Diabetes

Latest Diabetes News By Serena GordonHealthDay Reporter TUESDAY, Feb. 18, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Maybe you’ve gone to Craigslist to find a used car or a secondhand couch, but imagine having to turn to the internet to pay for lifesaving drugs. It’s already happening: A new study found that hundreds of ads were placed on Craigslist for insulin and asthma inhalers during a 12-day period in June 2019. “This study shines a light on how deeply some patients are struggling to afford lifesaving medications. Patients should not have to go to Craigslist to try to find affordable insulin and inhalers,” said study senior author Dr. Jennifer Goldstein, a research scientist with The Value Institute at ChristianaCare, in Newark, Del. People with type 1 diabetes can’t survive without a steady supply of insulin, which has to be injected. Those with type 2 diabetes who need insulin face a higher risk of serious diabetes complications if they can’t get the insulin they need. But it’s gotten increasingly harder to afford. The American Diabetes Association says the average cost of insulin in the United States nearly tripled between 2002 and 2013. The cost of asthma medications has also risen significantly in a similar […]

Latest Diabetes News FRIDAY, Feb. 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — More than 322,000 MiniMed 600 Series Insulin Pumps have been recalled by Medtronic due to a defect that could cause them to malfunction and put users at risk for serious harm or death. The recalled devices lack or have a broken retainer ring that helps lock the insulin cartridge into place in the pump’s reservoir compartment. If the cartridge isn’t locked firmly into place, too little or too much insulin may be delivered, which could result in hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Severe hyperglycemia can cause loss of consciousness, seizure, and death, the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations said. Medtronic has received 26,421 complaints about malfunctions in the recalled insulin pumps, and is aware of 2,175 injuries and one death. The Class I recall — the most serious type — is for Model 630G (MMT-1715), all lots before October 2019, and for Model 670G (MMT-1780), all lots before August 2019. For information about the recall, consumers can call the 24-hour Medtronic Technical Support line at 877-585-0166. Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved. QUESTION Diabetes is defined best as… See Answer

Latest Diabetes News TUESDAY, Feb. 11, 2020 (HealthDay News) — There was a steep drop in the number of low-income people without health insurance in so-called Diabetes Belt states that expanded Medicaid, a new study shows. The Diabetes Belt is a swath of 644 U.S. counties across 15 southeastern states that have high diabetes rates. More than 11% of adults in the Diabetes Belt have the condition, compared with 8.5% outside the belt. It’s believed that diabetes is a major factor in shorter life expectancy. “States that expanded Medicaid achieved an absolute reduction of 20 percentage points in uninsured rates, while states that did not achieved 13% reduction,” the researchers reported. The study examined uninsured rates among adults aged 64 or younger with household incomes equal to or less than 138% percent of the federal poverty line. In 2012, about 39% of people in the Diabetes Belt were uninsured, compared with nearly 34% outside the belt. Those rates fell to 13% and 15%, respectively, in 2016 following implementation of the Affordable Care Act, which allowed states to expand residents’ access to Medicaid. By 2016, uninsured rates were 15% higher in states that had not expanded Medicaid, according to the University […]

Latest Diabetes News By Lisa NainggolanWebMD Health News Feb. 6, 2020 — The FDA says it has no plans to recall any metformin products, used to treat type 2 diabetes, after tests did not show any evidence of contamination with N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) at levels that would cause concern. The FDA began testing samples of metformin for the carcinogen NDMA at the end of last year. Contamination with this substance has led to recalls of blood pressure and heartburn medications within the past 2 years. That announcement came on the heels of a recall of three versions of metformin in Singapore and the European Medicines Agency’s request that drugmakers test for NDMA. This week, the FDA posted laboratory results in which NDMA levels in some metformin products ranged from “not detectable to low.” “To date, no sample of metformin that FDA has tested exceeds the acceptable daily intake for NDMA. FDA has not recommended metformin recalls in the US,” the agency says. More than 30 million people in the United States have diabetes; 90% to 95% of cases are of type 2. Metformin is the fourth most-prescribed drug in the United States. “Patients should continue taking metformin to keep their diabetes […]

1. HOMA Calculator. University of Oxford. 2. Glycemic Load Index. lowglycemicload.com<http://www.lowglycemicload.com/glycemic_table.html> 3. Ericson U., et al. “Food sources of fat may clarify the inconsistent role of dietary fat intake for incidence of type 2 diabetes.” Am J Clin Nutr. 2015 Apr 1. 4. Trapp, C,. et al. “Preparing to prescribe plant-based diets for diabetes prevention and treatment.” Diabetes Spectrum February 2012 vol. 25 no. 1 38-44. 5. Chungchunlam SM., et al. “Dietary whey protein influences plasma satiety-related hormones and plasma amino acids in normal-weight adult women.” Eur J Clin Nutr. 2015 Feb;69(2):179-86. 6. Alison B. Everet, et al. “Nutrition Therapy Recommendations for the Management of Adults with Diabetes. Diabetes Care Journal. January 2014 vol. 37 no. Supplement 1 S120-S143 7. Lasa A., et al. “Comparative effect of two Mediterranean diets versus a low-fat diet on glycaemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes.” Eur J Clin Nutr. 2014 Jul;68(7):767-72. 8. Klonoff DC. “The beneficial effects of a Paleolithic diet on type 2 diabetes and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease.” J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2009 Nov 1;3(6):1229-32. 9. Jönsson T., et al. “Beneficial effects of a Paleolithic diet on cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes: a randomized cross-over pilot […]

