Quinte Insulin Pumpers Meeting, October 19, 2005


On Wednesday, September 19, nine persons and their support persons concerned
with the delivery of insulin by means of insulin pumps gathered at Holy Trinity
Lutheran Church, 516 Victoria Avenue, Belleville, Ontario, 7:00 to 9:00 pm.

Role of Quinte Insulin Pumpers

For a new member, Chair Nancy Stafford explained the goal of Quinte Insulin
Pumpers.  According to Nancy, we are for total education and the sharing of
information about diabetes.  We recognize the good that is done by several
charitable organizations including the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA), the
Canadian Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), the Diabetes Hope
Foundation and others, but weÊknow that each of these organizations has its
distinct goals and limits.  Similarly, we do not recommend one particular
insulin pump supplier, but we endeavour to make information about the advantages
of each brand available to our members who are considering the purchaseÊof a
pump.Ê

Canadian Diabetes Association Display Board

Nancy was able to secure the loan of a display board prepared by the Kingston
office of the Canadian Diabetes Association. It outlined the differences between
insulin dependent and non-insulin dependent diabetes.ÊÊThe CDA boardÊdefined
diabetes mellitus as life-long condition resulting from a lack of insulin
action.

A section on the board stated that the Canadian Diabetes Association is a
non-profit national organization.  There are ten divisions at provincial levels
with nearly 200 branches. (Our nearest branch is located in Kingston.)

The four goals of the Canadian Diabetes Association are: service, education,
advocacy and research.

CDA information sheets were available for members to take home to study. The
topics included: Kids with Diabetes in Your Care, Staying Healthy with Diabetes,
Are you at Risk?, The Glycemic Index, Type 2 Diabetes, Things You Should Know,
and Just the Basics, Tips for Healthy Eating, Diabetes Prevention and
Management.Ê There were also physical activity guides forÊchildren and for older
adults published by Health Canada.ÊÊ

The internet site for the CDA isÊ<http://www.diabetes.ca>www.diabetes.ca and the
email address isÊ<mailto:info@diabetes.ca>info@diabetes.ca .ÊÊ

Adjusting Basal Rates

A member suggested that to correct night time basal rates, test blood sugar
levels at bedtime and then again on getting up.  If the numbers are close, you
are ok.  If there's a great difference (Example: 20 points) begin adjusting the
basal rates one and a half to two hours before the desired time of effect by
small increments until a balance is achieved.Ê

Basal rates change with the seasons, growth spurtsÊand stress levels.  Emotional
stress associated with school events (tests, oral presentations, etc.) can cause
a sudden change in blood glucose readings.

Tax Credits

As of the year 2000, there is aÊfederal tax credit for people with type 1
diabetes.  It's all in the way the doctor and the patient present the
information about a patient's health diabetes that can determine the awarding of
a tax credit.  There are three criteria that must be met:Ê 1) It is a health
matter that lasts more than 6 months during the fiscal year (i.e. It is a long
term thing.); 2) The patient or family members (Example: parents) put in at
least 14 hours PER WEEK of time into managing the disease; 3) It is life
threatening.

After age 65, suddenly diabetes is recognized as a life threatening disease.

Financial Assistance

Don't let finances hold you back from purchasing an insulin pump.  Assistance is
available through service clubs and church groups.  Quinte Insulin Pumpers has
limited funds available.

Expected Lifespan of a Pump

Most insulin pump providersÊstand byÊa 4-year warranty, but individual pumps
have been known to last 15 years.  Health insurance policies generally fund new
insulin pumps on a four-year basis. Upgrading involvesÊgetting newer "bells and
whistles" that may be useful, but not essential for a pump's safe functioning.Ê

Next Meetings

Quinte Insulin Pumpers meet to share information for managing type 1 diabetes at
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 516, Victoria Avenue, Belleville, on the third
Wednesday of each month.

November 16, 2005, 7:00 - 9:00 pm December 21, 2005, 7:00 - 9:00 pm  (Potluck)
January 18, 2006, 7:00 - 9:00 pmÊÊÊ