Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Pablo on July 10, 2007 at 2:31pm

I do have one huge cause for NOT to find a Diabetes cure :

M-O-N-E-Y

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Next Dimensions on July 29, 2007 at 1:38pm

Pablo, you hit the nail on the head. Economically, I don't know what kind of shape we'd be in if we started curing diseases. There is no reason to, we already have effective treatments.

The cure for every disease is inside each of us. That's why I promote everyone to begin a path of education and self healing, it's the only answer right now.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Lara on August 14, 2007 at 7:30am

At the annual Chicago JDRF gala, the president of the Illinois chapter says in the welcome address: "Tonight we are celebrating 26 years of the JDRF." I almost choked on my food. I called her the next day and said being T1 for my entire life has not been a celebration for me. Sure seems like they are interested in preserving their jobs and the status quo, doesn't it?

I don't think the JDRF should be celebrating their utter lack of accomplishment. My money goes to joinleenow.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Steve R on July 10, 2007 at 5:27pm

This question may open a can of worms between those with type 1 and those with type 2. I hope not.

Type 2 clearly impacts a lot more people than Type 1 does. It will become even more expensive for somebody (gov't, insurance, individuals). Finding a biologic means to reduce the insulin resistance in Type 2 would save all parties a ton or two of money. Increasing costs may force drastic change by some entity (Medicare & Private Insurance) soon. It might almost make sense if those entities were to fund research.

I donate to the JDRF and the ADA, split 90/10. I have Type 1, so most of it (money & time) goes to the JDRF.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Kirsten Sigrist on July 11, 2007 at 7:14am

I do fundraising year round for JDRF.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jenny on July 11, 2007 at 8:42am

NOT the ADA. That's for sure.

Funded mostly by Big Pharma and junk food companies, the ADA has campaigned tirelessly to keep people with Type 2 diabetes chugging high carb diets which they then must compensate for by taking every expensive drugs. This, despite years of research showing the safety and efficacy of lowering carbs in the control of Type 2 diabetes.

To me, their refusal to change this position borders on malfeasance. They are still advising patients with Type 2 that a PP target of 180 mg/dl (10 mmol/L) is "tight control" which is insane for Type 2s controlled by diet and oral meds.

They have also campaigned tirelessly to prevent people from being diagnosed with Type 2 until years after they have started developing diabetes because it isn't "Cost effective" to provide the right testing--the OGTT.

They publish a couple good journals, which is the only positive thing I can say about them. Their record on setting the guideliness for care for Type 2s is criminal. And they are the ones that doctors and insurers look to for practice standards.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Penny on August 1, 2007 at 6:09pm

I feel that you are being a little harsh on the ADA. Actually, this is what the ADA suggests on their website: "Good control means getting as close to a normal (nondiabetic) blood glucose level as you safely can. Ideally, this means levels between 90 and 130 mg/dl before meals, and less than 180 two hours after starting a meal, with a glycated hemoglobin level less than 7 percent. The target number for glycated hemoglobin will vary depending on the type of test your doctor's laboratory uses.

In real life, you should set your goals with your doctor. Keeping a normal level all the time is not practical. And it's not needed to get results. Every bit you lower your blood glucose level helps to prevent complications."



here's a link to the page with the info: http://www.diabetes.org/type-2-diabetes/tight-control.jsp

I have been a volunteer for the ADA for 4 years now (and when I say volunteer, I mean it's a second non-paying fulltime job for me). I have had Type 1 for over 22 years now and I fully support the ADA in everything. Our local ADA office has supported a new support group (mostly type 2's), education (99% for type 2's and prediabetes and how to delay the onset of diabetes) and diabetic screenings in the community. I am sorry that you feel the way you do about the ADA as the organization does many wonderful things for people living with diabetes, both types 1 & 2, every day. There are several cases where the ADA has fought for people living with diabetes (ex. rights for a diabetic child at his school system here in GA, rights for people to be hired as truckdrivers, police officers, etc.). The ADA has lawyers that volunteer to fight for diabetics's rights.

There are all kinds of wonderful organizations out there to help us all - JDRF, Joslin, IDF, the list goes on. I hope that you have found one that you like and that helps you with your diabetes.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Alison on July 12, 2007 at 11:12am

For me, it's the JDRF, I'm doing my first walk for them this October. Some of my family immediately donated large sums to them as soon as they heard about Tony's hospitalization which warmed my heart. They also have done walks long before he was even born.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Manny Hernandez on July 29, 2007 at 1:23pm

I wanted to put a few more names out there to gauge your experience with these organizations:
-The Iacocca Foundation - http://www.iacoccafoundation.org/
-Diabetes Research Institute and Foundation - http://www.diabetesresearch.org
-Taking Control of Your Diabetes - http://www.tcoyd.org/

Do you guys know of more research initiatives worth supporting worldwide?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Steve R on July 29, 2007 at 3:46pm

I've also given money to the Iacocca Foundation and the as yet unmentioned Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston.
The other two you name, Manny, I'm not yet familar with, but will take a look at their websites.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Angie Ravenscroft on August 1, 2007 at 8:27am

We do most through JDRF because they've been there for us since diagnosis.

We also donate to Sick Kids Hospital / University of Toronto.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mom of Hannah on August 1, 2007 at 12:47pm

We have been active in support and fundraising for JDRF (www.jdrf.org) by participating in the annual walkathons (our family team raised $20,000 last year alone) and their annual Galas. I would recommend anyone interested in diabetes research take a look at their website for a local chapter and just to see what all they support. More than 80 cents of every dollar raised goes straight to research because so much of their activities are supported by the parents and corporate partners who believe in their cause.

• ▶ Reply

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• Next ›
• Page