Re: Too much scary stuff

On Fri, 01 Jun 2007 04:56:20 GMT, "johnniemccoy@"
<johnniemccoy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

I'm getting a little weary of reading scare articles form sources that
simply cannot be confirmed as not being agenda-driven. There are way, way
too many authentic seeming sites and references on the Internet that are
either sponsored or simply erroneous. Errant first impressions or misreading
of information is all to many times perpetuated by well-meaning people, or
'iffy" articles are accepted as gospel and passed on and so forth. Even
reputable sites that only report, without bias, often pick up and pass on
unsubstantiated articles which are picked up by even more reputable sites.
Also, a little sensationalism has to be considered if you want people to
read your site. All this makes it, sometimes, impossible to validate one
source by comparing it to another. Some sites and even some studies or
research articles promote a product by discreditng other similar products.



At this point of knowledge, Metformin, Aspertame, Avandia, Stevia, Actos -
*do not cause* anything in anybody. Rather, every one of them *may cause*
something in somebody - like undesirable or even dangerous side effects in
certain individuals. Every one of them *may* kill somebody under certain
conditions.



I'm picturing a newly diagnosed diabetic, upset, maybe a little scared,
coming into the group and finding out, beyond a doubt, that the medication
their doctor prescribed to save their life is going to kill them in their
sleep tonight.



In this group, new information, scholarly articles, medical advances,
speculation, informed opinions, shared experience, solid, accepted advice,
emotional support, camaraderie and sometimes even a comforting shoulder to
cry on - yes - but, for all the above reasons, I'm concerned about the
recent rash of Avandia and Actos bashing. It's like a bandwagon. Everybody's
jumping on with glee. I don't trust the internet all that much and I can't
help but wonder if the people at the Metformin store are sitting around
giggling at each other while passing out checks to medical researchers of
dubious repute.



Just my opinion - but then again, I'm usually wrong.



There is a point of balance. On scary stuff, I think you'll
find less over-reaction here than most places. When it comes
to real medications, as against things like aspartame or
stevia, then that is where the appropriate authorities
perform their function fairly well.

The reports on Avandia and Actos from reputable sources like
the AACE or the ADA were well-balanced and reasonable - and
posted here as well.

One of the advantages of the disagreements we have is that
melodramatic or over the top scare stories will usually be
balanced by more reasoned views.


Cheers, Alan, T2, Australia.
d&e, metformin 1500mg, ezetrol 10mg
Everything in Moderation - Except Laughter.
--
http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.com/
http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/
latest: Slovenia
.

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