JDRF announced a couple of weeks ago that they were partnering with Animas to develop the first artificial pancreas. This has been a hot topic among diabetic communities online ever since their announcement, but I wanted to share it here for those who aren't involved in those communities. From the JDRF press release (emphasis mine):
If you're not familiar with the terms, the CGM and pump already are commonly used. However, the CGM currently can be used just to monitor blood glucose levels... it still requires a human to read it, calculate the dosages, and program those into the pump numerous times each day. It's the automation of the process-- that the sensor and pump might work without human calculations-- that's the breakthrough.The first-generation system would be partially automated, utilizing an insulin pump connected wirelessly with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). The CGM continuously reads glucose levels through a sensor with a hair-thin sensor wire inserted just below the skin, typically on the abdomen. The sensor would transmit those readings to the insulin pump, which delivers insulin through a small tube or patch on the body. The pump would house a sophisticated computer program that will address safety concerns during the day and night, by helping prevent hypoglycemia and extreme hyperglycemia. It would slow or stop insulin delivery if it detected blood sugar was going too low and would increase insulin delivery if blood sugar was too high. For example, the system would automatically discontinue insulin delivery to help prevent hypoglycemia, and then automatically resume insulin delivery based on a specific time interval (i.e., 2 hours) and/or glucose concentration. It will also automatically increase insulin delivery to reduce the amount of time spent in the hyperglycemic range and return to a pre-set basal rate once glucose concentrations have returned to acceptable levels.
Honestly, the idea gives me chills. To imagine that my daughter might one day have a sensor to correct her blood sugar automatically 24/7.... just, wow. I know better than to get my hopes up too high, of course, but the $8 million slated for this project has to be a step in the right direction, right? I'll be praying for this project!
I have admired various (expensive) 
.... or maybe like Sandy's dome in 
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company. Ugh.
! This giveaway was sponsored by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.
! Whoo hoo! If you know me at all, you'll know that I am a big Palin supporter. I've already made plans to work on her Presidential campaign in 2012... now we just have to pursuade her to run! ;)
and mix. Shake each cube steak in the bag to coat, then brown in oil in hot skillet. While cube steaks are browning, chop onion into thick slices and layer in bottom of crockpot. Add the browned cube steaks & scraped bits from skillet into crockpot on top of the onions, then pour in 1 1/2 cups water. Cook on low all day (mine cooked about 5 hours). Half an hour before serving, remove cube steaks to a platter to keep warm. Stir in the packet of gravy mix. Allow gravy to thicken, serve, and enjoy!
is pretty much summed up in the title: the focus is on making positive changes one day at a time. From overeating to addictions to destructive habits, the author truly believes that you can change anything... but focusing on six-month plans isn't the way to do it. She outlines positive steps you can take to address various issues (nutrition, exercise, etc.), but reminds us that you have to focus on the small steps you can take today, and not get overwhelmed thinking about the future or the past. 
are based on a similar concept) if we want to make big changes. There wasn't anything earth-shattering in Ms Hobbs' ideas, but they are based on common sense approaches to struggles that every one of us faces. If you need a reminder to give yourself your due credit and see each step towards change as a victory, then this is the book for you.
, and, 
. I'm about half-way through the Amish book- it's very light reading, broken up into short 1-3 page stories. I can't wait to dig into Palin's book, but, I had some review books that I need to finish first in order to post reviews by the deadlines.
and I'm always thrilled when someone blesses me with a gift from that list. 
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