Sunday was a beautiful day on the gulf coast and I was out doing my regular 2 mile walk feeling the breeze and smelling all the flowers I would walk by.... listening to Madonna, thinking how nice it is to NOT be working. Selecting my next music choice on my iphone, I noticed my index finger and thumb .. small scars and pin needles marks from using my glucose meter everyday. Looking at my other hand, not a single mark was present, and I thought I need to rotate and not abuse the other one so frequently.Then, I thought ...... WAIT. Should there not already be a bloodless glucose meter in the near future, if not NOW and today? I did a Google search on this and discussed something very present and in our hopeful near future.
A company called 'Grove Instruments' is claiming before 2016 they will be the first company to have a bloodless glucose meter on the market using the heat from your finger (or earlobe) to produce an accurate reading in 20 seconds. The device is small, battery operated, and fits in your shirt pocket. The biggest plus of it all? Say goodbye to lancets, test strips, and going to the pharmacy. So far, over 300 diabetics nationwide have participated in a continuing study and innovation of this product that matches the accuracy of a blood glucose meter. That's right .... matching the accuracy of a standard meter. Is this nothing but a sweet dream for all of the diabetics out there? ...25 million and rising to be exact. But why, why are we waiting until 2016 to see such a remarkable and life changing device? Grove Instruments has one patent pending, 10 funded grants, and several endorsements. It seems the needed support and funds to reach the top, are there. Oh yeah .. and I love this part: The CEO has 2 children with type 1 diabetes. (I actually went searching for his bio, thinking he knew someone who had it, or had a reason to think of such a device.)
We all know where Big Pharma makes there oodles upon oodles of dollars, right? Testing supplies. When I run out before insurance can pick them up, I would pay $40 for a box of 25. I can still not believe these prices. (Friendly tip: go to Ebay and they are cheaper.) So, with the evolution of such a product - the need for these supplies would greatly decrease. Does anybody see a connection with this waiting game?
It is something to think about. I was once in Europe talking with a friend about how small the cars were, comparing them to our Chevy Tahoes, and Lincoln Towncars in the USA. The person replied, 'The country usually gives it's people what they demand.'
Calling all supporters! Check out Grove and spread the word..
If you like oatmeal in the morning for breakfast, and you have diabetes, then you are in luck! No, I am not talking about the 'Quaker Oats 6 pack singles' with 30+ grams of sugar... You know, that big cylinder of oats that are NEXT to those other products? :)
I have been eating it more often for breakfast and not only does it keep you full until lunch time comes around, but it reaps other health benefits that you might not have known about:
1) It stabilizes Blood Sugar - It causes a lower rise in blood sugar, starting your day off right while keeping you at the healthy level you need.
2) Antioxidant Benefits - In addition to its fiber benefits, oats are also a very good source of selenium. This powerful antioxidant aids in the prevention of heart disease. Also, selenium takes part in DNA repair and is associated with a reduced risk for cancer, especially colon cancer.
3)Immune Response - Several studies in the past showed significant enhancements to the human immune system's response to bacterial infection. So, starting your day with a bowl of oatmeal may boost your immune response in addition to your morning energy levels.
4) Lower Cholesterol Levels - Studies show that a person with high cholesterol (above 220 mg/dl), consuming just 3 grams of soluble oat fiber per day (an amount found in one bowl of oatmeal) lowers total cholesterol by 8-23%.
I personally love to fix mine with fruit on top, some cinnamon, and then give it a big stir! Remember - it does not always have to be boring, the more colorful fruit in your diet- the better..
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