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• December 21, 2010 2:59 p.m.

  Bert, great going!

  - Nancy and Peggy

• December 19, 2010 9:21 a.m.

  A while back I was going to write you for help. The doctor had told my wife that she had to wear a medical ID bracelet and she told him "no way, jose". I had such a hard time getting her to wear a medical ID bracelet for years (she has diabetes2). I tried so many different ways. I kept telling her that it is for her own safety as the doctor has told her many times. And a lot of other ways as well. Finally, I found a medical ID bracelet designed as a beautiful piece of fashion jewelry and I bought it as a surprise to her. This was the first time that she didn't say no to wearing it. The funny thing is is that this bracelet is interchangeable and she went on the website where I purchased it from and bought 4 more bracelets to change off with. This was fine with me as long as she would wear them, which she does! I just want to tell everyone how delighted I am that there was some one out there who took the time to address this issue. Now my wife is not only willing to wear her ID bracelet but really likes to wear it. I just thought I'd pass this on to your audience. The website for these bracelets is http://www.medicalIdFashions.com. I am hoping this will help others who have been having the same problems with their own family member. Hope this product helps some one else as it did for me.

  - bert

• November 7, 2010 7:32 p.m.

  I love the idea of low cost, continuing education for diabetics. My husband and I are both Type I, in Indianapolis, IN. We would both attend something like this. We have been searching to no avail for a running club in Indy for Type 1's...to exercise with, or train for a race or marathon. I think a grass roots exercise group for diabetics would be awesome. Something with professional medical sponsorship where diabetics can consistently exercise together while learning from professionals and each other. I am trying to pursue the help of our diabetologist (who is also a diabetic) and educators on how to get something like this operating. If the Mayo Clinic ever does something like this in Indy, I would love to be part of it.

  - Vanessa

• October 29, 2010 9:09 a.m.

  Jill and others: Thanks for your input! We will be looking at your suggestions to improve our group class offerings. What time of the day do you feel you would most likely attend a group class?

  - Nancy and Peggy

• October 27, 2010 2:11 p.m.

  This is great! Syracuse University is also doing research on diabetes that could further our knowlege on better controlling type 2 diabetes! -If you have Type 2 Diabetes, visit http://diabetes.syr.edu to complete our survey. (Non-profit research through Syracuse University.) Your responses can help us improve care for patients with diabetes. In completing this survey, you have a chance to win $100 to Amazon.com, so deinately look into it!

  - Ella

• October 27, 2010 8:05 a.m.

  There is a huge need for low cost, readily available continuing diabetes education in Rochester. Both of my parents have Type 2 diabetes. My dad injects himself daily with insulin and my mom is on oral meds. They are in their late 70's and early 80's. A monthly stop-by program somewhere in the community would be wonderful as they need constant reinforcement on how to handle their diabetes--especially on adjusting insulin doses, avoiding low blood sugars, and diet reinforcement reminders. Meeting others with diabetes would be helpful for them. It is not convenient for them to come downtown to the Mayo campus as parking is always a cost issue for them. Perhaps outreach programs at NE and NW Clinics would be helpful for questions to answers and reinforcement of teaching. There really is a need to have readily accessible ongoing diabetes counseling in Rochester!

  - Jill

• October 26, 2010 7:31 p.m.

  I was recently diagnosed with diabetes in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. My doctor sent me to free education classes that are run by our community health centres across the city. They were jeld over 3 times for 2.5 hours each night and were ran by a nurse and dietician. I found these sessions very informative. If you want the e-mail of the nurse educator, I can send it to you.

  - Patti

• October 26, 2010 2:41 p.m.

  I am the volunteer leader/facilitator for a 50 member diabetes support group at the local senior center. Most of the members are Type 2's who are taking oral meds, a few take insulin, and one is using byetta. We meet once a month and have guest speakers from the local medical community who talk about various aspects of diabetes management such as, meal planning and healthy portioned controlled eating, taking medications, testing blood sugar, being active and exercising, and seeing your medical care team regularly for check ups. We have an A1C less than 7.0% Club and those who get an A1C test result of less than 7.0% get a Certificate recognizing there acheivement in good diabetes management. So far 9 members have gotten Certificates and there are several others who are at 7.0% trying to get to 6.9% I firmly believe that diabetes support groups, "People with Diabetes HELPING People with Diabetes" are the most effective way to get diabetes education to the seniors who need it to produce meaningful results. The cost of the program at our Senior Center is FREE and we have the best speakers and educators available to talk to our members.

  - Florian

• October 26, 2010 2:05 p.m.

  Have free diagnostic tests at malls or pharmacies like the blood pressure tests that are available since there are so many people who are not even aware they have diabetes.

  - Helen

• October 22, 2010 7:58 p.m.

  i would like to see more free diabetic classes offered my husband and i both work hard and have to watch every dollar. So some free education would be nice.

  - Hilary