Latest Diabetes Medical News

Latest Diabetes Medical News

Here are some snippets of diabetes medical news just to keep you current:

New!

Team Type 1 Riders Fight Diabetes

January 31, 2009

I am rooting for Team 1 of bikers. Why? Because they’re racing to raise awareness for diabetes and that’s not even the best part. Two of them have type 1 diabetes with Patton having had it since she was seven years old. How can she handle her diabetes with such a rigorous activity? Oh, she knows how to handle it down pat. When her blood glucose goes down or up she knows what to do. She either eats or gives herself a dose of insulin. Click here to read more

Here's another additional alert not related to the above: A new study is saying gestational diabetes has to be treated or women will run the risk of developing pre-eclampsia which is a leading cause of death in mothers and their babies. This should put an end to the debate on whether it is beneficial to screen pregnant women for gestational diabetes or not.

Study Suggests Lowering A1C Levels Could Reduce Decline In Cognitive Function

January 30, 2009

Blood glucose levels that are higher in type 2 diabetics are associated with lower cognitive functioning, that is worse functioning on three cognitive tasks. These will be any responsibilities that need speed, memory and the ability to do multitasking.

There are two ongoing studies on the relationship between high blood glucose levels and lower cognitive performance. One is called MIND (Memory in Diabetes) while the other is named ACCORD (Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes). What did these two researches find?

They both found that higher A1C levels are closely related to poorer functioning cognitively. As we know A1C is the measure that tells the average of the blood glucose level over a period covering 2-3 months. The higher reading on this also shows a link with lower result on a global cognitive function test.

Before these ongoing studies, it has been found out that the diabetics have a 1.5 times more risk to decline cognitively and experience dementia than people who do not have diabetes. The results of MIND show that diabetes may also be related to cognitive impairment although mild.

Although the cognitive function is only mildly impaired, still it is a concern to those with type 2 diabetes. So said Dr. Tali Cukierman-Yaff who is the leader of the research team. He works at the School of Medicine of Israel's Tel-Aviv University.

It is not known whether the higher blood glucose leads to the cognitive impairment or whether it is the other way around. Does the impairment lower the ability to control the blood sugar level? Here is where the sub study Accord comes in.

In this research, there will be follow-up on the patients and they will be tested three times. This will let the researchers know whether the lower sugar levels will result in better cognitive functioning. And it looks like there is improvement in cognitive functioning with the lower or near normal blood glucose levels.

Latest Diabetes Medical News

Here are some snippets of diabetes medical news just to keep you current:

Diabetes and Pedicures: Do They Go Together?

January 29, 2009

Ladies, be careful with pedicures if you have diabetes, in fact even if you do not have diabetes for I have heard some horror stories about it. Click the link below so you can read more because the article has good suggestions in order to protect yourselves.
Click here to read more

Here's another additional alert not related to the above: The latest study indicates that diabetes increases the risk for Alzheimer's. Since the brain needs glucose to continue functioning this makes sense. And because the brain does not store nor manufacture glucose, it falls on us then to make sure we monitor our blood glucose level.

Doctors and Patients Doing Better at Managing Diabetes

January 28, 2009

This news article made me happy. Why? Because the last report of the health quality group that examined the care of diabetics in the Cleveland area indicated both the doctors and the patients are a little better at managing the condition. If this keeps improving, computations can all be eradicated. I hope they will also evaluate the diabetes care in all areas of the US.
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Here's another additional alert not related to the above: There will be a workshop that will offer tips on diabetes on February 3, 2009 in the Frye Auditorium at the Fairgrounds of the Cleveland County at 601 E. Robinson Street from 12:30 to 3:30 pm. The workshop will help people how to shop for food and prepare and eat healthier. They will demonstrate how to cook some dishes including desserts.

