Any headline that features die is bound to grab your attention. The headline appeared in an article published by The Scotsman. What the title lacks in sensitivity it makes up for in reader feedback. Both, statistically eye-popping and universally alarming, I give you extracts from the article and a few passionate responses from readers. How does it make you feel?

Research from Edinburgh University reveals the number of people diagnosed with type-2 diabetes will soar by 60% within the next ten years. This is mainly due to the obesity crisis, with current estimates showing a quarter of the population is likely to be classed as obese by 2018. Doctors say they are treating an increasing number of teenagers for type-2 diabetes, which traditionally only develops in older people. Being overweight is a strong factor in becoming a type-2 diabetic, which can lead to complications of diabetes like blindness, amputations, cardiovascular disease and kidney failure. Diabetes and complications therein are estimated to costs the NHS nearly a tenth of its yearly budget. With future expectations of diagnosis -- the strain on the NHS will get worse. Andy Kerr, the health minister, admitted diabetes would prove to be a time bomb if the Executive's healthy eating initiatives failed. But he ruled out screening children for diabetes or rationing healthcare for people diagnosed with type-2 because of their unhealthy lifestyles.

And now for the comments:

Commenter #3 says I daresay the Scottish obesity/diabetes problems predates devolution.
Commenter #9 says, The statistical analysis regarding type 2 diabetes is flawed; the medical profession have been guilty in prescribing drugs and reissuing prescriptions for drugs that are only safe for short periods. One such drug has had its usage limited by the authorities within the past 3 years in Scotland and has only been reclassified in England and Wales in the past 6 months. This drug is now listed as causing type 2 diabetes, how many more are there out there? Hence the statistical analysis is being used to cover a grave error that is to be covered up.
Commenter #20 says, Perhaps we should take a closer look at why our kids are obese. They are marooned in the house for most their lives and when they actually do go out mum or dad are suckered into driving them everywhere. Tackle the fear which causes this situation and you are half way to solving the obesity problem of our youngsters.

All things considered, what if this headline was featured in the New York Times or more revealing - the 5 o'clock news? How would you react to it?

Remember the A-Game suggestions I dangled for Eli Lilly to tap for performance enhancement? Well here it comes. I called Eli Lilly headquarters to speak with the Chairman and CEO, Mr. Sidney Taurel but I was directed to their idea submission form (which consequently didn't work). Oh boy, Sid. I'm a little disappointed. So here goes - my idea is going free for all when you could've had it, first. Let's call this new and improved product Beta Juice. It delivers the essential functions of a fully operational beta cell. It produces: insulin, amylin and c-peptide. Here's why insulin should always come equipped with the other two...

Insulin brings sugar to the cells to keep our energy levels sufficient for life, homeostasis and (if we're lucky) some energy for the gym. Amylin is a controlling agent for appetite, gastric emptying and tells the liver to dispatch glucose. It is also shown to have an impact on lipolysis --- the metabolism of stored fat. Until recently C-peptide was nothing more than a number used to decipher if you were a type 1 or a type 2 diabetic. However, recent scientific studies have shown C-peptide protects small vessels from the complications associated with diabetes. The Reuters Health article is titled C-Peptide Replacement Improves Early Diabetic Neuropathy.

The American Diabetes Association promotes the ABC's of Diabetes Care in an effort to educate diabetics on controlling their disease. The ABC's of diabetes care refer to a patient's Hemoglobin A1c, blood pressure, and cholesterol. A diabetic must maintain a hemoglobin A1c less than 7%, their blood pressure must remain below 130/80 and their good and bad cholesterol must be kept in range. The ABCs of Diabetes Care were established in order to reduces the chances of developing diabetic complications like neuropathy (nerve damage), nephropathy (kidney damage) and retinopathy (eye damage).

