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Ilene Raymond Rush

Health and Science Freelance Writer
Philadelphia, PA
Website

About Ilene Raymond Rush

Ilene Raymond Rush is an award-winning health and science freelance writer. Based on her own experiences with type 2 diabetes, she brings a personal take and a reporter’s eye to examine the best and newest methods of treating and controlling the disease.

Raymond Rush's diabetes journey began with a diagnosis of gestational diabetes 30 years ago while pregnant with her first son. For 7 years, she was able to avoid a diagnosis of type 2 with daily 6-mile runs, but with a second pregnancy the gestational diabetes returned. In 1987, Raymond Rush was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and started a regimen of medication, diet, and exercise.

Over this time, as a freelance writer for newspapers, magazines, and the web, she's had access to doctors, scientists, and the latest research on diabetes -- a perk that has proved both inspirational and frustrating: It's one thing to know what to do, but it's another thing to do it. She doesn’t always succeed, but she’s given up on achieving perfection.

Raymond Rush is a graduate of Brandeis University and the Iowa Writers Workshop. Her work appears regularly in the Health & Science section of The Philadelphia Inquirer and on dLife. Her essays, articles, and fiction have appeared in a wide variety of publications, including AARP, Diabetic Living, Weight Watchers Magazine, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, Ladies' Home Journal, Reader’s Digest, Good Housekeeping, and Parents. In addition, her short fiction has been awarded an O. Henry Prize.

She lives outside of Philadelphia with her professor husband and their plump schnauzer, Noodle.

Articles Written by Ilene Raymond Rush

Ketogenic Diet and Diabetes: What You Need to Know

Keto diets are hot but is keto the way to go if you live with diabetes?

Menopause and Diabetes: What You Need to Know

For women with diabetes, menopause can be an especially challenging time.
Controlling blood sugars can be challenging during menopause. Learn more about how menopause affects diabetes and how to get relief from hot flashes and other bothersome symptoms.

Type 2 Diabetes and Exercise: Can A Short, Daily Workout Make a Difference?

The scientifically-proven 7-minute workout has been shown to have impressive benefits but can it be helpful for people with type 2 diabetes?
Incorporate exercise into your treatment plan for reduced body mass index, smaller hip and waist circumference and improved sensitivity to insulin.

Does Having Type 1 Diabetes Make Me More Susceptible to Other Autoimmune Diseases?

In people with type 1 diabetes—an autoimmune disease that affects the islets in the pancreas and particularly the beta cells that produce insulin—certain other autoimmune conditions are more common. Here's why.
Learn why people with type 1 diabetes are more susceptible to developing other autoimmune conditions. Plus expert advice on what you can do to keep them at bay.

Diabetes and Arthritis: What You Need to Know and Tips to Prevent It

Learn more about the link between diabetes, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Learn more about the link between diabetes, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and what you can do to manage these conditions.

Blood Sugar Levels: When It's a Good Idea for T2Ds to Test Their Glucose

An endocrinologist interprets the findings of a recent study and explains the reasons why some people with type 2 diabetes should test their glucose regularly.
An endocrinologist explains when it's a good idea for people with type 2 diabetes to test their blood sugar.

Intermittent Fasting and Diabetes: A Safe Eating Plan for People with Type 2?

Eating whatever you like for a few days; seriously cutting back on others can be effective for weight loss but is it harmful to people with diabetes? Here's what experts say
Is intermittent fasting good for diabetes? Eating whatever you like for a few days and cutting back on others can be effective for weight loss and type 2 diabetes.

What You Need to Know About Hepatitis and Diabetes

People with diabetes experience higher rates of hepatitis, or inflammation of the liver, than the general population. Learn more about the link and what you can do to keep yourself safe.
Several different viral strains cause hepatitis which leads to liver inflammation. Learn why people with diabetes are at increased risk of living with this chronic problem.

Diabetes Medications & Heart Disease: Are You Getting the Care You Need?

If you have type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, it’s a good time to talk to your doctor.
If you have type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, it’s a good time to talk to your doctor. Many drug therapies are being found to have cardiovascular benefits.

Watch Your Language: Helping a Loved One Manage Diabetes May Be a Matter of Words

To help loved ones living with diabetes, experts say words matter. Avoid further stigmatizing them by choosing the right language. Using non-judgmental words can actually motivate healthy changes. Here's how.

Hypothyroidism and Diabetes

Learn about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of this autoimmune disorder.
People with diabetes have a high risk for hypothyroidism, a disorder that occurs when the thyroid gland produces lower amounts of hormones than the body needs. Learn more.