Higher Blood Sugar Could Impair Thinking

January 27, 2009

It looks like higher blood glucose reading could impair brain functioning which makes sense because low blood glucose could also affect one's thinking ability. The brain needs glucose to keep functioning and since it does not store nor manufacture its own glucose it has to rely on the body to process that.
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Here's another additional alert not related to the above: We already know that the diabetics have a higher risk to develop gum disease. Now a new study has found that this relationship works both ways. It means that gum disease can make one have a higher risk to develop diabetes. Moral of the story? Let's keep monitoring the blood glucose level to maintain it as close to normal level as possible.

Program Showcases Round Dance as Tool to Fight Diabetes

January 26, 2009

Dance they say is an elegant way to help fight diabetes. This is what this tribe is doing to reach the people to keep them healthy for they are at higher risk to develop diabetes. We can do the same and dance away our pains and getting two birds in one shot. Not only are we getting the exercise but also we can socialize and have fun dancing and listening to the music.
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Here's another additional alert not related to the above: Here’s another role model in a ten-year old boy who has type 1 diabetes but does not allow it to stop him from enjoying the activities he loves. And one of them is basketball. Have you ever tried playing basketball? I have and before I get to the end of the other court, I am out of breath. Now dance I can handle. But anyway, I digress but they call this boy Sugar Bear because he is always watching his sugar.

Diabetes Pill Gives Hope to End Painful Injections

January 25, 2009

This should be good news especially after it passes the human trials. They've already experienced success on this insulin pill that lowered the blood sugar level in animals after taking these pills. Let's hope and pray for their continued success as this will end the constant injections the diabetics have to endure; this will certainly add to their quality of life.

Here's another additional alert not related to the above: Sara, a DHS senior was honored by the Diabetes Association for organizing a successful walkathon that raised money for diabetes. She was awarded the honor of being the Top Youth Fundraiser Award for Fairfield County.

Diabetes Leg Pain Symposium On Advanced Wound Care And Wound Healing Society Spring Meeting (SAWC/WHS Spring) Launches New Limb Preservation Track

January 24, 2009

Diabetes leg pain symposium of this kind is something I am glad to have come across as it will provide us with new connections to the world of Wound Care and Wound Healing, so crucial to diabetic patients. This 22nd annual meeting of wound care specialists from different disciplines will meet at the Gaylord Texan Hotel and Convention Center in Dallas on April 26, 2009.

What is important is that at this meeting they are adding a limb preservation track to address the concerns of vascular surgeons and doctors of podiatric medicine. These are the people who treat the diabetics who have lower extremity wounds and are at risk for amputation.

From Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Dr. Kazu Suzuki said that about one-third of diabetics suffer from diabetes leg pain and foot wounds and poor circulation. Apparently, these lead to over 100,000 leg amputation each year and often these are preventable. How?

When the wound is detected and treated early, amputation could be avoided. That is why it is important to examine feet and legs for sores and wounds as the diabetics may not feel them and not know early enough that they are there. Examining the feet and legs every day should be part of the diabetes care plan.

There are limb preservation efforts through proper care of the wound and revascularization. These could save life and limb and are part of looking after the diabetic patients especially knowing that quality of life deteriorates after amputation.

So this spring meeting will address the diagnostic tests and treatment to help prolong the lives of the diabetics. It is their aim to raise awareness of the symptoms, care and treatment options for diabetic leg wounds. It will lower the cost of complications because early detection is cheaper than leg amputations which will require hospitalization and rehabilitation.

It is my fervent hope that some experts will share what they have discovered at this symposium. You can be sure I will follow this up as I can't wait for new ways and treatment options for the diabetics who suffer so much from their diabetes leg pain.

