Nick Jonas Fans

I am a mother of two boys, ages 9 and 10. We are always watching TV together, and the Jonas Brothers are a favorite around here. I had no idea that Nick Jonas was just like my son. My 9-year-old was diagnosed with diabetes about three years ago. As I read the article (“Raising a Pop Star,” July ’08, p. 34), I felt goosebumps.

I too had no idea what was going on with my son back then; the doctor misdiagnosed him the first time around. We finally demanded a blood test to get an answer. Well, we got one. I remember feeling numb and scared. I had a 6-year-old who couldn’t comprehend his disease. His blood sugar was 1,371 that day, so you can imagine how ill he was. I was so impressed with Nick’s ability to understand his diabetes so quickly and his courage in taking action so he could tour with his brothers and lead the lifestyle he does.

I loved the song he wrote (“A Little Bit Longer”), and as someone who knows firsthand the ups and downs of diabetes, he knows how to put it to words. He is a true spokesman for all people with diabetes and especially a voice for the young boys and girls. Thanks for sharing his story with us.

A.M.
Wichita, Kan.

I never write in to magazines, but this time I had to. I have not been the same since my son was diagnosed with diabetes last year. When I read about what Nick Jonas’s mom had to say, it felt as though I was the one talking (without the rock lifestyle, of course). I cried because what she said is exactly how I feel. My family has been great, but no one understands what it is like to be the mom of a kid with diabetes. I am so proud of what my son has become. But still, I blame myself, I criticize myself, I worry, and I struggle. My son’s mood swings are awful, and the pain that we are going through is something that no one else can understand, unless of course they too have someone with diabetes in the family.

I would love to thank Mrs. Jonas for sharing her story, and to tell her how much it meant to me. I think that all of the caregivers of children with diabetes could use a shoulder to lean on and a reassuring voice to tell them that they are okay.

My son often feels like his diagnosis was the end of the road. He has such a big heart and always wants to help others, and it breaks my heart to see him get so down. I try to point out the amazing people out there who have done so much with their lives while dealing with diabetes, and Nick is just one of those incredible inspirations. People like Nick and his mom give me the strength that I need to keep my chin up and know that I am not the only one. Thank you!

L.E.
Shelton, Conn.

Our 15-year-old daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 10 years ago. She, like thousands of teenage girls, thinks Nick Jonas is the hottest guy alive. We saw the Jonas Brothers concert in Milwaukee in July. My daughter brought one of her closest friends to the concert. She was also diagnosed with type 1 diabetes three years ago, at the age of 12. These two girls have worked hard to take care of their diabetes, and I know they identify with the struggles Nick Jonas faces every day.

Name, Location Withheld

I just finished reading the article on Nick Jonas. Thank you so much, he is my daughter’s hero! Her room is plastered with Jonas Brothers posters. My daughter Hailey is 8 years old and was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 18 months old. She has been having some problems lately with feeling different, getting tired of the needle sticks, and having to check her blood sugar before she eats when her friends don’t have to. It’s heartbreaking to watch your child feel different, even though I don’t feel she’s different.

Diabetes is something that we deal with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but I wouldn’t change my daughter. She’s got fight in her that I wish I had. She never gives up and tries to stay positive. She is my hero and has taught me so much.

Thank you for helping inspire other kids to stay positive.

Nicole Stupp
West Alexandria, Ohio

Going Green: Easier Than It Seems

As a diabetes nurse educator who promotes the many benefits of a plant-based diet, I was thrilled to see your cover story (“Going Green,” June 2008). Robyn Webb’s recipes look wonderful.

However, I was disappointed that the article (“Vegging Out,” p. 57) promoted the misconception that a vegan diet is “the toughest to follow.” Our research and my clinical experience both show that a vegan diet is surprisingly easy: no need to count calories, cut portion sizes, or limit unrefined carbohydrates. Sure, for some, going vegan is a major diet change, but it can also yield big results—life-improving results that inspire people to stick with it.

In fact, in a government-funded study conducted by our organization (the same one published in Diabetes Care that was referred to in the Forecast article), research participants following a vegan diet had an easier time sticking with their diet than those participants following a traditional, portion-control diabetes meal plan.

Eating vegan is simple and satisfying.

Caroline Trapp,
MSN, APRN, BC-ADM, CDE
Director of Diabetes Education and Care, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
Washington, D.C.

Dangerous Weight Loss

As a 49-year-old mother of three, I have been battling an eating disorder since age 14. When I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 27, it was like a double-whammy. It was great to read that this “dual diagnosis” is finally getting some attention (“Dropping Insulin to Drop Pounds,” July ’08, p. 43).

The guilt that somehow my eating disorder might have contributed to my getting diabetes, combined with the stress of trying to manage them both, has been painful and difficult.

While I’ve had periods of starving, bingeing, and over-exercising, I also know the feeling of nausea coupled with twisted satisfaction when I purposely didn’t take enough insulin in order to help the pounds stay off. There are seemingly no specialists educated in both of these diseases to help those of us who contend with this daily.

Thank you for showing us there are people like me out there and that hopefully, we’ll learn to live with this dangerous combination without sacrificing our health.

Name Withheld, Southfield, Mich.

Effect of Januvia?

I have been struggling with type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years and was recently placed on Januvia in addition to my usual metformin.

Ten years ago, I underwent open heart surgery for mitral and aortic valve replacement, necessitating blood-thinning medication to prevent possible clot formation. Therefore (before going on Januvia), I was taking 7.5 mg of Coumadin (warfarin) daily to maintain an INR level of 3.0 (INR measures the clotting time of blood).

However, one significant side effect I have noticed since I started on Januvia, was that I now need an increased dosage of 10 mg of Coumadin daily in order to maintain the same 3.0 INR level.

My observation is by no means scientific in nature; however, certainly careful consideration is warranted.

Gerald Friedman, DO
Clearwater, Fla.

Craig Williams, PharmD, responds: This is an unexpected result, since Januvia has very few significant drug interactions because of the way it’s cleared from the body. Same for metformin. If you’re eating more healthfully as part of a renewed effort at weight loss, that could play a minor role in the changes you’re seeing.

If Januvia did interact with warfarin, it would interfere with the metabolism, which would slightly increase the level of warfarin, necessitating a lowering of the dose, not a dosage increase.

Warfarin use is fairly common, and this reaction is likely explained by something other than a drug interaction. But then again, Januvia is a new drug, and we cannot rule out an effect of Januvia. The reader’s experience is a perfect example of why patients on warfarin should be diligent about having their INR checked whenever starting a new medication.