As the incidence of diabetes continues to increase globally, the fight against this chronic condition continues. New research explains not only what triggers type 2 diabetes but also how to reverse the condition. The findings also shed light on what leads to remission after reversal for some people. Share on PinterestNew research looks at the causes of type 2 diabetes and the lifestyle changes that may reverse this condition. Between 1980 and 2014, the number of people living with diabetes across the world increased from about 108 million to 422 million. As many as 90% of these individuals have type 2 diabetes. Pharmacological interventions have done little to stop what some have referred to as the diabetes pandemic. Lifestyle interventions, however, may succeed where other approaches have failed. A couple of years ago, Medical News Todayreported on the first results of a clinical trial, which showed that intensive weight loss programs could help people with type 2 diabetes achieve remission without taking any medication. The trail was called the Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT), and one of its co-leaders was Prof. Roy Taylor from Newcastle University in the United Kingdom. But how does this remission occur, and can it last […]

What is the glucose tolerance test? Picture of a Woman Is Getting a Glucose Tolerance Test Though no longer routinely used for diagnosing diabetes. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was the gold standard for making the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. It is still commonly used during pregnancy for diagnosing gestational diabetes. With an oral glucose tolerance test, the person fasts overnight (at least 8 hours, but not more than 16 hours). The next morning, the fasting plasma glucose is tested. After this test, the person receives a dose of oral glucose (the dose depends upon the length of the test). There are several methods employed by obstetricians to do this test, but the one described here is standard. Usually, the glucose is in a sweet-tasting liquid that the person drinks. Blood samples are taken up to four times at different time points after consumption of the sugar to measure the blood glucose. How reliable is the glucose tolerance test? For the glucose tolerance test to give reliable results, the person must be in good health (not have any other illnesses, not even a common cold). Also, the person should be normally active (not lying down, for example, as […]

Latest Diabetes News THURSDAY, Dec. 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved marketing of an interoperable automated glycemic controller device, the Tandem Diabetes Care Control-IQ Technology, the agency announced last week. The device automatically adjusts insulin delivery through connection to an alternate controller-enabled insulin pump (ACE pump) and integrated continuous glucose monitor (iCGM). According to the FDA, this controller is the first that can be used with other diabetes devices that are meant to be integrated into a diabetes management system for automated insulin delivery. With this marketing authorization, the FDA notes iCGMs and ACE pumps can be used with an interoperable automated glycemic controller as a complete automated insulin dosing (AID) system. Patients with type 1 diabetes can use the Control-IQ Technology controller with compatible iCGMs and ACE pumps to automatically increase, decrease, and suspend delivery of basal insulin based on insulin delivery history, iCGM readings, and predicted glucose values. The controller can also automatically deliver insulin when the glucose value is predicted to exceed a predefined number. Approval was based on data from a clinical trial of 168 patients with type 1 diabetes randomly assigned to use the Control-IQ Technology controller installed […]

Many people with diabetes also experience anxiety, and they may wonder whether there is a link between the two conditions. Diabetes and anxiety are both among the leading causes of disability in developed countries around the world. In the United States alone, anxiety affects close to 40 million adults. Diabetes is also common, with about 30.3 million U.S. adults living with this condition. A 2013 meta-analysis revealed that people with diabetes face a higher likelihood than the general population of experiencing anxiety. In this article, we outline the reasons for this association. We also describe the symptoms of both diabetes and anxiety, as well as how healthcare professionals diagnose each of these conditions. Share on PinterestA person’s likelihood of anxiety may increase after having several hypoglycemic episodes. People with diabetes are responsible for managing their blood sugar levels and ensuring that these stay within a healthy range. This task can be challenging and stressful. Doctors will ask people with diabetes to remain mindful of their blood sugar levels and to engage in routine behaviors, such as: paying particular attention to food ingredients avoiding certain foods tracking blood sugar levels regularly throughout the day timing insulin doses Planning, checking, and being […]

