

Buy Blood Sugar 101: What They Don’t Tell You About Diabetes

A very easy to read and comprehend book on blood sugars and life with diabetes.

Simple and easy to understand

Jenny Ruhl was diagnosed in 1998 with

type 2 diabetes

, after many unsuccessful attempts to follow doctor’s orders in order to control her condition.

She proceeded to sort out answers for herself. Based on her writings on the award winning website bloodsugar101.com Ms Ruhl has condensed her findings and recommendations into this simple and easy to understand book.

Blood Sugar 101: What They Don’t Tell You About Diabetes

The book contains interesting and fundamental information on core diabetes topics many of which are not fully understood by many diabetics.

Including details about:

• What normal
  
  blood sugar levels
  
  really are,
• What actually causes diabetes,
• What blood sugar levels cause complications,
• What medications are safe to use,
• What diet is right for different people.

In doing so, Ruhl brings together much of the research conducted by professionals in the diabetes field, as well as doctor’s advice and possibly most importantly personal experience of that advice.

Ruhl also examines a number or myths and uninformed ‘facts’ that are widely used and thrown at diabetics and makes suggestions in a concise and easy to understand way of dealing with the condition.

Title:

Dr Bernstein’s Diabetes Solution

Publisher:

Sphere; Newly Rev. and Updated Ed edition (5 April 2007)

Pages:

544

Price:

£15.71

Buy Dr Bernstein’s Diabetes Solution

Diabetes Solution was first published in 1997, and has become the ‘treatment of choice’ for many physicians and diabetics across the United States of America.

In his book Dr Richard Bernstein presents a revolutionary advance to diabetes care, which has been extensively tried and tested and allows people with diabetes to control their condition with various exercise plans and a strict
low carbohydrate
diet.

Straightforward guide

The book provides a detailed yet straightforward guide which allows both

type 1

and

type 2 diabetic

patients to understand the condition and effectively control it, primarily by reducing intake of carbohydrate and thus their dependence on insulin and external medications.

Latest products

The book includes up-to-date information and scientific justification for all its advice as well as reviews of the latest products available to diabetic patients.

Many diabetic patients, especially those who have been recently diagnosed have found this book both inspirational and highly informative.

Many people have labelled it as a book that provides ‘all you ever wanted to know but were afraid to ask’ particularly with regards to Dr Bernstein explanation to what goes into medicated insulin diabetics are told to depend on.

It also provides people with diabetes with an alternative solution which though not for the faint hearted due to its restrictive nature, is a logical and arguably successful approach to dealing with diabetes and taking control.

Title:

The Diabetes Revolution

Publisher:

Vermilion

Pages:

304

Price:

£6.99

Buy The Diabetes Revolution

With the prominence of type 2 diabetes ever increasing and particularly affecting people of a younger and younger age, this book has been labelled groundbreaking in its practical and easy to follow

diet

and

exercise

guide.

Fundamentals

The fundamentals of the diet plan is the removal of carbohydrates from the diet, this supports mounting evidence that encouraging diabetics to consume carbohydrates is equivalent to encouraging patients with high blood pressure to eat steak and chips three times a day.

Reduce insulin dependency

The Diabetes Revolution has been used to reduce insulin dependency, minimise side effects of medication and lead to successful and stress free management of the condition.

Management

The Diabetes Revolution covers topics such as why people are overweight, lifestyles that can influence diabetes and its management, as well as medical effects of the condition and how they can result in other health complications.

The validity of this book comes in the credentials of its author; Dr Charles Clark is internationally recognised as the authority of diabetes diet, with dedicated clinics in Scotland and England, as well as being the holder of Fellowships from influential medical universities in the United States and Australia.

Many diabetics have been enlightened and seen improvements in their condition and have seized control of their life.

Title:

Type 2 Diabetes: Answers at Your Fingertips

Publisher:

Class Publishing

Pages:

220

Price:

£9.73

Buy Type 2 Diabetes: Answers at Your Fingertips

Type 2 Diabetes: Answers at Your Fingertips has had a lot of attention from many prestigious figures within the diabetes community, including Sir

Steve Redgrave

, five time gold medallist for Great Britai, Vice President

Diabetes UK

and sufferer of type 2 diabetes.

Practical advice

This book provides easy to understand, practical advice on a range of

type 2 diabetes

subjects without overwhelming the reader.

Type 2 diabetes is more likely to happen amongst people over the age of thirty, and above average weight. The onset of type 2 diabetes is usually more slow, and

initial symptoms

can be negligible.

