World Diabetes Day hits the social network sites

World Diabetes Day, the global public awareness campaign led by the International Diabetes Federation, is now present on multiple social networking sites in order to reach new audiences and further engage its global network of supporters. Visitors can access a variety of information material about the campaign, including pictures of the Blue Monument Challenge, World Diabetes Day event videos and updated information on the 2009 World Diabetes Day campaign - focussing on Diabetes Education and Prevention.

Diabetes UK Annual Professional Conference 2009

Diabetes UK Annual Professional Conference 2009 - 11-13 March 2009 - Glasgow, Scotland

20th World Diabetes Congress

20th World Diabetes Congress - 18-22 October 2009 - Montreal, Canada

21st Annual American Diabetes Alert Day

The American Diabetes Alert Day is a one-day, "wake-up" call to inform the American public about the seriousness of diabetes. The American Diabetes Association encourages people to take the Diabetes Risk Test and find out if they, or their loved ones, are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Observed on the fourth Tuesday of every March, the 21st annual American Diabetes Alert Day is Tuesday, March 24, 2009.

Increasing physical activity and limiting television may lead to reduction in type 2 diabetes

"Researchers from Boston University's Slone Epidemiology Center have found that reducing time spent watching television and increasing time spent walking briskly or engaged in vigorous physical activity may reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes in African-American women. These findings appear on-line in the American Journal of Epidemiology. Type 2 diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. and affects an estimated 20.6 million people. African-American women make up a significant percentage of that population. Although previous studies support a role for physical activity in preventing type 2 diabetes, there has been little attention focused on the impact of this factor in the high-risk population of African-American women" - EurekAlert

'Body clock gene' diabetes clue

"The workings of our internal body clock appear to be directly connected to our risk of diabetes, researchers claim. International research published in the journal Nature Genetics found faults in a key 'clock gene' were linked to blood sugar levels and type II diabetes. Some scientists already believe that our circadian rhythms (body clock) have a role to play in the condition, which affects millions worldwide. But one expert said more evidence was needed, before a link was proved" - BBC

Holidays pose hazards for diabetics

Thanksgiving marks the start of what a U.S. doctor calls "sugar-centric festivities," a hazard for diabetics. Dr. Nicholas Jospe, chief of pediatric endocrinology at the University of Rochester Medical Center's Golisano Children's Hospital in New York finds this especially true for children. However, he counsels his diabetic patients and their parents that it is possible to navigate a safe course through the season's sweet temptations. "This is the time of year where we're assaulted by sugar, but with careful attention, people with diabetes can uphold good habits," Jospe says in a statement. "Most of this can be summarized in a single rule - that is, to be consistent. Don't take a holiday from the healthy practices you've mastered the rest of the year." This means, Jospe says, religiously monitoring insulin levels. Blood sugar needs to be tested consistently, especially when eating at irregular times. The pancreas is naturally tuned to produce and release the right amount of insulin in rhythm with daily meals. Jospe advises his patients to be careful to match their insulin dosage to their intake of carbohydrates. "Especially," he says, "if you indulge a bit." - UPI