7th Living Well With Diabetes – A RECAP!

On April 27^th, we hosted our 7^th annual Living Well with Diabetes event! Our speakers this year included Dr. Rochelle Naylor, Registered Dietician and Certified Diabetes Educator Amy Hess Fischl, Chef Jennifer Bucko Lamplough, and award-winning actress Sherri Shepherd.

The Kovler Team, Sherri Shepherd, and Chef Lamplough come together to help raise diabetes awareness at the 7th Annual Living Well With Diabetes Event

While guests were served delicious low-carb muffins and fruit, Dr. Naylor explained that medications and insulin should be viewed as tools to help patients manage their diabetes, not punishments. She also stressed the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, and explained the findings of a study that demonstrated the astonishing effects of weight loss on diabetes risk reduction. This is especially important for patients with pre-diabetes, she stressed, since diabetes can be prevented! This message is relevant to all patients, though. “Complications like limb amputations and strokes do not come from diabetes,” she said, “they come from uncontrolled diabetes.”

Next, Amy Hess-Fischl took the stage to discuss healthy eating habits. “Our taste buds are programmed to like fat and sweets,” she told attendees. However, there are many small steps that can be taken to improve eating habits, such as reading labels, eating a healthy breakfast every day, and cooking meals at home. She explained that Americans consume 50% more calories when eating out, which means that cooking food at home and focusing on increasing the consumption of vegetables instead of carbohydrates can be a major aid to weight loss. Most of all, she told guests that they should focus on remaining positive and taking baby steps towards the achievement of large goals.

Chef Jennifer Lamplough smiles with her award-winning diabetes-friendly cookbook.

The next guess, Chef Jennifer Bucko Lamplough, has authored several cookbooks for The American Diabetes Association. While guests ate a delicious tomato and cucumber salad – one of her recipes – she demonstrated how easy it was to recreate at home. One huge piece of advice that she provided to guests was tat you can chop vegetables a few days in advance and store them in containers for use throughout the week. She also demonstrated how to make a delicious banana split cake from a recipe that she modified to make it healthier. “Two of my biggest secrets are sugar free pudding and fat-free cool whip,” she said. The two ingredients were both used as substitutes for the higher-calorie ingredients traditionally used in the recipe.

Finally, Sherri Shepherd, award-wining actress and co-host of The View, took the stage to share her personal experiences with diabetes. After growing up in a family where diabetes was very common and losing her mother to complications from the disease at a young age, Shepherd learned to channel her emotions into eating. Eventually, she was diagnosed with the disease, and did not take it seriously until she realized that she needed to improve her health to stay around to watch her son grow up. The crowd laughed as she shared anecdotes from her struggle to get healthy. “Sometimes I ask myself,” she said, “do you want that cheesecake, or do you want your foot?”

Special guest speaker, Sherri Shepherd, talks about her experiences with diabetes.

At the end of the event, the speakers returned to the stage for a panel in the style of The View (complete with Kovler Diabetes Center mugs) and answered questions from the audience. On the subject of mid-day snacking, Dr. Naylor revealed that she once purchased a bag of Cheetoes from a vending machine and was so appalled by their caloric content that she photographed the label and stores the image on her phone to remind her to stick to her otherwise healthy diet. Sherri revealed that she keeps healthy snacks in her purse to hold her over until meals.

When asked how patients can motivate their friends and family members to live well and make positive life changes, the speakers were unanimous: you have to make small changes, and set yourself up for success!

InTransit: Rock-Climbing with Kovler!

Last Sunday, members of the Kovler Diabetes Center’s InTransit teen advisory panel gathered at the Evanston Athletic Club to go rock climbing and hear about the amazing adventures of rock climber, helicopter skier, and type 1 diabetic Miles Harkleroad.

Each teen had the opportunity to test out their climbing skills on the climbing wall. Many of the teens had previous indoor climbing experience but found the EAC’s wall to be a fun challenge! Some teens even made it all the way to the top.

