The Amazing Machine Inside of You

…Courtesy of Oak Point Chiropractic, Sacramento, California.

Can you imagine a machine that could heal your condition? Type in the right combination and cells react, repairing tissue and broken bones. A machine that regulates how many breaths you need for healing or one that beats your heart just enough to circulate the blood to areas in demand.

A machine this advanced could also send signals to its operator to slow it down or enter a sleep mode so updates could be downloaded.

It would be an amazing machine, cutting healthcare costs for millions. Undoubtedly, people would invest large sums just to have one and would go to great measures to take care of it. The demand for such a machine would be so great that suppliers could not keep up.

Want to know something more amazing? This machine exists within you. In fact, it is YOU. You were born with natural healing ability—you just have to take care of it!

Author A. K. Buckroth Upcoming Appearances

You’re invited!

Author Showcases approaching quickly!

As the Book Event Coordinator with the Northern California Publishers & Authors organization, multiple authors and their books will be featured, sold, and autographed for your pleasure.

Save the dates!

* Saturday, April 28, 2018, in the Rancho Cordova Library, 9845 Folsom Blvd., Rancho Cordova, CA, 95827, 12PM – 2:30PM.
* Saturday, May 12, 2018, in the Elk Grove Library, 8900 Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove, CA 95624, 1PM – 5PM.
* Saturday, June 16, 2018, in the Georgetown Library, 6680 Orleans, Georgetown, CA, 95634, 1PM – 5PM.

Genre inclusive. Family friendly. Free parking. See you there!

Certified Copyeditor and Proofreader @ Buckroth Enterprises

“Whaaat?!” you exclaim.

“Yes indeed,” I reply.  Extememly different from the numerous other articles blogged, inserted, and/or linked via this particular website (www.Mydiabeticsoul.com), a marketable endeavor has been growing.

Without further ado, further inquiries are solved at www.BuckrothEntreprise.com.

Just lettin’ you know…. #buckroth.

“…A Painless Patch That Can Control Diabetes Without Injections”

This is awesome.  From: FIONA MACDONALD, 15 MAR 2016

“Scientists have been struggling for decades to free diabetics from regular insulin injections. One of the main goals has been to figure out how to transplant healthy beta cells – the insulin-producing cells that fail as a result of diabetes – into patients, but this is an invasive procedure in itself that comes with the risk of rejection.
“Now researchers have come up with a simpler option – they’ve created a synthetic patch that’s covered in natural beta cells, which can be stuck painlessly to a patient’s skin to secrete insulin when it’s required and safely control blood sugar levels, no injection or monitoring required.

“The patch hasn’t been tested on humans as yet, but it’s already been shown to safely control the blood sugar levels of mice for at least 10 hours at a time, and the concept is an upgrade of the ‘smart insulin patch’ that was reported last year by the same team.

“The main difference is while the previous patch contained synthetic insulin, the new patch contains real, live beta cells, which means it’s able to more safely manage a patient’s blood sugar levels for longer, without the risk of over- or under-doing it.

“And because the beta cells are kept on a patch safely outside of the patient’s body, there’s no chance of them being rejected by the immune system.

“This study provides a potential solution for the tough problem of rejection, which has long plagued studies on pancreatic cell transplants for diabetes,” said lead researcher Zhen Gu from the University of North Carolina. “Plus it demonstrates that we can build a bridge between the physiological signals within the body and these therapeutic cells outside the body to keep glucose levels under control.”

“Beta cells are usually found in the pancreas, where they release insulin to help the body process excess sugar in the bloodstream following a meal. In people with diabetes, the cells are either damaged, or aren’t able to produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels under control, which is why regular insulin injections are required.

“The new patch works by linking microneedles up to live, cultured beta cells. If that doesn’t sound too fun, don’t worry, the needles are each roughly the size of an eyelash, which the scientists say means they don’t hurt when they’re applied.

“Those microneedles poke into capillaries and provide a link between the beta cells and a patient’s blood stream, and the team has developed something called ‘glucose-signal amplifiers’, which respond to rising blood sugar levels and communicate that message instantly back to the beta cells.