Here comes the perfect Insulin (code name Beta Juice) -a laboratory engineered balance of insulin, amylin, and C-peptide. Insulin to balance the blood sugar level, amylin to regulate fat and cholesterol levels and C-peptide to control the damage inflicted upon the micro vessels throughout the body. This is a GREAT IDEA!! Not just because it is MY idea, but because this is a huge opportunity to mitigate the complications that insulin by itself can impose, without the checks and balances of the other beta cell hormones. What do you say, Eli Lilly? You're halfway there!! You've already partnered with Amylin Pharmaceuticals. They have one third of this patent pie. Now hop on the horn and join forces with the C-peptide patent holder and ride your stock price to the moon. The diabetic girl has spoken. I know you care, Eli Lilly. Now put your money where your mouth is and make this new and improved insulin a light at the end of the diabetes tunnel.

Bariatric surgery is the term for operations to help promote weight loss by making it difficult for the patient to consume a lot (or even a normal amount) of food. It offers a viable solution of mitigating type 2 diabetes, if not curing it entirely. In 2004, a major study showed that after 10 years, diabetes disappeared in 36% of patients who had the surgery, compared with 13% who did not.

Bariatric surgery is an increasingly popular option for people who can't lose enough weight by diet and exercise. The number of such surgeries has quadrupled since 2000, reaching 177,600 this year. For morbidly obese patients with type 2 diabetes, bariatric surgery results in a cure rate of 80-98%. About 90% of type 2 diabetics are overweight. In terms of just diabetes alone, the cure rate of serious illness after surgery is greater than 80%.

Bariatric surgery is nothing to take lightly. Although it is a serious procedure, it gives type 2 diabetics a token of hope they may never have to rue the day of diabetic complication like blindness, amputations, neuropathy, stroke, heart attack, and life itself. Is the risk worth the reward?

Based on ADA statistics, there are bout 20.8 million people in the United States who have diabetes. For you percentage people out there, that's roughly 7 percent of the total U.S. population. That figure represents the almost 15 million people who have been diagnosed and the estimated 5 to 6 million people who are not aware that they have the disease. This lack of awareness can of course lead to an increased risk for complications. But, for those individuals who are aware that they have diabetes but still do not seek regular treatment, risk of complications are also great. This is particularly true when it comes to diabetic retinopathy.

Affecting up to 24,000 new people each year, diabetic retinopathy is a degenerative disease of the retina that can sometimes lead to blindness. But, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, permanent blindness from retinopathy can be prevented if it is diagnosed and treated in its early stages. Because only 60 percent of people with diabetes have their eyes tested annually, many cases of blindness could be avoided if that percentage was much higher, doctors say. In fact, studies show that regular treatments, including an annual eye dilation and exam, can reduce the chance of severe vision loss by almost 94 percent. And, with more advanced treatment, such as the method highlighted in Allie's post below, we will hopefully see a day where blindness becomes a thing of the past.

A study from U.S. researchers has found that daily supplementation with a cinnamon extract may boost the body's antioxidants, which can lessen the complications associated with metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by obesity -- especially around the midsection -- hypertension and reduced metabolism of both glucose and insulin. The syndrome is associated with an increased risk in the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The study recruited 24 participants with impaired fasting glucose levels for a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The patients were split into two randomly assigned groups: the first received a daily dose of 500 mg of cinnamon extract and the second received a placebo. After 12 weeks, the researchers found that in the cinnamon extract group, antioxidant levels were significantly increased compared to the placebo group. Plasma levels of a reactive compound related to oxidative stress were also lower in the cinnamon group, but remained unchanged in the placebo patients. Oxidative stress is responsible for many of the microvascular changed responsible for diabetes complications: blindness, numbness, kidney damage, and amputations.

Beyond the resounding proof of cinnamon being helpful in diabetes management, other health-related benefits include: improved digestion, toning of tissues, relief from congestion, muscle and joint pain relief, relief from menstrual cramping, thinning of the blood and better circulation, relief from arthritis pain, prevention of urinary tract infections, prevention of tooth decay, and killing of harmful bacteria. I think a sprinkle of cinnamon is worth the pound of prevention this little spice is punching. How much is 500 mg of cinnamon anyway?

