The Islets of Langerhans aren’t the latest posh getaway destination for the jet-set. They aren’t found on a map at all. They’re found in your body—in your pancreas, to be exact. Though there are five kinds of islet cells, the most common islet cell is the beta cell. This is the cell that produces the insulin your body uses to regulate blood glucose levels. In people with Type 1 diabetes, the body’s autoimmune system turns on itself by attacking and destroying these beta cells. This leaves the body unable to produce insulin; hence, the need for injectable insulin.

But an exciting new development in the field of diabetes care has emerged in the past few years: the transplant of islet cells from healthy organs to people who suffer from Type 1 diabetes. The transplanted islet cells produce insulin, leading scientists to hope that someday patients will no longer need their daily dose of injectable insulin.ⁱ According to a 2006 report of the Collaborative Islet Transplant Registry, islet transplants offered the benefit of “insulin independence” for some patients, meaning that the patients could go for up to two weeks without injecting insulin. Other benefits were reduced dosage of insulin for patients who still needed daily injections, better blood glucose control, and a significantly reduced risk of hypoglycemia.

But islet transplantation is far from the miracle cure for Type 1 diabetes. The same study reported that over time, insulin independence seemed to wear off. And, as with any surgery, there are risks. Bleeding and blood clots are still serious possible complications, and rejection of the new cells is always a possibility. Patients of islet transplant surgery must continue to take immunosuppressive drugs for as long as the new islet cells function—which could be for life. The side effects can be daunting, too: gastrointestinal problems, increased cholesterol, hypertension, and increased risk of cancer are only a few of the possible effects.

Further breakthroughs may be at our doorstep. A new class of drug, the anti-CD3 antibody, is currently being developed. CD3s are the immune T-cells that cause the body’s destruction of its own islet cells. It is hoped that the anti-CD3 drugs will delay or prevent this destruction, circumventing the need for islet transplant surgery. Immunologist Herman Waldmann, who pioneered this idea beginning in 1993, likened it to orchestrating a “cease-fire” in the body’s immune system.ⁱⁱ Clinical trials are still underway for this promising treatment for Type 1 diabetes.

We're happy to report that response to our Diabetes Educator of the Year contest has been off the charts. In addition to warm receptions from our loyal customers, numerous Diabetes-focused websites and other media outlets have covered the contest and shown their support.

In an effort to celebrate our five finalists for a little while longer, we have extended our voting deadline and the online polls will now be open until February 22nd. So please cast your vote and show your appreciation for an educator who is making a difference in the community.

Click Here to cast your vote!

For people with diabetes, taking good care of your feet is always a concern. Here at American Diabetes Wholesale, we’re glad to offer to our customers some of the highest quality foot care products on the market, including a variety of socks designed especially for you.

Jobst Sensifoot Diabetic Crew Socks
Jobst Sensifoot Diabetic Crew Socks are designed with your needs in mind. The toe seam is flat and low-profile, which reduces irritation and pressure on the toes. Extra cushion for your foot is provided by acrylic padding, which also helps to reduce friction. Feet stay dry and cool as the acrylic yarn allows moisture to evaporate. These antimicrobial socks even prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi, which helps to stop odor in its tracks. The slight compression in these socks prevents them from slipping or bunching up, so you won’t experience uncomfortable pressure points against your skin. Available in a wide range of sizes, for men and for women, and in four different colors to blend in with your wardrobe (white, black, navy, brown), Jobst Sensifoot Crew Socks are perfect for everyday wear. Need something a little shorter? Try Jobst Sensifoot Diabetic Mini-Crew Length Socks...same great quality and size selection, but in a sporty length.

InStride Diabetic Comfort Care System Crew Socks
InStride Diabetic Comfort Care System Crew Socks for men and women are soft, comfortable, and colorfast, so throw them in the wash with anything. Specially designed for people with diabetes, arthritis, and other foot problems, InStride socks are anti-odor and help prevent blisters. InStride socks are made with MicroFiber, Polyester, Nylon, Lycra, and X-Static, a material which contains pure silver and has anti-static properties. These great socks also help regulate temperature to keep your feet warm or cool as needed. Available in white, black, or natural; try the Mini-Crew version, too.

VeBA Diabetic, Arthritic Socks
VeBA Diabetic, Arthritic Socks for men and women protect and rejuvenate the foot. Pressure and irritation to the toes are a thing of the past due to this sock’s seamless toe and full-cushion toe bed. Each sock has a mesh cooling system, deep heel, and elastic arch support. They’re also designed with a non-constricting, gradual compression to help protect your feet from blisters. The antimicrobial technology of VeBA socks will help keep foot odor at bay, too. Available in black and white, VeBA socks come in Crew Length and as Ankle Socks.

Coconut Sweets

Serves: 16

Nutritional Analysis:
Calories 137, Fat 3.9 g, Chol 7 mg, Carbs 20 g, Sodium 52 mg, Fiber 0.6 g

Ingredients:

• 3 ounces nonfat ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup nonfat dry milk
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1. Grease an 8-inch square pan. Set aside.
2. In a large nonstick skillet, heat ricotta cheese over medium heat. Add milk powder and stir to mix thoroughly. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated. Stir frequently to avoid sticking or burning on the bottom.
3. Add sugar and stir. The ricotta cheese mixture will become liquid again. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the coconut and mix thoroughly. Continue to cook for 3 to 5 minutes. The mixture should be quite thick.
4. Pour the mixture into the greased pan and press the it with a spatula.
5. Cut into 1-inch diamond shapes. The mixture sets as it cools. Cool completely before removing from the pan.

Source: www.RecipeGoldmine.com