160314140741 1 900x600Zhen Gu/Advanced Materials

“The patch has now been tested on mice with type-1 diabetes, and the researchers have shown that it can quickly respond to skyrocketing blood sugar levels, and keep them controlled for 10 hours at a time, without any monitoring or regulation.

“Not only is this a whole lot quicker and easier than regular insulin injections, it’s also safer, because diabetics can often give themselves too little or too much insulin, which can lead to complications such as hypoglycaemia, blindness, comas, and even death.

“To make sure that there was no risk of this happening with the patch, the researchers added a second patch onto mice that had already had their blood sugar levels regulated. As they’d hoped, the new patch didn’t produce any extra insulin, but it did extend the life of the treatment to 20 hours.

“Before you get too excited, there’s still a long way to go before the device can hit the market. First, they patches need to be tweaked further to get the best performance in animal models, and will then need to enter pre-clinical tests, and eventually clinical trials in humans.

“But all the evidence so far suggests that they might just work as an easy and safe way for diabetics to control their condition. And that’s something we really need.

“Managing diabetes is tough for patients because they have to think about it 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for the rest of their lives,” said one of the researchers, John Buse. “These smart insulin approaches are exciting because they hold the promise of giving patients some time off with regards to their diabetes self-care. It would not be a cure but a desperately needed vacation.”

“The results have been published in Advanced Materials.

More Awesome Sauce from me, #buckroth!

Diabetes and Sleep Disorders

Last updated this extremely useful information on

“Research has found a strong connection between diabetes and sleep issues. Diabetics often suffer from sleep loss. And sleep loss can increase the likelihood of developing diabetes and exacerbate the symptoms for someone already dealing with the disease.

“Diabetes is a group of diseases in which the body is unable to properly produce and/or respond to insulin, resulting in too much sugar in the blood and urine. More than 30 million American adults have a form of diabetes and another 84.1 million are living with prediabetes – a condition that, without proper treatment, often leads to the development of Type 2 diabetes within five years.

“Read on to learn more about the relationship between sleep, developing diabetes, and improving sleep with the disease.

“Sleep Issues and Developing Diabetes

“Researchers have discovered many links between poor sleep and the development of onset, or Type 2, diabetes.

  • Across the board, studies have shown that people who are considered “short sleepers” (those who sleep less than 5 hours a night) have an increased risk of developing diabetes. And these short sleepers also tend to have a lower than average glucose tolerance, even if they haven’t been diagnosed with or previously shown other symptoms of diabetes.

“Other studies have linked a lack of sleep to insulin resistance – another common precursor to Type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body’s cells do not respond normally to insulin.

  • A case study presented at a meeting of the American Diabetes Society found that healthy young people who regularly slept for less than 6.5 hours a night had a higher occurrence of insulin resistance. By contrast, people who got more than 7.5 hours of sleep had a lower occurrence of insulin resistance.

“A lack of sleep has also been connected to obesity – a condition which has been linked to the development and increased severity of diabetes.

  • Researchers have shown that a lack of sleep can impair glucose metabolism and affect appetite regulation, making it more difficult for your body to control hunger or recognize satiation. In addition, the exhaustion someone feels when sleep deprived makes it difficult to exercise and control weight gain. Getting more than 7 hours of sleep a night is a key factor in preventing obesity and therefore containing the risk of developing diabetes.

“Sleep Issues with Diabetes

“Diabetics often struggle with a variety of sleeping problems. People will diabetes have a slightly higher reported rate of insomnia. That’s to be expected, as diabetes symptoms can make it more difficult to sleep and a lack of sleep can worsen diabetes symptoms.

“Unregulated blood sugar and imbalanced hormone levels can make a good night’s sleep seem elusive. Having high blood sugar levels during the day often makes it difficult for the body to sleep effectively at night. And being tired makes it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar.

“Those dealing with diabetes are also faced with a number of issues that can affect their comfort, especially while trying to sleep.