The Center for Disease Control announced that they will run a study to examine the cost-effectiveness of treatment interventions for type 2 diabetes. "People with diabetes are at considerable risk for heart disease, strokes and other serious health complications," said David Fleming, M.D. acting CDC director. "This study confirms that aggressive treatment interventions aimed at reducing the risks of cardiovascular disease increase life expectancy and, at the same time, may reduce lifetime health care costs," The footer of the Press Release where I got this story says:

CDC protects people's health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national, and international organizations.

Here comes my spiel, so grab a seat. Remember that huge event back in 1993? I'm talking about the announcement of the DCCT study that proved tighter control reduces the complications of eye, kidney, and nerve diseases caused by type 1 diabetes. And 5 years later the UK reiterated these results for type 2 diabetes. The $2.5 billion question is (yes, diabetic complications cost the United States $2.5 billion in 2005): why are we still relying on an antiquated test that can only be administered every 3 or 6 months to tell us how well we are controlling our diabetes? If more accurate testing and earlier therapeutic intervention result in less diabetic complications - where is the holdup?

To those concerned at the CDC, in an effort to protect people's health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries why haven't we seen a new test that can monitor our overall diabetes control on a monthly basis, rather than waiting to test every 3 or 6 months? This would, in effect, allow tighter control, which has been proven to reduce the potential of diabetic complications. (Please note: the original issue of the sited press release was May, 2002). Just a thought - you could use that extra $2.5 billion for something else like promoting healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national, and international organizations.

Many of us know that failure to properly manage diabetes can lead to financially stifling and disabling complications, heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, blindness and amputations to name a few. Between medications, supplies, durable goods (for those of you pumping), doctor's visits and training - diabetes can really decay your annual income. And yes, I'm talking about the copays. When an individual lacks health insurance altogether or has inadequate coverage, the costs are even greater.

As diabetes continues to rise -- it is increasing by 8 percent each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- state health coverage protections are becoming more important than ever.

See the Coming Attractions of Stewart Perry's interview with dLife Host Nicole Johnson Baker The Cost of Diabetes, October 1, on dLifeTV. Learn the ins and outs of dealing with insurance companies and how to best use the programs available for diabetics. dLifeTV can be seen every Sunday on CNBC at 7:00pm ET/4:00pm Pacific. Visit dLife for further information. It's all about diabetes.

Virtual visits to the doctor: what a great idea. I love it even though it's never worked out for me! I usually give up fiddling with the complicated web-based system and just call the doctor's office for an old-fashioned appointment. Sigh. Long-distance medicine is spreading, nevertheless. And it has the potential to revolutionize access to medical treatment in the developing world.

Case in point: Lawrence (Larry) Merin (pictured), an assistant professor of ophthalmology at the Vanderbilt Ophthalmic Imaging Center (Vanderbilt University), is lending his talents to help out diabetics in Peru and Bolivia. Workers in those countries will take pictures of the eyes of those afflicted with diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to vision loss and blindness. The pics will be emailed to Merin's Nashville office. Merin and other specialists at the Center will evaluate the pictures and send back treatment advice - all at no charge. According to Merin, the strategy is intended to help some of those who are desperately in need as diabetes rates skyrocket in the Third World. (It is thought that around seven percent of the populations of Bolivia and Peru are diabetic.) "There's an area of Peru where there are 1 million people but not one ophthalmologist," says Merin. "Without this [service], more and more people will go blind."

Incidentally, funding for this wonderful initiative comes from the Center for the Americas at Vanderbilt, whose purpose is to encourage relationships between the US and South American countries that will help with the development of that region. Assistance also comes from the Pan American Health Organization.

Another sad sign of diabetes' extensive reach: an Australian study has confirmed that diabetes is having a terrible impact on that country's Indigenous people, sometimes referred to as Australian Aborigines. Diabetic retinopathy, or blindness caused by diabetes, is on its way to becoming the number one health problem for the Indigenous people of Australia.

