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Sari Harrar

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About Sari Harrar

Sari Harrar is an award-winning freelance journalist specializing in health, medicine, and science. She writes for national magazines including Consumer Reports on Health, Good Housekeeping, Prevention and O--Oprah magazine, and is the author of "Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally" (Rodale, 2014). She is a former Prevention Magazine Health News editor and was the recipient of a CASE/Harvard Medical School Journalism Fellowship in 2003.

Articles Written by Sari Harrar

How Diabetes Can Mask the Symptoms of a Heart Attack

Weird, whispering symptoms are easy to overlook; how to prevent and recognize this risk for people with diabetes.
In a new study of more than 9,000 people, silent heart attacks—with warning signs so quiet or so unusual that people didn’t seek medical help—were nearly as common as classic heart attacks with well-known symptoms like crushing chest pain. And they were almost as lethal in the long run, tripling the odds of dying during the 9-year study compared to people who didn’t have a heart attack of any kind.

Peripheral Artery Disease: What to Know and Do

Diabetes raises your risk; these treatments can help
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) “pads” arteries in your legs (and elsewhere) with gunky plaque that strangles or even cuts off blood flow, causing muscle pain and – grisly but true -- raising risk for amputation, too.

6 Things People With Diabetes Can Do To Have a More Supportive Partner

People with diabetes who are married to a supportive partner have a secret weapon in helping to better manage their disease.

Free Insulin: Strategies for Getting It When You Can't Afford Your Prescription

Insulin affordability is a serious problem as costs soar and medical associations, elected officials, advocates and people with diabetes clamor to bring down the price. If you’re having trouble paying for insulin, here are strategies you can try:
Running out of insulin? Can't afford your prescription?These strategies can help you find the life-saving medication you need.

Gestational Diabetes: 5 Surprising Facts

The risk for pregnancy diabetes is rising. Why this matters for your baby and for you. Part 1 in series.
Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy. This dangerous condition is on the rise. Learn why it matters for your baby and you.

Insulin Rationing: What It Is and Why It's So Dangerous

What skimping or skipping insulin does to your body if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes—and why it can have deadly consequences. The heartbreak of this growing problem.
What skipping or skimping on insulin does to your body and why there can be deadly consequences.

Heads Up About CBD Oil: Risks That Aren't on The Label

Dangerous synthetics. THC that shouldn’t be there. Low levels of the active ingredient. Concerns about pesticides and heavy metals. In part 3 of our report, what studies show about the hidden side of this popular product.
Dangerous synthetics. THC that shouldn’t be there. Low levels of the active ingredient. Concerns about pesticides and heavy metals. In part 3 of our report, what studies show about the hidden side of this unregulated substance.

CBD Oil for Diabetes?

Don't fall for the hype. Here's what the science and the experts have to say about cannabidiol oil (CBD) and your blood sugar. Part 1 in a series of OnTrack Diabetes reports.
OnTrack Diabetes investigates claims that cannabis can be beneficial for people with diabetes Part 1 in a series of three reports.

Diabetes Management: When It's Okay to See a Nurse for Help

Should your next diabetes doctor be a nurse practitioner? As the shortage of family doctors in the US increases, nurse practitioners (NPs) are turning up in growing numbers. Here's what they can do to help you improve your blood sugar management.
As the shortage of family doctors increases, nurse practitioners (NPs) are turning up in growing numbers in family medicine practices and clinics across the nation. How will this affect your care?

Open Enrollment: 5 Tips to Help People with Diabetes Choose Health Insurance Wisely

It's open enrollment time. Get the most from your health insurance benefits with these expert tips.
Choosing health insurance? Here are six expert tips for people with diabetes to guide them during open enrollment.

Insulin: What You Should Know About This Life-Saving Hormone

Millions with type 1 and type 2 diabetes use this hormone to control their blood sugar. Do you know what insulin does and how to use it effectively? Learn the basics here.
Insulin is a hormone that controls blood sugar in the body. Find out more about it's role in the body, how it's administered and why its so important for diabetes management.

The Smart Way to Go Vegetarian: 4 Pitfalls to Avoid

Research shows that plant-based eating plans are good for your blood sugar, your heart and more. Here's how to get the benefits and get around 4 common pitfalls.
Research shows that plant-based eating plans are good for your blood sugar, your heart and more. Here’s how to get the benefits and how to avoid these 4 common pitfalls.