  • Increased levels of blood sugar can cause neuropathic pain, which is an uncomfortable tingling or burning the fingers, toes, hands, and feet.
  • Restless Leg Syndrome (RSL) affects a higher percentage of people with diabetes, another contributing factor to disrupted sleep.
  • Apnea is another frequent cause of concern among diabetic sleepers. A wide variety of people struggle with sleep apnea – a serious disorder in which a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. Diabetics, especially those who are obese, are more prone to experience its symptoms.

“Managing Sleep Issues with Diabetes

“There is an undeniable link between poor sleep and diabetes, as one tends to both aggravate and intensify the other. But managing to improve one also tends to make it easier to manage the other.

“Eating correctly and properly maintaining blood sugar levels throughout the day makes it easier for the body to maintain the necessary levels throughout the night, often resulting in better sleep quality. Maintaining proper blood sugar levels can also reduce the symptoms of neuropathy and RLS.

“In turn, more and higher quality sleep has been shown to decrease glucose levels and make diabetes symptoms easier to manage.

“Additional Resources

“For more information about dealing with diabetes and managing the sleep problems associated with the disease, please visiting the following resources:

“On the Web

T:he American Diabetes Association: The ADA is devoted to diabetes education, advocacy, and research. The organization’s website provides practical information as well as active message boards for adults with type 2 diabetes.  Diabetes Self Management: This comprehensive site encompasses a wide-range of issues related to diabetes, from sleep management to nutrition and exercise.  Defeat Diabetes Foundation: This unique site, founded by a senior citizen, marathon runner who is also an insulin-dependent diabetic, emphasizes that people with diabetes are neither “helpless nor hopeless.” The site has a strong focus on self-care.  Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: The nation’s largest organization of nutrition and food experts offers recipes, healthy eating tips and helpful advice for the general public, but the site also features many articles specifically related to diabetes and nutrition.

“On Twitter

CDCDiabetes: The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has a dedicated diabetes handle, where they share updates, statistics, recipes and other interesting information.  Diabetes Daily: You’ll get the latest in diabetes news, along with practical information for living daily life while managing your diabetes.  TuDiabetes: This community of people touched by diabetes shares personal stories and educational links, with a goal to connect, empower and mobilize those affected by diabetes.  Susan G. Weiner, RD: A nutritionist specializing in diabetes advocacy, Weiner shares tons of information about the dietary aspects of managing diabetes.

“Blogs:  Diabetes Stories: Riva Greenberg began blogging about her life as a diabetic as a way to share her own experience and knowledge in order to help others thrive. Her blog follows her journey and reflections as a diabetes advocate as well as research advancements and updates.  Diabetes Forecast: This is the companion blog site to Diabetes Forecast magazine. It focuses on healthy living, offering articles on food, exercise, and medications. There are also insightful interviews with public figures who are living with diabetes.  diaTribe: diaTribe aims to help people make sense of diabetes by offering a wealth of outstanding information on living with disease.

Scott’s Diabetes Blog: Scott K. Johnson has become a voice of the diabetes community, sharing both his experience living with diabetes as well as his experience as an advocate and connecting with others.”

Just keepin’ you up-to-date!  #buckroth

What is Up-and-Coming in Diabetes Technology?

Posted in Diabetes Research News

 A new year is underway, and with that comes the emergence of advances in diabetes technology. Companies like Tandem, Dexcom, Medtronic, Insulet, and Senseonics are continuing to move forward with projects that have been in the works for several years, as well as new ones. They are constantly striving to improve how diabetes is managed and to enhance the quality of life for those living with the disease.

Here are just a few of the technology changes in the works:

Closed loop systems. Many companies are still working to refine these processes. It is difficult to create an effective system that requires no user interaction, but they are getting closer. Currently, they are focused on reducing the amount of user input necessary and turning to sensor technology to measure and track blood glucose levels, automatically dose according to individual needs, and predict glucose levels. No fully closed loop systems are expected to be released in 2018, however.

