This week in the HSI e-Alert Anyone who's taking a medication for type 2 diabetes (or anyone who knows someone who is) will find the HSI Forum thread titled "Diabetic Meds" a must-read, with some important information about several popular, but potentially dangerous drugs. An HSI member named Pepawbear starts things off by asking for the name of the drug that has been associated with many liver failures and transplants. He says, "2 other diabetic drugs are now under very watchful eyes because they too are causing deaths." A member named Roz correctly identifies the diabetic drug
Rezulin as the one that's been linked to liver problems through a number of lawsuits alleging that the drug was directly responsible for almost 100 incidents of liver failure. It's not yet been determined whether or not the drug was to blame. Rezulin was removed from the market in March 2000. The other two drugs that Pepawbear asks about are Avandia and Actos, which have not been linked to any deaths, but have been shown to present the potential of serious health problems for many type 2 diabetics. These medications are in a class of drugs called thiazolidinediones (TZDs), and are designed to improve insulin sensitivity. In the e-Alert "Sweet Heart" (10/16/03) I told you about a new study that demonstrated how TZDs may increase the risk of pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure. Here's what a member named Evelyn has to say about Avandia: "My endocrinologist tried to persuade me to take it. She said
there is 'slight' risk of side effects. When I got online and
read the manufacturer's own contra-indications, kidney damage or problems is one. Since most diabetics have some degree of kidney impairment, that was fairly significant. Since most of us also try to exercise, in rapidly aging, hormonally screwed-up, calorically restricted bodies, it appears that slight muscle aches (the primary symptom… ) would be fairly common. No thanks! Not for me!" Bravo to Evelyn for doing her own research, which obviously was a major factor in her final decision. Other members offer various comments on diabetes drugs,
including glucophage and glyburide. If you or someone you care about is taking any of these drugs, the "Diabetic Meds" thread contains plenty of useful information and personal insights, as well as a side discussion about homemade navy bean soup that just might peak your appetite. Other topics being discussed on the HSI Forum this week include microwave ovens, carpal tunnel syndrome, getting off HRT, trans fats, EKG, water consumption, and in a thread titled "Take Action - Protect the DSHEA" a member named Jim has provided a form letter (borrowed from the e-Alert "Under the Gun" of 11/10/03) that you can use to e-mail or write your congressmen to express your support for senate bill S. 1538 ("DSHEA Full Implementation and Enforcement Act"). To find the form letter, or to join in with any of the ongoing discussions about natural health alternatives, log on to our web site at www.hsibaltimore.com. And now, for the football faithful… Something odd happened last week; I didn't see one minute of the Ravens/Dolphins game - or any of the, let's call them,
lowlights. But I know one thing: You're just not going to win
football games when your star players fumble at critical
moments. This week, the Ravens return home after two rough losses on the road. But Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks won't be a walk in the park. The Seahawks are having a great season and could have an easy day if the Ravens are as ineffective this week as they were in Florida last Sunday. Being a Ravens fan has never been about watching a great offense win football games. So hopefully the defense will do what it does best and the offense will come along for the ride -- holding on to the ball along the way! The division lead could be on the line this Sunday after the Bengals ended the Chiefs 9-game winning streak last week, so this game is a critical one to keep Baltimore's playoff hopes alive. With fingers and toes crossed… Go Ravens! | 