Insulin Prices Still High

People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes pay the price in more ways than one
The price of injectable insulin, used by nearly 10 million Americans with diabetes, has risen sharply, forcing some patients to cut back on their insulin to save money.

Sending 'Real Time' Blood Sugar Readings Directly to Your Doctor

A Stanford University pilot project tests Apple’s HealthKit
Children and teens with type 1 participated in a recent Stanford University pilot test of Apple’s HealthKit—a software platform that gathers and shares health data—for tracking blood-sugar levels.

FDA Approves First Hybrid Artificial Pancreas

Medtronic's MiniMed670G should be on the market by Spring 2017
A brand-new “artificial pancreas,” the Medtronic MiniMed670G, that automatically checks glucose levels and delivers customized insulin doses to people with type 1 diabetes has won FDA approval.

New Research: Lower Your Blood Sugar with Fruit, Veggies, and Whole Grains

Recent studies find big health benefits, plus a surprising clue about why it works

New Breastfeeding Benefit: Lower Diabetes Risk for Moms

Nursing lowers odds for high blood sugar, even for women who had gestational diabetes during pregnancy
Large study shows nursing lowers odds for high blood sugar, even for women who had gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

Before You Conceive: Getting Fit Slashes Risk for Gestational Diabetes

Pregnant women at higher fitness levels had lower risk for high blood sugar during pregnancy; Exercise is key, according to researcher.
A large study of young women at higher fitness levels linked to lower risk for high blood sugar during pregnancy. Why this matters before pregnancy and after.

Islet-Cell Transplants: 3 Tech Solutions May Soon End the Need for Shots and Pumps

Scientists are looking to stem cells, special pouches and surprising transplant sites (including the eyes and the abdomen) to bring this promising diabetes solution closer to reality
Three tech solutions could solve problems that are currently prohibiting the ability of people with diabetes to receive islet cell transplants. Learn more.

Diabetes Cure: Could a New Transplant Device Mean the End of Insulin Injections?

How human islet cells packaged in tiny, ultra-thin devices could be paving the way for a future type 1 diabetes cure.
Learn how human islet cells packaged in tiny, ultra-thin devices that allow insulin to be released in response to rising blood glucose levels could pave the way for a future type 1 cure.

Islet Cell Transplant for Type 1 Diabetes: Research Update

In a new study, insulin-producing islets reduced or eliminated insulin shots and ended dangerous low blood sugar episodes for most
In a new study, insulin-producing islets reduced or eliminated insulin shots and ended dangerous low blood sugar episodes for most

Diabetes and Oral Health: Why It's Important to Fit Dental Care into Your Budget

People with diabetes and prediabetes are more likely to skip the dentist but gum disease and other oral health problems can worsen high blood sugar—and vice versa.
Oral-health problems like gum disease can worsen high blood sugar—and vice versa. Here why it's important not to neglect your mouth and how to fit dental care into your budget.

Insulin-Free for the First Time in 26 Years

Wendy Peacock’s Amazing Story
Wendy Peacock, a Texas attorney and mom with severe type 1 diabetes, made medical history in August when she became the first recipient of a breakthrough islet cell transplant procedure developed by the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) at UHealth — University of Miami Health System.

At 40, a Surprising Diagnosis: Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults

He did everything right, but Manny Hernandez’s blood sugar levels wouldn’t settle down. Then tests showed he had LADA, a type of diabetes he’d never heard of.

For Weight Loss and Better Blood Sugar, Try Mindful Eating

Practicing mindfulness techniques with eating can be an effective tool for weight loss and improved blood sugar, according to a new study published in the March 2016 journal Obesity.

Diabetes Type 3c?

Little-known diabetes type—caused by pancreas-related problems—is often misdiagnosed and mistreated a new UK study finds
Pancreatic inflammation or other pancreas problems can trigger type 3c diabetes—a new type of diabetes that generally requires insulin. Learn more.

Future Blood Sugar Solution: Harness Your Gut Bacteria

A growing stack of research suggests that disturbances of your microbiome may play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes.

Eating Homemade Meals Cuts Diabetes Risk, Study Says

When Harvard researchers tracked more than 99,000 people for up to 36 years, they found that those who ate homemade lunches and dinners at least 11 times a week were 13% less likely to develop diabetes than people who ate home-prepared meals less often.

Using Gene Tests to Pinpoint Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Complications

People with type 2 diabetes face higher risks for a laundry list of serious health concerns ranging from heart attacks, strokes and cancer. Now, a recent study from Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York suggests someday a gene test could help you and your doctor pinpoint personal risks before trouble happens.

