Most of the talk these days revolves around plans for travel, food and family. But the holidays can also be a time of sadness and loneliness for many who are estranged from family or who have lost loved ones recently. Depression is also more common in the winter months when there is less sunlight and more confinement indoors.

Depression also affects blood sugar and can acts as a barrier to effective diabetes management. The good news is that there are ways to combat holiday depression and stay on track with your diabetes management. If you are not certain whether you are depressed, take this quick self-inventory.

If you would like to share some of your perspective on holiday depression, post your comments below.

As the healthcare reform debate rages on you may be interested in reading a new report called Preventing and Treating Diabetes: Health Insurance Reform and Diabetes in America.

The report brings to light some statistics that need to be kept in mind as health reform is debated. For example, a person with diabetes spends, on average, $11,744 per year on medical expenditure, more than twice what a person without diabetes would spend.

In introducing the report, Health and Human Resources (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said: "Americans with diabetes are suffering in our current health care system. Health insurance reform will help ensure these Americans can get the prescription drugs and supplies they need and bring down premiums so all Americans can have high-quality, affordable health insurance."

Time will tell whether the reforms that are eventually passed will accomplish these much needed initiatives. For the time being, read the report and post your comments below.

Prescription Assistance Programs - Financial Help for Diabetes Supplies

November is diabetes month and this Saturday, November 14 is World Diabetes Day. The purpose of marking both a month and day each year is to raise awareness of diabetes in the general public. Despite the fact that nearly everyone has heard of diabetes, few understand the condition well. Unfortunately, this includes a significant number who have been diagnosed with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Here are just a few facts about diabetes from the American Diabetes Association that may help raise your awareness of how serious a condition it is:

• Approximately 23.6 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes. That represents almost 8% of the population.
• About one in every 400-600 children and adolescents has type 1 diabetes.
• Total cost of treating those diagnosed with diabetes is estimated at $176 billion each year.

Heightened awareness should not scare us but lead to action. For those with diabetes, this means practicing good glucose management. For health care professionals it means increased efforts at education. For lawmakers it means more funding for research and better healthcare options for those with diabetes.

What is your action point for better managing your diabetes? Post your comments below or post them in the type 1 discussion forum at the link below.

I write this on the day following the narrow passage of the latest health care reform in the House. The word from the media is that this same bill is expected to encounter stiff opposition in the Senate. While the lawmakers battle it out, I'd like to hear from you.

What kind of health care reform do you need (if any) that relates to diabetes? Put another way: If you could change health care insurance coverage in a way that would give you better coverage for your diabetes supplies, doctor's visits and even preventative education and care, what would you want to see change?

Post your responses below.