Latest Diabetes Medical News

Here are some snippets of diabetes medical news just to keep you current:

Long-Term, Low-dose Aspirin Did Not Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

January 23, 2009

I think this is some kind of a bad news because I thought taking low-dose aspirin has a dual purpose in avoiding cardiovascular events and preventing type 2 diabetes. Now they have just shot down the second benefit and the research that did it appears to be legitimate as they have a large number of participants.
Click here to read more

Here's another additional alert not related to the above: You can do anything you want to do despite diabetes. These three diabetic rodeo cowboys have proven it and are learning to live with diabetes in a most proactive way. They check their blood sugar before a competition and if it is near normal or normal, they increase the insulin to make the blood sugar higher in anticipation of the game that will surely make it go down. They also have Gatorade ready to drink when the least bit of symptoms appear. That's easy as 1, 2, 3. Let us all do the same, shall we? Oh no, not be rodeo cowboys but something else we're passionate about. What am I thinking? I can't even ride a horse, no not even a pony at Disneyworld! I tried it, believe me, it's not easy!

Another Link Between Pollution and Diabetes

January 22, 2009

A new study conducted at Ohio State University found links between several pesticides, air pollution and diabetes. They say that breathing soot affects the way insulin works in mice and make these fat mice at risk to develop Type 2 diabetes. The National Instituted of Health paid for this study which was published in Circulation.

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Here's another additional alert not related to the above: There's a young boy who agreed to be a guinea pig to test the efficacy of an arthritis drug for use as treatment for diabetes. William Russell, M.D., director of the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt thinks that regular infusion of Abtacept could quiet down the immune system thus making the beta cells continue producing insulin. The Vanderbilt Eskind Pediatric Diabetes Clinic follows up more than 1,900 diabetic children and sees around 250 new cases every year.

10 Organic Diet Secrets of the Stars

January 21, 2009

It's good to study what the stars do eat to get themselves healthy. Here are some of them but mostly though, they eat organic foods and they shun meats. Our parents have advocated the healthy style of eating greens so perhaps this is the way to go. Maybe it's more expensive though. Click here to read more

Here's another additional alert not related to the above: Randy Jackson of the American Idol fame talks about diabetes prevention and he knows what he is talking about as he has lived with type 2 diabetes for about five or six years. He advocates early detection and lifestyle changes. This came as a wake-up call for him and so he came up with a game plan to fight diabetes. And he is succeeding so he says that diabetics should be able to manage this condition.

Here's some good news ladies. Big butts may reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes. A new study found out that pear-shaped ladies may be healthier than others. Don't try this at home though for I have read too that an apple-shaped body is more at risk to develop diabetes. So instead concentrate on following these additional ways to prevent diabetes: Exercise, fill up on fiber, go for the whole grains, shed some pounds and eat a variety of foods.

Drastic Lifestyle Changes Can Prevent Diabetes

January 20, 2009

Shields is to be commended for being such a good role model for diabetic to emulate. For in only looking after ourselves in changing our lifestyle to a healthy one will we be able to avoid the complications that type 2 diabetes can bring along.
Here's another additional alert not related to the above: Mason City is so lucky to get a new Diabetes Center for this will enable more diabetics to access diabetes help and information to help them in their fight against this condition. Now they will not have to drives miles in order to access the same.

Chronic Kidney Disease Can Be Prevented

January 19, 2009

Chronic kidney disease really can be prevented and this article attests to that fact. What I like about this news article is that it outlined all the possible causes of chronic kidney disease and then one by one eliminated it through mentioning how to take care of the cause. Click here to read more

"I Don't Care About X Factor Daughter Alexandra's Pop Riches"

January 18, 2009

Here's an example of what could happen if we do not take care of our condition. Diabetes complications can only be avoided if we exercise prudence in looking after ourselves. This is a successful singer with a successful singer of a daughter yet does not care for all the riches without good health. Check out her story. Click here to read more

Here's another additional alert: Here's a new finding on the power of Omega-3 fatty acid. Apparently, when given to the newborns who are girls, they score high in brain development. The researchers will continue to follow up the subjects for seven more years.