5 Things You Can Do To Avoid High Blood Sugar Messing with Your Memory

Why everyone should be worried about 'type 3' diabetes
A growing stack of research suggests that insulin resistance in the brain helps fuel the plaques, tangles and signal breakdowns of this progressive disease—even in people who do not have diabetes.

Dexcom Recall: Continuous Glucose Monitor Alarms May Not Work

Dexcom, Inc., a major US maker of continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMs), is urging users of its G4 Platinum and G5 Mobile CGM systems to test their units and contact the company immediately if alarms for low and high blood sugar levels aren’t functioning. The company announced a voluntary recall of the receivers after consumers complained about the problem.1

7 Symptoms to Never Ignore if You Have Diabetes

If you have diabetes watch for these 7 warning signs that something is amiss, and make sure you know how to respond.

6 Signs Your Type 2 Diabetes Might Really Be Type 1

Up to 10% of people with type 2 diabetes may actually have a form of diabetes known as latent autoimmune diabetes in adults, or LADA, where the immune system slowly destroys insulin-producing beta cells.

Future Diabetes Diagnosis Could Be Based on 11 Factors

Leading diabetes researchers are proposing a new way to classify diabetes based on these 11 factors, reports the February issue of the journal Diabetes Care.

Diabetes Drug Dosing May Be Too High in Older Adults

If you're over age 70 and taking medication to treat high blood sugar or blood pressure, you may be getting more medicine than you need, according to researchers at the University of Michigan.

8 Lies People with Diabetes Should Never Tell Their Doctor

If you have diabetes, lying to your doctor about your lifestyle habits, like telling him you don't smoke or drink, can come back to haunt you.

A New Clue About What Helps Put Diabetes Into Remission Following Weight Loss Surgery

A recent Danish study suggests a way to predict long-term success of weight loss surgery for people with diabetes: By testing the health of insulin-producing beta cells.

6 Ways to Connect Better with Your Spouse if You Have Diabetes

Your marriage can be a “secret weapon” that supports your efforts to take care of your diabetes, research shows.

Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea Does Not Improve Blood Sugar

A new study says the gold-standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) did not improve patients' blood sugar.

4 Hidden Sugar Traps and How to Avoid Them

Americans sip, slurp, munch and crunch a whopping 18 to 23 teaspoons of added sugars per day – that’s 78 pounds per year! Until labels get smarter about added sugars, here’s how you can avoid “hidden sugar” traps today.

Cheaper Insulin Is on the Way

The first “biosimilar” insulin is set for sale in the U.S. later this year; now, a new study in the journal Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism says it works as well as the brand-name drug it’s based on.

Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults

How to diagnose and treat LADA
Call it diabetes type 1.5. Double diabetes. Or “slim type 2.” By any name, LADA—latent autoimmune diabetes in adults—plays by its own rules.

Marijuana Boosts Prediabetes Risk

Several big population studies hint at an intriguing association between marijuana and lower risk for type 2 diabetes, but a University of Minnesota study found 49-65% higher odds for prediabetes in current smokers and former “heavy” users.

New Heart-Health Threat: Compounds in Red Meat, Egg Yolks and More

A growing stack of research suggests that compounds in red meat, egg yolks and high-fat dairy products raise risk for heart disease—a leading health threat for people with diabetes—via a surprising route: Gut bacteria.

5 Insulin Mistakes You Need to Avoid

If you use insulin to keep your blood sugar in check, these five common mistakes could lead to dangerous lows or highs. What you need to know if you have diabetes and rely on insulin.

Financial Disclosures for Sari Harrar

OnTrack Diabetes, a Vertical Health, LLC website, is committed to ensuring that the medical information it presents is accurate, balanced, objective, and trustworthy.

To help achieve this goal, OnTrack Diabetes requires all authors, editors, and reviewers to disclose any financial relationships or affiliations they have with companies whose products or services may be mentioned in the content they author, edit, or review.

The intent of this policy is to identify any perceived, potential, or real conflicts of interest so that readers can make their own judgments about the value of information being presented.

Author's Statement

I, the undersigned, declare that neither I nor members of my immediate family have a financial interests or affiliation with commercial companies whose products and / or services may be mentioned in the materials I have authored, edited or reviewed for presentation on Vertical Health, LLC’s websites.
There are no disclosures for this author
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