Diabetes Control Center

12/22/2025

If you have diabetes:
How to keep your A1C from going through the roof during the holidays
🎄 Holiday Eating & Your A1c: What Really Matters 🎄
Many people worry that the holidays will “ruin” their diabetes control. The good news: they don’t have to. Small, consistent choices make a big difference.
Here’s how to protect your A1c during the holidays:
🍽️ Don’t skip meals
Skipping meals earlier in the day often leads to overeating later and higher glucose spikes.
🥗 Build your plate intentionally
Aim for:
• Half the plate non-starchy vegetables
• Lean protein
• Smaller portions of starches and desserts
🍞 Be selective with carbohydrates
Choose what you enjoy most and skip mindless grazing, sugary drinks, and frequent “tastes.”
🚶 Move after meals
A 10–15 minute walk after eating can significantly reduce post-meal glucose elevations.
📊 Monitor more frequently
Checking your glucose more often during the holidays helps you recognize trends and respond early.
💊 Stay consistent with medications and insulin
Holidays are not the time to pause treatment. Consistency prevents unnecessary setbacks.
🎁 Perspective matters
One meal will not raise your A1c — repeated patterns will. Enjoy special occasions, then return to your routine.
If you’re unsure how to adjust your plan during the holidays, reach out to your healthcare team. Education and preparation make all the difference.

08/26/2025

👀 Have you seen the TV ads for FluMist® (the nasal spray flu vaccine)?
Here’s what you should know:

👉 FluMist is only recommended for people ages 2 through 49.
👉 After age 49, the immune system doesn’t respond as strongly to this type of live nasal vaccine.
👉 For adults 50 and older, injected flu shots—especially high-dose or adjuvanted versions—work better and are safer in preventing serious flu illness.

✅ Bottom line: If you’re over 49, stick with the flu shot your doctor recommends. It gives you stronger protection.

08/25/2025

🚨 Big News in Diabetes Care! 🚨

Researchers just reported exciting results from the American Diabetes Association meeting: a new once-weekly insulin (called efsitora, still experimental) worked just as well as daily insulin in nearly 1,000 adults with type 2 diabetes.

👉 If approved, this could mean one shot a week instead of 365+ shots a year.
👉 That’s over 300 fewer injections annually!
👉 The hope is that fewer shots will make it easier for people to stay on track with their treatment.

This isn’t available yet, but it’s a big step forward in making diabetes care simpler and less stressful.

08/25/2025

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📢 **Orangeburg County Respiratory Virus Update – August 2025**

Good news: **respiratory virus activity is very low** locally for COVID-19, flu, and RSV. But **COVID-19 is rising in some areas nationwide**, so vigilance still matters. Nevertheless, there are rumors of increased episodes COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses in the Orangeburg area.
From CDC "“Due to a technical issue, wastewater data is currently delayed for COVID‑19, Influenza A, and RSV. Data will be updated as soon as possible.” We do not know We do not know if this is related but according to apnews.com "Approximately 600 CDC employees received final termination notices recently. This follows an earlier round of workforce reductions cutting about 1,300 CDC employees, including first-year members of the renowned Epidemic Intelligence Service."
**Here’s how to stay protected:**
• Flu vaccine – for everyone 6 months and older, given annually
• COVID booster – stay up-to-date if you're eligible
• RSV vaccine – for adults aged 60+
• RSV antibody shot – ask your pediatrician if you have an infant under 8 months at high risk

Even during low-activity periods, vaccines offer strong protection—especially during the unpredictable respiratory season ahead. Stay safe and healthy!

08/25/2025

Are you taking levothyroxine? ?

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**📢 Important Recall Notice for Levothyroxine (Thyroid Medication)**

Hello, everyone—this is an urgent update from healthcare authorities regarding *Levothyroxine Sodium Tablets USP*, distributed by **Accord Healthcare, Inc.**, and manufactured by **Intas Pharmaceuticals Limited** in India. A **Class II recall** has been issued due to the medication having *subpotent* levels of active ingredient—meaning the potency is below the labeled specifications, which could impact effectiveness and thyroid hormone levels. ([ipdpharma.com][1], [HMP Global Learning Network][2])

**Affected Lot Numbers and Expiration Dates:**

* **25 mcg**:

* Lot **D2300325**, Expiry: January 2026
* Lot **D2400536**, Expiry: February 2026
* Lot **D2400679**, Expiry: February 2026 ([ipdpharma.com][1], [California State Board of Pharmacy][3])

* **50 mcg**:

* Lot **D2300087**, Expiry: December 2025 ([ipdpharma.com][1])

* **100 mcg**:

* Lot **D2300092**, Expiry: December 2025
* Lot **D2400722**, Expiry: March 2026 ([Empr][4])

* **112 mcg**:

* Lot **D2300104**, Expiry: December 2025 ([ipdpharma.com][1])

* **150 mcg**:

* Lot **D2300076**, Expiry: December 2025 ([ipdpharma.com][1])

* **175 mcg**:

* Lot **D2300042**, Expiry: December 2025 ([ipdpharma.com][1], [California State Board of Pharmacy][3])

**What You Should Do:**

1. If you're using levothyroxine, check your prescription bottle for one of these lot numbers.
2. **Do not use** any bottles matching these lots.
3. Contact your **pharmacy or healthcare provider** immediately to determine whether you need a replacement.

Levothyroxine sodium is used to treat a sluggish thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).