The Best and the Worst of 2006

Although there are countless examples of breakthroughs and outstanding stories about Diabetes this year, here are my top five...


1) Kris Freeman competes in the 2006 Winter Olympics - Kris Freeman pushed forward the belief that those with diabetes can accomplish anything they set their minds to by qualifying and competing in the 2006 Winter Olympics. Kris competed in a total of three events: the Men's 15k Interval Start (placing 22nd in a field of 97), the Men's 4x10k Relay (the U.S. team finished 12th of 16) and the Men's 50k (placing 61st overall). For more on Kris and his amazing accomplishments, click here.

2) Team Type 1 wins the Race Across America - A group of eight insulin dependent diabetics were not only the first with diabetes to compete in the prestigious 25th annual Race Across America, they won their division. They completed the grueling 3,052 mile race in five days, sixteen hours and four minutes. Not only were they empowered by the idea of proving to others with diabetes that they can accomplish anything, they raised funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. For more on Team Type 1, click here.

3) Johnson and Johnson buys Animas - Johnson and Johnson took a giant leap forward in their intent to 'Create a world without limits for those with diabetes,' by acquiring Animas Corporation, maker of the Animas 1250. Not only did their purchase have them enter the insulin pump market in a leadership position, they set a standard for what is to come in the realm of partnerships between insulin pumps and glucose meters (Johnson and Johnson also owns Lifescan, makers of the One Touch Meters). To learn more about the acquisition, click here.

4) FDA release of the Dexcom - Not since the release of the Glucowatch has a product gotten more interest in the realm of continuous glucose monitoring. The Dexcom is used as a trending device to show the speed at which these changes happen, and for those who understand it's benefits it truly is monumental. The only drawback to a product as wonderful as the Dexcom, is that it does not live up to the dreams of what those with diabetes want - a device to replace finger stick testing. To read more about reviews of the Dexcom from Children with Diabetes, click here.

5) A cure for diabetes? It's been theorized for years that the body's nervous system has an influence on Diabetes, but a group of scientists took a huge jump in proving this theory. Although this isn't the first time that scientist has gotten the hopes of millions up with a possible cure, the latest in research shows this group in off to a good start. For more on the breakthrough, click here.