Invokana: First Oral Medication Approved for Diabetes and Cardiovascular Events

Diabetes medication now indicated to help patients lower their A1C levels AND protect them from cardiovascular events.
The FDA approves canagliflozin (Invokana, Invokamet) to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack and cardiac death in patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. It is the first oral diabetes medication to gain this indication.

What You Need to Know About Diabetes, Gallstones and Kidney Stones

Kidney stones and gallstones both occur more frequently in people with diabetes and metabolic syndrome, which causes insulin resistance.
Learn about the connection between type 2 diabetes and both kidney stones and gallstones. Having good blood sugar control can help you avoid these unpleasant problems.

5 Ways You Can Reverse Your Type 2 Diabetes

Lifestyle changes and in some cases, surgery, can be effective ways to put type 2 diabetes into remission. Learn more about what you can do to get off medication and get in control.
Experts say it's possible to put type 2 diabetes into remission. Lifestyle changes and, in some cases, bariatric surgery can help get you off medication.

Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction

There's a strong connection between diabetes and erectile dysfunction (ED) but ED is a treatable condition so it doesn't have to mean the end of your sex life.
There's a strong connection between diabetes and erectile dysfunction (ED) but ED is a treatable condition so it doesn't have to mean the end of your sex life. Here's what you should know.

Peripheral Neuropathy: The 4 Best Exercises

If you have diabetes, you’re right to worry about peripheral neuropathy, a reduced sense of feeling, particularly in the hands and feet which may affect balance and increase the risk of falling. Exercise can help stave off the condition.
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a condition caused by poor glucose control and results in a reduced sense of touch mostly in the hands and feet. These 4 exercises can help slow the progression and reduce the chance of amputation.

Is Low-Carb Eating Really Better for Blood Sugar?

A review of popular low-carbohydrate diets finds that while restricting carbs can reduce blood sugar in the short run, evidence in support of long-term benefits is lacking.
A review of popular low-carbohydrate diets finds that while very low-carb eating can reduce blood sugar int eh short run, little evidence exists to show long term benefits.

Type 2 Diabetes and Hypoglycemia: If You Use Insulin, You're at Risk, too

If you have type 2 diabetes and use insulin you may unknowingly be at risk of hypoglycemia. A new report concludes that this dangerous condition is an underappreciated public health issue. Here's what you should know.
If you have type 2 diabetes and use insulin you're at risk of hypoglycemia, too. A new report indicates that lack of awareness makes this problem an underappreciated public health issue.

CGM News: Medicare Approves Link to Users' Smartphones

Sharing data with others just got easier. As of today, Medicare recipients will be permitted to link a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to their smartphone, rather than a receiver.
Good news for Medicare recipients who want to use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to manage their diabetes, They will now be allowed to link it with their smartphone, allowing users to share data with caregivers and family members. Learn more.

Vegan Diet for Diabetes: Could Going Vegan Improve Your Health and Your Blood Sugar?

A new study shows that eating a vegan diet could help prevent diabetes in people who are at high risk of developing it or are overweight.
A new study shows a link between a vegan diet and diabetes prevention. Learn more about veganism and if it could improve your health.

Type 2 Diabetes Debate: Could a Higher A1C Target Do More Harm Than Good?

Diabetes groups consider the impact of less intense A1C target goals recently suggested by the American College of Physicians. Will this debate influence the way you manage your diabetes?
Diabetes organizations consider the impact of less intense A1C target goals recently suggested by the American College of Physicians. Will this debate influence the way you manage your diabetes?

Prediabetes Treatment: Could Medication Be the Answer for Type 2 Prevention?

Some experts believe that the best way to prevent type 2 diabetes is to treat prediabetes more aggressively.
Some experts believe the best way to prevent type 2 diabetes is by treating prediabetes more aggressively and with medication. Learn more.

Diabetes and Hearing Loss: How Blood Sugar Impacts the Ears

Say what? If you find yourself asking people to speak up, your blood sugar may be the cause.
Diabetes and hearing loss may be related. Here's what you need to know about how high blood sugar may be impacting your hearing.

Is Diabetes Causing My GERD?

Because gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is related to both neuropathy or nerve damage and obesity, people with diabetes have an increased risk of developing this condition. Learn more.
Because gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, is related to both neuropathy or nerve damage and obesity, people with diabetes have an increased risk of developing the problem. Learn more.