During breaks from climbing, teens, parents, and Kovler professionals Julia Socke and Amy Hess-Fischl connected with each other to discuss issues affecting teens living with diabetes. It was a great opportunity for teens and parents to meet others facing similar obstacles and for Julia and Amy to get better ideas on how Kovler can provide teens with the best possible diabetes care.

Miles Harkleroad spoke about the challenges he has faced as a diabetic rock climber and helicopter skiier. He has found that there is always a creative solution to managing his diabetes while out on his adventures. For example, Miles stores his insulin in a pant pocket while skiing to keep it from freezing, and while rock climbing he stores his insulin near his water bottle to help keep it from heating up. Miles also showed tons of photos from his travels to the southwest and helmet-cam videos of the (terrifying) slopes he skied in Alaska. Miles experiences showed teens that having diabetes has never prevented him from doing the things he loves to do!

Kovler’s InTransit group meets quarterly to connect and share ideas about how to live well with diabetes as a teenager. The group is dedicated to figuring out ways for teens with diabetes to navigate the transition from childhood to adulthood while living healthy, active lives. Teens, parents, and Kovler professionals exchange in a fun and informal way and help Kovler deliver the best care possible!

Want to be a part of the InTransit teen advisory panel? Shoot Carla Henault an email at chenault@uchicago.edu, and we’ll make sure to send you an invite to upcoming events!

Food Myths and Diabetes

As we continue to recognize National Nutrition Month, I wanted to draw some attention to a few of the more common food myths relating to diabetes and a patient’s nutrition requirements or limitations.

MYTH 1: Only focus on the sugar content on the food label
TRUTH: Total carbs are what will break down completely to sugar (and affect BGs). Sugar, as well as all the other items indented below total carbs, are all part of the total carbs.

MYTH 2: Sugar free = Carb free
With a few exceptions (diet drinks, sugar-free gelatin), sugar-free will still have carbs. Be sure to focus on the serving size and total carbs. To make a comparison to see if a sugar-free product is a better option, compare it to the regular version, but make sure you’re looking at serving size, calories, fat and total carbs. If the numbers are similar, the regular version may be the best option.

MYTH 3:  You need to eat differently than everyone else because of diabetes
There is no such thing as a “diabetic diet.” The recommendations are the same as for people who aren’t living with diabetes. However, it’s important for everyone to focus on HOW MUCH they eat, since serving size plays a big factor in the number of calories, fat and carbs we consume.

MYTH 4:  With diabetes, sweets are off limits
Like the rest of the U.S. population, it’s recommended to limit our sweets…but people living with diabetes don’t have to completely eliminate them. It’s important to focus on how much we consume, and know what the serving size is, as well as the total carbs.

MYTH 5:  Since fruit is healthy, you can eat as much as you want
While fruit is healthy, it still contains carbohydrate. If we eat too much, it can cause the BG levels to rise too high. Based on USDA guidelines, we do want to try to include fruit at every meal, but it’s the serving size that’s important. One serving = 17 small grapes, 1 small orange or apple, ½ banana or ¾ cup of blueberries, to name a few.

National Nutrition Month continues throughout the month, so make sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, or visit eatright.org for additional tips and resources.

Here’s to healthy eating!

Amy Hess-Fischl
Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator, Program Coordinator of InTransit Program
The University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center

Reflecting on 2012, Looking Forward to 2013!

As we come to the end of the year, the Kovler Diabetes Center at the University of Chicago has much to celebrate.

In 2012, our doctors and nurses treated thousands of individuals with diabetes. Diabetes experts also established or strengthened clinical partnerships throughout the world and provided diabetes management and prevention education at events large and small across Chicagoland and the U.S. You can read more about the amazing work over the last fiscal year in our first-ever Kovler Annual Report.

