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Agent Orange diabetes link investigated

A U.S. Air Force Health Study report shows strong evidence that herbicides sprayed over Southeast Asia in the Vietnam War are linked to adult-onset diabetes.
The U.S. Department of Defense released the report Friday, saying the results support earlier findings. However, the report said there was no link between herbicides such as Agent Orange and heart disease or cancer.
Agent Orange, an herbicide that contained dioxin, was dispersed over a wide area of Vietnam from 1962-71 to destroy jungle foliage the North Vietnamese army used for cover. There were claims exposure to the herbicide contributed to post-war illnesses U.S. veterans.

Talking to Your Child About Diabetes

As the parent of a child with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you may feel shocked, sad, or even angry or guilty at first – feelings that are perfectly normal. But the more you know about diabetes, the less anxious and better prepared you’ll be to talk about it with your child, help your child manage the disease, and ultimately let your child take responsibility for diabetes care.

Health Department To Create Diabetes Registry

In an effort to prevent and treat diabetes, the Department of Health is taking steps toward creating a registry, saying diabetes is a huge epidemic and that a list would help keep better track of the disease.

The registry would require a blood test, which would check sugar and glycemic levels. Those at risk would then be entered into the registry.

The DOH is expected to hold a public meeting on the issue in August.