Blood Glucose Level Target Ranges, New Ones For UK

January 18, 2009

Blood glucose level target ranges that are new have been adopted. Diabetes UK has updated this in light of the NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) recommendations. Before this, the IDF (the International Diabetes Federation) suggested that changes be made to the target ranges after meal. This was in November 2007.

Then in 2008, NICE prepared and published their rules on the blood glucose level target ranges for type 2 diabetes. Since Diabetes UK continually updates their own data, they decided to follow NICE recommendations and so has also made the changes to reflect the new guidelines.

In order to understand the new guidelines, it is good to see what is to target for. Of course the best target is to aim for the blood glucose level that is as close to normal ranges as possible like for those who do not have diabetes. And this is their reading before meals: 3.5-5.5 mmols/L before meals while for two hours after meals, it is less than 8 mmols/L.

Opinions as to the blood sugar target to aim for vary. This is understandable because each individual has his own needs. Therefore, the target should be one that is agreed by both the person with diabetes and his diabetes care team.

In 2004, NICE recommendations for children with type 1 diabetes before meals is 4-8 mmols/L. Two hours after meals, the recommendation is less than 10 mmols/L. For adults with type 1 diabetes, it is 4-7 mmols/L and for two hours after meals, it is less than 9 mmols/L.

In 2008 NICE recommendations for type 2 diabetes have changed to 4-7 mmol/L for before meals and less than 8.5 mmols/L for two hours after meals. So you see it is important to self-monitor the blood sugar level as part of the routine every day. This way, we can watch for symptoms for either hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia as well as those of possible complications.That's how important it is to check one's blood glucose level.

Latest Diabetes Medical News

Here are some snippets of diabetes medical news just to keep you current:

UnitedHealthcare Offers Diabetes Health Plan

January 17, 2009

I can't believe there's such a company that will offer a health plan for the diabetics who take care of their condition. For one thing, my experience is that they do not cover pre-existing conditions. So if you're working and your employer hired UnitedHealthcare to administer their health plans, it won't do any harm to see if you can be covered as well.

Click here to read more

Here's another additional alert: Kaleida Health is trying to open extension clinics to provide specialty care for diabetes. I love this news except it is in the New York area but I did send a note to see how can this be done all over the United States.

Diabetes Conference Helps Diabetics Cope

January 16, 2009

The 30th Diabetes Super Conference to be presented by the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi will be such a big help for the diabetics because there will be topics on how to look after the condition from diabetes educators themselves. This type of conference should be offered all over the country so every diabetic can avail himself of the chance to attend.

This is great news for JPS Health Network to consider coverage for weight loss surgery. It's a good thing they are doing more than paying lip service to the prevention of diabetes. Although the patient will still have to go through counseling regarding nutrition and diet, it is still a step in the right direction to have a plan like this come on the board level. Hopefully all others will follow suit.

VVRH Helps in Preventing Diabetes Complications

January 15, 2009

I find the Valley View Regional Hospital's Diabetes Self-Management Education Program excellent. It will really help the diabetics avoid those complications. But my question is, why is it that a program such as this is in some places and not in others. I will shoot them an email to ask this but hopefully you can have a copy of this news item to show to any health care team so they can show you the directions where to go for such a program. And then if your area's hospital does not have a similar program, encourage them to have one. If you live near the above venue, you can call Valley View’s Certified Diabetes Educator, Stephanie Mowdy, RN at 580-421-1143 or Valley View’s Diabetes Nurse Educator, Connie Christy, RN at 580-421-1511.

This is an additional alert not related to the above: DexCom and JNJ formed a diabetes partnership. They have opened this globally so a takeover is possible. What I can't understand here is the announcement that the next big thing in insulin pump technology is one that combines it with a continuous monitoring system. But this has already been done.

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Patients May Participate in a Walking Program

January 14, 2009

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a complication that could come along with diabetes. So many millions are living with diabetes and the number is still rising. In fact, it is expected to rise to more than 25 million Americans by 2010.