Smartwatch and smartphone compatibility. Many people nowadays own smartphones and smartwatches. Companies are leveraging these connections to bring glucose monitoring right to people’s fingertips. With improved sensors and Bluetooth technology, data can be delivered directly to these devices through apps that allow for better tracking and monitoring of glucose levels. Users would also have the option of sharing this data with others, such as healthcare providers. There are a variety of apps in development with features to improve diabetes management.

Improved sensors. Speaking of sensors, they’re changing too. Industry leaders are looking to make sensors smaller yet more effective and accurate. They are also trying to extend the length of wear and reduce the number of daily calibrations needed. In turn, this would allow individuals more freedom and require less interaction with these systems while still managing blood sugar.

Increased FDA approval. There are some devices and technologies that are approved internationally but are not yet available in the United States. Or, approvals in the United States are stricter. International companies are looking to expand the availability of certain products in the U.S. and ensure that their diabetes care technology meets required standards.

Overall, there are numerous collaborations occurring between companies within the diabetes vertical that could have a positive impact on how the disease in managed moving forward. Companies are working together to bring about more advanced technology and monitoring systems that will make it easier for individuals to track not only their glucose levels, but also insulin use, meals, activity, and other factors that impact their diabetes care – and share it with their healthcare providers.

The Diabetes Research Connection is excited to learn more about these advancements in the months to come and see how diabetes care is changing for the future. The organization proudly supports novel research projects by early-career scientists and provides up to $50,000 in funding for studies. Learn more about current projects and how to support these initiatives by visiting http://diabetesresearchconnection.org.

DRC-Funded Scientist Creates New Insulin-Producing Cells to Fight Type 1 Diabetes

Posted in Diabetes Research News, DRC News

Thanks in part to funding from the Diabetes Research Connection (DRC), Dr. Kristin Mussar was able to conduct an in-depth study regarding how to stimulate the body’s own cells to create new insulin-producing cells that may help treat type 1 diabetes (T1D). In individuals with T1D, the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells, destroying them and leaving the body unable to effectively regulate blood sugar.

The human body is filled with myeloid cells that all differentiate to help grow, maintain, and repair various organs. When these cells are depleted, it impacts organ health. For instance, lack of insulin-producing cells results in diabetes. However, Dr. Mussar and her team discovered that there is a population of macrophages – white blood cells that recirculate throughout the body constantly monitoring the health status of all tissues – that instruct insulin-producing cells to grow in the perinatal stage of pancreas development. During this period of prolific growth, enough insulin-producing cells are created to support glucose homeostasis throughout one’s life.

Dr. Mussar found that there is a special population of these cells that act as cargos of potent growth factors for the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. If these cells are prevented from entering the pancreas, the growth of insulin-producing cells is arrested and diabetes ensues. This lack of cell growth, as well as cell destruction, are issues that researchers have been trying to remedy through various strategies for treating T1D.

One avenue of treatment that is being explored is finding ways to use the body’s own cells and processes to support insulin production. Current challenges in treatment include the constant monitoring and accurate dosing of insulin, as well as the use of immunosuppressants or other medications to prevent the body from destroying modified cells or specialized therapies. Using the body’s own cells can help reduce risk of immune attack or rejection.

To this effect, Dr. Mussar’s research revealed that there are precursors to these special macrophages that exist within the bone marrow of adults. When these precursors are injected into the blood stream, they are able to signal growth of insulin-producing cells. This discovery raises hopes that, by dispatching these pro-regenerative cells from the bone marrow to injured pancreatic islets, it may be possible to enhance regeneration of insulin-producing cells in individuals with type 1 diabetes. This may in turn help to stabilize blood sugar naturally using the body’s own cells.

The Diabetes Research Connection is proud to have played a role in making Dr. Mussar’s research possible by providing funding that enabled her to continue moving forward with her project and eventually get the results published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Diabetes and Brain Factors!

