A type 1 diabetic mystery is why do some Type 1s get complications and others seem to never get them? A massive Japanese study of Type 1 diabetics found that those with fulminant diabetes developed complications much faster and more severely than those with non-fulminant diabetes.

The difference between fulminant and non-fulminant is the speed and intensity at which the disease develops. Fulminant Type 1 diabetes typically develops suddenly with near total loss of beta cell function. This type of diabetes is confirmed with testing c-peptide levels. Non-fulminant type 1 diabetes has residual c-peptide levels that eventually taper to undetectable. Sometimes this is seen through many years of the Honeymoon Period.

This study may be the antithesis of conventional wisdom for preventing complications. Staking all hopes on blood sugar control is heavily optimistic. Yes controlling blood sugar does lessen the workload for existing beta cells, and thus extends the lifespan of each beta cell. Research suggests that c-peptide offers protection to beta cells, both from apoptosis (cell death) and encourages new cell growth. This new cell growth applies to beta cells and other cells of the body that endure long-term Type 1 diabetes complications.

Diabetics are instructed that maintaining normal blood sugars is the Holy Grail of preventing long-term complications. Yes and no. The truth is controlling your blood sugar will not allow complications of Type 1 diabetes to develop as quickly, presuming you still had some level of beta cell function upon diagnosis (i.e., c-peptide). That doesn't sound like a reward as much as it does a delayed punishment. I'd like c-peptide with my insulin, please. It's off the à la carte menu? That's fine - serve it up! I want to thank Klausen for bringing this study to my attention.

Imagine taking insulin was as easy as applying skin cream. Guess what - it's not so far fetched an idea, thanks to Phosphagenics and it may be coming soon!

Phosphagenics' has patented a transdermal carrier technology (TPM) that rapidly transports insulin across the skin without disrupting or damaging its surface. The company has recently announced successful results from clinical trials in Australia. This confirmes the TPM technology is safe and effective at delivering insulin into the bloodstream, without adverse events. The trial showed that the insulin safely penetrated through the human skin and delivered insulin into the bloodstream over a sustained period of time. Could this be the next generation of basal insulin? Adios Lantus. Arrivederci Levemir! Almost -- TPM/Insulin, applied topically, delivered insulin through the skin and into the bloodstream for up to 8 hours. So like sunblock -- you'll probably have to reapply.

Weep not, fellow Americans. Although Phosphagenics is based in Australia, they are in the process of applying for Phase 2 clinical trials in the U.S. Big ups to the Muffin Man for keeping me abreast of his leading-edge news from the diabetes-friendly forefront!

House Calls, a popular newsletter written by the prestigious Dr. Inglis, highlights a very important question in light of the Avandia mishap: how many other potential whistle-blowers are out there who have been silenced into submission before the Big Pharma vultures?

A medical expert testified that he agreed to sign a statement that was meant to appease the company's investors. This is not the type of behavior anyone should expect or dismiss of a doctor, entrusted with a patient's life. In his defense, he did forward a letter with his concerns to the FDA, which means they also were aware of the same threat. This same doctor is the President-elect for none other than the American Diabetes Association. Isn't that special? The ADA -- my friend, my confidant, my utter supporter of the C-peptide crusade ... sense the sarcasm? So much for advocacy, when the president-elect of this organization so willingly swept those safety concerns under the table, when he should have been throwing a tantrum on top of it! And all over the threat of litigation from a drug company more concerned about its investors than patients.

The closing comments in Dr. Inglis' newsletter say it all: There are so many vultures out there waiting to pick the bones of the American public, it disgusts me. This example goes to show why I always recommend to you -- and to all of my patients -- that you always question everything when it comes to your health. I don't care if it's your doctor you've had for 50 years or one of these nonprofit organizations -- give them all hell.

Imagine a place you can visit to connect with a friend living with diabetes, another family affected by diabetes, and a diabetic educator to learn ways to improve the quality of life with diabetes. Does such a place exist? Thanks to Children with DIABETS, it does!

If you are looking for a conference experience in a vacation setting, look no further. For several years, Children with DIABETES has hosted a litany of conferences to educate and entertain the diabetic community. Friends for Life is the annual conference, where over 2,000 Children with DIABETES folks come together to learn about the latest diabetes products, participate in giveaways, attend seminars and enjoy one anothers company.

The Children with DIABETS site has long been a leading resource to promote understanding of the care and treatment of diabetes, especially in children. Check out the upcoming events to see if Children with DIABETES has what you need to enjoy your next vacation. Thanks again to Jeff and everybody at Children with DIABETES for doing such a great job!

Yes folks, that cursed holiday is once again upon us. We each deal with the ritual in our own way. A bucket of candy on the front porch for some, a designated door greeter to toss treats for others, or just simply pretending nobody's home. Whatever your answer to this nutritionally vacant event, we all know it's all about the kids. In search of a few bright ideas for an otherwise brainless act (a little bitter? maybe), here are a few options for diabetics on Halloween.

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation posted a Survival Guide for Parents. By the time your diabetic child is trick-or-treating or being invited to Halloween parties, they generally know what they can and can't eat. The best ideas to help make sure there on no real scares on the 31st include: bartering candy for cash or toys, focus on fun and not food, and if all else fails-take inventory to cautiously measure the carnage of carbohydrates.

This leads to the next article, published by children with DIABETES. They went the realistic route of addressing the carbohydrate consequences of Halloween. They feature a table of carbohydrate values for common candies found door-to-door. Smart cookies, those children with DIABETES folks!

Last, but certainly never least is the American Diabetes Association. They focus on some guidelines to emphasize the sport of Halloween. Their top suggestions include: emphasizing the creative efforts of your child's costume, planning a Halloween party where you have full control over the menu, and indulging in the activities of the holiday like hayrides and haunted houses. All great tips to help parents and kids make it through yet another Halloween. Boo!