Saint Vincent Diabetes Resource Center is one of 3 sites in Erie County accredited for self management education by the American Diabetes Association. They have moved their location to 3530 Peach St. Phone number is 864-0038. Check out their evening support group which meets the ²Wednesday of each month from 7­8PM.

Nite Bite bars and Insta Glucose gel tubes are used to prevent and/ or treat low blood sugars. Available @CVS and Eckerds.

Tired of ordinary water. Perk it up with Tru Lemon (powdered lemon). Available at Giant Eagle.

Fruit2O is a tasty flavored waterwith Splenda. You’ll think you are eating a fresh peach with the peach flavor variety. Available in most grocery stores.

Quick fix is a keychain which holds 4 glucose tablets. Call ECDA for where to order.

L-Arginine contained in a foot care rejuvenating cream called DiabetiDerm works by stimulating the release of nitric oxide from the walls of blood vessels, helping them to naturally expand to promote healthy circulation. Ask your pharmacist for more info.

Byetta is an injectable hormone which spurs insulin production after a meal, but only when blood sugar is high. It is injected 2x daily. If your blood sugar is not controlled with diet, exercise and Metformin and a sulfyonurea, ask your doctor about Byetta.

The Sleep Sentry Monitor (worn like a watch) measures two symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It measures perspiration and drop in skin temperature. This triggers an alarm that awakens most people. Call Great Lakes Home Healthcare at 870-6130 for more info.

“Type 2 Diabetes for Beginners” is a new book to support, and guide newly diagnosed persons with Diabetes. ISBN #1-58040­224-0. Available at most bookstores.

Lantus insulin users may want to use the OptiClic pen for delivery of the insulin. Ask your doctor about it.

Ketostix are an important item to have on hand, if you have Type 1 Diabetes. These strips are used to test the urine for ketones when your blood sugar is higher than 240. Ketones in the urine indicate a need for more insulin to prevent a very dangerous complication called diabetic keta-acidosis (DKA). You could prevent a possible hospitalization. Get Ketostix at your local pharmacy.

“One Last Wish” is a book about a family’s journey with Diabetes. The author, Marybeth Traut, is one of ECDA’s faithful volunteers. Call ECDA for ordering information.

Hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) events account for up to 13% of all diabetic deaths each year. Prevention Is The Key.