My son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes just over 5 years ago. He was only a baby; unable to communicate with me about how he felt or what he was going through. He has recently turned 7, and today, underwent a procedure to remove 4 baby teeth. They had been causing discomfort for a long time, until one night he revealed that he was "tired of having toothache." After extensive x-rays, it was discovered that years of Diabetes-related mouth ulcers, absesses,infections and antibiotics had left four of his teeth decayed at the back, and then the nerves were affected, which was causing the pain. As a result of random, unpredictable and life-threatening hypoglycaemic attacks all his life,doctors were worried about removing them under general anaesthetic, (which is general protocol in Australia,) even for an adult tooth extraction. It was therefore decided that it would be much safer if my son could have them removed in the dentist's chair, along with local anaesthetic (14 needles in his gums) and nitrous oxide ( laughing gas.) The dentist was confident, but still concerned that he would panic and not allow her to remove the teeth safely, or that his blood sugar would drop and he would require a glucagon injection. Thankfully-he was fantastic and reacted to the gas very well. He was very relaxed and felt no pain.His blood sugar rose to 18mmol/L through stress and anxiety, however it was better than a hypo, especially in a dental chair. I was able to monitor his blood sugar throughout the procedure with a glucometer. Bless..he doesn't remember a thing. He has four little gaps in his mouth tonight, and as a result of only eating soft foods, has already endured a 1.5mmol/L hypo attack this afternoon. He was lucid enough to drink juice through a straw, but it was still frightening enough to leave me feeling very weary this evening. It concerns me that despite excellent oral hygiene for all of his life, this procedure had to occur to ensure his adult teeth could come through without any problems. The worst possible scenario is that he could have developed an absess,that was not visible, thus developing an infection that could have potentially lead to fatal blood poisoning. At 7 years of age, and officially making it through his first diabetic complication, I can't help but wonder what will be next...it's just my way. However, I am so thankful that he is well tonight and he was able to experience the latest dental technology that made this procedure as comfortable and painless as possible. I have learnt NEVER to take my eye off Diabetes and all its little tricks and masquerades. Hopefully I can protect him from having to undergo anything like this for some time! Join discussion...

Diabetes Search Engine that uses Google technology to let you search over 800 sites that are all related to diabetes. Join discussion...

The researchers indicated that the T-cells that regulate the immune system lose their effectiveness over time, leading to type 1 diabetes . These ‘lazy’ cells are therefore the root cause of the disease, and could open up new treatment pathways in the future. Join discussion...

According to a research team at Imperial College London, yoghurt really is very good for the body. As well as making the digestive process more effective, probiotic yoghurt drinks can even help to prevent obesity and type 2 diabetes. Join discussion...

The strongest evidence yet in favor of cinnamon being used as an all-natural diabetes supplement comes from a recent study conducted in Pakistan. Participants took between one and six grams of cinnamon each day for forty days, while others took equivalent amounts of a placebo. Those taking cinnamon saw significant improvements in their blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, even after discontinuing treatment. Join discussion...

Good news for the millions of Americans who suffer from diabetes. A new method for taking insulin orally has been developed that mimics the way the body naturally processes this crucial hormone. As opposed to insulin taken by injection, the Oramed capsule mimics the ways in which the body naturally produces, regulates, and distributes the hormone. Join discussion...

MicroIslet is engaged in the research, development, and commercialization of patented technologies in the field of transplantation therapy for patients with insulin-dependent diabetes. MicroIslet believes its porcine xenotransplantation and proprietary technology may overcome many of the obstacles that have plagued islet cell transplantation Join discussion...

New Brunswick Events. Presented by the Canadian Diabetes Association. March 29, 2008. Delta Hotel Fredericton Afternoon Tasting: 2 – 5 p.m. Cost $50 Evening Tasting: 7 – 10 p.m. Cost $55 Experience a premiere event in Fredericton to support New Brunswick’s summer camping program for kids. Enjoy a great wine selection accompanied by wonderful hors d’oeuvres. To purchase your ticket please contact Carol Salmon at (506) 451-1633. Join discussion...

Deaths from cardiovascular disease are declining among men with diabetes, but not women, and poorer control of blood pressure and cholesterol levels may be to blame, a new study suggests. Join discussion...

Eighty-six years ago Canadian Frederick Banting administered the first insulin injection. In 1922 Banting's work came to a head as he injected a man called Leonard Thompson with insulin. Thompson lived for another 13 years Join discussion...