What They Want to Hear

I was happy to see “Your Hearing and Diabetes” in the Oct. ’07 issue (p. 19). I have been reading many articles about hearing loss and diabetes. I mention it to my doctors, and they give me an incredulous look. Now I have an article with data to show them, to back up my belief that diabetes could be the reason for my hearing loss, especially at high frequencies.

Ann Grossman
Narragansett, R.I.

I am 84 years old and have type 1 diabetes. I was diagnosed while serving in the military in 1945. I am currently rated by Veterans Affairs as 100 percent disabled, primarily because of hypoglycemic unawareness.

For the past 17 years I have had enormous difficulty understanding normal conversation unless it takes place in an especially quiet room and I can read my companion’s lips.

I took hearing tests, and the audiologist referred to my hearing loss as “distortion,” and suggested the problem is diabetic neuropathy. I do experience numbness all over my body due to neuropathy.

I would appreciate even more information on what is known about hearing loss among people with diabetes.

Thomas H. Galey
Boulder, Colo.

Stem Cell Research

I was sad to read on p. 60 of the Oct. ’07 issue that the American Diabetes Association is advocating embryonic stem cell research. We strongly oppose such research and must remind you that “the end does not justify the means.” Please concentrate your resources on advocating adult stem cell research, which is proving much more successful.

As members of the ADA, we urge you to stop advocating research using human embryos.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Ebiner
West Covina, Calif.

I was very disappointed to read in my Oct. ’07 issue that ADA supports “protecting and expanding federally funded embryonic stem cell research, which offers hope both for a cure and better treatments for diabetes.”

It is unclear to me what the ADA’s hope is based upon. Embryonic stem cell research has provided no cures or treatments for any diseases anywhere. On the other hand, adult stem cell research has provided cures and treatments for many diseases including cancer, autoimmune diseases, stroke, cartilage and bone damage, blood and liver disease, and diabetes.

The facts are simple: Adult stem cell research has provided many treatments for people with diabetes, while embryonic stem cell research has provided none. Adult stem cell treatments do not require the destruction of human life.

Federal government funding of any activity is a political issue. Diabetes affects people of all ideologies and political beliefs. As such, I believe that ADA should show respect for all people with diabetes and stay out of political battles.

Eldon Mack
Centreville, Va.

James Schlicht, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs and Advocacy, American Diabetes Association, responds: The American Diabetes Association supports the use of stem cell research in biomedical research, provided such use is consistent with federal guidelines relating to the bioethics for their use. Scientists from across the United States and throughout the world—including those at ADA—believe that stem cell research, especially embryonic stem cell research, holds great promise in the search for a cure and better treatments for diabetes.

Stem cell research allows scientists to better explore how to control and direct stem cells so they can grow into other cells, such as insulin-producing beta cells found in the pancreas. Creating new beta cells could mean a cure for type 1 diabetes as they would serve as a replenishing source of cells for islet cell transplantation. They could also provide a powerful tool for controlling type 2 diabetes.

The state of the science around human embryonic stem cell research is very preliminary, in part because of the current restrictions at the state and federal levels. As such, the potential of this research to help develop therapies for diseases like diabetes has not yet been fully validated. However, because of the benefit that stem cell research promises to hold for millions of Americans, ADA believes that such research should be allowed to progress within strict ethical guidelines–guidelines that were set out in the Stem Cell Enhancement Act of 2007 and other bills that have been brought before Congress up to this point. ADA supports this bill and any other legislation that will enable the progression of research, while opposing limits on, criminalization of, or a ban on embryonic stem cell research.

Still Love Bret

The article about Bret Michaels in the Aug. ’07 issue (p. 50) was very inspiring. I also have had type 1 diabetes for 44 years. It was so neat to hear about his life and his challenges! He never lets his diabetes stop him from doing anything he wants to do. I’ve never allowed it to stop me either. I was a registered nurse for 33 years. I loved it and my patients loved me. Despite my complications, I have continued to enjoy skiing, white water rafting, and hiking. I have dealt with the same demons Michaels discussed, but they have made me a stronger person.

Susan Wagner Southfield, Mich.

Letters, Experts Helpful

I wrote to Diabetes Forecast about how I was diagnosed with diabetes following my total hysterectomy (May ’07, p. 20). The responses in the Sept. ’07 issue (p. 14) made me feel better about it. Maybe someday, someone will do the research on this. Also, great article on “Snack Attack” (Sept. ’07, p. 20). That happens to me sometimes. I am glad to hear this may be brought on by stress.

Susan Bowles
Oxford, Pa.

A1C Trends

Thanks for the report on Quest Diagnostics’ study of A1C trends (Sept. ’07, p. 38). Among the interesting news was the recognition that A1Cs can fluctuate seasonally. I have noticed that my own sensitivity to insulin is much greater in the summer season. Looking at my past two years’ monthly insulin usage, I note that I use 18 to 20 percent less insulin during June, July, and August to maintain reasonable blood glucose readings. My A1C, however, only varies by 0.1 percent above and below 7. I would vote with those who think summer activity is a factor.

Ron Poinsett
Parker, Colo.

Life for a Child

In her Guest Editorial in the Sept. ’07 issue (p. 8), M. Sue Kirkman, MD, wrote about a 20-year-old named Andrew who had had type 1 diabetes since he was 6 years old, but did not get the right medical treatment in Kenya. In the article, Dr. Kirkman mentioned a program in which you can sponsor a child in a developing country, called the International Diabetes Federation’s Life for a Child program. I was very touched by the article. I work with young people in a high school here in Somerville, and some of them come from developing countries themselves. I am 45 years old and have had type 2 diabetes for the past 5 years. I have just gotten my weight and blood sugars in line to stop taking metformin. I am now controlling it with diet and exercise. I hope to sponsor a child through this program. Thank you for writing about this opportunity for us to help the children of the world.

Margaret Young
Somerville, Mass.

Editor’s Note: To find out more,
visit www.lifeforachild.idf.org.