Annual diabetes Consumer Guide to be published in the January 2010 issue by Diabetes Forecast

When shopping for a new cell phone or even a car, there are dozens of features to explore and choices to make. The same is true of shopping for medical products that will help manage a chronic disease. For many people with diabetes, it can be difficult to determine which products are right for them. But help is on the way: Diabetes Forecast, the consumer magazine of the American Diabetes Association, is publishing its annual Consumer Guide in the January 2010 issue. In this guide, Diabetes Forecast lays out dozens of products, with side-by-side comparisons, photos and even a special section about products that are on the horizon. Don't miss this annual resource to help determine which products fit your personal needs.

This year's Consumer Guide offers expert tips on how to evaluate many types of diabetes products, which are divided into the following categories:

Meters - Over 50 blood glucose (sugar) meters are examined with information about the required size of the blood sample, battery type, whether or not coding is necessary and contact information to learn more about each product. There are also call-out boxes that list blood glucose meters with audio features, backlight, data storage and the ability to withstand extremely high or low temperatures, as well as how to pick a meter for children and people with special needs.

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) - These are among the newest tools for blood glucose monitoring, with three CGMs currently on the U.S. market. Diabetes Forecast looks at each one, its multiple pieces, range, warm-up time, calibration requirements, sensor duration and other features to help readers determine a good match.

Insulin Pumps & Infusion Sets - Insulin pumps all have the same basic function, but it's all the various features and functions that make for a good fit based on personal preference. The 2010 Consumer Guide details the basics about insulin pumps, then compares the pumps and their features as well as the infusion sets that are compatible with each insulin pump.

Insulin Pens - Many types of insulin are now available in a discreet pen-like form. Diabetes Forecast compares these pens, with their different types of insulin, with details about dosage size and increments as well as whether or not an insulin pen is disposable or reusable.

Aids for People on Insulin Therapy - Because administering insulin must be done in a precise manner with a precise dose, there are several products for insulin users that aim to help make the process easier, such as syringe magnifiers, injection ports and needle-stabilizing devices.

Products for Treating Lows - Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) can be a dangerous consequence of diabetes treatment. Glucose tablets, gels, liquids and "bits" are made to fight hypoglycemia quickly; Diabetes Forecast compares them all.

Products on the Horizon - Diabetes Forecast spotlights some of the products that could be introduced in the next year, including a new patch pump, a blood glucose meter for kids that plugs into video game systems, an iPhone application and an insulin pump that suspends delivery if its connected CGM senses hypoglycemia.

The January 2010 issue also brings you news on American Diabetes Association-funded research: Pietro Galassetti, MD, PhD, is looking for ways to detect changes in blood glucose levels, not by pricking finger tips, but instead by simply exhaling. The University of California-Irvine scientist is laying the groundwork for a Breathalyzer-style monitor that could reduce the finger pricks currently associated with testing blood glucose levels.

More features in the latest issue of Diabetes Forecast include:

• 100 Miles for Diabetes: A Pittsburgh veteran and retired mail carrier leads an annual fund-raising trek
• Nuts! Cut out the "bad" fats and keep in the "good" ones with these tasty recipes
• Reflections: A third grade teacher with diabetes answers questions and raises awareness in her classroom.