Why You Should Know About Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can be a problem for people with diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes. Learn more about this growing condition.
Learn more about a little-known condition related to type 2 diabetes called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and what you can do to prevent it.

The Frozen Shoulder: What's Diabetes Got to Do With It?

Adhesive capsulitis—commonly known as frozen shoulder—can make routine activities like getting dressed and changing your insulin pump, nearly impossible. It is the the most prevalent upper body musculoskeletal injury in people with diabetes. Learn more.
Learn more about frozen shoulder, a painful condition that restricts arm motion and can make using an insulin pump challenging. People with type 2 diabetes are also at increased risk of developing the problem.

Could a Text Message Help You Manage Your Diabetes Better?

Learn more about research linking better diabetes management to simple text reminders.
Studies indicate that just three simple text messages per week could help you improve self-management behaviors and blood glucose control.

Diabetes and Restless Leg Syndrome

This sleep-stealing condition affects up to 15% of Americans.
Restless leg syndrome is a sleep disorder that is more common in people with diabetes. Find out more.

Prediabetes Missed in Large Numbers of People, New Research Finds

Not everyone with prediabetes is overweight. In fact, new research has found that many have a healthy weight and aren't being diagnosed at precisely the time when prevention could make a real difference.
Learn results of research calling into question current prediabetes screening guidelines. Many people with the condition are being overlooked.

Diabetes and Stroke

Having diabetes ups your chances of having a stroke. Here's what you need to know, plus some steps you can take, to lower your risk.
People with diabetes are at increased risk of stroke. Learn more about the different types of stroke and what you can do to protect your health.

How Diabetes Affects Your Sleep

People with diabetes have poorer sleep than the general population, and poor sleep has been proposed as a risk factor for developing the disease.
Find out how poor sleep habits can cause problems with your sleep.

Thyroid Disease 101

Having diabetes puts you at a higher risk to develop thyroid disease.
Having diabetes puts you at a higher risk to develop thyroid disease. An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can create problems with glucose control and insulin resistance, while an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can boost your cholesterol. Find out more.

Hyperthyroidism and Diabetes

Hyperthyroidism can make blood glucose control difficult, so proper diagnosis and treatment are important.
People with type 1 diabetes are at a high risk for hyperthyroidism, a condition caused by the overproduction of thyroid hormones. Find out more.

Recent blog posts from Ilene Raymond Rush

The Keto Diet and Type 2 Diabetes: Here's What Happened When I Tried It

 I am a keto diet dropout. 

A Love Letter to My Husband from His Type 2 Wife

Me and My Thyroid

Type 2 Diabetes: I Don't Take Insulin But I Prick My Finger at Least Twice a Day

Let’s put it on the table: for people with type 2 who take metformin, testing your blood sugar with a finger stick is a drag. 

Make This Your Year

Fruitcake News: Could This Classic Creation Be Making a Comeback?

My Father's Genes

Halloween Scares Me But Not Because of Zombies

The Queen of Spaghetti

On my way to Milan, Italy next week, I’m preoccupied with what to pack, what to do, and – maybe most of all—what to eat. 

My Diabetes Vacation

I’ve been a bad, bad girl.

How I Postponed My Diabetes

Forget the apple.

In Defense of My Diet AND My Diabetes

It happened again.

Could I Go Vegan for Better Blood Sugar?

Last week, I almost went vegan.

Diabetes and Valentine's Day: What's Love Got to Do with It?

When it comes to Valentine's Day, I'm not a fan.

Getting Through the Holidays with Less Guilt, More Joy

I started Thanksgiving with good intentions.

How to Cope with Stress and Crazy Blood Sugars

Last week I took off some time from worrying about my type 2 diabetes to have a breast biopsy.

The Exercise Habit

My Search for Dr. Right

Sometimes Diabetes is the Least of Your Troubles...

New Year's Resolution: 6 Ways to Get More Peace of Mind

This year, I’ve decided to get a jump on my New Year’s resolutions for 2017.

How to Stop a Bad Day from Becoming a Lousy Month

Ilene Raymond Rush has type 2 diabetes and a few thoughts on managing the urge to splurge on unhealthy foods when life gets stressful.

Diabetes: What a Long, Strange Trip It's Been

When I think about the totality of my experience with diabetes, I think of the Grateful Dead’s lyric, “Sometimes it occurs to me/What a long strange trip it’s been.”
More from Ilene Raymond Rush's blog "Diabetes Ups and Downs"

Financial Disclosures for Ilene Raymond Rush

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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