Diabetic Gastroparesis

March 22, 2010

Gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying) is a digestive problem that’s associated with diabetes. Most often gastroparesis occurs in people with type 1 diabetes; however, it can also occur in those with type 2 diabetes. Most have had diabetes for at least 10 years and have other complications of diabetes. With gastroparesis, the stomach cannot empty itself of food in a normal fashion.

What causes gastroparesis in diabetes?

Gastroparesis is caused by damage to the vagus nerve, which regulates the digestive system and makes muscles function. Diabetes is a leading cause of gastroparesis, accounting for about one-third of cases. Damage to the… Continue reading

House Now Taking Crucial Votes On Health Reform

March 22, 2010

News outlets are reporting on the minute-by-minute activity in the House of Representatives.

CNN: “6:28 p.m.: The House votes to move into general debate over the health care legislation. The vote is 224-206. Debate is slated for two hours. The fact that the motion to debate passed is an indication that Democrats have enough votes to pass the legislation itself” (3/21). 

Roll Call: “The rule provides for two hours of debate followed by votes on the Senate health care bill, a Republican motion to recommit, and the reconciliation package of fixes to the Senate bill. Republicans, who have launched… Continue reading

Stupak To Vote ‘Yes’ On Health Bill, Says ‘We’re Well Past 216′ Votes

March 22, 2010

Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich., and other anti-abortion Democrats, will support their party’s health bill, presumably giving Democrats the votes to pass the overhaul package.

CNN ”Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Michigan, announces that he, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the White House have reached an agreement that protects ‘the sanctity of life in health care reform.’”

Roll Call: “‘I’m pleased to announce we have an agreement,’ Stupak said in a press conference, backed by other holdouts. The announcement came as the White House said President Barack Obama would issue an executive order ensuring no taxpayer funds are used to… Continue reading

Showdown On Health Bill Nears, Dems Still Counting Votes

March 21, 2010

The New York Times: “With the stage set for a historic showdown over landmark health legislation in the House, the White House and Democratic Congressional leaders narrowed their hunt for votes to a slim list of lawmakers, including several opponents of abortion who were demanding assurance that no federal money would be used to pay for insurance coverage of the procedure. … Even on Sunday morning, the vote was clearly too close to call. Rep. John Larson, the chairman of the Democratic caucus, told ABC’s ‘This Week’ program that the votes were in hand. ‘We have the votes now… Continue reading

Stupak To Vote ‘Yes’ On Health Bill, Democrats Confident of Passage

March 21, 2010

Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich., will support the Demcorats’ health bill, presumably giving Democrats the votes to pass the overhaul package. CNN carried Stupak’s news conference live, where he announced that an executive order from President Barack Obama, guaranteeing certain rules about abortion funding, convinced him he could support the bill.

The New York Times: “Dan Pfeiffer, communications director for the president, wrote this in releasing the order: ‘While the legislation as written maintains current law, the executive order provides additional safeguards to ensure that the status quo is upheld and enforced, and that the health care legislation’s restrictions against the public… Continue reading