Latest Diabetes News By Serena GordonHealthDay Reporter THURSDAY, Dec. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — When you eat and how often you eat can make a big impact on your weight and insulin needs if you have type 2 diabetes, new research suggests. The study found that people who ate three meals a day instead of six smaller meals, and moved the timing of those meals to earlier in the day, needed less insulin, improved their blood sugar and lost more than 10 pounds to boot. “Shifting calories and carbs to the early hours of the day and less eating occasions is an effective strategy for the achievement of better diabetes control and outcomes with less total daily insulin dose,” said study author Dr. Daniela Jakubowicz. She is a professor of medicine from Tel Aviv University, in Israel. Jakubowicz said a traditional diet recommended for type 2 diabetes has been to eat six small meals distributed evenly throughout the day. But this type of eating plan hasn’t been effective for blood sugar control and leads to the need for more insulin, and weight gain, she said. Jakubowicz said this becomes “a vicious cycle, with continuous weight gain, increased blood sugar and […]

Latest Diabetes News FRIDAY, Dec. 6, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Levels of possible cancer-causing chemicals in metformin diabetes medications are under investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Metformin is a prescription drug used to control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. Over the past year and a half, several types of drugs — including angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) used for high blood pressure and ranitidine (Zantac) for heartburn — have been found to contain small amounts of genotoxic substances called nitrosamines, such as N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). A genotoxic substance is something that harms the genetic material in a cell. Exposure to genotoxic substances above acceptable levels over long periods may increase the risk of cancer, the FDA said. The FDA has been investigating the presence of nitrosamines in other drug products, and some metformin diabetes medicines in other countries were reported to have low levels of NDMA, according to Dr. Janet Woodcock, director of FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. But NDMA levels in metformin drugs abroad are within the range that naturally occurs in some foods and in water, she noted. Nonetheless, regulators in some other countries are recalling certain metformin drugs, Woodcock […]

Typically, doctors advise people with type 2 diabetes to eat about six times a day. But this approach can lead to a vicious cycle in which individuals require more intensive treatments. Could a different approach to diet be more suitable? Share on PinterestEating three meals a day that includes a breakfast of fruit, bread, and sweets may be more beneficial for type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common metabolic conditions. Across the globe, over 400 million people live with it. Usually, doctors prescribe drugs that will help individuals with diabetes keep their blood sugar levels under control, as well as advise them on how to change their dietary habits to aid treatment. Many healthcare providers believe that the best approach for people with type 2 diabetes is to eat more, smaller meals at regular intervals throughout the day. Typically experts recommend eating six times a day. However, this approach can lead to problems. Some people who follow this type of diet plan require more intensive treatments. This is particularly true of those with severe forms of diabetes who need to inject themselves with high doses of insulin to counterbalance insulin resistance. However, high-dosage insulin injections […]

Latest Diabetes News By Serena GordonHealthDay Reporter MONDAY, Dec. 2, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Christina Herrera was 44 years old when she felt the symptoms of a heart attack. “I was sweating, having heart palpitations and out of breath,” the high school teacher said. “My school nurse said, ‘I have to call an ambulance for you,’ and I said I’d go later. I had to get back to my class. She said, ‘You have to go now.’” It’s a good thing Herrera listened to her. Doctors couldn’t initially find anything wrong with her heart, but they suggested a heart catheterization. That’s a procedure where a thin tube is threaded through the blood vessels going to the heart. It allows doctors to see and sometimes treat narrowed blood vessels. In Herrera’s case, the doctors discovered three blockages. So the teacher who just wanted to go back to class ended up having triple bypass surgery. The Diabetes-Heart Disease Connection Herrera’s heart troubles didn’t come out of the blue. Her mother and father died from diabetes-related heart conditions, and her sister Jessica was only 35 when she died from diabetes-related heart complications. Herrera had been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, but not yet full-blown type […]

What is tolazamide? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Tolazamide is used with diet and exercise to reduce blood glucose levels in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Other diabetes drugs are sometimes used in combination with tolazamide if needed. Tolazamides initial effect is to increase beta-cell insulin secretion. Tolazamide causes the pancreas to produce insulin and increases the body’s response to it. Tolazamide also may decrease rate of hepatic glucose production, increases insulin receptor sensitivity, and increases number of insulin receptors. There are no brand names for tolazamide. Tolazamide is available in generic form. You need a prescription to obtain tolazamide. What is tolazamide used for? Tolazamide is used with diet and exercise to reduce blood glucose levels in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. What is the dosage for tolazamide? Adults Generally, patients are started on 100 to 250 mg of tolazamide once daily with breakfast or first meal of the day. Start with 100 mg/day for fasting blood sugar <200 mg/dL or 250 mg for fasting blood sugar >200 mg/dL. Use 100 mg/day for patients who are malnourished, underweight, elderly, or those not eating properly. Dosage may be increased by 100-250 mg at weekly […]