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy can lead to foot ulcers which sometimes will require amputation. While before the recommendation of scientists and physicians is for those with foot ulcers to stay off their feet, now there is a new graduated walking program where these people can participate and therefore prevent some illnesses that could threaten life.

Due to numbness or loss of feeling in the foot, diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a nerve disorder that affects the feet and the legs. It leads to pain and ulceration. Ulcers could be the result because of loss of muscle. This exposes the bones to a lot of pressure under the foot.

Doctors recommend exercise for the diabetics because there has been proof that it lessens the mortality risk as well as the occurrence of a cardiovascular disease. Joseph LeMaster who is University of Missouri's associate professor of community and family medicine said that type 2 diabetics can increase their mortality risk by 39% and their risk for cardiovascular disease by 34% if they do not do some form of exercise of moderate intensity regularly.

The diabetics are known to be less active than the regular population and those with diabetic peripheral neuropathy are found to be even less physically active. So in a study at the University of Missouri, LeMaster checked the effects of exercise involving the lower extremity and walking program on the development of foot ulcer.

Here's how he did it. He assigned the diabetic subjects with this nerve condition into two groups. One group was monitored often and given exercises to strengthen the legs and a walking program that was graduated. In addition, this group received a telephone call every two weeks to motivate them. The other group is the control group. Both groups received eight sessions with a physical therapist and also some form of diabetic foot care education.

What did LeMaster find? He observed an increase in the total of foot lesions and ulcers during the first six months. But guess what he found after a year? Drum roll, please! The number of foot lesions and ulcers has started to go down in the first group compared to the control group. This shows that the risk has gone down too.

What is the moral lesson of this finding? Since weight-bearing exercise did not result in in increase of foot ulcers, it follows that this type of exercise should be safe for diabetics provided the walking program is closely supervised by a medical professional and that they have no ulcers at the start and have appropriate footwear. This type of exercise therefore is recommended for those with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Latest Diabetes Medical News

Here are some snippets of diabetes medical news just to keep you current

Diabetes Status Affects Brain Damage in Dementia

January 13, 2009

This finding is definitely helpful in determining what to do therapeutically speaking as it's quite revealing how different the injury patterns are between those who have diabetes and those without. This is why we take good care of ourselves. I can't wait to hear what the researchers will do as this opens up doors for discovering treatment options.

Click here to read more

This is an additional alert not related to the above: The report says new drug takes eight years to get approved in the US. This may be for the best so there will be time to think whether the drug is for the best for all those concerned instead of waiting for someone to get sick of the drug and then it gets recalled. Remember the mantra is first, do no harm.

Health Ministry to Launch War on Diabetes

January 12, 2009

The Ministry of Health in Abu Dhabi has a 10-year plan to combat the diabetes epidemic among the Emiratis. They have declared 2009 as the year dedicated to this fight. The programme will include improvement among all areas to prevent diabetes including improvement in services, facilities, research and education. I wish this would happen here.

Click here to read more

This is an additional alert not related to the above: Anyone may attend a free presentation on diabetes meal plans to be presented by no less than a dietitian at 1 p.m. Feb. 5 at the Lake County Health Department's North Shore Health Center, 1840 Green Bay Road, Highland Park. This program will include information on what to consider when planning a meal, how food affects blood sugar and common approaches to meal planning. For more information, call the Health Department's Diabetes Prevention and Treatment Program at (847) 984-5341.

I missed doing this for a week because my husband and I went on a cruise. And although the ship we were on called Costa Fortuna is excellent, their internet costs 50 cents a minute just like in the other cruise ships.

Gilbert Teen Gets Scholarship for Trip to Medical Forum

January 3, 2009

Here's a young man who did not allow diabetes to stand in his way. He helps little diabetic children and the doctors so he wants to be in the medical field someday. He was selected to attend a medical forum so worked 81 hours to earn money for his expenses but received $2500 scholarship to cover his expenses. I sent him a little note with a hug and a prayer.

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