Relating to Elliott Yamin

Thank you for the interview with Elliott Yamin. I too have diabetes—I was diagnosed in Feb. ’07. I know what he is going through, as I am the same age as him. I didn’t think I would ever become a diabetic like my mother, who has had diabetes for 5 years. We are both type 2. I feel great after all these months, but I still think to myself, “Why me?” I know I have to take it day by day. I am hardheaded, too, just like Elliott Yamin!

Shelly Jardine
Vancouver, B.C., Canada

Cake Conundrum

When my Nov. ’07 issue arrived, I was pleased to see a gorgeous photo on the cover of a cake that I thought would be a healthy alternative to the typical Thanksgiving dessert. Then I read more closely to discover that one piece—one-twelfth of the cake—is 48 carbs. With my regimen allotting me 150 carbs a day, my piece of that luscious-looking pumpkin pecan cake would constitute about one-third of my daily available carbs.

Do I need to reevaulate my diet regimen? Can diabetics seriously maintain good control with 48 carbs in one slice of cake? I’d have to eat few other carbs throughout the day in order to have the dessert.

I have, at other times, wondered about the recipes published in this magazine with regard to carbs per serving. What am I missing here?

Shirley Andrews
Salina, Kan.

Madelyn L. Wheeler, MS, RD, CDE, FADA, CD, responds: The Forecast audience includes a broad spectrum of individuals with diabetes (type 1 and type 2) who vary in the way they treat their diabetes (no medications, medications and consistent grams or choices of carbohydrate, insulin-to-carbohydrate ratios, and everything in between). They include people of all different ages, from teen athletes to retirees. Obviously, no menu can satisfy the carbohydrate goals of every reader. Most individuals, if they decide to use a menu or a recipe, will adjust with no problem. One option: Try reducing your carbohydrate intake by using a half serving rather than a full serving. Most people have difficulty staying on target and making healthful food choices during the holiday season. We hope that through the recipes we provide, readers can find smart alternatives that they will really enjoy.

Diabetes and Diversity

In the Nov. ’07 issue I was pleased to see an African American on p. 19 beside the article on depression. As a white European who values diversity and the depth of diversity in our country, I encourage you to have more pictures of African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics, and Asians to keep the magazine real and relevant. We know that some of these populations have a higher rate of diabetes. So it just makes sense to represent them more. Keep up the good work.

Judy Orloff
Amherst, Mass.

Medication on a Budget

The Research Short “Older, Cheaper, Better” in the Nov. ’07 issue (p. 23) was a great article and makes a lot of sense. Many of us are on limited budgets, or trying to get our medicines at more reasonable prices.

I am a 70-year-old type 2 diabetic. My weight is under control, and I have no other medical conditions. In addition to the metformin that I take, my doctor put me on Actos. I had a bad reaction to the Actos. My A1C shot up from 6.3 to 7.0. I had immediate weight gain and swelling in my ankles and hands. I returned to my doctor and requested Glyburide or even insulin. I was told the newer medications were better and I was a long way off before insulin would be required.

I decided against any additional medications and put more effort into my meal planning and exercise. I was successful in getting my A1C down to 6.0. The “older, safer, better” method worked well for me.

Name Withheld