Diabetes is a very nasty and is the most expensive chronic disease that exists.  As time goes, the disease gets worse, and people start grasping for straws to lessen the effects.  Taking supplements is one of those ways.  Some studies show certain supplements maintain and or reduce the horrible effects of diabetes.  Other claim most supplements are mostly useless, just snake oil.  Other studies conclude good dietary standards and exercise are adequate.

Whatever the case, supplements are a $30 Billion industry, and is here to stay.  And, the supplemental industry is unregulated by the FDA.  Heavy lobbying made it such.  We all take supplements for various reasons.  

The complexity of diabetes forces the person to use the medical system extensively.  Some people use a GP, Endocologist, neurologist, cardiologist, podiatrist, internest, rehab specialist, othomagist, etc.  Each specialist looks at the patient differently, and prescribes differently.  Often, one physician does not know what other physicians analyze or prescribe.  Sometimes one prescription will collide with another prescription and have very undesirable effects.  It is up to the individual to ensure that each physician is totally informed of all tests done, and the results of those tests.  The individual also has to inform each physician of all prescribed medications, and all over the counter medications being used.

The Supplement Form is to make a comprehensible list of the over the counter dietary supplements, non prescription. and prescription medicarions you are taking.  When you have a doctor's appointment, make sure the supplement form is updated to contain all your supplements, OTC Meds, and prescription medications you are taking and then print the information to paper.  Then, give the printed form to the doctor or nurse.  Do the same thing when going to the phamacist.  Hopefully, the doctor, nurse, and or pharmacist will determine whether one of the supplements may interact with a prescribed medication, and cause nasty side effects.  The medical person hopefully will also determine if your dietary supplement, OTC non prescription medication, or prescription medication  is bad for a diabetic, or bad for another illness you may have.

The Author of the Health software does not endorse nor villianize the supplement industry claims.  You are ultimately responsible for what you consume.  Supplement industry critics sometimes say supplements are nothing but snake oil.  The same critics may also say a good balanced diet and a good exercise program will provide everything you need.  Good or bad, supplements are a part of our arsenal in our war against diabetes.  It is up to you to inform the medical professionals what you are consuming.  Be wise and be safe.

I have prepared a somewhat comprehensive list of dietary supplements, and another list of non prescription meds for the user.  These lists are no where complete of what is available to the consumer.  The supplement list is called Supplement.txt.  The OTC Meds list is called Over_TheCounter_Meds.txt.  The prescription meds list is called Prescriptions.txt.  All three files are text files and are located in the Health directory.  Add or subtract as desired.  The software is designed to limit the supplement, OTC med, and prescription medication to 21 characters in length.