Based in the heart of one of the world’s great academic institutions, Kovler scientists are doing innovative research informed by a century of scientific discoveries and breakthroughs at University of Chicago. Our genetics team recently identified new genes that cause diabetes. Their work could lead one day to a better understanding of the effects of gene mutations on insulin production and metabolism, and provide pathways to treatments that once seemed unimaginable.

Alongside research, this type of outstanding, personalized patient care is at the heart of Kovler’s mission. From infants through adulthood, we provide the nation’s only fully-integrated pediatric and adult diabetes programs. Our Family Behavioral Health and Wellness Program is forging a national model for family-centered diabetes care. And three doctors in the Kovler Diabetes Center, including director, Dr. Lou Philipson, were recognized by U.S. News & World Report in its ranking of the nation’s top physicians in the field.

This year, we launched critical initiatives including our volunteer initiative Kovler Krew, InTransit Teen Advisory Panel, Peer to Peer program in our Southside Community and held multiple Kovler for Kids events throughout the city. To learn more about the work we do and ways to get involved, visit the Kovler website. You may also contact Peggy Hasenauer, Executive Director, directly via email peggy.hasenauer@uchospitals.edu or by calling 773.834.4789.

This year, as you and your family choose charitable causes, we hope you will consider Kovler Diabetes Center.  Your charitable support is critical to expanding clinical research programs and telemedicine initiatives, as Kovler’s leadership embarks on an expanded model for virtual diabetes care and greater access to diabetes clinical trials – bringing new discoveries and possible cures directly to those with diabetes.  For more ways to learn how to give to Kovler, please visit this website and be sure to note Kovler in the memo section.

From the Kovler Diabetes Center Family to yours, we wish you a wonderful holiday season and happy New Year filled with health and happiness.

Peggy Hasenauer, MS, RN
Executive Director
The University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center

Our Inaugural Annual Report

On behalf of the entire leadership team at Kovler, we are honored to share our inaugural Annual Report. 

The report includes:

• The latest information regarding the global pandemic of diabetes and the rise in cases of type 1, type 2 and other genetic forms of diabetes locally, regionally and nationally.
• A reflection on the accomplishments, challenges and priorities of the Kovler Diabetes Center and the entire University of Chicago Medicine diabetes enterprise.
• Examples and highlights from Kovler’s five main pillars… We Care, We Discover, We Educate, We Unite, and We Lead.

Much of the work that the Kovler Diabetes Center has accomplished, and continues to pursue, could not happen without the generous contributions and support from our partnering individuals and organizations. While we look back and celebrate the successes of 2012, we also look forward to continuing our mission in 2013 and beyond.

We wish you and your loved ones a happy and healthy holiday season!

Kovler's Spring/Summer Newsletter is Out!

Kovler Diabetes Center’s Spring / Summer Newsletter is now LIVE on our website.  Our bi-annual newsletter is Kovler’s way to share the incredible people, community members and organizations who are making a difference across the globe for those living with diabetes, including right here in Chicago.  Be sure to be on the lookout later this summer for our new MONTHLY e-newsletter.

This issues highlights include:

·   Kovler ’s team traveled the globe this winter, speaking on the latest in diabetes care and research

·    Feature articles showcasing Kovler leadership, Claire from Kovler for Kids, and InTransit’s Adventurous Alex

·   Introducing KovlerKrew, Kovler’s newest volunteer effort

·   Recent community events and upcoming events this fall that will benefit Kovler Diabetes Center’s vital work

·   Expanding Clinical Trial Efforts and so much more

Please visit www.kovlerdiabetescenter.org to see the latest newsletter and while there, be sure to join our mailing list at “Connect With Us” for our new e-newsletter.

Kovler Diabetes Center is committed to helping families, individuals and our community to live their best life with diabetes throughout their lifespan.

Visit our Facebook Page to let us know how we can help YOU.

Kovler for Kids is Improving Care for Newly Diagnosed Diabetics

I am sure you remember the day your child was diagnosed with diabetes.  You can probably remember the exact date and location where this happened.  You may remember the weeks prior to diagnosis and wondering, “Why is my child so tired?” “Why are they loosing weight?” “Why are they so thirsty and urinating so much?” A diagnosis of diabetes was probably the last thing on your mind.

