Issue 252

Test Your Knowledge Issue 252

Sulfonylureas:

ISLET REGENERATION RESEARCH ACCELERATES

What's happening with INGAP, the little protein that P&G spent $1,000,000,000 on. Our publisher Steve Freed is currently working on an update. To get up to speed on INGAP be sure to read INGAP UPDATE

FDA OKs Amylin Drug for Diabetes, Extenatide Not Far Behind

Symlin (pramlinitide) becomes the first new treatment in 80 years for patients with Type 1 of the disease. Expected approval for next Amylin drug Extenitide next month

Lantus (glarine) Insulin Unaffected by Exercise

No significant difference was observed in the rate of insulin glargine decay on the 2 study days (exercise versus no exercise).

Type 2 Prevention Aided by Consumption of Certain Foods

Higher intakes of green vegetables, fruit and berries, oil and margarine, and poultry were found to predict a reduced risk of type II diabetes.

A Decline In Life Expectancy in the US

The prediction, is based on the dramatic rise in obesity, especially among young people and minorities as reported in the NEJM, March 17, 2005.

People Eat Less on Low-Carb Diets

Researchers think they know why people lose weight on low-carbohydrate diets.

Fat-Buster Makes Burgers Healthier and May Prevent Diabetes

A new form of soluble cellulose that, if added to high-fat food items, appears to slow down fat absorption to a healthier rate and reduce the likelihood of developing insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes.

Yogurt Promotes Fat Loss

Yogurt eaters lost 22 percent more weight--an average of 14 pounds, 66 percent more body fat and 81 percent more stomach fat during the 12-week study.

Leptin: A "Missing Link" Between Obesity & Diabetes?

New findings may help explain the link between obesity and diabetes, and what it takes to turn an overweight person into one with diabetes. Leptin, a hormone already known for its role in appetite and weight gain, may play a major role.

Moderate Drinking Cuts Diabetes Risk

Evidence continues to mount that moderate alcohol consumption may protect against the development of type 2 diabetes.

Aldose Reductase Inhibitor Improves Corneal Epithelial Function in Diabetics

Aldose reductase inhibition may reduce the formation of advanced glycation end products in the cornea.

New Link Between C-Reactive Protein, and Heart Disease and Stroke

The cells that line the arteries are able to produce C-reactive protein, according to a study.

Dark Chocolate Improves Insulin Sensitivity/Resistance and Blood Pressure

It is probably the flavanols and procyanidins contained in the dark chocolate and not white chocolate that is associated with the observed health effects.

New Foot Surgery Eases Nerve Pressure and Prevents Amputations

Reducing the pressure on the nerves when there is Carpal tunnel syndrome of the feet can improve circulation and prevent wounds from healing and eventual amputation.

Oral Insulin Oral-lyn ™ Matches Fast-Acting Insulin in Study

Oral Insulin Oral-lyn ™ Matches Fast-Acting Insulin in Study Oral-lyn(TM), administered as a pre-meal insulin in a divided dose schedule, produced glucodynamic profiles comparable to that produced by injected regular human insulin.

Symlin Curbs Oxidative Stress in Diabetics

As well as reducing postprandial glucose excursion in type 1 diabetics, the drug pramlintide reduces markers of oxidative stress -- the imbalance between free radical production and clearance by antioxidants.