What is rosiglitazone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Rosiglitazone is an oral drug that reduces the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. It is used for treating patients with type 2 diabetes and is in a class of anti-diabetic drugs called thiazolidinediones. The other member of this class is pioglitazone (Actos). Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that is important for controlling the levels of glucose in the blood. Insulin stimulates the cells of the body to remove glucose from the blood and thereby lowers the level of glucose in the blood. Patients with type 2 diabetes cannot make enough insulin or are resistant to the effects of insulin (insulin resistance). As a result, the cells in their bodies do not remove enough glucose from the blood, and the level of glucose rises. Rosiglitazone often is referred to as an “insulin sensitizer” because it attaches to the insulin receptors on cells throughout the body and causes the cells to become more sensitive (more responsive) to insulin and remove more glucose from the blood. At least some insulin must be produced by the pancreas in order for rosiglitazone to work. Rosiglitazone was approved by the […]

By Serena GordonHealthDay Reporter Latest Diabetes News THURSDAY, Nov. 14, 2019 (HealthDay News) — While the high price of insulin has gotten a lot of attention lately, it’s not the only cost issue facing people with diabetes. New technologies designed to improve blood sugar management often cost too much for people to afford. Maya Headley, 36, has had type 1 diabetes for 30 years. The New York City resident had been using an insulin pump to deliver the repeated daily insulin doses she needs to stay alive for more than 20 years. About six years ago, she just couldn’t afford to pay for the pump supplies anymore. “I was paying $300 a month for insurance and my deductible was $1,500. I had to pay 20% of the cost of my diabetes supplies after I paid the deductible, so that was another couple of hundred dollars a month,” she said. Headley added that what made affording diabetes supplies even more difficult was the uncertainty about the cost. “Insurance companies tell you they cover these devices, but not how much it will be. Until you get the bill, you don’t know. It’s hard to budget when you have no idea what your […]

Latest Diabetes News FRIDAY, Nov. 8, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Taking vitamin D and fish oil supplements won’t prevent kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes, a new study finds. Many diabetics use the supplements, hoping they will have a positive effect on their kidneys and heart, the researchers said. “We wanted this study to clarify whether these supplements have any real kidney benefit in adults with diabetes. Even if it’s not the result we hoped for, closing a chapter is useful for patients and clinicians and researchers alike,” said lead author Dr. Ian de Boer. He is a professor of medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine, in Seattle. The researchers hoped the supplements would be beneficial because animal studies and lab experiments had suggested that anti-inflammatory and other properties in these supplements might prevent or slow progression of kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes. And in humans, other research has found a link between kidney problems and low levels of vitamin D and diets lacking fish. For the study, which was part of the nationwide Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial (VITAL), the researchers looked at kidney function in more than 1,300 people with […]

A fat molecule found only in avocados shows signs of strengthening insulin sensitivity, according to research in mice. Share on PinterestAvocados contain a compound that could be a secret weapon against type 2 diabetes. Avocados aren’t merely a tasty addition to a diet — they contain a fat molecule that may safely reduce insulin resistance. A study by researchers from the University of Guelph, in Canada, suggests that this compound, which avocados alone contain, may forestall or prevent the hallmark of type 2 diabetes in mice. The team also tested the safety of this compound in human participants. They have published a summary of their findings in the journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. The problem with type 2 diabetes Type 2 diabetes prevents the body from successfully processing glucose, or sugar, in the blood. In people without diabetes, this processing happens with the assistance of the pancreatic hormone insulin. In people who have diabetes, the body either does not produce enough of the hormone, or it cannot use it effectively. Either type of diabetes can cause too much glucose to remain in the blood, an unhealthy state that — if left unmanaged — can cause a range of serious […]

What is acarbose, and how does it work? Acarbose is a prescription oral drug that is used to control blood glucose (sugar) levels in people type 2 diabetes in conjunction with diet, exercise, and other diabetes drugs, for example, metformin (Glucophage) or insulin. It belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, which also includes miglitol (Glyset). Carbohydrates that are eaten are digested by enzymes in the intestine into smaller sugars which are absorbed into the body and increase blood sugar levels. The process of carbohydrate digestion requires the pancreas to release into the intestine alpha-amylase enzymes, which digest the large carbohydrates into smaller carbohydrates called oligosaccharides. The cells lining the small intestine then release alpha-glucosidase enzymes that further digest the oligosaccharides into smaller sugars, like glucose, that can be absorbed. Acarbose is a man-made oligosaccharide designed to slow down the actions of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes, thereby slowing the appearance of sugar in the blood after a meal. What brand names are available for acarbose? Precose is the brand name available for acarbose. What are the side effects of acarbose? The most common side effects of include: There is a rare possibility that these gastrointestinal side effects may […]

(HealthDay News) — For people with diabetes, maintaining blood sugar may become easier with healthier snacking, says the University of Michigan Comprehensive Diabetes Center. Latest Diabetes News Snacks with 15 to 30 grams of carbs and snacks containing less than 150 calories typically are good options. For people with diabetes, the school recommends: An apple with a bit of peanut butter. Mandarin oranges and low-fat cottage cheese. Carrots and celery with hummus. Light popcorn or mini pretzels. Fruit and nut bars. Greek yogurt. Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved. QUESTION Diabetes is defined best as… See Answer