Initial treatment

The initial treatment for type 2 diabetes is usually diet and exercise and potentially medication such as

metformin

If you have type 2 diabetes, this Answers at Your Fingertips book has been written for you.

Diabetes Type 2 – Answers at your fingertips is a practical handbook that makes it easier for you to learn about and live with type 2 diabetes. Over the course of 400 key questions about every aspect of living with the condition, the authors constructively provide a wealth of knowledge to help their readers deal with diabetes.

Qualified diabetes professionals

The authors of this handbook are both qualified diabetes professionals.

• Dr. Charles Fox is a Consultant Physician with Special Interest in Diabetes at Northampton General Hospital Trust.
• Dr Anne Kilvert, BM, FRCP is a Consultant Physician with Special Interest in Diabetes at Northampton General Hospital Trust.

A huge variety of questions are asked and answered. These are divided into helpful chapters such as:

What is Diabetes

, treatment without

insulin

, monitoring and control, life with diabetes, complications, self-help groups and much more.

Steve Redgrave

Redgrave has commented on this book suggesting it is an ‘indispensible read and teaching you every last thing there is to know’.

Answers at your Fingertips, is set out in a questions and answers format addressing many topics seen as fundamental to people with diabetes.

Synopsis

• Easy to read
• Highly recommended
• Great reference text
• No medical jargon goes unexplained

Title:

Diabetes Cookbook

Publisher:

Dorling Kindersley

Pages:

128

Price:

£8.42

Buy the Diabetes Cookbook (British Diabetic Association)

This diabetes cookbook has been written by the leading diabetes charity in the United Kingdom.

Diet can make the difference

It addresses the fact that good diet control can make all the difference in a persons’

management

of the condition.

Well presented

This cookbook is nicely laid out with pictures to tempt the taste buds, will over a hundred recipes that are more creative than those normally presented in diabetes cookbooks.

This book also includes informative comments about certain ingredients in the recipes which provide information about why they are appropriate for people suffering from diabetes.

Criticism

The only slight criticism for these a couple of these recipes is that there are quite a few ingredients which would have to be bought in specially rather than being found in the kitchen cupboards.

Also it may have been better to see diabetic equivalents to every day
recipes

which could be enjoyed by people with diabetes as well as those without.

Title:

Healthy Eating for Diabetes

Publisher:

Kyle Cathie (2009)

Pages:

144

Price:

£7.03

Buy Healthy Eating for Diabetes

Written by acclaimed TV chef Anthony Worrall Thompson and dietitian and consultant nutritionist Azmina Govindji in association with the charity

Diabetes UK

Healthy Eating for Diabetes features about 100 recipes in total, ranging from appetisers and brunches through to main meals and desserts.

Low fat and low GI

The focus of the recipes is on

low fat

and

low GI foods

and over half of the recipes should also fit in with those who are sticking to a reduced carbohydrate diet.

The book starts off with about 30 pages of practical and easy to digest dietary info before getting stuck into the recipes. The info includes some useful comparison boxes and the info is well laid out and easy to digest.

Easy to follow recipes

The recipes are easy to follow and well presented and illustrated, which should inspire both casual cooks and budding chefs.

As the recipes are low in salt, the ingredients through the book include a wide range of herbs and spices which will provide a great range of flavours for the palette.

Title:

The Diabetes Weight Loss Diet

Publisher:

Kyle Cathie (2008)

Pages:

144

Price:

£7.07

Buy The Diabetes Weight Loss Diet

The Diabetes Weight Loss Diet is an elegantly presented book combining a substantial amount of dietary advice for

weight loss

with over 100 recipes.

TV chef Anthony Worral-Thompson is joined by dietitian and nutritionist Azmina Govindji and food writer and consultant Jane Suthering for the book, which contains about 30 pages of

dietary advice

and a full week’s meal plan for each of a weight loss and weight maintenance regime.

The dietary advice is detailed and laid out in a helpful and informative way.

Weight management and weight loss recipes

The recipes are split into just over 40 recipes for weight management, with the other

recipes

designed for weight loss.

The dietary info and recipes concentrate on being low in fat, low in salt, high in fibre and with a relatively low GI.

Watch the carbs

Some of the recipes may be a little

high in carbohydrates

for some but with a bit of tailoring, most of the recipes should be suitable even for those keeping to a reduced carbohydrate diet.

The book is very well illustrated and presented, featuring photographs for every two or three recipes. The recipes include simple to follow methods and nutritional information is supplied for each recipe.