You may also remember how you felt when the diagnosis was confirmed; perhaps it was disbelief, fear, panic, anger, or all of the above and more. Although nothing can make receiving a diagnosis of diabetes stress free, the team at the Kovler Diabetes Center for Kids are doing all we can to make the process as smooth as possible.

When a child is admitted to Comer Children’s Hospital with a new diagnosis of diabetes, a team of providers become involved in the care.  Heading the team are the Pediatric Endocrinologists and Pediatric Endocrinology Fellows, in collaboration with the Pediatric Medical Service. Other members of the team include Critical and Acute Care Nurses, Certified Diabetes Educators, Registered Dietitians, Pharmacists, Social Workers, and Discharge Planners. We work together to ensure all of the patient’s needs are met during their hospitalization.

Over the past year we have developed an Inpatient Diabetes Multidisciplinary Work Team with the purpose of improving the care we give our kids who are newly diagnosed or admitted for complications related to diabetes.  We have representatives from all of the involved disciplines.

This year, some of the accomplishments of the group include:

• An admission informational sheet for families, outlining hospital course.
• An educational PowerPoint for residents.
• A discharge prescription-ordering sheet for diabetes medication and supplies.
• An informational take home kit.
• A 4-hour in-service program for nurses caring for newly diagnosed children.

Ongoing projects we are working on include:

• A DKA policy revision and standardization for ER, ICU, Gen floor.
• Standardization of insulin orders.
• A thorough policy for insulin pump use during hospitalization.
• Continued improvements in menus to improve carbohydrate-counting clarity, and encourage healthy food choices.

Our goal is to continue to improve the services we provide to our kids and families, so that we can offer the best possible care during this critical time. Hopefully we can make it just a little less stressful for both our patients and their families.

We would love to hear about your experiences and welcome any suggestions and ideas you may have.

Susan McLaughlin, RN, BSN, CDE
Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Educator

Susan.McLaughlin@uchospitals.edu

Kovler Joins The Fight to Lower Obesity in Chicago

The soaring rate of childhood obesity is extremely alarming.  For the first time ever, a child’s life expectancy is actually less than their parents due to the medical conditions that can accompany obesity.  According to the CDC, approximately 12.5 million children and adolescents in the U.S. are obese. What is more startling is that pre-teen and teen obesity rates in Illinois actually exceed U.S. levels.  As a dietitian and diabetes educator, I have seen firsthand how prevalent childhood obesity is in Chicago.

Kovler is committed to helping not only our patients but our community to become healthier.  We are proud to be involved with the local organization CLOCC (Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children).  They have been instrumental in promoting change in Chicago to lower the rates of childhood obesity.

I recently had the pleasure of attending the CLOCC quarterly meeting last month.  It was such a great experience to be surrounded by so many people that are passionate about reversing this epidemic in Chicago.  Additionally, I was able to learn more about the projects that are currently being led by CLOCC; their 5-4-3-2-1 Go! healthy lifestyle message is a great way to encourage  families to eat healthier and become more active.  They have also partnered with teachers and Chicago Department of Public Health to influence our schools and our city environment.

There is no doubt that the factors contributing to obesity are complex, but working together on a local level will get us closer to finding solutions that work.  We are excited to be involved with this amazing organization to promote healthy changes in our community.

Julia Socke, RD, LDN, CDE
Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator and Outreach Coordinator

Wake Up! It's Diabetes Alert Day!