Type 1 diabetes has no cure, and although there are several treatment options available, many people find managing the condition challenging. New technology could help reduce that burden. Share on PinterestMany people find managing type 1 diabetes inconvenient, but new research may change this. More than 1 million children and adults in the United States have type 1 diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that about 5% of all people who have diabetes have type 1. Type 1 diabetes can significantly impact a person’s life, as people need to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly to ensure they do not become dangerously high or low. Currently, people with type 1 diabetes measure their blood sugar levels by pricking a finger several times a day or wearing a glucose monitor. Depending on the measurements, they may have to administer insulin using an injection or insulin pump. But a new form of technology trialed recently and showcased in the New England Journal of Medicine could replace these conventional methods. Automatic insulin The trial looked at a particular type of artificial pancreas, or closed-loop control. These devices continuously monitor and regulate blood glucose […]

By Len CanterHealthDay Reporter Latest Diabetes News WEDNESDAY, Oct. 23, 2019 (HealthDay News) — If you’ve been told that your blood glucose is higher than normal and that you have prediabetes, your doctor is likely to first suggest lifestyle steps to stop it from progressing to diabetes. The steps that can have the most benefit are losing weight and improving your diet, which obviously go hand in hand. But studies also show that different types of exercise can play an important part in diabetes prevention as well, especially if you’re overweight. Research done at the University of Michigan and published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that, for overweight people, regular aerobic activity could interrupt the changes in metabolism that set the stage for diabetes. As you’re mapping out a fitness strategy with your doctor, talk about how to incorporate both types of exercise into your life. National guidelines are to get 150 minutes per week of aerobic activity, which could be 30 minutes on each of five days or, for beginners, three chunks of 10 minutes each on five days. Strength training could be done on the two non-aerobic activity days as long as there is a rest […]

By Serena GordonHealthDay Reporter Latest Diabetes News WEDNESDAY, Oct. 16, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The latest version of the so-called artificial pancreas system helped people with type 1 diabetes gain even better control of their blood sugar levels than current technology does, a new study reports. The device combines an insulin pump, a continuous glucose monitor and a computer algorithm. The system measures blood sugar levels and delivers insulin automatically when levels rise. Insulin delivery is temporarily stopped if blood sugar levels drop too low. People using the artificial pancreas were able to have good blood sugar control for almost an extra three hours each day compared to using just an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor. “People with type 1 diabetes have to think every day about their blood sugar and how they need to manage it. Automated delivery systems can make a big difference and help ease the daily burden of managing blood sugar,” said study lead author Dr. Sue Brown, an endocrinologist and associate professor at the University of Virginia. Type 1 diabetes develops when the body’s immune system — which normally protects you from disease — mistakenly turns against the healthy cells that produce insulin. […]

You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.

By Serena GordonHealthDay Reporter Latest Diabetes News FRIDAY, Oct. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Hurricanes can harm anyone in their path, but new research suggests that seniors with diabetes face a 40% increased risk of dying within the first month after a storm hits. It’s not just the first month they have to worry about: The study also found seniors with diabetes still had a 6% higher risk of dying even up to 10 years later. “We compared seniors with diabetes in affected areas to those who were much less affected by storms and found two big results. One is that in overall mortality, there’s a pretty big initial hit. The effect dissipated over time, but still persisted at 10 years,” said study author Troy Quast. He’s an associate professor of health economics in the University of South Florida College of Public Health. Quast said the largest difference was seen in seniors who had to relocate after a big storm. “We definitely don’t have great insight into why mortality rates were higher in this group. This is speculation, but initially, people might not have access to care or might not be able to find dialysis and have trouble reestablishing healthy […]

Latest Diabetes News TUESDAY, Oct. 8, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Many people with diabetes have to inject themselves with insulin at least once a day, but new animal research suggests a pill may one day do the trick. This experimental pill can withstand the trip through the gastrointestinal tract, scientists report. When it gets to the small intestine, it breaks down into dissolving microneedles that attach to the intestinal wall and release the drug into the bloodstream. In tests in pigs, the capsule, loaded with the same amount of insulin as an injection, was able to deliver insulin to the bloodstream as fast as an injection, researchers found. “A lot of this work is motivated by the recognition that both patients and health care providers prefer the oral route of administration over the injectable one,” said co-senior author and gastroenterologist Dr. Giovanni Traverso. He is an assistant professor in Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Department of Mechanical Engineering. The capsule is coated with a polymer that can survive the highly acidic environment of the stomach but breaks open in the even more acidic small intestine. Three folded arms in the capsule spring open. Each arm has tiny microneedles filled with insulin. […]

