Alexandria, VA
December 29, 2011
Contact Anna Baker
anbaker@diabetes.org
703-549-1500, ext. 2090

Diabetes Forecast Releases 2012 Consumer Guide

Magazine covers latest tools for a healthy diabetes lifestyle

The January 2012 issue of Diabetes Forecast, the consumer magazine of the American Diabetes Association, is dedicated to its annual consumer guide. The editors have combed the market to provide the reliable information people with diabetes need to choose the best products—from meters and continuous glucose monitors to pumps and insulin pens—to make managing their diabetes easier, faster and more accurate.

This consumer guide takes an opinion-free approach to reviewing the more than 100 featured items, as the Association’s policy is to endorse no products. It uses a friendly question-and-answer format to help readers find the products that will best suit their particular needs. Contents include:

On the Horizon: Be on the lookout for future products such as breath glucose testers; sleeker, wireless-capable accessories; and even a USB-sized device that transforms an iPhone or iPod Touch into a blood glucose meter.

Blood Glucose Meters: This most basic of tools is also among the most powerful. Diabetes Forecast sorts through the more than 60 options available on the U.S. market, drawing attention to specific features and deciphering technical terms so consumers can know what to look for in a meter.

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs): The guide offers a side-by-side comparison of the three models on the market, plus questions to ask when determining whether a CGM fits your lifestyle.

Insulin Pumps and Infusion Sets: A pump can offer people with diabetes flexibility and protection against hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood glucose levels). This article compares five pump models in terms of battery requirements, reservoir capacity, basal and bolus insulin dose ranges and more. It also lists all the accompanying infusion sets by brand.

Insulin Pens: Insulin pens provide a convenient way of injecting insulin, but not all of them are the same. Diabetes Forecast takes a look at eight options, describes the differences between reusable and disposable varieties and underscores important pen-related safety tips.

Aids for Insulin Users: A rundown of products to help those with dexterity problems, vision problems or needle anxiety.

Products for Treating Lows: This section features products designed to treat lows, such as tablets and drinks.

Online-only: Listings of diabetes medications and insulins.

Also in this issue:

Simmered to Perfection demystifies the poaching technique typically reserved for eggs, with healthy recipes for chicken, fish and fruit, plus sauces to make them shine.

Ask the Experts: Why Do Insulin Needs Change?: This article explains why insulin needs may fluctuate and what can cause it.

Anatomy of a Low: This research profile details one researcher’s work on how the brain reacts to hypoglycemia.

 

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to stop diabetes and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.