Healthy adults can typically recognize when their blood sugar may be becoming too low. It triggers physical symptoms such as dizziness, sweating, weakness, and rapid heartbeat, just to name a few. Plus, their body responds by producing glucose and initiating the brain to signal for food. However, in individuals with type 1 diabetes, the brain does not always respond in this way.

A recent study found that the areas of the brain activated by low blood sugar in adults without diabetes are not the same as those in adults with type 1 diabetes. In brain scans of non-diabetic adults, areas associated with reward, motivation, and decision making showed changes during brain scans. However, only half of the individuals with T1D experienced similar changes, and only in one area of the brain – the area associated with attention – and the other half experienced no changes. Their brain showed no noticeable response to having low blood sugar, which is why individuals may miss cues that others would typically pick up on.

According to Janice Hwang, M.D., assistant professor of medicine and first author on the study, “There is a progressive loss of coordinated brain response to low blood sugar as you go from healthy adult to aware to unaware. The first areas of the brain to go are associated with feeding behavior.” The researchers are hoping that these findings will lead to more effective ways of restoring low blood sugar awareness in individuals with T1D who have lost this awareness.

It is these types of discoveries that help to improve understanding of how T1D affects the brain and body and allows researchers to develop more effective ways of treating and managing the condition. The Diabetes Research Connection supports early career scientists striving to advance research regarding the treatment, prevention, diagnosis, and management of T1D. Researchers can receive up to $50,000 in funding to apply toward their project. To learn more or support these efforts, visit http://diabetesresearchconnection.org.

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“Diabetes Facts” from the Diabetes Focus Magazine

Small pamphlet-type magazines, such as the quarterly Diabetes Focus hold lots of helpful, healthful, informative information concerning T1Ds and T2Ds.  For instance, I re-wrote four short articles from the Fall/Winter 2017 edition with its appropriate picture, shown below.

1.) How to Win at Weight Loss  “Consistently losing even small amounts of weight in the early days  of a new diet plan can increase your chances of long-term weight loss success.

“A Drexel University study published in Obesity involved 183 participants who were either overweight or obese.  For one year, each participant followed a weight-loss program composed of meal replacements and behavior goals – and recorded food-related behaviors, such as cravings, binge eating, and emotional eating.  Participants also attended weekly weigh-in sessions.  The final weigh-in occurred two years after the weight loss program began.  Those who experienced consistent weight loss in the first six to 12 weeks of the program were more likely to maintain their weight loss at 12 and 24 months than those whose weight fluctuated in the first 12 weeks.

“So, for example, those who consistently lost one pound during the first three-week period were more likely to achieve long-term weight loss than those who lost four pounds, regained two pounds, then lost one pound during the first three weeks.”

Interesting, right?  I was not a part of this story, but want to share it with you.  Wait, there’s more….

2.)  One-Minute Med School…Why you Need Vitamin D  ” Vitamin D deficiency may be associated with peripheral neuropathy, a common complication of type 2 diabetes.  (Note: I’m a type one and have it.)  Symptoms include numbness and tingling or prickling in your feet and/or hands.  A recent study found that patients with peripheral neuropathy had significantly lower vitamin D blood levels and a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency than those without it.  If you are diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency, talk to your doctor about taking a supplement.”  (I do and have for years.)

3.)  Take a Hike  “Walking may have big benefits for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD).  People with CKD who walked three to four times per week were 27 percent less likely to need kidney dialysis or a kidney transplant over the course of a yearlong study than those who didn’t.”  (Note:  I walk daily, mostly due to my two dogs needing and wanting to get out.   Having a dog or two is great motivation and self-encouragement to just get outside and move!  Walking has also helped to alleviate my neuropathy symptoms.  It’s just plain wonderful!)

4.)  51  “… Percentage of millenials who consider type 2 diabetes to be a serious health condition, compared with 84 percent of older adults.”

5.)  Do the Math….  “Bagging leaves for 45 minutes = 225 calories burned = 1 caramel apple.”

Simply put, M O O O V E!

I hope you enjoyed these small, factual tidbits and I look forward to hearing from you!  #buckroth