While researchers already knew that drinks with added sugar could increase a person’s risk of type 2 diabetes, a new study suggests that the same may be true for naturally sweet drinks, such as 100% fruit juices, as well as artificially sweetened beverages, such as “diet” soft drinks. A new study suggests that even 100% natural fruit juices may increase the risk of diabetes. Research has shown that drinking soft drinks with added sugar can increase a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes by affecting subtle metabolic mechanisms. But are “diet” soda and 100% fruit juices that contain a natural level of fructose but no added sugar any healthier? The evidence surrounding diet soda and its effect on diabetes risk has been conflicting. Some studies suggest that it might have an impact, while others report that there is no association between the two. Most people believe that naturally sweet drinks are healthful. However, recent research has shown that they are not nearly as good for us as we think. One study that we covered on Medical News Today in July this year, for instance, indicated that they could increase a person’s risk of cancer. Now, research from an international […]

By Serena GordonHealthDay Reporter Latest Diabetes News FRIDAY, Oct. 4, 2019 (HealthDay News) — British researchers have good news for people with type 2 diabetes — you don’t need to lose a ton of weight to make a difference in your health. In fact, they found that losing just 10% of your body weight during the first five years you have the disease can lead to remission of type 2 diabetes. That weight loss would be 18 pounds for someone who weighs 180 pounds. It doesn’t matter what diet helps you lose the weight. And it doesn’t matter how slow or how quickly those pounds come off, the investigators found. “Even small amounts of weight loss can help you achieve remission. Extreme dieting and exercising are not necessary,” said study author Dr. Hajira Dambha-Miller, a general practice physician and clinical lecturer at the University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, in the United Kingdom. “Type 2 diabetes should no longer be seen as a lifelong disease,” she added. The disease can essentially be cured if you lose weight and keep it off, according to Dambha-Miller. The researchers said that type 2 diabetes affects 400 million people around the world. It’s […]

Latest Diabetes News FRIDAY, Sept. 27, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), nearly 2 million diabetics, many of them poor, got health insurance, a new study shows. “Insurance coverage can change the health trajectory of people with diabetes by providing access to diagnosis and treatment,” said lead researcher Rebecca Myerson. She is an assistant professor of population health sciences at University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. “But just as importantly, increasing coverage rates can also enhance health equity, because people with undiagnosed or untreated diabetes disproportionately belong to underserved groups,” Myerson added in a university news release. Before the ACA, also mown as Obamacare, 17% of adults under 65 with diabetes had no health insurance, the study found. After the health care reform law was passed in 2010, the number of uninsured diabetics dropped 12 percentage points. Among those with low incomes, the drop was 27 percentage points, the researchers noted. Among those with undiagnosed diabetes, 1 in 4 adults under age 65 had no insurance before the ACA. After the ACA, the rate of the uninsured in this group dropped 17 percentage points, to 8%. For the study, researchers used data from […]

By Serena GordonHealthDay Reporter Latest Diabetes News WEDNESDAY, Sept. 25, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Are elderly people with diabetes being overtreated? A new study suggests that’s so: Older, sicker patients tend to be the ones most likely to still be using insulin to manage their blood sugar, despite guidelines that suggest it’s often safer to lower diabetes treatment intensity with age. The study found that nearly 20% of people with type 2 diabetes older than 75 were still using insulin treatment. And almost 30% of people with diabetes over 75 in poor health were taking insulin. One of the most significant side effects of insulin is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This can leave you feeling shaky, sweaty, irritable, confused and dizzy. It can also cause an irregular heartbeat, and may lead to fainting. At its most serious, hypoglycemia can cause death, though this happens rarely, according to the American Diabetes Association. Major health organizations — including the American Diabetes Association, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the American Geriatrics Society — recommend that healthy older patients can maintain tighter blood sugar control. But for patients in poor health, with shorter life expectancies, these groups suggest less aggressive lowering of […]

Latest Diabetes News THURSDAY, Sept. 19, 2019 (American Heart Association News) — Eating patterns similar to the Mediterranean diet and the blood pressure-lowering DASH may help older women with Type 2 diabetes ward off heart attacks, strokes and related problems, new research suggests. Diabetes afflicts one-quarter of Americans 65 and older. An estimated 68% of these patients will die of heart disease, and 16% will die of stroke. The new study focused on data from the Women’s Health Initiative, a massive long-term project exploring disease prevention in postmenopausal women. It included more than 5,800 women who developed diabetes as adults but reported no cardiovascular disease at the project’s outset. The researchers scored detailed food questionnaires from the women according to how closely their responses fit each of four dietary patterns. Three patterns – an “alternate” Mediterranean diet, adapted for Western tastes; the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension, or DASH; and American Diabetes Association recommendations – all advocate eating more fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds, legumes, whole grains and some dairy, and less added sugars and red and processed meat. The fourth pattern, a Paleolithic-style diet, emphasizes meat, fruit, nuts, greens and other vegetables, and discourages consumption of grains, dairy, added […]

