Diabetes Outreach at Johns Hopkins

Operation Diabetes joined up with NCPA (National Community Pharmacists Association) to educate the community about diabetes at Johns Hopkins Outpatient Pharmacy.

 

We played Diabetes Jeopardy with people who came by our table to help them learn about diabetes and clarify common myths. We used the Diabetes Risk Test screening tool below to determine patient's risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. The test takes into account age, sex, family history, physical activity, and weight to determine risk for diabetes. We enjoyed interacting with the community and felt that we made a positive impact by educating people about diabetes. 

 



Dietitian Comes to University of Maryland

On November 12th, Operation Diabetes brought Annette Hottenstein to speak at the University of Maryland. Annette is a Registered Dietician and is involved with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Diabetes Association. From her presentation, students learned about th history of nutrition therapy in diabetes. She pointed out that being overweight is not the only risk factor for diabetes. People who are not overweight can also be at risk. She taught that diabetics shouldn't skip meals, they should avoid sugary drinks, and eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish. In fact, the diabetic diet is the same as the recommended American diet. Unfortunately, the typical American diet is far from the recommended diet and she passed around bags showing the typical amount of fat and sugar in a fast food meal.

 Amount of butter in a fast food meal:                                            Amount of sugar in a fast food meal:

 

Annette also talked about foods that are good for diabetics. Oatmeal has been shown to be good for controlling blood sugar. Some diabetics feel that cinnamon is helpful but there is unclear evidence about its benefits. Fenugreek spice has some data showing its benefits and it tastes like maple. Whey has more evidence supporting it, but Alpha Lipoic Acid has the strongest evidence that it will effect glucose levels in the blood.

MOD learned a lot from Annette Hottenstein's talk!

Walk To Stop Diabetes in Baltimore

On October 6th 50 students came together to do the Walk to Stop Diabetes in Baltimore. It was a perfect day for a walk around the harbor with sunny blue skies above. We had pharmacy students from first through 4th year participating and a few PhD students as well. We raised $840 towards the American Diabetes Association. The money will go towards research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; deliver services to hundreds of communities; and provide objective and credible information. Everyone enjoyed walking and getting to know each other outside of the classroom.

Operation Diabetes Training Session - October 10th at 5 pm!

Please join us tomorrow October 10th at 5 pm for a synchronous Operation Diabetes Training session!!  The training session will be held in N 111 at the Baltimore campus and SG 2131 at the Shady Grove campus.  Dr. Deanna Tran, Assistant Professor and APhA Advisor, will help you feel more comfortable talking to patients at health fairs.  Through her interactive presentation you will learn general information about diabetes, complications and tips for managing diabetes.  She will also introduce the Operation Diabetes screening tool and how to use it.

Please don't miss this opportunity to become involved in patient outreach!  Food will be provided!!

Walking off Diabetes - New, Realistic and FUN exercise goals for Type 2 Diabetes Patients

A common misconception concerning exercise is that physical activity must be vigorous to provide health benefits.  But don't go signing up for any marathons just yet - new guidelines are requiring more realistic goals for Type 2 diabetes patients.   The HHS guidelines state that 150 minutes of brisk walking a week - about 20 minutes a day - substantially reduces the risk of numerous chronic diseases, including diabetes, depression, and breast cancer.

Walking is one of the most popular and widely recommended forms of physical activity for people with diabetes. It’s easy, relaxing and can be done practically anywhere, with anyone! Dr. Regensteiner, professor of medicine and director of the center for women’s health at the University of Colorado at Denver, stresses the important of making exercise goals fun and realistic.  Focusing on this behavioral aspect of exercise will result in more patients following their regimens.


For more information about contemporary exercise guidelines, check out the full article here
http://www.familypracticenews.com/news/more-top-news/single-view/diabetes-patients-require-more-realistic-exercise-goals/97367cbec2.html

Want to start reaping those health benefits right away?? 
Jump start your walking routine with us on October 1st at the Step Out Walk to Fight Diabetes.  For more information or to join our team 
http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR?team_id=514351&fr_id=7809&pg=team

From omnivore to vegan: The dietary education of Bill Clinton

Source: CNN.com

     Former President Bill Clinton recently in an interview with Dr. Sanjay Gupta from CNN admitted that he now considers himself a vegan and that he has lost more than 20 pounds after revamping his diet!
   
     In the past two decades, the former president has gone from eating unhealthy fast foods like hamburgers, cheeseburgers, french fries, and even a dozen doughnuts at a campaign (sounds like Shlok's current diet!) to basically vegetables. And this has made him healthier than ever! He obviously learned it the hard way as he only revamped it after multiple heart procedures and bypass surgeries. But now that he realizes how important it is to eat healthy, he has created a partnership between the Clinton Foundation and American Heart Association with the goal of promoting exercise and healthy lunches for 12000 schools across the nation. Clearly, he is now promoting what Operation Diabetes has been standing for all along at not only the UMB School of Pharmacy via MOD but at every other other School of Pharmacy across the nation! Eat Healthy, Stay Healthy!

You can read the full article on http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/08/18/bill.clinton.diet.vegan/index.html?npt=NP1

A Jonas Brother with Diabetes

Source: CNN.com

Nick Jonas, a member of the boy band Jonas Brothers, was diagnosed with Type I diabetes at age 13. He hasn't let that stop him from fulfilling his dreams of becoming an actor and singer. Check out his fight against diabetes in the video above!

To learn more about the disease, learn ways to prevent it, or to join the fight, visit http://www.diabetes.org/