Diabetes Alert Day, which is held every fourth Tuesday in March, is a one-day, “wake-up call” asking the American public to take the time to find out if they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The Kovler Diabetes Center sees patients from around the world, treating them for every type and form of diabetes.  But Diabetes Alert Day is a great reason to take pause and realize that everywhere around us is someone walking around with diabetes and doesn’t even know it.  Of the nearly 26 million Americans living with diabetes, a quarter – 7 million – has diabetes but is not aware.  Another 79 million American adults have prediabetes, placing them at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Unfortunately, people with type 2 diabetes can live for years without realizing that they have the disease. While people with diabetes can exhibit noticeable symptoms, such as frequent urination, blurred vision and excessive thirst, most people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes do not show these overt warning signs at the time that they develop the disease.  Often, type 2 diabetes only becomes evident when people develop one or more of its serious complications, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye damage, or nerve damage that can lead to amputations.

There are many simple ways to find out if you have or at risk for diabetes.  First and foremost, see your doctor or healthcare provider regularly.  Second, the American Diabetes Association has a simple online Risk Test that can assess your risk factors.  It only takes a few minutes to complete!

Yesterday, one of our certified diabetes educators was invited to join WLS-TV in Chicago for a segment on Diabetes Alert Day. I invite you to watch it to learn more and to get a diabetes-friendly dessert recipe from celebrity chef, Michael Digby!

Many say diabetes is the disease of our lifetime.  Kovler Diabetes Center is here for you, your families and our communities to help you live your best life with diabetes.   Please visit our new website for more resources and information.

Peggy Hasenauer, MS, RN
Executive Director
The University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center

Six Easy Tips to Improve Your Diet

In Chicago, we’ve been enjoying spring…even summer-like…weather throughout the month.  And we’re not the only region breaking records!  The warm temperatures, t-shirts and al fresco dining remind me that the real spring and summer are just around the corner.  This is the time of year when it seems easier to make positive, healthy changes in our lives and in our diets, which is probably why it’s also National Nutrition Month.  So here are some easy tips to live healthier…now and throughout the year!

1. Cut the fat.
On average, a serving of a fat contains around 100 calories, and these calories can really add up fast. Remember that even healthy fats have calories. Olive oil is very healthy…BUT, 1 tablespoon is 120 calories! Consider using a cooking spray to coat your pans so that you use less oil and to bake your food more often than frying it. Also try to use reduced fat cheese, sour cream and salad dressings.

2. Mix it up.
No one wants to be bored with what we eat. All recipes can be modified to be healthier. Draw on inspiration from favorite dishes when eating out, or even from recipes you see in magazines or on cooking shows. This will help to give you ideas so that you don’t get into a food rut.

3. Get moving.
So often, many of us make up excuses as to why we can’t exercise. The most common excuse is that we don’t have time. But there are always opportunities for more activity! Consider marching in place or walking around your home during commercial breaks when watching TV. Or you could even do some chair exercises or arm circles. Choose the stairs instead of the elevator, or park in the last spot of the parking lot to walk farther to your destination. If you take public transportation, consider getting off a stop or two before your normal stop so that you can walk more.

4. Quinoa, please!
If you have been trying to increase fiber in your diet but find that you are not a fan of other whole grains, give quinoa a try. Not only is it easy to cook, but it is a complete protein and is gluten free. Try substituting it for recipes that involve cous cous, rice or pasta. It can be found in most grocery stores.

5. Snack smart.
Snacking is not a bad thing! Snacking can be an opportunity to add more nutrition to our diet, as well as help prevent overeating at meal times. Choose snacks that are nutritionally dense and high in fiber. Examples include: veggies with hummus or a low fat dip, fruit, high-fiber granola bars, low-fat cheese, peanut butter on whole grain crackers or a handful of nuts. Beware of “boredom snacking,” as this can add too many calories to your diet.

6. Make fruit a regular part of your day.
Fruit is packed in nutrition and is high in fiber to help fill us up. Consider adding fruit to your oatmeal, salads or even substituting applesauce for oil when baking.

Like I said, these are all very simple steps toward healthier living.  Stay tuned for more National Nutrition Month tips on our blog, Twitter handle or Facebook page.

Julia Socke, RD, LDN, CDE
Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator and Outreach Coordinator
The Kovler Diabetes Center