By Serena GordonHealthDay Reporter Latest Diabetes News THURSDAY, Sept. 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) — If you have type 2 diabetes, keeping your blood sugar levels stable over time may be key to living longer. New research finds that people who have more swings in their blood sugar levels were more than twice as likely to die early, compared to folks with more stable blood sugar management. The study authors used a test called hemoglobin A1C to measure blood sugar. This commonly used test provides a rough estimate of about two to three months of average blood sugar levels. Although treatment decisions are usually individualized based on age and other factors, most people with diabetes generally aim for an A1C of 7% or lower. Higher numbers may indicate the need to change medications or lifestyle factors. “In addition to reaching the hemoglobin A1C goal, fluctuation of hemoglobin A1C level is also associated with adverse events of diabetes,” said study author Dr. Sheyu Li, an endocrinologist from West China Hospital at Sichuan University in Chengdu, China. A number of factors can affect A1C levels, including how well the body’s insulin-producing cells work, body weight, lifestyle management, other illnesses and diabetes medications, according […]

Diabetic Retinopathy Picture of Diabetic Retinopathy of the Eye The retina is a group of specialized cells that convert light as it enters though the lens into images. The eye nerve or optic nerve transmits visual information to the brain. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the vascular (blood-vessel related) complications related to diabetes. This diabetes eye problem is due to damage of small vessels and is called a “microvascular complication.” Kidney disease and nerve damage due to diabetes are also microvascular complications. Large blood vessel damage (also called macrovascular complications) includes complications like heart disease and stroke. The microvascular complications have, in numerous studies, been shown to be related to high blood sugar levels. You can reduce your risk of these eye problems in diabetes complications by improving your blood sugar control. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in industrialized nations. The duration of diabetes is the single most important risk for developing retinopathy. So the longer you have diabetes, the greater the risk of this very serious eye problem. If retinopathy is not found early or is not treated, it can lead to blindness. People with type 1 diabetes rarely develop retinopathy before puberty. In adults […]

You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.

FDA warning: Thyroid cancer This drug has a boxed warning. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. In animals, Bydureon can increase the risk of thyroid tumors and thyroid cancer. It’s not known if Bydureon has this effect in humans. You shouldn’t use Bydureon if you or an immediate family member has had thyroid cancer in the past, or if you have a rare form of cancer called multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. If you’re taking Bydureon and have symptoms of a thyroid tumor, contact your doctor right away. Symptoms can include: a mass or lump in your neck trouble swallowing trouble breathing a hoarse voice What is Bydureon? Bydureon is a brand-name medication that’s used to improve blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It comes as a liquid suspension that’s given by injection under the skin (subcutaneous). Bydureon is available in two forms: a syringe and a pen injector. Bydureon contains a drug called extended-release exenatide. It belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. Bydureon vs. Bydureon BCise Bydureon BCise is […]

What is Farxiga? Farxiga is a brand-name prescription medication that contains the drug dapagliflozin. Farxiga is used to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It comes as a tablet you take by mouth. Farxiga belongs to a class of medications called sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. In clinical studies, Farxiga decreased fasting blood sugar levels by 28.8 mg/dL and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) by 0.9 percent after 24 weeks of treatment. About 44 to 51 percent of people in the studies who took Farxiga for 24 weeks reached their goal HbA1c of less than 7 percent. Farxiga can be used by itself or along with other diabetes medications. Farxiga generic Farxiga is only available as a brand-name drug. It contains the drug dapagliflozin, which isn’t currently available in generic form. Farxiga side effects Farxiga can cause mild or serious side effects. The following list contains some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Farxiga. This list doesn’t include all possible side effects. For more information on the possible side effects of Farxiga, or tips on how to deal with a troubling side effect, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. More common side effects The […]

You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.

Researchers already know that excess body fat can increase the risk of diabetes, but a new study shows that one form of fat, in particular — the “invisible” one that accumulates around organs and intestines — can heighten this risk more than seven times, at least in women. The fat that accumulates around the organs is a hidden risk factor for diabetes, especially in women. Though excess body fat is a known risk for many metabolic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, recent research has been gathering evidence to show that the amount of body fat is not the only factor that contributes to risk. A study that Medical News Today covered last year explained that doctors might do well to assess where fat accumulates around the body, and not just how much there is, to understand a person’s risk of diabetes. Now, research from Uppsala University in Sweden has found that the fat that accumulates around the organs and intestines — called visceral fat — is a crucial factor that raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, particularly in women. The team — co-led by Torgny Karlsson, Ph.D. — studied the data of 325,153 individuals, which they accessed through the […]

Providing people with a safe way to manage their own care could be an effective solution to the healthcare burden of long term conditions. According to researchers in China, this could come in the form of text messages. Motivational text messages could help people living with diabetes better manage their condition. Researchers have found that a series of simple motivational texts can improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes and coronary heart disease. Not only is this an affordable and scalable solution, it is also one that researchers can apply to almost any population across the globe. The researchers chose people with diabetes and cardiovascular disease for the trial because they need to pay particular attention to their bodies. Over time, high blood sugar levels can lead to a number of serious complications, including kidney disease, heart disease, and stroke. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Managing these conditions can often require sticking to several lifestyle recommendations, so researchers studied whether texts could help. In the past, trials of text based systems were limited for failing to take into account the fact that some people may have more than […]