The study looked at the health records of more than 1,500 people from twenty-two different communities in the Australian outback. The study found that nearly forty-seven percent of South Australian Indigenous people are suffering from impaired sight that is diabetes-related. According to researcher Dr. Henry Newland, blindness is occurring in these communities at a rate four times that of the general population. The tragedy, of course, is that these horrific rates could be reduced if people could be persuaded to adopt healthier lifestyles and had access to improved healthcare.

(Pictured: an Indigenous Australian woman puts traditional basket-making skills to use.)

USA TODAY ran a feature story that covered an American Diabetes Association, ADA, briefing over the weekend in which Robert Rizza, president of the ADA, stated that 7.2 million diabetic disabilities and deaths could be avoided by a simple daily pill that combined low-dose aspirin with drugs that lower cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar. A polypill is what Rizza called it.

Rizza went on to say that this treatment would cost approximately $100 dollars a year per person. According to the ADA, 21 million Americans have diabetes with an additional 41 million Americans at risk of developing diabetes. When I read this, it struck me that this is either a groundbreaking statement that has profoundly promising implications in the future treatment for diabetes -- or this is common knowledge in the diabetes community and then -- why is no one acting on this knowledge and developing the pill Rizza is referring to? Then again, is creating a mega-pill combining so many different medications in one pill -- prudent?

I am going with groundbreaking news, as the information shared in this weekend briefing was based on a mathematical model produced by Archimedes that predicts various outcomes based on variables in treatments. Now that they have this information, what will they do with it?

Vision loss is a real concern for diabetics. According to researchers, diabetics fear blindness more than they do death. The cause for potential vision loss due to diabetes results when blood vessels in the retina leak, and in a more severe stage, there is a profusion of fragile new blood vessels that form in the back of the eye that can leak.

In late-stage clinical trials, ruboxistaurin, an experimental drug developed by Eli Lilly, has proven effective in reducing vision loss caused by the effects of diabetes on the retina by 41 percent. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has now agreed to review the research data in making a decision on whether to approve ruboxistaurin.

If approved, ruboxistaurin will be sold under the brand name Arxxant. As I understand what I am reading about this drug, it will be the first oral pill designed to slow or prevent vision loss. While the researchers were hoping the drug would slow progression of advanced vision loss, it appeared to be effective only in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy.

Residents of Scotland in the Forth Valley area have been guaranteed eye checks on an annual basis. The purpose? To try and combat blindness, rates of which are expected to grow along with the spread of diabetes. In the Forth Valley area it has been predicted that the number of diabetes patients will double in the next ten years. Diabetics are at a much higher risk for blindness than are non-diabetics because they are prone to retinopathy, or damage to the blood vessels in the retina. Retinopathy is the single largest cause of blindness among working-age Brits. The eye exams are intended to check for early stages of retinal damage. Early diagnosis means affected eyes can be treated with laser therapy.  According to the rules of the new policy, anyone over the age of twelve will be entitled to receive the checks.

American Diabetes Services is offering free or low-cost audio blood glucose meters to vision-impaired diabetics -- or at least free to those on Medicare or certain types of insurance plans. Meters with audio readings are invaluable for those affected with vision problems because such problems make it very hard to read the screen on a regular glucose meter. Vision problems are much more common in diabetics than in non-diabetics. The American Diabetes Association has reported that diabetics are forty percent more likely to develop glaucoma and sixty percent more likely to develop cataracts than are non-diabetics. In addition, complications from diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the US. The company's press release on the offer says that Type 1 diabetics who closely monitor their blood glucose levels reduce their risk of eye damage by 76%. The cost of audio meters acquired from American Diabetes Services appears to vary depending on the type of health plan you are on - Medicare or private insurance. If you can get this device for free, great, but just look into the fine print first - caveat emptor and all that.