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At the request of a new member, I am forwarding two messages she sent for your comments. Barb ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: [log in to unmask] Dear Barbara: Thanks for the welcome. My specific interest in PD has been brought about by the recent diagnosis of my father-in-law (77 yrs old) with PD. He became diagnosed with diabetes approximately 20 months ago, and after the initial hospital stay, his blood sugar was brought under control rather easily with once a day insulin injections. However, he had continued to deteriorate in regard to his physical ability to get up and get around. Without having any personal experience regarding PD patients, our family did not recognize the beginning signs of the disease. Now, after reading about it, and reviewing the symptoms lists, it seems so obvious that he should have been examined for this at least a year ago. He goes to a Neurologist to whom he has been referred, here in Miami on Monday (3-22-99), for his first visit. So, after that, we will begin our journey of discovery towards what can possibly help him to be less disabled by this disease. We are hopeful, but very concerned. My reasons for coming aboard here are numerous, but one thing that stands out as an immediate question is: What is the specific experience of PD patients who also have diabetes? Do they have unique complications that we should be aware of? I haven't been pursuing the PD topic for very long, but I have yet to find any obvious reference to this particular combination. I realize that experience is a great and wise teacher, and thought that this forum might put me in contact with people who have actually lived with this scenario. That's it in a nutshell. Thanks for the opportunity to have a place to learn from others. It's a wonderful service. God Bless, Donna ******* [I offered to forward her message to the list.] Yes, that would be nice, to get me started. My father-in-law (Pat) did, if fact, go today to a neurologist, for his first visit to a specialist since being diagnosed with PD by his primary physician. The doctor prescribed Sinemet; 1 25/100 CR for today, asap -- 1 tomorrow morning and another tomorrow afternoon, and then a total of 3 for the third day, taking 1 after each meal, which is to be his dosage per day for the next month, to see if it will help. He second visit is scheduled for 4 weeks from now. There was no counsel on eating, i.e., how much or what kind of food is beneficial or detrimental to taking the Sinemet. Also, no real response to questions regarding the diabetes. Pat is 77 years old, and prior to the diabetes onset 18 months ago, was in good health -- very active. He is almost chairbound now -- it's so difficult to walk any distance at all. His legs just don't want to work right -- to obey his will. I'm hoping the Sinemet will make a difference, but I also worry about how the two conditions will affect each other. Any information from those with such experience would be appreciated in order to hopefully avoid some unexpected complication which he certainly doesn't need. Thanks Donna