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) Low blood sugar occurs when there is not enough sugar in the blood. What is low blood sugar? Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar is syndrome that results from low blood sugar. The severity and symptoms of hypoglycemia can vary from person to person. Blood tests can diagnose low blood sugar, and symptoms resolve when the levels of sugar in the blood return to the normal range. The medical term for blood sugar is blood glucose. Latest Diabetes News Daily Health News Trending on MedicineNet What are the symptoms and signs that your blood sugar is too low? The normal range of glucose in the bloodstream is from 70 to 100 mg/dL when the individual is fasting (that is not immediately after a meal). The body’s biochemical response to hypoglycemia usually starts when sugars are in the high/mid 70’s. At this point, the liver releases its stores and the hormones mentioned above start to activate. In many people, this process occurs without any clinical symptoms. The amount of insulin produced also declines in an attempt to prevent a further drop in glucose. While there is some degree of variability among people, most will usually develop symptoms suggestive […]

Type 2 diabetes prevention tips and facts Exercise prevents diabetes with or without weight loss. While genetics plays an important role in the development of diabetes, individuals still have the ability to influence their health to prevent type 2 diabetes. There is no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes. This article focuses on ways to control risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are the biggest diabetes risk factors that are controllable. People should watch their weight and exercise on a regular basis to help reverse prediabetes, and prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. Diet is important because it helps with weight loss. Some foods such as nuts in small amounts provide health benefits in blood sugar regulation. There is no single recommended diabetes prevention diet, but following a sound nutrition plan and maintaining a healthy weight are important steps in preventing the disease. Exercise is beneficial even without weight loss in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. Exercise is even more beneficial with weight loss in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. Smoking is harmful in many ways including increasing the risk of cancer and heart disease. It also increases the risk of […]

You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.

What is Lantus? Lantus is a brand-name prescription medication. It’s used to improve blood sugar levels in: Lantus contains the drug insulin glargine, which is a long-acting insulin. Lantus is given as an injection just under your skin (subcutaneous injection). The drug comes in the form of a solution (liquid mixture). The solution is in a 10 mL vial that has 100 units of insulin glargine per mL. The vial is used with needles, which aren’t included with the vial. Lantus also comes as a prefilled SoloStar pen. Each pen contains 3 mL of drug solution that has 100 units of insulin per mL of solution. Effectiveness Lantus has been found effective at improving blood sugar levels in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In clinical studies, Lantus was tested with mealtime insulin in adults with type 1 diabetes. After 28 weeks of treatment, Lantus reduced fasting blood sugar levels by 20 to 21 mg/dL. Fasting blood sugar levels are tested after waking up in the morning or after not eating for 8 to 12 hours. In a 28-week clinical study involving children with type 1 diabetes, Lantus reduced fasting blood sugar levels by 23 mg/dL. Lantus has […]

You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.

You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.

You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.

What is diabetes? Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases, all of which have in common high blood sugar (glucose) levels that result from problems with insulin secretion, its action, or both. Normally, blood glucose levels are tightly controlled by a hormone produced by the pancreas known as insulin. When blood glucose levels rise (for example, after eating food), insulin is released from the pancreas to normalize the glucose level. What is type 1 diabetes? An absolute lack of insulin, usually due to destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, is the main problem in type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes was formerly referred to as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Its causes are different from type II diabetes, as will be reviewed in this article. What is type 2 diabetes? Type 2 diabetes was previously called non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), or adult onset diabetes mellitus (AODM). People who have type 2 diabetes can still produce insulin, but do so relatively inadequately for their body’s needs. Type 2 diabetes typically occurs in individuals over 30 years of age, and its incidence increases with advancing age. In contrast, type 1 diabetes is most often diagnosed […]

Type 2 diabetes definition and facts Type 2 diabetes symptoms can be managed by diligently controlling blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which cells cannot use blood sugar (glucose) efficiently for energy. This happens when the cells become insensitive to insulin and the blood sugar gradually gets too high. There are two types of diabetes mellitus, type 1 and type 2. In type 2, the pancreas still makes insulin, but the cells cannot use it very efficiently. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas cannot make insulin due to auto-immune destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells. Type 2 can be caused by: Risk factors include: Having family members with diabetes Being overweight Being sedentary including watching more than 2 hours of TV per day Drinking soda Consuming too much sugar and processed food The signs and symptoms of this type of diabetes are sometimes subtle. The major symptom is often being overweight. Other symptoms and signs include: Excess thirst Urinating a lot Gaining or losing weight unintentionally Dark skin under armpits, chin, or groin Fatigue Unusual odor to urine Blurry vision Often there are no specific symptoms of the condition and it goes undiagnosed until routine blood […]

You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.