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November 11, 1999

Daily Care

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Question from Eagan, Minnesota, USA:

I recently went to a benefit for a program called FIT. It seems that most of the doctors and the AMA are afraid to try anything that they do not have any credit for establishing. The program started in Venice. There were at least 20 people that had diabetes (they were all out of control before they learned of this program); most of their blood sugar readings are between 120 and 150 and they eat what they want when they want. The program has been very successful in Vienna for 18 years. What is the USA afraid of?

Answer:

From: DTeam Staff

FIT is a website that is trying to recruit supporters for a system of diabetes education that claims to offer great confidence in day to day management and especially considerable dietary freedom. The system originated in Vienna in Austria and the next ‘retreat’ for participants is to be held in that city. The site offers no details as to the syllabus and no published references as to its efficacy. It is not stated whether other disciplines besides medicine are involved. On first examination this approach offers nothing that is not already widely available in major diabetes centers in the US.

DOB
Response from Sheryl Hill, Chair Elect, FIT USA Foundation

The International Research Group on Functional Rehabilitation and Group Education is an ISO 9001 Quality Certified Center developed by Professor Kinga Howorka, M.D. at the University of Vienna. Functional Insulin Rehabilitation is a comprehensive program designed to give people with diabetes the choice and power to regain their quality of life and health by closely imitating their pancreas and metabolism. FIT was developed with the patient voice of 158 people who could not adapt their lives to the rigid and often demanding restrictions of conventional and intensified therapy.

FIT USA Foundation, Inc. is a diabetes advocacy 501c3 corporation founded by FIT Alumni to translate this liberating program into practice in America. We are quite pleased with the interest and attention of the medical community in conducting pilot studies, medical peer review and translation of the program into practice. It takes time and money. English translation of all syllabus materials and patient guides being the first major hurdle.

The International Research Group on Functional Rehabilitation and Group Education is an ISO 9001 Quality Certified Center developed by Professor Kinga Howorka, M.D. at the University of Vienna. Functional Insulin Rehabilitation is a comprehensive program designed to give people with diabetes the choice and power to regain their quality of life and health by closely imitating their pancreas and metabolism. FIT was developed with the patient voice of 158 people who could not adapt their lives to the rigid and often demanding restrictions of conventional and intensified therapy.

FIT USA Foundation, Inc. is a diabetes advocacy 501c3 corporation founded by FIT Alumni to translate this liberating program into practice in America. We are quite pleased with the interest and attention of the medical community in conducting pilot studies, medical peer review and translation of the program into practice. It takes time and money. English translation of all syllabus materials and patient guides being the first major hurdle.

Our demonstration project is being conducted at Hennepin County Medical Center with 17 participants, ages 17-75, with HbA1c’s ranging from 5.9-12. Most are cared for by prominent diabetes specialists, a few are cared for by family practice physicians. Interim results, 3 months post rehabilitation, are just being compiled and are very exciting.

Our Internet site is temporary. It was designed to help us obtain contact information of people interested in nominating for our pilot studies, and to address the most frequent questions about our foundation and initiatives. We are currently developing a comprehensive Internet site with a launch planned for first quarter 2000.

Until then, if you would like to subscribe to our mailing list please send your name and address to my attention. If you would like initial information you can purchase the provider manual: Functional Insulin Treatment, 2nd Edition, by Dr. Kinga Howorka at www.amazon.com.

We are applaud the excellent progress of Children with Diabetes in addressing the needs of children and families coping with diabetes. We hope to help influence patient choice and rehabilitation in the insulin treatment of diabetes for positive change.

Yours in health,
Sheryl Hill, Chair Elect
FIT USA Foundation, Inc.
P. O. Box 22
Mound, MN 55364
USA
(612) 472-0202 Phone
(612) 472-1871 Fax