Protect self from diabetes

Dear Heloise: Did you know that diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, as well as new blindness in people ages 20-74? It is also one of the fastest-growing diseases in the United States, and the No. 1 cause of nontraumatic lower-limb amputations.

In Type 1 diabetes, which usually occurs in childhood or adolescence, there is a relative lack of insulin, which regulates blood sugar. Type 2, which involves insulin resistance, is usually diagnosed in adults over the age of 45, and they tend to be overweight. The problem is that Type 2 diabetes is now being diagnosed in children, due to the increase in childhood obesity.

Given the current trends of obesity and lack of exercise, it is expected that the rate of diabetes may reach one out of every three Americans. What can your readers do about it? If you have diabetes, you can reduce your risk of complications by learning about the disease and controlling your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. If you don't have diabetes, you can reduce your chance of developing Type 2 diabetes by controlling your weight, avoiding refined sugars and starting an exercise plan with the help of your physician. In addition, if you smoke, stop smoking, since smoking exacerbates many diseases, including diabetes.

If you are interested in learning more about diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association's Web site at www.diabetes.org, where you can get more facts and advice. —Michael Singer, M.D., ophthalmologist and diabetic retina specialist,San Antonio

Dr. Singer, I have recently learned from many health-care professionals that diabetes is predicted to reach pandemic status in the coming years. Folks, listen to the doctor — it just might save your life, and limbs. —Heloise

Dear Heloise: I work for a cell-phone company that sells prepaid cards and picked up a hint from a customer. Most prepaid cards have a scratch-off section that reveals a special code. Rather than just using your fingernails or a coin, use a piece of cellophane tape. Just apply the tape over the desired area, rub and peel away. My customers love the trick and suggested I write you about it. It can also be used to scratch off lottery tickets! —Kevin, Portland, Ore.

We tested this in the office and had fun — didn't win, though. The tape worked on some, but not others. —Heloise

Dear Heloise: A male friend of mine shared this hint with me. He says he was always grateful that his wife had the forethought to have their wedding date engraved on the inside of his wedding ring. He knew where to look when trying to remember his anniversary date — and he never forgot to bring home roses on the right day.